A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine found that retired professional rugby players exhibit more severe symptoms of cervical spine degeneration, including narrower vertebral canals and greater muscle mass. The researchers suggest that stronger paraspinal muscles may aid in controlling spinal pain in this group.
A study by University of Iowa researchers has identified areas of the brain controlled by breathing, providing an important insight into SUDEP. Breathing loss was recorded when the amygdala was stimulated in human subjects, even if they were aware and awake.
Erlangen-based doctors have created a new classification system for brain tumors that predicts the development of gliomas with high precision. The Friedlein Grading A/B (FGA/B) system classifies tumors according to their position in the brain on routine MRI scans.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center identified Ets family genes as contributors to glioma brain tumors. Blocking these genes may lead to novel treatment therapies.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons found that the 2011 duty hour reform did not decrease serious postoperative complications in surgical patients. The researchers evaluated outcomes in five surgical specialties, including neurosurgery, obstetrics/gynecology, and vascular surgery, and found no signi...
Researchers found that serum S100B levels below 0.105 µg/L are an accurate predictor of no intracranial hemorrhage, reducing the need for costly CCT scans and hospitalizations. This simple blood test may help identify patients who can return home to recover.
A new laser-based technique called multi-exposure speckle imaging (MESI) aims to provide accurate blood flow measurements during neurosurgery. The technology has the potential to transform images and enable surgeons to distinguish healthy arteries from blocked ones, allowing for better assessment of problem areas.
Researchers investigated mannitol dosing errors in patients with intracranial emergencies. The study found a 22% dosing error rate, with underdosing being the most common error, occurring in 8.3% of cases.
A new classification system has been developed to improve the diagnosis and treatment of low- and intermediate-grade gliomas (LGGs), reducing the reliance on subjective tumor appearance. The system uses molecular and genetic analysis to identify three distinct groups of LGGs with varying prognoses, offering a more objective approach.
Researchers have discovered a set of neurons in the medial temporal lobe that is indicative of an individual's confidence level in their memories. The study found that the activity of these neurons, known as familiarity and novelty neurons, is proportional to confidence, suggesting that they play a key role in assessing memory quality.
Neurosurgeon authors establish a surgical skills laboratory and dissection curriculum for resident education, improving surgical skills and understanding of anatomical relationships. The program has been implemented at the Cleveland Clinic, providing a comprehensive training environment and enhancing future standards in surgical training.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a tiny drug-delivery system that can identify cancer cell types in the brain through MRI virtual biopsies and then attack the molecular structure of the disease. The nanodrug can distinguish and fight tumor cells in the brain without surgery.
Doctors at TUM used navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation to map motor areas in patients with malignant brain tumors. This method improved prognosis by reducing residual tumor tissue and shortening hospitalization periods. Mapping of motor areas also enabled surgeons to remove tumors without affecting functional areas.
Two Yale researchers received the Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for Brain Repair, Dr. John Elsworth for his work on cell-based therapies and Dr. Cesar Borlongan for his groundbreaking stem cell therapy research. Their awards recognize significant contributions to neural therapy and brain repair.
A new study published in Neurosurgery finds that surgery provides good functional outcomes and a high cure rate for patients with lower-grade arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain. The research evaluated 105 patients with AVMs from 2005 to 2012, concluding that treatment is recommended for appropriately selected patients.
As the US population ages, chronic subdural hemorrhage (SDH) is expected to become the most common adult brain condition requiring neurosurgical intervention. By 2030, hospitals and neurosurgeons may be under-manned to handle the projected increase in patients with SDH.
A new study has found that brain tumor patients with private insurance have shorter hospital stays, fewer medical complications, and a lower risk of death compared to those without. In contrast, Medicaid patients are more likely to experience longer hospital stays, develop postoperative respiratory issues, and face higher risks of hosp...
A new study by University of Florida Health researchers found that brain tumor patients with private insurance have shorter hospital stays and fewer medical complications compared to those without insurance. They are also at lower risk of developing new conditions and dying during their stay.
A new study reveals that Broca's area, traditionally considered the command center for human speech, actually switches off when we speak out loud. This finding has major implications for diagnosing and treating stroke, epilepsy, and brain injuries that result in language impairments.
Two new fluorescent dyes, CLR1501 and CLR1502, attracted to cancer cells, were evaluated for their ability to differentiate brain tumors from normal brain tissue in mice. The results confirmed that both agents provided excellent fluorescence discrimination of tumor from adjacent normal brain.
A study by Dr. Timothy R. Smith and colleagues found that over three-fourths of US neurosurgeons practice defensive medicine, ordering extra tests and procedures to mitigate malpractice risks. Rates were highest in states with high-risk liability environments, where neurosurgeons reported stopping procedures due to fear of lawsuits.
