Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Oportunidades de fomento

Oportunidades de fomento
SCIENCIA TOTUM CIRCUMIT ORBEM

Edital Fapesb/Secti nº 26/2011 - Programa de Desenvolvimento de Recursos Humanos em Apoio à Pesquisa e à Inovação no Parque Tecnológico da Bahia (Bolsas ProPARQ) O Edital Fapesb/Secti nº 26/2011 refere-se ao Programa de Apoio aos Projetos de Empresas e de Instituições Científicas e Tecnológicas, públicas e privadas, na forma de concessão de bolsas. Esse Edital tem por objetivo a atração e

Original Article: http://limi-lip.blogspot.com/2013/11/oportunidades-de-fomento.html

Predictors of 30-Day Readmission After Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Single-Center Approach for Identifying Potentially Modifiable Associations With Readmission*

Predictors of 30-Day Readmission After Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Single-Center Approach for Identifying Potentially Modifiable Associations With Readmission*
Critical Care Medicine - Current Issue

imageObjective:To determine whether patient's demographics or severity of illness predict hospital readmission within 30 days following spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage, to identify readmission associations that may be modifiable at the single-center level, and to determine the impact of readmission on outcomes. Design:We collected demographic, clinical, and hospital course data for consecutive patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage enrolled in an observational study. Readmission within 30 days was determined retrospectively by an automated query with manual confirmation. We identified the reason for readmission and tested for associations between readmission and functional outcomes using modified Rankin Scale (a validated functional outcome measure from 0, no symptoms, to 6, death) scores before intracerebral hemorrhage and at 14 days, 28 days, and 3 months after intracerebral hemorrhage. Setting:Neurologic ICU of a tertiary care hospital. Patients:Critically ill patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. Interventions:Patients received standard critical care management for intracerebral hemorrhage. Measurements and Main Results:Of 246 patients (mean age, 65 yr; 51% female), 193 patients (78%) survived to discharge. Of these, 22 patients (11%) were readmitted at a median of 9 days (interquartile range, 4–15 d). The most common readmission diagnoses were infections after discharge (n = 10) and vascular events (n = 6). Age, history of stroke and hypertension, severity of neurologic deficit at admission, Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation score, ICU and hospital length of stay, ventilator-free days, days febrile, and surgical procedures were not predictors of readmission. History of coronary artery disease was associated with readmission (p = 0.03). Readmitted patients had similar modified Rankin Scale and severity of neurologic deficit at 14 days but higher (worse) modified Rankin Scale scores at 3 months (median [interquartile range], 5 [3–6] vs 3 [1–4]; p = 0.01). Conclusions:Severity of illness and hospital complications were not associated with 30-day readmission. The most common indication for readmission was infection after discharge, and readmission was associated with worse functional outcomes at 3 months. Preventing readmission after intracerebral hemorrhage may depend primarily on optimizing care after discharge and may improve functional outcomes at 3 months.

Original Article: http://journals.lww.com/ccmjournal/Fulltext/2013/12000/Predictors_of_30_Day_Readmission_After.11.aspx

Sepsis and Scientific Revolutions

Sepsis and Scientific Revolutions
Critical Care Medicine - Current Issue

imageHypothesis:The therapeutic approach to sepsis is following an evolutionary process of scientific discovery as articulated in the landmark work by Kuhn, The Structure of Scientific Revolutions, first published 50 years ago. Background:Incremental advances, beginning with the introduction of antimicrobials and most recently highlighted by revised, evidence-based guidelines for the management of sepsis, have been accompanied by episodic paradigm shifts. Although some of these have shown success, there are numerous, noteworthy failures, largely involving immune- and coagulation-based therapeutic strategies. Conclusion:A sustained paradigm shift in the approach to treating sepsis has yet to emerge, but recent data suggest that an open-minded posture informed by novel pathobiologic findings may eventually bear fruit.

Original Article: http://journals.lww.com/ccmjournal/Fulltext/2013/12000/Sepsis_and_Scientific_Revolutions.12.aspx

Do antiepileptic drugs cause suicidal behavior?

