World Neurosurg
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Slit-ventricle syndrome (SVS) is a recognized complication of ventricular shunt malfunction, resulting in cyclical symptoms without ventricular dilatation. We present a case of SVS with transient, repetitive, and progressive signs of brainstem herniation evidenced by pupillary dilatation, posturing, and unresponsiveness, with diffuse voltage attenuation on electroencephalogram (EEG). ⋯ SVS can lead to severe intermittent brainstem herniation syndrome in the setting of shunt malfunction. Seizure diagnosis should be reserved for cases with proven functional shunt and EEG confirmation of epileptiform activity.
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Pituitary adenomas in elderly patients may become more common as the population ages. Surgical benefits, especially for visual outcome, after endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas remain to be elucidated. This retrospective analysis investigated clinical factors affecting visual outcome. ⋯ Visual disturbances were improved postoperatively in most patients in both groups at similar rates, but preoperative and postoperative visual disturbances were more severe in elderly patients because the symptoms may have been masked by the presence of lens opacity. Early diagnosis and intervention may be required in elderly patients for better visual outcome.
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In the coming years the number of patients with cognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer disease and traumatic brain injury, is expected to dramatically increase, leading to an ever-increasing societal cost. Unfortunately, few medical and pharmacologic treatments have shown tangible benefit in the treatment of these diseases. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established surgical technique to address multiple conditions, including Parkinson disease and essential tremor. Data from patients being treated with DBS, as well as those being monitored for seizures with depth electrodes, have suggested improvement in memory with electrical neuromodulation. ⋯ Given the aging population and increasing numbers of patients with memory impairment from neurodegenerative diseases, interest in neuromodulation for memory enhancement will likely expand. Further work should employ more sophisticated responsive stimulation parameters and precise spatial targeting that may lead to an effective stimulation strategy for memory enhancement.
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Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) are increasingly used together to manage brain metastases (BMs). We assessed adverse radiation effect, disease control, and overall survival in patients with BMs who received SRS with anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 and/or anti- programmed cell death protein receptor/ligand therapies. ⋯ Concurrent SRS-ICI therapy has a tolerable adverse event profile and may improve extracranial disease control and overall survival, supporting concurrent use in the management of BMs.
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To investigate the acute and long-term effects of vitamin D supplementation on the recovery of patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). ⋯ Administration of vitamin D supplements in mild-to-moderate TBI patients with significant vitamin D deficiency during the acute phase of the injury may improve long-term performance and cognitive outcomes. Therefore, the treatment strategies should be individually planned for the patients with TBI based on their baseline vitamin D level.