World Neurosurg
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Microvascular decompression (MVD) of the facial nerve monitored intraoperatively by abnormal muscle response (AMR) activity is a common treatment for hemifacial spasm. AMR frequently persists after MVD, however, for which electromyography (EMG)-guided nerve combing sometimes is recommended. Because no research regarding the success of EMG-guided nerve combing has been published, we compared the effectiveness of nerve combing after MVD with simple MVD in cases including persistent AMR. ⋯ In cases of hemifacial spasm with persistent AMR after MVD, EMG-guided nerve combing significantly improved the success rate of the operation. Although it also significantly increased the incidence of postoperative facial palsy over the short term (up to 1 week), incidences in the long term were not significantly different.
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Spinal diseases often induce gait disorders with multifactorial origins such as lumbar pain, radicular pain, neurologic complications, or spinal deformities. However, radiography does not permit an analysis of spinal dynamics; therefore, sagittal balance dynamics during gait remain largely unexplored. This prospective and controlled pilot study assessed the Vicon system for detecting sagittal spinopelvic imbalance, to determine the correlations between optoelectronic and radiographic parameters. ⋯ Corset wearing induced radiographically confirmed anterior sagittal imbalance detected using the Vicon system. Optoelectronic C7'S1' correlated with radiographic C7-tilt and d/D ratio.
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More data regarding complications in neurosurgery residents' cases are needed to assess patients' safety during hands-on surgical education. ⋯ The results of the current study in addition to the literature on neurosurgery resident training support the safety of supervised early surgical education for shunt surgery.
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Historical Article
Neurosurgery and Music; The effect of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
The nervous system works like a great orchestra. Specifically, the music of Mozart with its "Mozart effect" is appropriate to use in neurosurgery. We investigated the relationship between Mozart's music and neurosurgery. ⋯ It is clear that we have much to learn from studies about music and brain function that derive from our surgical experiences with patients. The neuronal plasticity of musicians' brains may be different from that of nonmusicians' brains. Musicians with enhanced motor skills have greater capacity for plasticity because of enriched interhemispheric connections. Listening to music and the effect of Mozart in neurosurgical practice, intensive care, or rehabilitation were documented in many studies. As authors, we mean something different: Its effectiveness should be studied. We concluded that in current neurosurgical practice, Mozart has an effect. More research and clinical studies are needed.
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Review Biography Historical Article
Usher Parsons (1788-1868) and his 19(th) Century Understanding and Surgical Treatment of Spinal Curvatures.
Usher Parsons was a prominent surgeon in the 19th century. However, his contributions to the understanding and treatment of spinal curvatures have been largely forgotten. ⋯ This glimpse into history offers insight into the thought processes and surgical strategies that were available in the early 19th century. It is pioneers in this field, such as Usher Parsons, on which our current understanding of spinal curvatures and its treatment is built.