Articles tagged with Neurosurgery
Physicians at Barrow Neurological Institute have written a biography of Ukrainian anatomist Vladimir Betz, who discovered giant pyramidal neurons known as Betz cells. These cells' function with cortical organization was a turning point in neuroscience, revolutionizing cell fixation and staining methods.
Research suggests that surprising good or bad outcomes drive learning, with neurons in the lateral prefrontal cortex and caudate nucleus processing unexpected rewards and disappointments similarly. This finding may inform future therapies to accelerate re-learning in patients with brain damage.
Dr. R. Michael Scott has made groundbreaking innovations in pial synangiosis and novel advances in neurosurgery, transforming the field of pediatric neurosurgery. The Children's Department of Neurosurgery under his tenure experienced significant growth, becoming the largest pediatric neurosurgery department worldwide.
A Journal of the American College of Surgeons study found that malpractice lawsuits against US surgeons can lead to depression, stress, and professional dissatisfaction. The study also showed that surgical specialties such as neurosurgery and cardiothoracic surgery report high rates of malpractice lawsuits.
A surgical procedure aimed at bypassing a blocked brain artery did not lower the subsequent stroke rate after 2 years, compared to those who did not have the surgery. Patients who made it through the first month without a stroke had their risk of subsequent stroke almost cut by three-fourths.
University Hospitals neurosurgeons champion brain bypass in select patients with complex brain aneurysms or cerebrovascular disorders. The procedure can reduce stroke risk and improve symptoms in young patients with moyamoya syndrome.
Researchers warn that forced migration due to climate change will have calamitous results if not planned carefully. The team emphasizes the need for informed decision makers and careful planning to avoid community devastation. Resettlement efforts have left millions impoverished in the past, highlighting the complexities of the task.
Scientists developed a new tool to identify cancerous and healthy brain tissue, allowing for more precise tumor removal and reduced risk of recurrence. The tool, combining an ultrasonic aspirator with a mass spectrometer, proved successful on human brain samples in half the time previously needed.
Around half of adults undergoing surgery for epilepsy are seizure-free after 10 years, with improved outcomes seen for those with anterior temporal resections. The study highlights the need for further improvements in presurgical assessment and surgical treatment to increase success rates.
Researchers recorded novel responses to human faces from single neurons in humans, revealing a new insight into the neural basis of social perception. The findings suggest that the brain is highly sensitive to representing entire faces and responding strongly to anything wrong with the face.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System used bone marrow-derived adult stem cells to promote bone tissue growth after cervical disc removal. The procedure, part of a nationwide clinical trial, aims to relieve chronic, debilitating pain by eliminating friction between vertebrae and nerve compression.
Rasmussen Encephalitis is a rare neurological disease causing seizures, cognitive deficits and paralysis of half the body. Researchers at UCLA aim to narrow down the cause(s) of the disease using animal models and collaboration between experts in brain immunology and neuropathology.
A recent study published by Dietrich Manzey et al. investigated the performance consequences of advanced automated navigation support for surgeons. The results show that navigated-control assistance provides benefits for patient safety and surgical outcome, but also slows performance, increases workload, and reduces situation awareness.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found flexible-fiber CO2 lasers to be safe and effective in endoscopic assisted transsphenoidal craniotomies, with low complication rates. The study demonstrated the utility of this technology for treating pituitary tumors and other sellar lesions.
The new discs mimic the natural structure of human discs, with improved mechanical properties over time. This breakthrough could lead to a significant reduction in chronic back and neck pain, allowing patients to maintain their mobility and quality of life.
A study by Johns Hopkins physicians found that stents can prevent brain aneurysms from recurring after minimally invasive coiling procedures. The research suggests that stenting can make coiling a more promising option for the 30,000 people diagnosed with brain aneurysms each year in the US.
A new UCSF study reveals that brain surgery can completely cure two-thirds of people with severe and untreatable epilepsy, highlighting the importance of accurate brain mapping in achieving successful outcomes. The study's findings also underscore the need for further research into developing new methods to pinpoint seizure sources.
A new treatment combines minimally invasive surgery and t-PA to dissolve blood clots in brain tissue. The treatment showed significant improvement in clot size reduction and patient recovery compared to supportive care.
A study published in the journal Brain found that electrical disturbances in the brain, known as cortical spreading depolarizations, are associated with poor recovery and long-lasting outcomes after neurotrauma. These disturbances can be invisible on routine EEG exams but represent extreme changes in voltage.
A study found that 27% of children in Canada received surgeries after the established six-month target date. Delays can affect physical and cognitive development, particularly in cases like strabismus and scoliosis.
