Articles tagged with Neurosurgery
Dr. Anthony Marmarou's international team developed consensus guidelines for diagnosing and treating idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephaly (NPH). The new guidelines recommend a combination of diagnostic tests to predict patient responsiveness to shunt surgery, improving treatment outcomes.
A new non-surgical approach combining stent-assisted coil embolization has shown success in treating wide-necked brain aneurysms, improving patient outcomes with minimal recovery time. The procedure has been found to have a high rate of complete closure without compromising the parent vessel.
A Phase IIa study found that patients given clazosentan suffered from significantly fewer and less severe cases of cerebral vasospasm compared to placebo. The treatment was also associated with a lower incidence of new cerebral infarcts.
A study found that 50% of patients who underwent temporal lobectomy for epilepsy were seizure-free after 30 years. Patients who experienced seizures within the first year after surgery had a lower likelihood of being seizure-free in the long term.
The OHSU study found that ThinkFirst significantly improves knowledge of injury prevention among program participants, leading to a decline in traffic-related fatalities and injuries. The program has educated over 250,000 children on injury prevention since its inception in Oregon.
A study found that combining carotid endarterectomy (CEA) and coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgeries increases the risk of post-operative stroke by 6.8%, compared to 1.8% in CABG alone. Experts believe further randomized trials are necessary to assess the appropriateness of this combined procedure.
Researchers developed a classification system to treat thrombotic aneurysms, finding that one-third can be treated surgically with conventional clipping. The study also discovered that bypass and occlusion procedures yield more favorable results for unclippable aneurysms.
A study of 387 patients with epilepsy found that the timing of post-surgery seizures is a key predictor of long-term success. Patients who experienced seizures within four months of surgery had a worse prognosis, while those who waited longer tended to become seizure-free.
Dr. Brenda Milner, a renowned cognitive neuroscientist, has been awarded the 2005 Gairdner Award for her pioneering work on brain function and memory systems. Her research with patient HM has significantly advanced our understanding of episodic and procedural memory.
A study published in the Journal of Neurosurgery found that golf-related head injuries in children increased by 15% between 1996 and 2002. The majority of these injuries occurred outside golf courses, highlighting the need for cautionary guidelines and safety training programs to prevent accidents.
A new JAMA study found that brain tumor treatment varies greatly among patients, with inconsistent use of chemotherapy and anti-convulsant medication. The study also highlights the need for improved communication between healthcare providers and patients, as well as increased participation in clinical trials.
A large study found that early surgery does not reduce deaths and disability in patients with brain hemorrhage. Only patients with small blood clots near the surface of the brain may benefit from surgical intervention.
A study of 325 patients who underwent temporal lobe removal found that early seizures after surgery were eight times more likely to lead to persistent epilepsy. This suggests that some individuals may have epilepsy that is more persistent and resistant to treatment.
A new device study shows spinal cord injury patients experiencing some degree of functional recovery after six months, with improved sensation and motor function recorded at one year. The oscillating field stimulator device has been shown to promote nerve fiber regeneration, offering a potential treatment option for severe injuries.
A new minimally invasive procedure using angioplasty and stenting is shown to be as effective as surgery in preventing strokes. The treatment involves widening the carotid artery to improve blood flow, with comparable rates of complications and a low rate of re-narrowing.
Researchers tested electrical stimulation's influence on stroke recovery, showing participants experienced meaningful motor recovery gains. The study aims to validate these findings and potentially reverse paralysis, restoring patients' function and normal lifestyle.
Researchers found that mice with brain tumors treated with stem cells showed increased blood supply and decreased tumor growth, living on average 50 percent longer than untreated mice. The Congress of Neurological Surgeons Annual Meeting presented this promising research.
Researchers discovered that patients with medically intractable epilepsy may develop new adult brain cells post-operatively. This cell generation could be the cause of recurring seizures and provide a potential target for future treatment and prevention strategies.
Weight-reduction surgery patients are at risk of developing peripheral neuropathy, a condition causing pain, numbness, and weakness. Following nutritional guidelines and attending post-surgical care programs can help prevent nerve damage.
A recent study published in Epilepsia found that selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SAH) surgery can lead to verbal memory loss in patients, especially those who underwent left temporal lobe surgery. The study revealed that 30% to 50% of patients who underwent SAH on the left side showed no recovery of verbal memory after 12 months.
