Asian journal of neurosurgery
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On November 22, 2010, a simulation-based hands-on education course for medical staff in the neurosurgical fields was held in 8(th) Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons (ACNS) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The present education course called Primary Neurosurgical Life Support (PNLS) course had been started by the Japan Society of Neurosurgical Emergency since 2008. This report summarizes the international version of PNLS course in 8(th) ACNS.
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There has been longstanding controversy over the use of magnesium sulfate infusion in the medical management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Several clinical trials evaluating the beneficial effects of magnesium on cerebral vasospasm and their poor outcome have been published. However, results from the majority of these studies have been inconclusive. This meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of magnesium on patient outcomes after aneurysmal SAH. ⋯ Magnesium sulfate infusion decreases risk of poor outcome after aneurysmal SAH. Current studies in the literature do not suggest a role for magnesium sulfate in mortality reduction after SAH.
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Spinal cord swelling with abnormal gadolinium (Gd) enhancement is a rare preoperative radiological finding in patients with cervical spondylosis. In the presence of progressive myelopathy, timely surgical decompression can be curative. ⋯ We posit that the intramedullary lesions in our patients were reflective of spinal cord edema with blood-brain-barrier disturbance in the cervical cord, possibly due to minor recurrent spinal cord injury and disturbed venous circulation. Spinal cord edema is a rare condition in patients with cervical spondylosis and an accurate diagnosis and timely surgery are necessary for cure. Therefore, this unusual condition must be considered in spondylosis patients manifesting as intramedullary lesions on MRI of the cervical spinal cord. Careful evaluation of the postoperative course can be used to confirm the diagnosis and help in selecting a subsequent therapeutic strategy.
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Incidental dural tears or durotomy (ID) during lumbar decompressive surgery is a relatively rare complication causing severe consequences. Their incidence varies widely among different authors (1-17%) and in general depends on the type and complexity of the spinal procedures performed. With the present investigation the authors aim to evaluate the incidence of incidental durotomies during the different types of decompressive and reconstructive surgical procedures in the lumbar region, also indicating the most common reasons for incidental durotomies, treatment options and the early and remote outcome. ⋯ IDs should be considered as a serious complication with a multitude of unwanted consequences for the patients. Prevention is the best way to treat the complications and disability that attend the unwanted dural tears. Knowing about the mechanisms and predisposing factors for that objectionable complication is a matter of utmost importance when planning and performing spinal surgical procedures.