A study by neurosurgeons at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that anti-depressants can boost brain cells after injury, improving depression and memory. The medication, imipramine, increased the number of neurons in the hippocampus, a key area for memory, and enhanced novel object recognition tests.
SLU professor of neurosurgery Saleem Abdulrauf's high-flow brain bypass procedure improves treatment outcomes by reducing invasive procedures and maintaining blood flow in the brain. The technique is built upon the original brain bypass surgery developed in the 1960s and has been recognized for its potential to minimize recovery time.
Researchers observed a 5.1% increase in brain tissue thickness after brain bypass surgery, reversing loss and improving neurocognitive function in patients with impaired blood flow. The study offers hope for treating chronic cerebrovascular disease and its associated neurocognitive impairment.
A new study from UCSF found that arthroplasty, a newer surgery for cervical disc disease, can restore range of motion and reduce repeat surgeries in younger patients. For people under 50 with the condition, arthroplasty is a viable option.
Neurosurgeons from NYU Langone present cutting-edge surgical approaches and applications of technology for lateral skull base conditions, low-grade glioma tumors, and spinal surgery. The department's expertise has been recognized as one of the top ten hospitals in the country for neurology and neurosurgery.
A Phase I clinical trial at UTHealth demonstrates that bone marrow stem cells are safely used in treating severe traumatic brain injury in children. After six months of follow-up, all children showed significant improvement, with seven out of ten experiencing a good outcome.
A review of Harvey Cushing's notes from the early 20th century has uncovered copious documentation of his own surgical mishaps and suggestions for preventing them. This open acknowledgment of errors may have contributed to groundbreaking medical advancements during Cushing's era, with similar benefits possible today.
Two projects will test BCI technology in patients with spinal cord injuries, allowing them to control computer cursors and prosthetic limbs using their thoughts. The projects aim to gain a better understanding of how to train and motivate patients who will benefit from BCI technology.
A landmark study by the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia shows fetal surgery for spina bifida can improve outcomes for children with the condition. Fetal surgery significantly reduced the need to divert fluid from the brain, improved mobility, and increased the chances that a child will be able to walk independently.
Patients with hydrocephalus and white matter changes who underwent shunt operations showed significant improvements in mental function and walking ability. The study's findings provide conclusive evidence for the effectiveness of shunt surgery in treating this condition.
Medical College of Georgia researchers explore the role of aquaporin-4 in traumatic brain injuries, discovering that curcumin and brilliant blue G can block inflammation and swelling. The findings hold promise for improved treatment options for patients with TBI.
According to a 21-year study, surgery for acoustic neuromas achieves gross total resection in the vast majority of patients, resulting in minimal morbidity and mortality. The procedure also preserves facial function in 90% of cases, with 44% of patients regaining useful hearing in the affected ear.
A Mayo Clinic study found that aggressive surgery to completely remove low-grade brain tumors (gliomas) in children offers the highest chance of overall survival. If complete removal is not possible, adding radiation therapy yields similar results.
Researchers have found that individuals can rapidly and voluntarily control neurons deep in their brains, allowing them to manipulate images on computer screens. The study uses epilepsy patients with electrodes implanted in their brains to record individual neuron activity in response to specific images.
Researchers demonstrate that individuals can intentionally alter the firing rate of specific neurons in the brain, increasing some while decreasing others. This control is achieved through focusing thoughts on particular images displayed on a computer screen.
Transorbital neuroendoscopic surgery (TONES) is a safe and effective treatment for advanced brain diseases and traumatic injuries. By performing surgery through the eye socket, surgeons can gain equivalent access to the front of the brain while eliminating large ear-to-ear scars associated with major brain surgery.
A Loyola University Health System study found that only seven of the 22 patients who experienced pulmonary embolisms showed evidence of leg blood clots. Researchers suggest screening for DVTs in the arms as well as legs before and after surgery to assess risk.
The World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies has launched World Neurosurgery, a monthly journal addressing regional and global issues in neurosurgery. Published by Elsevier, the journal will disseminate content to over 20 million clinicians and scientists.
Researchers have discovered that Michelangelo's depiction of God in the Sistine Chapel ceiling contains unusual features resembling a brainstem, with implications for our understanding of the artist's anatomy knowledge. The findings suggest another hidden anatomical detail in the painting, potentially related to the spinal cord.
ATV accidents result in severe head and spine trauma, costing $3.24 billion annually, with children under 20 years old accounting for 42% of these injuries. The study highlights the need for improved ATV stability, increased helmet use, and rider training to reduce the risk of such accidents.
