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Surgery before pregnancy linked to higher risk of opioid withdrawal in babies

A new study found that mothers who underwent surgery before pregnancy have a 1.6 times higher risk of neonatal abstinence syndrome, a condition characterized by opioid withdrawal symptoms in newborns. The study suggests that careful postoperative pain management can help prevent this condition.

SourceUniversity of Montreal Hospital Research Centre (CRCHUM)·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 15, 2019

Surgery before pregnancy linked to increased risk of opioid withdrawal in babies

A new study found that mothers who had surgery before pregnancy had a 1.6 times higher risk of their newborns experiencing opioid withdrawal symptoms, known as neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The study, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal, analyzed data from almost 2.2 million births in Quebec between 1989 and 2016.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJul 15, 2019

Inducing seizures to stop seizures

A new study found that inducing seizures in epilepsy patients can determine the brain region where seizures originate, reducing hospital stays from two weeks to 48 or 72 hours. This method is as effective as relying on spontaneous seizures and could lead to cost savings for hospitals.

SourceMcGill University·JournalJAMA·DateJun 11, 2019

Safety of overlapping surgeries

A comprehensive analysis of over 60,000 surgical procedures found that overlapping surgeries do not significantly increase the risk of post-surgical complications and patient death in most cases. However, patients deemed high risk due to age and preexisting medical conditions, as well as those undergoing coronary artery bypass graft su...

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA·DateFeb 26, 2019

Medical experts restore movement and autonomic function in patients with complete paralysis

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School demonstrate spinal cord stimulation can immediately restore some voluntary movement and autonomic functions years after a paralyzing injury. The study expands inclusion guidelines for epidural stimulation, offering new hope for patients with traumatic spinal cord injury.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateJan 31, 2019

High-tech tools, teamwork were key to separating infant girls joined at the head

Researchers report on successful separation surgery using advanced technologies and multidisciplinary team, showcasing improved outcomes for infants with craniopagus conjoined twins. The Delaney twins are thriving two-year-olds, exceeding expectations with their development and growth after the 11-hour separation surgery.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 23, 2019

Helping make brain surgery safer

A biopsy needle with a tiny fiber-optic camera has been tested in humans to help surgeons identify and avoid blood vessels in the brain during surgery. The device detected blood vessels with high accuracy (91.2% sensitivity and 97.7% specificity), reducing the risk of brain bleeds.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 19, 2018

Rethinking the stroke rule 'time is brain'

Neurologist Camilo R. Gomez argues that the effect of time on ischemic stroke outcomes varies greatly among patients, with collateral circulation playing a critical role in determining treatment efficacy. He proposes a new approach to stroke care, taking into account individual patient variability and blood circulation patterns.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases·DateAug 13, 2018

Holes in the head

Researchers compared ancient Peruvian trepanation outcomes to those during the American Civil War and found a significant difference in mortality rates. The study suggests ancient Peruvians may have prevented infection through unknown methods, leading to better survival rates over time.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalWorld Neurosurgery·DateJun 8, 2018

Smartphone-assisted neuroendoscopy

A new smartphone-endoscope device allows surgeons to perform intricate neurosurgical procedures with improved efficiency, reduced scarring, and shorter recovery times. The device's high-definition image provides a clear view of the surgical site, while its portability and affordability make it an attractive option for underserved areas.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateMar 13, 2018

Will run for meth

Researchers found that mice increased their running on a wheel two hours before the door to the nebulizing chamber was open. The activated brain regions included those implicated in reward processing and craving: the orbitofrontal cortex, dorsomedial hypothalamus, and lateral septum.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMar 12, 2018