Do antiepileptic drugs cause suicidal behavior?
Neurology current issue

In this issue of Neurology®, Pugh et al.1 present data to support the hypothesis that antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are used in response to suicide-related behaviors (SRBs) associated with pain and psychiatric illness, rather being a cause of SRBs. Further, they point out that these conditions are inherently associated with increased suicidal behaviors, and therefore confound assessment of the causal relationship of AEDs to SRB.2



Original Article: http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/short/81/22/1889?rss=1

Teaching NeuroImages: Combined retinal and cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid thromboendarterectomy

Teaching NeuroImages: Combined retinal and cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome after carotid thromboendarterectomy
Neurology recent issues

A 62-year-old man presented with mild left hemiparesis, headache, and blurred vision of his right eye. Ten days before, he had undergone thromboendarterectomy because of subtotal stenosis of his right internal carotid artery. MRI revealed confluent white-matter edema together with focal hemorrhage consistent with cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHS; figure 1). Likewise, funduscopy showed small retinal hemorrhages confined to the right eye (figure 2). Under careful blood pressure control, symptoms and brain edema fully resolved within weeks. CHS occurs in around 3% of patients undergoing carotid thromboendarterectomy and can induce severe neurologic deficits.1 Rarely, hyperperfusion also involves the ipsilateral eye.2



Original Article: http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/short/81/22/e166?rss=1

Friday, November 22, 2013

O USMLE e seus STEP’S – A licença médica americana. ( Dr. Felipe Batalini)

O USMLE e seus STEP'S – A licença médica americana. ( Dr. Felipe Batalini)
Neurosurgery Blog

O USMLE e seus STEP'S – A licença médica americana.
Autor: Dr. Felipe Batalini
Graduado pela UEL – Universidade Estadual de Londrina – em 2010.

CONSIDERAÇÕES INICIAIS

Pessoal, a decisão de exercer a medicina nos EUA envolve muitos fatores, como sonho, idioma, família, pesquisa, dinheiro, qualidade de vida, etc. Obviamente existem vantagens e desvantagens em cada escolha. Cada um tem sua motivação e metas, o objetivo desse "post" é que o desconhecimento de como fazer, ou que o medo das provas não sejam obstáculos aos médicos brasileiros que quiserem fazer a residência ou mudar para os EUA.

É interessante que todos os profissionais com formação médica que querem exercer a medicina nos EUA devem ter sua certificação. As provas de certificação são as mesmas para os graduandos americanos e estrangeiros. São provas extensas, porém muito bem feitas, sem pegadinhas, cuja preparação é facilitada pela ampla gama de material de extrema qualidade, principalmente os bancos de questões disponíveis, que dão ao candidato, além da preparação, uma experiência muito semelhante à do dia da prova.

O fato é que todos, todos os médicos americanos passam nas provas do USMLE, logo podemos concluir que não é nada impossível, e que obter a licença médica nos EUA é a realidade de milhares, milhares de médicos anualmente, e que caso você também decida, você também pode, basta dedicação.

O último dado que chequei é que ano passado aproximadamente 50 brasileiros conseguiram a licença médica, acredito que esse número é muito pequeno perto do tanto de pessoas que se mostram interessadas em vir pros EUA. Deduzo também que grande parte das desistências se deve ao desconhecimento de como obter a licença, ou medo dos Step's. Acredito também que com as mudanças políticas na medicina brasileira, esse assunto deve estar cada vez mais na vida dos médicos brasileiros.

Então, vamos aos fatos!! Não é o bicho-de-sete-cabeças que parece…

1 – Registro na ECFMG
Esse é o primeiro passo para aqueles que querem fazer a residência médica nos EUA, será criado o seu ID para todo o processo do USMLE.

É bastante simples, porém toma algumas horas. Deve-se preencher um longo cadastro no site da ECFMG, depois disso a entidade vai gerar alguns formulários, o Form 186 merece especial atenção, pois deverá ser preenchido juntamente com o "medical school official" e carimbado, de acordo com os detalhes exigidos no "bulletin".

Esses formulários serão enviados a ECFMG, junto com o diploma médico traduzido. Após a aprovação do Form 186, a ECFMG solicitará a escola médica o histórico escolar (school transcript) do candidato. Caso a escola mande em português, o candidato tem a opção de pagar pra própria ECFMG traduzir, senão, o candidato deve mandar traduzir (mais barato), enviar a escola, que então deverá enviar a ECFMG, após solicitado. Não é aceito que o próprio candidato envie seu histórico escolar, o endereço remetente deve ser da escola médica.