A new study suggests that awake sedation for brain surgery can shorten hospital stays by 3.5 days compared to general anesthesia. The study also found a 36% decrease in post-intensive-care direct cost for cases receiving conscious sedation.
Researchers at Rhode Island Hospital tested spinal cord stimulation in a single patient with Parkinson's disease, finding that low-frequency SCS worsened symptoms while high-frequency SCS improved motor function. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings and explore potential benefits of this approach for PD patients.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed nanoparticles that can enhance MRI scans and surgical procedures for brain tumor removal. The magnetic and fluorescent nanocomposites can help doctors visualize tumors before surgery, allowing for more precise removal.
A Johns Hopkins study suggests that a commonly used bypass surgery technique may impair the brain's ability to regulate blood flow, increasing the risk of stroke. Researchers found that seven patients experienced strokes after cooling and rewarming, highlighting the need for improved monitoring to prevent such incidents.
UCLA researchers have made a direct recording of mirror neurons in the human brain, showing they are more widely distributed than previously thought. The study found that specific subsets of mirror cells increased activity during action execution but decreased it when observing an action.
Researchers have developed a minimally invasive endoscopic procedure that can safely remove large brain tumors from an area at the bottom of the skull, near the sinus cavities. The study found that this approach resulted in complete tumor removal in 96% of patients and could be a game-changer for patients with pituitary macroadenomas.
Research at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that underprivileged African-American, Hispanic, and low-income patients with brain tumors are significantly less likely to be referred to high-volume specialty hospitals. This finding contradicts federal health care agency recommendations for equal access and quality of care.
A recent study found that racial disparities in access to high-quality surgical care for brain tumors have increased over time. Patients of color are less likely than white patients to receive treatment at high-volume hospitals, which can lead to poorer outcomes.
A new study published in The Lancet and The Lancet Neurology found that carotid stenting is not as effective as standard surgery in preventing stroke or as safe in the short-term. Surgery was shown to almost halve the risk of stroke and death within 30 days after treatment, compared to stenting.
Head injuries are a common cause of hospital admissions and death in skiing and snowboarding, with 120,000 people in North America affected annually. Helmets can reduce the risk by up to 60%, according to research. Doctors recommend integrating helmets into ski culture through public awareness campaigns and role modeling.
Researchers at the University of Washington studied brain signals in eight patients awaiting epilepsy surgery, finding that imagined movements can strengthen brain activity. After less than 10 minutes of practice, brain signals from imagined movement became significantly stronger than when actually performing the physical motion.
Research finds that selective brain damage, particularly in parietal regions, can modulate human spirituality and religious attitudes. The study identified a causative link between specific brain lesions and changes in self-transcendence, a personality trait reflecting spiritual feeling and behavior.
Researchers at UCLA's Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery Program have found that a non-invasive approach to pre-surgical testing, combined with earlier consideration for surgery, is associated with the best seizure-free surgical outcome in patients with TSC. Approximately two-thirds of TSC patients became seizure-free after surgery.
Researchers found that physicians' bedside exams did a better job than CT scans in predicting which patients would need to return to the operating room to treat complications such as bleeding. The low-cost, simple exam appears to be superior to routine CT scans in determining return to the operating room.
A French team has developed a computerized 3D model that predicts the movement of the heart as it beats, allowing robotic tools to move in concert with each beat. This innovation could enable less invasive surgical procedures with high precision and reduce complications.
Researchers have developed a new method using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to improve the removal of benign tumors in children. By visualizing nerve fiber bundles, DTI enables surgeons to avoid damaging critical brain tissue and achieve more complete tumor removal.
A new miniature microscope enables neurosurgeons to visualize brain tumors in real-time, allowing for more precise removal and accurate diagnosis. This technology has the potential to reduce surgery time by up to 40 minutes and improve patient outcomes.
A Johns Hopkins study found that Hispanic children diagnosed with brain tumors receive specialized care at one-third the rate of other children, despite efforts to equalize access. The research highlights persistent gaps in care among certain patients and raises concerns about the future impact on this growing demographic.
A new study uses magnetoencephalography (MEG) to detect the site of perception of tinnitus in the brain, allowing physicians to target specific areas with treatments. The imaging technique reveals activity in both hemispheres of the brain for patients with bilateral tinnitus, providing hope for future interventional strategies.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that using a drain after surgery to release a chronic subdural hematoma significantly reduces both mortality and hematoma recurrence. The study assessed 215 patients with chronic SDH who underwent burr-hole surgery, with a significant benefit observed in the group using a drain.