Researchers at LSU Health New Orleans have discovered a novel compound that regulates brain electrical activity and reduces aberrant signaling leading to severe generalized seizures. The finding may contribute to the development of effective anti-epileptic therapies.
A survey of female meningioma survivors aged 25-44 found they were more likely to want and intend to have a child than the general population, driven by concerns over recurrent meningioma and treatment needs. Physicians' advice on risk factors also influenced their decisions.
Researchers found that flow-diverting stents associated with ischemic complications in brain territories supplied by parent arteries and small branches covered by the stent. Despite high incidence of clinically silent lesions, low permanent complication rate suggests technique is safe and effective for aneurysm treatment.
A prospective randomized controlled trial found that laparoscopic shunt placement reduced distal shunt failures, a common complication of ventriculoperitoneal shunt surgery. The study also showed comparable overall shunt malfunction rates and hospitalization times between the two groups.
Recent guidelines aiming to reduce neuroimaging tests for patients with headaches may overlook diagnoses of brain tumors. Neurosurgeons warn that these limits could delay or even prevent diagnosis in up to 30% of cases, leading to delayed treatment and poorer outcomes.
Researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center developed new technology that tracks eye movements to assess brain injuries, offering a potential biological marker for brain function and recovery. The study found abnormal eye movement ratios in patients with nerve damage or swelling in the brain, which were restored after surgery.
Drs. Alim Louis Benabid and Mahlon DeLong developed deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treating Parkinson's disease, improving motor function and quality of life for thousands of patients. Their groundbreaking research has led to the use of DBS in other disorders, benefiting over 110,000 patients worldwide.
Researchers map out 'safe entry zones' for brainstem surgery using fiber tract dissection techniques and 3D photography. The study provides unprecedented descriptions and images of the inner anatomy of the brainstem, helping neurosurgeons plan the best approach to microsurgical procedures.
Researchers have developed a new diagnostic technique using songbird courtship calls to safely map the human brain during complex neurosurgery. The technique, called focal intraoperative cooling, involves cooling specific regions of the brain while patients undergo surgery, reducing surgical risk for epilepsy and brain tumor patients.
A new emergency treatment protocol for subarachnoid hemorrhage from ruptured aneurysms significantly reduces in-hospital rebleeding and improves clinical outcomes. Patients treated under the protocol show a lower incidence of repeated hemorrhage within 24 hours, compared to those treated earlier.
Researchers at University of Cincinnati discover that electroencephalography (EEG) electrodes on the scalp can measure spreading depolarizations in injured brains, which are associated with worse outcomes. This non-invasive technique has the potential to revolutionize bedside neuro-monitoring.
The journal tackles past, current and future concepts of sports concussion through advocacy, education, prevention, treatment and groundbreaking research. Recent studies show that persistent post-concussion symptoms may arise from structural or metabolic alterations in the brain.
A systematic review supports the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who don't respond to other treatments. Bilateral DBS techniques are recommended for carefully selected patients, improving OCD symptoms by around 30 percent.
A comprehensive review of sports concussions highlights the evolution of concussion treatment and research, from helmets to rule changes. Neurosurgeons emphasize the importance of helmet safety and cultural changes in reducing head injuries.
Percutaneous stereotaxic rhizotomy (PSR) provides good pain relief at a much lower cost than other surgical treatments, but is underutilized due to limited data and complications. The study found PSR to be eight times more cost-effective than microvascular decompression and 13 times more cost-effective than stereotactic radiosurgery.
A recent study found that TAG-1 induces apoptosis-related gene expression in U251 glioma cells, but surprisingly, this pathway does not trigger apoptosis. Instead, it enhances cell proliferation. The study provides novel insights into the mechanisms of glial tumorigenesis.
Researchers successfully disconnected isolated temporal-parietal-occipital nerve tissue while maintaining its activity, providing neuroprotective measures for epilepsy patients. The procedure resulted in complete seizure control for two patients with intractable epilepsy.
Anticoagulant-associated intracerebral hemorrhage (AAICH) poses a significant challenge, with a mortality rate as high as 42.3% to 67%. The latest supplement from the Journal of Neurosurgery provides evidence-based guidelines and strategies for managing patients with AAICH.
Researchers tested mechanical tissue resuscitation by applying negative pressure to induce localized TBI in swine, showing a significantly smaller area of brain contusion and reduced bleeding. The procedure appeared safe without seizures or brain deformation, with all animals surviving after five days of vacuum application.