Particularmente, meu diploma e "school transcript" foi traduzido no CCBEU (Centro Cultural Brasil-Estados Unidos) de Goiânia que tem tradutor oficial de inglês reconhecido pela embaixada americana, é mais barato que fazer a tradução juramentada.

Após aprovado o histórico escolar, o candidato recebe o "Scheduling permit", que é o documento oficial que autoriza o agendamento da prova junto a Prometric, empresa responsável pela aplicação da prova.

2 – Step1
Essa prova, assim como o Step2CK, pode ser feita no Brasil.
O agendamento da prova é feito através da internet, será necessário o "Scheduling Permit".

É composta de conteúdo de ciências básicas, são 7 blocos de 46 questões cada. O candidato tem 1 hora para cada bloco, e tem 1 hora total para dividir entre os blocos para fazer suas pausas, como banheiro e almoço, completando assim as 8 horas de prova.

É uma prova séria, sem pegadinhas, porém extensa e cansativa. Não tem segredo, passar não é difícil, mas a dificuldade real vai depender da nota alvo de cada um, que varia entre as especialidades. A nota de corte é 188, a média americana é 224.

A nota do Step1 é a nota de maior peso entre as provas do USMLE, segundo pesquisa com os "Program Directors".
Fiz a minha prova na Prometric de Brasília, recomendo.

Para maiores detalhes da formulação da nota, recomendo o "bulletin".

O melhor material pra preparação é outro tópico, controverso, pois depende de muitas variáveis, entre elas o estilo de estudo, o conhecimento prévio de cada um e a nota-alvo.

3 – Step2CK
Essa etapa, cobra do aluno conhecimentos clínicos voltados ao diagnóstico. Considero a etapa de menor dificuldade, mas não deve ser neglicenciada. Lembra um pouco as boas provas de residência do Brasil, porém sem foco em tratamento. Ainda mais extensa que o Step1, o Step2CK é composto de 8 blocos de 45 questões cada, mantendo 1 hora pra responder cada bloco e 1 hora pra realizar as pausas entre os blocos.

A nota de corte é 203 e a média americana é 237.

Assim como o Step1, pode ser feita nos centros da Prometric no Brasil, também fiz em Brasília.

4 – Step2CS
Prova prática, realizada nos EUA (Philadelphia, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago ou Los Angeles), composta por 12 consultas com atores, tendo 15 minutos pra entevista e exame físico e mais 10 minutos pra digitar no prontuário.

Não tem nota, essa etapa é PASS or FAIL.

Acho essa prova mais imprevisível, é importantíssimo ter algum parceiro de estudo que ajude a treinar os casos, pois a prova é isso, treinamento, nada mais.

Fiz meu Step2CS no CSEC (Clinical Skills Evaluation Center) de Chicago, foi tranquilo, maioria americanos fazendo a prova.

5 – Certificação da ECFMG
Geralmente, 2 semanas após aprovação no Step1, Step2CK e Step2CS, a ECFMG envia seu certificado de agora médico habilitado nos EUA! Parabéns!

Essa certificação habilita o médico para trabalho sob supervisão, no caso, residência médica.

A ordem dos Step's para certificação da ECFMG é livre. Para o Step3 é exigida a certificação da ECFMG.

6 – Step3
O Step3 tem como pré-requisito a certificação da ECFMG, é prova de 2 dias, não é fundamental pra conseguir vaga na residência, mas para obter a "full license" todos terão que fazê-la, pra praticar a medicina sem supervisão, após a residência. Além disso, há alguns detalhes de visto que podem torná-la interessante antes da residência.

É composta por aproximadamente 475 questões, divididas em blocos de 30-50 questões, com 45-60 minutos para cada bloco. Além das questões normais, tem 8-12 casos interativos "computer-based", com 10-20 minutos para cada questão.

Pessoal, ainda não fiz essa etapa.

CONSIDERAÇÕES FINAIS
São previstas algumas mudanças no USMLE, nada muito radical, informações todas disponíveis no site da ECFMG e do USMLE.

