World Neurosurg
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Historical Article
Models of functional cerebral localization at the dawning of modern neurosurgery.
The concept of a functional cerebral localization gave the needed support for the development of neurosurgery as a specialty. It should be noted though that the presence of functions on discrete areas of the cortex was a very controversial topic at that time. The objective of this paper is to review models of cortical organization at the end of the 19th century, highlighting beliefs, theories, and controversies behind them. A better understanding of this historical moment is essential to appreciate the debate between holists and localizers that stirred neuroscientists worldwide in the first half of the 20th century.
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Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt surgery is the predominant mode of therapy for patients with hydrocephalus. However, it has potential complications that may require multiple surgical procedures during a patient's lifetime. The objective of this study is to review our long-term experience and evaluate the risk factors for VP shunt failure after initial shunt surgery and after subsequent revisions. ⋯ The findings of the study indicate that age at shunt placement, etiology of hydrocephalus, type of hydrocephalus, and previous treatments before shunt surgery were independently significantly associated with the shunt survival. Prospective controlled studies are required to address the observed associations between the risk factors and incidence of shunt revisions in these patients.
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Letter Case Reports
Ewing sarcoma of the occipital bone in an elderly patient.