Articles tagged with Neurosurgery
Researchers used direct neural recordings and brain stimulation to study visual word form area's role in reading. They found that this area codes knowledge about learned visual words, enabling accurate discrimination of similar words.
Scientists have developed a new method that can accurately identify brain regions triggering seizures in people with epilepsy. The technique, using advanced mathematical modeling procedures, has shown promising results in predicting successful surgery outcomes.
A recent study found that a pipeline device can safely and effectively treat difficult-to-treat brain aneurysms located near the front of the brain. The device was used to successfully occlude 77.8% of aneurysms, with a success rate of 70% for previously treated cases.
A new model predicts complication risks in spinal cord compression surgery, identifying diabetes and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) as significant risk factors. The study analyzed data from 479 patients and found a rate of 16.25% for surgery-related complications.
A small clinical trial found injecting modified stem cells into the brains of chronic stroke patients restored motor function, with no side effects attributed to the stem cells themselves. The promising results set the stage for an expanded trial and suggest a new approach to treating brain damage.
A new class of technology provides greater resolution for measuring electrical activity in space and time, matching existing methods. The flexible device is made of layers of silicon and molybdenum that can measure physiological characteristics and dissolve at a known rate.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute have developed a new imaging tool that enables neurosurgeons to visualize brain tumor cells in real-time during surgery. This technology, known as confocal laser endomicroscopy, allows surgeons to identify and characterize tumor tissue more accurately than traditional methods.
Researchers at the University of Helsinki found that the modified Rankin Scale is poorly suited to evaluating neurosurgical treatment results. A one-year follow-up study revealed that 24% of patients with no complications showed decreased function on the scale, while 28% with complications received identical or better scores.
The April issue of Neurosurgical Focus presents 12 articles on sports-related concussion, sequelae such as CTE, and prevention strategies. Key findings include diagnostic assessment tools and treatment strategies for concussions.
Researchers have developed a cooling technique that protects the brain's speech centers during surgery and identifies specific areas responsible for word formation and speech timing. The study used focal cooling to map brain functions, including speech ability, and found distinct roles for specific brain regions in forming words.
Researchers studied brain activity in patients with severe epilepsy while navigating virtual landscapes on a computer screen. The results show that brain oscillations are driven entirely by internal processes, carrying information about speed and distance travelled during teleportation.
International neurointerventional societies have released new training guidelines to improve the treatment of ischemic stroke patients. The guidelines aim to ensure that physicians performing inside-the-artery clot removal in the brain have the necessary education and training, leading to better patient outcomes.
A multi-institutional report presents the first known experience of robotic nephrectomy for inferior vena cava tumor thrombus, achieving favorable outcomes and reproducibility in surgeons with adequate robotic experience. Complications were relatively minor, but some patient deaths occurred despite minimally invasive approach
Embedded projectiles can pose significant risks to surgical teams, and identifying them requires careful consideration of clinical and radiological factors. Radiological studies, including CT scans, are crucial for determining the presence and potential explosive nature of embedded ordnance.
A team of neurosurgeons and engineers has developed wireless brain sensors that monitor intracranial pressure and temperature, dissolving over time without the need for surgery. These devices have potential to monitor patients with traumatic brain injuries and could be used to track activity in other organ systems throughout the body.
Researchers developed a new class of dissolvable electronic sensors that can monitor temperature and pressure within the skull after a brain injury or surgery. The sensors are made from biodegradable materials and can transmit signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for additional surgery to remove them.
Hydrocephalus, a buildup of excess fluid in the brain, can be treated effectively with surgery. Neurosurgeon Vikram Prabhu calls for neurosurgeons to work towards eliminating infant deaths from hydrocephalus by 2030. This goal aims to provide basic surgical care to children with hydrocephalus worldwide.
Researchers found that authors from a shared medical training background are more likely to publish articles supporting maximal tumor removal for patient survival. This phenomenon, known as 'medical academic genealogy,' suggests that mentorship and training influence the types of articles published.
A real-life neurosurgeon says the Spectre villain's use of a head clamp system and robotic drill was incorrect, as it would have triggered a stroke or massive hemorrhage. Dr. Michael Cusimano praised Blofeld's grasp of Neuroscience but noted he would have failed his neuroanatomy course.
A new hypnosis technique called hypnosedation offers a reliable alternative to awake craniotomy for glioma patients. The study found that hypnosis reduced the impact of unpleasant events during surgery and showed little negative psychological impact on patients.
A recent study at Houston Methodist Hospital showed that multiple small doses of highly focused radiation therapy is more effective and safer than a single larger dose in destroying pituitary gland tumors. The findings support the use of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) as a best practice for treating slow-growing pituitar...
The study examined adult neurosurgical cases and found no significant differences in postoperative complications or deaths between July and non-July months. However, junior residents showed a modest increase in surgical complications during the transition period.
Researchers at Newcastle University developed a computer model that identifies brain regions responsible for epileptic seizures, leading to improved surgical outcomes. The study successfully simulated brain activity and identified the most seizure-prone areas in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine received NIH grants to study Parkinson's disease, investigating gliptins for effective treatment. They also explored regenerating stem cells to heal the brain after a stroke and targeting brain tumor stem cells to develop new therapy strategies.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that most children and adolescents with herniated disks in the lower spine have some type of spinal vertebrae malformation. The researchers analyzed x-rays of 63 patients under age 20 and found that nearly all had at least one type of malformation involving the lumbar spine and sacrum.
A study published in Cell Metabolism found that weight loss surgery curbs sweet tooth behavior by reducing dopamine release in the brain. The research suggests that positive outcomes are more likely if sugary foods seem less rewarding after surgery.