Para aqueles que estão hesitando, recomendo, faça o registro na ECFMG, olhar pra todo o processo assusta, mas se for "one step at a time", fica mais simples. Repito, não é nada de outro mundo, basta começar e claro, se dedicar!

A felicidade não vem somente ao final do processo, vem logo após cada etapa!
Vamos!!

Leitura recomendada:
-USMLE Bulletin of information (http://usmle.org/pdfs/bulletin/2014bulletin.pdf)
-ECFMG Information booklet (http://www.ecfmg.org/2014ib/2014ib.pdf)
-Mudanças previstas (http://www.usmle.org/pdfs/Changes_to_USMLE_2014-2015_handout_FINAL.pdf)
Instrumentos de ajuda:
-Comunidade facebook: USMLE Brazil
-Vários fóruns na web

 

Screen Shot 2013-11-19 at 9.18.46 PM
Autor:
Felipe Batalini
Graduado pela UEL – Universidade Estadual de Londrina – em 2010.
Email: batalini@outlook.com
Facebook: http://facebook.com/felipebatalini

The post O USMLE e seus STEP'S – A licença médica americana. ( Dr. Felipe Batalini) appeared first on NEUROSURGERY BLOG.



Original Article: http://neurocirurgiabr.com/o-usmle-e-seus-steps-a-licenca-medica-americana-dr-felipe-batalini/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=o-usmle-e-seus-steps-a-licenca-medica-americana-dr-felipe-batalini

Life Outcomes of Anterior Temporal Lobectomy: Serial Long-term Follow-up Evaluations

Life Outcomes of Anterior Temporal Lobectomy: Serial Long-term Follow-up Evaluations
Neurosurgery - Current Issue

imageBACKGROUND:At 3 time points, this study examined long-term psychosocial life outcomes of individuals who underwent anterior temporal lobectomy in comparison with individuals with temporal lobe epilepsy who were medically managed. OBJECTIVE:To examine seizure frequency, employment, driving, independent living, financial independence, mental health, and quality of life at each follow-up assessment, as well as predictors of outcomes. METHODS:All participants were diagnosed with medically intractable complex partial seizures of temporal lobe origin with or without secondary generalization. A structured clinical interview was used at all 3 time points. Information was obtained regarding seizure frequency, antiepilepsy medications, employment, driving status, financial assistance, and independent living. Additionally, questions regarding quality of life, satisfaction with surgery, and the presence of depression or anxiety were included. Participants were, on average, 17 years postsurgery. RESULTS:Surgery resulted in significantly improved and sustained seizure outcomes. At the first, second, and third follow-ups, 67%, 72%, and 67% of participants in the surgery group remained seizure-free in the year before the follow-up interview. At each follow-up, 97%, 84%, and 84% reported that they would undergo surgery again. Seizure freedom predicted driving outcomes at all 3 time points, but was not a significant predictor for employment, independent living, or financial independence. Psychosocial life outcomes in the surgical group were improved and maintained over time in comparison with the medically managed group. CONCLUSION:This systematic long-term investigation provides strong support for the positive impact of anterior temporal lobectomy on psychosocial life outcomes including driving, employment, independent living, and financial independence. ABBREVIATIONS:ATL, anterior temporal lobectomyM, meanMMPI, Minnesota Multiphasic Personality InventorySD, standard deviation

Original Article: http://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/Fulltext/2013/12000/Life_Outcomes_of_Anterior_Temporal_Lobectomy__.21.aspx

Why Physicians Hesitate to Recommend Medical Marijuana

Why Physicians Hesitate to Recommend Medical Marijuana
Medscape NeurologyHeadlines

A survey of family physicians pinpoints the reason for reticence in recommending medical marijuana to patients.
Medscape Neurology

Original Article: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/813536?src=rss

Brain imaging reveals how chronic pain drug works

Brain imaging reveals how chronic pain drug works
Neurology News & Neuroscience News from Medical News Today

New research from the University of Michigan has explored the use of brain imaging in order to track the clinical action of a drug used to treat chronic pain. This is according to a study published in the journal Anesthesiology.

