World Neurosurg
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Magnetic resonance-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (MRgLITT) is a minimally invasive and effective treatment option that can potentially treat deep-seated pathologies in cases without safe open surgical corridors. In the present report, we have described our experience using MRgLITT for brainstem pathologies. ⋯ The brainstem represents formidable territory even for minimally invasive procedures. The overall morbidity and mortality has remained high, and the probability of achieving a meaningful outcome must be carefully assessed.
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Because full functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI) remains a major challenge, stem cell therapies represent promising strategies to improve neurologic functions after SCI. The olfactory mucosa (OM) displays an attractive source of multipotent cells for regenerative approaches and is easily accessible by biopsies because of its exposed location. The regenerative capacity of the resident olfactory stem cells (OSCs) has been demonstrated in animal as well as clinical studies. This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of isolation, purification and cultivation of OSCs. ⋯ Because there are no standard methods for purification, characterization, and delivery of OSCs to the injury site, which is a prerequisite for the clinical approval, this study focuses on the establishment of appropriate methods and underlines the high potential of the OM for autologous cell therapeutic approaches.
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Observational Study
The Relationship between Atypical Symptoms of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy and the Segments of Spinal Cord Compression: A Retrospective Observational Study.
Patients with degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) often present with atypical symptoms such as vertigo, headache, palpitations, tinnitus, blurred vision, memory loss, and abdominal discomfort. This study aims to investigate the relationship between atypical symptoms of DCM and the segments of spinal cord compression. ⋯ Atypical symptoms were common in patients with DCM, and the segments of spinal cord compression might be associated with specific atypical symptoms. Surgical treatment is effective in relieving some of the atypical symptoms.
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Chronic subdural hematomas (CSDHs) with narrow or multilayered hematomas must be accurately localized for burr hole drainage. We present a simple alternative localization method using conventional computed tomography (CT) scans acquired for the initial diagnosis and a commercially available carpenter's square (CS). ⋯ Our simple and inexpensive method can localize narrow or multilayered CSDHs with acceptable accuracy and increases the efficiency of routine clinical work.
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Risk factors for post-traumatic syringomyelia (PTS) development after traumatic spinal cord injury (tSCI) are incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the influence of direct surgical decompression after tSCI, as well as demographic, clinical, and other management-related factors, on rates of PTS development. ⋯ Direct surgical decompression after tSCI was not demonstrated to significantly influence rates of PTS development. Age at injury and severity of injury should be considered as risk factors for PTS on follow-up.