Researchers found that Neuropeptide Y prevents excessive production of cytokines, reduces microglial reactivity, and inhibits N-methyl-D-aspartate current in rat cortical neurons. This study suggests a potential neuroprotective role for Neuropeptide Y in cerebral cortical neurons.
A research review identified four clinical indicators most strongly associated with concussion, including disorientation, impaired balance, and verbal learning difficulties. The analysis provides an evidence-based foundation for developing guidelines for concussion diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.
A team of experts at UCLA will collaborate to create, implant, and test a memory prosthesis to help restore lost memory functions in brain-injured individuals. The project aims to stimulate the entorhinal area, a key region involved in learning, memory, and Alzheimer's disease.
Experts cite five historical misconceptions in brain metastases research, including assuming all histologies are equal and neglecting total tumor burden. A new article calls for 'fresh thinking' and critical analyses to advance treatment.
Brain cancer specialists argue that current science is guiding compromising care, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment approaches. They identify five misconceptions that lead to poorer care, including assuming all tumor cell types act similarly and neglecting important biological differences.
A study analyzing hospital-based data found no significant changes in patient outcomes after duty hour restrictions were implemented for neurosurgery residents. The researchers examined data from 2000-2002 and 2004-2006, comparing outcomes before and after the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) mandate.
A minimally invasive laser procedure, performed under MRI guidance, has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing or eliminating seizures in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). The procedure, known as SLAH, destroys the area of the brain responsible for seizure activity without harming neighboring tissue.
Surgical site infections (SSIs) result in significantly higher costs for patients at Veterans Affairs hospitals, with average costs increasing by 43% compared to those without SSIs. The greatest SSI-related costs are observed among neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery patients.
Researchers found that TAG-1 enhances proliferation and induces apoptosis-related gene expression without triggering apoptosis in U251 glioma cells. This study provides novel insight into the mechanisms of glial tumorigenesis by revealing the effects of transient axonal glycoprotein-1 on cell viability and signaling pathways.
A study by Shaoya Yin and colleagues found that PQ disconnection maintained the activity of isolated temporal-parietal-occipital nerve tissue after surgery, completely controlling epilepsy in two patients. The research suggests PQ disconnection as a neuroprotective measure for surgical treatment of epilepsy.
Douglas Kondziolka received the 2014 Bernard Sanberg Memorial Award for his extensive research and clinical work in stroke-related cell transplantation. He is principal investigator on several neurotransplantation clinical trials, including a trial evaluating bone marrow-derived neuroprogenitor cells for implantation.
Researchers have developed tiny, biodegradable nanoparticles that can carry DNA to brain cancer cells in mice, demonstrating potential for targeted treatment. The particles selectively induce death in cancer cells while leaving healthy cells intact, with the possibility of being given to patients during neurosurgery.
Researchers explore the capabilities of graphene-based metamaterials for various neurosurgical applications, including cancer treatment, neuroregeneration, and functional neurosurgery. Graphene's unique properties make it a promising material for developing new technologies in neurosurgery.
Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center have developed a new method of computer-guided spine surgery, which uses high-speed CT imaging to navigate the spinal column from different angles. This technique improves precision and accuracy in placing reconstruction screws, reducing complications and post-operative pain.
A new intraoperative neuromonitoring procedure was tested in 71 patients to prevent bone screws from damaging the spinal cord. The results showed that this method can accurately detect and avoid malpositioned pedicle screws, reducing the risk of postoperative neurological impairment.
Researchers used diffusion tensor imaging to evaluate the effects of mild hypothermia on diffuse axonal injury. They found that mild hypothermia therapy may be beneficial for patients with this type of injury, resulting in a 1.36 times higher fractional anisotropy value compared to the normothermia group.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that rats with diffuse axonal injury showed no significant abnormalities despite visible evidence of brain damage. This suggests that even subconcussive injury may lead to neuropathological changes, supporting concerns about long-term effects in humans.
A clinical study led by Heidelberg University Hospital's Neurology and Neurosurgery found that hemicraniectomy significantly improves survival rates in elderly patients after a major stroke. The procedure reduces mortality from 70% to 33% but also results in nearly 30% of patients being very severely disabled.
Researchers at USF Health have found that a combination of human umbilical cord blood cells and granulocyte colony stimulating factor significantly reduced TBI-induced loss of neuronal cells in the hippocampus. The therapy also showed beneficial results in animals with experimental TBI, with G-CSF alone producing short-lived benefits.
A new study reports that prehospital stroke alerts can shorten the time to CT scans, allowing for faster emergency treatment. The alerts were issued by trained EMS personnel and resulted in a significant reduction in door-to-needle times.