Original Article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/269195.php

Musical murmurs on transcranial ultrasound in childhood migraine with aura

Musical murmurs on transcranial ultrasound in childhood migraine with aura
Neurology current issue

A 12-year-old girl presented with headache, nausea, decreased level of consciousness, and diplopia. Brain MRI, arteriography (figure e-1 on the Neurology® Web site at www.neurology.org), vasculitic markers, and CSF were normal, as were EEGs and ECGs. Transcranial color-coded ultrasonography of the basilar artery revealed typical musical murmurs ("seagull cry") indicative of a hemodynamically significant stenosis (video).1 Sumatriptan provided symptomatic relief; basilar flow normalized on ultrasonography (figure e-2). The clinical presentation suggested childhood migraine with aura; the ultrasound and normal arteriography suggested focal, transient vasospasm during a migraine attack. Topiramate was effective long-term. The high prevalence of childhood migraine (up to >20%)2 suggests that ultrasound may be a useful diagnostic tool.



Original Article: http://www.neurology.org/cgi/content/short/81/21/1880?rss=1

Frontal-lobe damage from alcohol may become evident before general mental status is challenged

Frontal-lobe damage from alcohol may become evident before general mental status is challenged
Neurology News & Neuroscience News from Medical News Today

Frontal lobe deficiency, characterized by executive dysfunction such as deficits in attention and working memory, has been linked with an inability to abstain from alcohol. However, "high-functioning" alcoholics with frontal executive dysfunction may nonetheless appear to have a "normal" cognitive mental status.

Original Article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/269085.php

Brainstem Strokes in Children: An 11-Year Series From a Tertiary Pediatric Center

Brainstem Strokes in Children: An 11-Year Series From a Tertiary Pediatric Center
Pediatric Neurology

Abstract: Methods: Potential clinical barriers to making a timely diagnosis of pediatric brainstem stroke and pitfalls of noninvasive vascular imaging are presented.Methods: An institutional review board–approved institutional database query from 2001-2012 yielded 15 patients with brainstem strokes. Medical records were reviewed for symptoms, stroke severity using the Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, and outcomes using the Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measure. Magnetic resonance angiography was compared with digital subtraction angiography.Results: There were 10 boys and five girls; 9 months to 17 years of age (mean 7.83 years). Symptoms were headaches (eight); visual problems (eight), seizure-like activity (seven), motor deficits (six), and decreased level of consciousness in four. Time since last seen well was 12 hours to 5 days. Pediatric National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale was 1-34; <10 in eight; 3 in 1, 10-20 in two, and >20 in four. Strokes were pontine in 13/15 and involved >50% of the pons in six and <50% in seven; 2/15 had medullary strokes. Magnetic resonance angiography showed basilar artery occlusion in 8/13 patients and vertebral artery dissection in two. Digital subtraction angiography done within 9-36 hours of magnetic resonance angiography in 10/15 patients confirmed the basilar artery occlusion seen by magnetic resonance angiography and showed vertebral artery dissection in four patients. Patients were systemically anticoagulated without hemorrhagic complications. One patient died. Pediatric Stroke Outcome Measures at 2-36 months is 0-5.0/10 (mean 1.25).Conclusions: Vague symptoms contributed to delays in diagnosis. Magnetic resonance angiography was equivalent to digital subtraction angiography for basilar artery occlusion but not for vertebral artery dissection. Even with basilar artery occlusion and high stroke scales, outcome was good when systemic anticoagulation was started promptly.

Original Article: http://www.pedneur.com/article/S0887-8994(13)00417-7/abstract?rss=yes

An Infant With Seizures and Macrocephaly

An Infant With Seizures and Macrocephaly
Pediatric Neurology

A 1-year-old boy born of a consanguineous marriage with an uneventful birth history presented with recurrent generalized tonic-clonic seizures for 3 months and delayed developmental milestones. At the age of 1 year, he was unable to sit independently. Family history was not significant. Examination revealed head circumference 51.5 cm (>95th percentile for age) and mild spasticity with brisk deep tendon reflexes. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were consistent with the diagnosis of megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts (MLC) ().