According to the study, the nasal endoscopic approach was successful in treating cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, with 92% of patients experiencing long-term success. The procedure involves using small cameras and monitors to operate with minimal trauma, reducing the risk of complications.
Researchers at Rush University Medical Center are exploring a new gene transfer technique that uses CERE-110 to deliver nerve growth factor to specific areas of the brain affected by Alzheimer's disease. The goal is to prevent cell death and reverse cell atrophy, which may have a widespread effect on the entire brain.
A new Mayo Clinic study finds that CABG surgery is not a risk factor for dementia, but patients may experience cognitive decline due to surgical complications. The study took an innovative approach by starting with dementia cases and comparing them to non-demented control groups.
A recent study published in The Lancet found that Bispectral Index (BIS) monitoring can significantly reduce the incidence of awareness during surgery. By using BIS-guided anaesthesia, patients at risk experienced only two cases of awareness compared to 11 reported cases with standard care.
Researchers studying epilepsy patients who underwent brain surgery on either side found that those with left-brain surgery experienced decreased immune function, while right-brain surgery boosted immune response. The findings raise concerns about protecting patients from infection following strokes or left-brain surgery.
Researchers found that surgery to remove fatty deposits from narrowed vessels can significantly reduce stroke risk, with a 50% reduction in strokes among those who underwent the procedure. The study's results confirm previous findings and highlight the need for more adults to be screened for narrowed carotid arteries.
A Phase I study conducted at UCSD showed promising early indications of reduced disease advancement in patients with early-stage Alzheimer's disease. The subjects who successfully completed the surgery showed a 50% reduction in their annual rate of decline on one of the measured cognitive scales.
Duke researchers found that slower rewarming reduces brain temperature and hyperthermia risks after coronary artery bypass surgery. This leads to improved cognitive outcomes for patients six weeks post-surgery. A seven-year analysis of 6,334 patients showed significant reductions in hyperthermic episodes.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have demonstrated the feasibility of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) in humans, using arrays of electrodes to record brain signals and control external devices. The study showed that patients with Parkinson's disease and tremor disorders could use BMIs to play a hand-controlled video game.
A new procedure, carotid artery angioplasty with stenting (CAS) with distal embolic protection (DEP), has shown zero neurological complications in a study involving 21 patients. The minimally invasive technique adapts techniques used to open heart vessels for brain arteries, significantly reducing risk of stroke and death compared to t...
Researchers at Washington University developed a non-invasive fMRI technique to better evaluate brain surgery risks and guide operations to avoid sensitive language areas. This breakthrough holds promise for safer surgeries for nearly 200,000 Americans diagnosed with brain tumors annually.
A recent study published in Neurology confirms that 86% of children who underwent hemispherectomy at Johns Hopkins Medicine are either seizure-free or have non-disabling seizures. The surgery improves quality of life and reduces medication dependence.
Fetal surgery for spina bifida has been shown to improve leg function and reduce the need for shunts in infants. The study found that 24 of the 47 surviving infants had better neurologic leg function than predicted, while only 20 required a shunt.
The STEPS study evaluates the safety and efficacy of Spheramine, a cell therapy that produces levodopa to enhance dopamine production in the brain. The study aims to provide a new method for Parkinson's patients to achieve continuous control of motor function.
A study found that 63% of patients with intractable epilepsy who underwent surgery remained seizure-free for over eight years. The duration of epilepsy before surgery was a significant factor in predicting seizure freedom, with patients having longer episodes more likely to remain free from seizures.
A study found that large amounts of Ki-67 antigen in cancer cells predict the growth and return of pilocytic astrocytoma, a common childhood brain tumor. The presence of this protein increases the risk of cancer recurrence or growth.
A UCLA study reveals a significant shortage of surgeons is looming due to an aging population. The study finds that surgeries performed on older adults will have the highest increase in demand by 2020, with ophthalmology leading the way.
Detachable coil embolization is a new approach to treating brain aneurysms, offering less invasive treatment with shorter recovery times. The procedure has been shown to reduce mortality rates by 22.6% compared to traditional open surgery for patients with ruptured aneurysms.
Researchers found a significant reduction in micro-emboli during off-pump coronary bypass surgery compared to traditional pump-assisted procedures. This decrease was associated with lower rates of neurological complications and cognitive decline after surgery.
A study at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center found that gamma knife radiosurgery provided high rates of tumor growth control and often led to tumor regression for patients with benign intracranial tumors. The study followed 285 consecutive patients over a median of 10 years, with 81% still alive after 10 years.