Researchers have invented a device that provides real-time augmented images under the microscope, allowing surgeons to clearly distinguish cancerous from healthy tissue. This technology can improve surgical accuracy and efficiency in brain cancer and aneurysm patients.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have reported the first successful use of a targeted therapy drug to treat a patient with a debilitating, recurrent brain tumor. Treatment with BRAF inhibitor dabrafinib led to rapid shrinkage of the tumor, and the patient remains symptom-free over a year after treatment.
A clinical trial reports superior outcomes in patients undergoing minimally invasive sacroiliac joint fusion using triangular titanium implants, compared to nonsurgical management. The study shows significant reductions in pain, disability, and quality of life for patients with sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
A study of 74 children with TSC found that more extensive surgery, including the entire epileptogenic zone, yields better seizure control. The study suggests that simply resecting the tuber may not be enough, and that a larger area of surrounding tissue must also be removed to achieve optimal results.
Researchers are testing a stimulated Raman scattering microscope to image brain tissue in real-time, allowing surgeons to see the difference between tumor tissue and normal brain. The technology has the potential to resolve a long-standing issue in cancer surgery by providing faster and more effective methods to assess tumor removal.
Children with TSC who undergo more extensive surgery have improved seizure control, whereas resecting just the tuber may not be enough. The study suggests that 'the malformed cortex surrounding the tuber may contribute more to epileptogenicity as opposed to the tuber itself'.
A recent NIH-funded study found that fetuses with enlarged ventricles may be less likely to benefit from in-utero surgery for spina bifida, suggesting a wait-and-watch approach may be better. Enlarged brain cavities are associated with a higher risk of needing a second surgery after birth.
A study by University of Florida Health researchers found that stroke victims with private insurance had lower mortality rates, shorter hospital stays, and fewer complications compared to those on Medicaid. The study analyzed nationwide data from over 1.5 million hospital admissions between 2002 and 2011.
A study published in Neurosurgery found that complete resection of high-grade brain cancer significantly improves survival rates in children. The study revealed a greater survival benefit for female patients compared to male patients. Gross total resection (GTR) improved the chances of survival free of recurrent or progressive cancer o...
A recent study published in Neurosurgery found that brain surgery quality of care is not accurately reflected by patient satisfaction ratings. Despite high overall satisfaction rates, many patients experienced postoperative complications, highlighting the need for more reliable measures of quality care.
Researchers found that the number of head impacts increased with activity intensity, with games having the most impacts. However, average impact severity was similar across practices, with helmet-only practices showing lower severity. Greater regulation of football practices is suggested to reduce the burden of head impact.
Scientists at UCLA have made groundbreaking breakthroughs in treating paralysis by developing a non-invasive procedure that stimulates the spinal cord, enabling five men with complete paralysis to move their legs. The new approach has shown promising results, suggesting that patients may regain control of multiple body functions.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute found that Massot's modern neurosurgical techniques played a critical role in Kutuzov's survival and ultimate victory over Napoleon. The brain surgery allowed Kutuzov to make the best decision, avoiding a confrontation with Napoleon's superior forces.
Two new studies found that Mobile Stroke Treatment Units (MSTUs) significantly reduce time to diagnose and treat stroke patients, greatly improving survival rates and recovery. MSTUs equipped with diagnostic tools and telemedicine capabilities facilitate real-time communication with hospital-based specialists.
A study found that patients who experienced significant reductions in pain and disability after spine surgery were more likely to be satisfied with their outcomes. Factors such as initial severity scores, insurance status, and mental health played a role in patient satisfaction rates.
A team of engineers and doctors at Vanderbilt University has developed a surgical robot with steerable needles equipped with wrists that provide needlescopic tools with previously lacked dexterity. This innovation allows for precise resections, suturing, and access to areas such as the nose, throat, ears, and brain.
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.
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.
Scientists at UT Arlington and UNTHSC are building a prototype shunt flow monitoring system that can deliver on-demand and continuous readings of hydrocephalus. This could lead to better treatment, especially in infants and children who account for most shunt operations.
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 have developed an imaging technology that can provide surgeons with a color-coded map of a patient's brain, distinguishing between cancerous and healthy tissue. This could potentially make brain tumor removal safer and more effective by allowing surgeons to visualize the area being operated on.
A national study involving over 9 million Medicare patients found that patients rehospitalized with complications after major surgery are 26% more likely to survive if they return to the hospital where they had their operation. The researchers suggest maintaining continuity of care when readmissions occur is a key predictor of survival.
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.
A multidisciplinary team of Loyola University Medical Center physicians report a case of a 12-year-old boy with refractory seizures due to an arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in the brain. The case highlights the challenge in distinguishing different lesions based on imaging, emphasizing the importance of carefully analyzing available ...
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.
Children with epilepsy who undergo brain surgery are at a higher risk of struggling academically, according to a new study. Despite surgery stopping seizures, these children often experience lower scores in reading, spelling, and numeracy due to pre-existing brain abnormalities.
A 16-year-old patient underwent a novel approach to diagnosis, where the spinal tumor was removed endoscopically while awake and under local anesthesia. Pathology confirmed Ewings sarcoma diagnosis, enabling effective treatment.
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 have detailed two surgical approaches for auditory brainstem implantation, including a translabyrinthine and retrosigmoid approach, to minimize damage to the brainstem and improve speech recognition. The procedures aim to restore hearing in patients with NF2 and other causes of retrocochlear deafness.
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.
Researchers at UC Davis Health System have combined fetal surgery with a placental stem cell treatment to reduce the effects of spina bifida, with six lambs regaining ability to walk without noticeable disability after birth. The study aims to confirm safety and determine optimal dosing for potential human clinical trials.
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.