Original Article: http://www.pedneur.com/article/S0887-8994(13)00411-6/abstract?rss=yes

UH research finds potential key to learning a new language

UH research finds potential key to learning a new language
Neurology News & Neuroscience News from Medical News Today

A new study by University of Houston (UH) researchers may lead to dramatic changes in the way language is taught and learned - especially a second language. These findings are important because statistics show 60 percent of the children in the Houston Independent School District are non-native English speakers, a category on the rise across the United States.

Original Article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/269205.php

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Surgical Outcomes of Trigeminal Neuralgia in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Surgical Outcomes of Trigeminal Neuralgia in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis
Neurosurgery - Current Issue

imageBACKGROUND:Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is relatively frequent in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and can be extremely disabling. Surgical interventions are less effective for the treatment of MS-related TN compared with classic TN, and higher recurrence rates are observed. OBJECTIVE:To evaluate initial pain-free response (IPFR), duration of pain-free intervals (PFIs), and factors predictive of outcome in different surgical modalities used to treat MS-related TN. METHODS:A total of 96 MS patients underwent 277 procedures (range, 1-11 procedures per patient) to treat TN at our institution from 1995 to 2011. Of these, 89 percutaneous retrogasserian glycerol rhizotomies, 82 balloon compressions, 52 stereotactic radiosurgeries, 28 peripheral neurectomies, 15 percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomies, and 10 microvascular decompressions were performed as upfront or repeat treatments. RESULTS:Bilateral pain was observed in 10% of patients during the course of disease. During the follow-up period (median, 5.7 years), recurrence of symptoms was seen in 66% of patients, and 181 procedures were performed for symptom recurrence. As an initial procedure, balloon compression had the highest IPFR (95%; P = .006) and median PFI (28 months; P = .05), followed by percutaneous retrogasserian glycerol rhizotomy (IPFR, 74%, P = .04; median PFI, 9 months; P = .05). In general, repeat procedures had lower effectiveness compared with initial procedures, with no statistically significant difference seen across the various treatment modalities. CONCLUSION:Treatment failure occurs in most of the MS-related TN patients independently of the type of treatment. However, balloon compression had the highest rate of IPFR and PFI compared with other modalities in the initial treatment of MS-related TN. ABBREVIATIONS:BC, balloon compressionIPFR, initial pain-free responseMS, multiple sclerosisMVD, microvascular decompressionPFI, pain-free intervalPN, peripheral neurectomyPRGR, percutaneous retrogasserian glycerol rhizotomyRFR, percutaneous radiofrequency rhizotomySRS, stereotactic radiosurgeryTN, trigeminal neuralgia

Original Article: http://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/Fulltext/2013/12000/Surgical_Outcomes_of_Trigeminal_Neuralgia_in.13.aspx

Long-term Follow-up of Blister Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery

Long-term Follow-up of Blister Aneurysms of the Internal Carotid Artery
Neurosurgery - Current Issue

imageBACKGROUND:Blister aneurysms of the internal carotid artery (ICA) are uncommon. There is a paucity of data on the long-term outcomes of patients. OBJECTIVE:To review our experience with the treatment of these lesions. METHODS:We retrospectively reviewed all aneurysms treated at our institution between 1994 and 2005. Relevant operative notes, radiology reports, and inpatient/outpatient records were reviewed. RESULTS:Seventeen patients (3 male, 14 female) with 18 blister aneurysms of the ICA were identified. The mean age was 44.6 years (range, 17-72; median, 42 years). Twelve patients (70.6%) presented with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The mean admission Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 4.3 (range, 2-5; median, 5). All patients were initially treated using microsurgical technique with direct clipping (n = 15; 83.3%) or clip-wrapping with Gore-Tex (n = 3, 16.7%). There were 4 cases of intraoperative rupture, all associated with attempted direct clipping; all 4 cases were successfully clipped. Two cases rebled post-treatment. Both rebleeding episodes were managed with endovascular stenting. Follow-up angiography was available for 14 patients and revealed a new aneurysm adjacent to the site of clipping in 1 patient and in-stent stenosis in 2. At the mean follow-up of 74.5 months (median, 73; range, 7-165), the mean Glasgow Outcome Scale score was 4.6 (range, 2-5; median, 5). CONCLUSION:Microsurgical treatment of blister aneurysms of the ICA results in excellent outcome. In the evolution of treating these friable aneurysms, we have modified our clip-wrapping technique and use this technique when direct clipping is not feasible. ABBREVIATIONS:ICA, internal carotid arteryGOS, Glasgow Outcome Scal3e