Researchers found that patients preferred the new endonasal approach, which provides a simpler and minimally invasive method compared to the traditional sublabial procedure. The study showed comparable remission rates and similar hormonal gain and loss among patients with pituitary tumors.
A recent study found that hemispherectomy significantly reduces seizures in older children with Sturge-Weber syndrome, a rare disorder characterized by neurological abnormalities. The surgery was effective in more than 80% of patients, regardless of their age at operation.
The brain creates a weighted average of conflicting sensory cues to produce a single mental image. When discrepancies are too large, the brain defaults to information from a single cue, maintaining three separate representations of an object's property.
Researchers found that more than 80 percent of patients experienced postoperative fevers, but most were caused by non-serious complications. The study provides valuable insights into the incidence of postoperative complications in children undergoing hemispherectomies and may lead to changes in post-operative care protocols.
Researchers have developed a new surgical procedure for Parkinson's disease, bilateral subthalamotomy, which has shown promising results in improving motor symptoms and activities of daily living. After two years of follow-up, patients exhibited approximately 50% improvement in motor symptoms and significant reduction in medication doses.
A pioneering neurosurgeon has successfully implanted an artificial vision system in eight blind patients, enabling them to drive cars and navigate their surroundings. The device, developed by the Dobelle Institute, stimulates the brain's visual cortex to create a semblance of sight.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that beta-blockers provided significant protection to the brain and its functions in patients undergoing bypass surgery. The study analyzed medical records of 2,575 patients and found a 1.9% rate of adverse effects for those taking beta-blockers compared to 4.3% for those who did not.
A new radiosurgery protocol using the Gamma Knife is being tested to eliminate epileptic seizures in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy. The treatment has shown promising results, with up to 95% effectiveness and significant improvement in quality of life.
Research found that people who habitually sleep more than 8 hours a night and those who need daytime naps have a 50% increased risk of dying, with nearly three times the risk from stroke. The study suggests an underlying sleep disorder may be to blame.
A study led by Dr. George Ojemann identified 105 neurons with specific responses to different stages of memory, including encoding, storage, and retrieval. The findings highlight the complexity of individual neurons' role in memory and provide insights into brain regions involved in implicit memory recall.
A new fund has been established to provide lifesaving surgery for European children, with generous contributions from private citizens in the US and Germany. The Children's Hope Fund, supported by NYU Medical Center, aims to save as many lives as possible through surgical interventions.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center have successfully implanted LBS-neurons into patients with chronic stroke, showing a greater than 10% increase in metabolic activity in damaged areas. The surrounding area showed maintained or improved function, suggesting integration of the new neurons.
A 70-year-old woman developed a glioblastoma multiforme, a highly aggressive brain cancer, 7 years after undergoing radiosurgery to treat a benign tumor. The case report highlights the rare but potential risk of radiation-induced malignancy following this procedure.
A new Cornell University study found that surgeons performing carotid endarterectomies who got their licenses 20 or more years ago had the highest mortality rate among their patients. The study also found a relation between the mortality of endarterectomy patients and the number of times surgeons performed the procedure.
A Mayo Clinic study finds surgery and anesthesia as independent risk factors for ischemic stroke within 30 days after surgery. The relative risk was elevated for both high-risk and lower-risk surgeries.
A study by Wake Forest University researchers found that the longer heart surgery takes, the more tiny particles of fat enter the bloodstream and circulate to the brain, blocking tiny blood vessels. This can cause brain deficits that may be permanent in ten to thirty percent of affected patients.
A study by UB neurosurgeons found that cigarette smoking is associated with larger brain aneurysms, which can lead to life-threatening complications. The research, published in the journal Neurosurgery, showed that smokers were more likely to develop large aneurysms than non-smokers.
A new study found that pallidotomy surgery, a procedure to reduce tremors in Parkinson's sufferers, also improves speech volume in some patients. Seven out of 12 patients with mild speech problems showed significant improvements following the surgery.
A Mayo Clinic study reveals that many heart patients continue to take chest pain medications after undergoing angioplasty, suggesting a need for alternative treatment options. The gamma knife procedure is shown to be effective in treating various brain disorders, offering an alternative to surgery.
A study of 203 children with medulloblastoma found that a tried-and-true chemotherapy protocol provides better results than a newer method, while the quality of neurosurgery also affects long-term survival rates. The ability to remove nearly all of the tumor is critical for improved outcomes.