Can J Neurol Sci
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Dexamethasone for morbidity after subdural electrode insertion--a randomized controlled trial.
Invasive monitoring with subdural electrodes (SDE) for investigation of medically intractable epilepsy may be associated with undesirable immediate postoperative morbidity such as headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, and meningism. We undertook to evaluate the potential beneficial role of perioperative dexamethasone in reducing these symptoms. ⋯ Dexamethasone appears to have a role in reducing immediate morbidity following SDE insertion but its effect is not uniform in the postoperative period; it appears to be delayed in onset, and of limited duration. Further study is necessary to determine the ideal dosing schedule.
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Review
Progress in clinical neurosciences: therapeutic hypothermia in severe traumatic brain injury.
Severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) is a relatively common problem with few therapies proven effective. Despite its use for over 50 years, therapeutic hypothermia has not gained widespread acceptance in the treatment of sTBI due to conflicting results from clinical trials. ⋯ In addition, issues of rewarming and optimal temperature will be discussed. Finally, the future of hypothermia in sTBI will be addressed.