Original Article: http://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/Fulltext/2013/12000/Long_term_Follow_up_of_Blister_Aneurysms_of_the.22.aspx

Predictors of Subsequent Overdrainage and Clinical Outcomes After Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting for Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus

Predictors of Subsequent Overdrainage and Clinical Outcomes After Ventriculoperitoneal Shunting for Idiopathic Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Neurosurgery - Current Issue

imageBACKGROUND:Little is known about variables associated with overdrainage complications and neurofunctional and health-related quality of life outcomes in idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) patients after shunt surgery. OBJECTIVE:To identify candidate demographic and disease-specific predictors of overdrainage and patient-related outcomes, allowing for more personalized care of patients with iNPH. METHODS:This was a secondary analysis of the dataset of the SVASONA study, a multicenter randomized trial comparing gravitational and conventional gravitational valves for treating iNPH. We evaluated the association between baseline items and the incidence of overdrainage, using different endpoint definitions. RESULTS:We identified only a few variables associated with a possible increased risk of overdrainage. Apart from using conventional rather than gravitational valves, longer duration of surgery and female sex were associated with a higher risk of clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of overdrainage (hazard ratio: 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 1.01-1.04 and 1.84, 95% confidence interval: 0.81-4.16). The occurrence of clinical symptoms of overdrainage, and the need for exchanging a programmable by a gravitational valve may adversely affect disease-specific outcomes like the Kiefer score. CONCLUSION:Few, if any, baseline and treatment characteristics may be helpful in estimating the individual risk of complications and clinical outcomes after shunt surgery for iNPH. Patients should be informed that longer surgery for any reason may increase the risk of later overdrainage. Also, women should be counseled about a sex-associated increased risk of the development of clinical symptoms of overdrainage, although the latter cannot be distinguished from a generally higher prevalence of headaches in the female population. ABBREVIATIONS:CI, confidence intervaliNPH, idiopathic normal-pressure hydrocephalusSF-12, 12-Item Short-Form Health SurveyVP, ventriculoperitoneal

Original Article: http://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/Fulltext/2013/12000/Predictors_of_Subsequent_Overdrainage_and_Clinical.25.aspx

Neuromodulation for Movement Disorders

Neuromodulation for Movement Disorders
Neurosurgery Clinics of North America

Surgical neuromodulation has emerged as the primary method to treat the medically refractory symptoms of essential tremor and Parkinson disease. With reversible manipulation of CNS neurons, neuromodulation can be used to intraoperatively localize and verify a stereotactic target, and to chronically treat movement disorders. This article discusses the historical advances in stereotactic surgery using various modalities of neuromodulation leading to contemporary treatment. Electrical neuromodulation, or deep brain stimulation, is emphasized as the major surgical intervention with a discussion of the technique, surgical targets, and clinical outcomes. A comparison of neuromodulation techniques is presented.

Original Article: http://www.neurosurgery.theclinics.com/article/S1042-3680(13)00078-8/abstract?rss=yes

Central Neuromodulation for Refractory Pain

Central Neuromodulation for Refractory Pain
Neurosurgery Clinics of North America

Chronic neuropathic pain affects 8.2% of adults, extrapolated to roughly 18 million people every year in the United States. Patients who have pain that cannot be controlled with pharmacologic management or less invasive techniques can be considered for deep brain stimulation or motor cortex stimulation. These techniques are not currently approved by the Food and Drug Administration for chronic pain and are, thus, considered off-label use of medical devices for this patient population. Conclusive effectiveness studies are still needed to demonstrate the best targets as well as the reliability of the results with these approaches.

Original Article: http://www.neurosurgery.theclinics.com/article/S1042-3680(13)00087-9/abstract?rss=yes

Neuromodulation for Eating Disorders: Obesity and Anorexia

Neuromodulation for Eating Disorders: Obesity and Anorexia
Neurosurgery Clinics of North America

Extremes of eating disorders (ED) have become prevalent in both developed and developing countries. Available therapies, though largely effective, fail in a substantial number of patients and carry considerable side effects. Morbid obesity and anorexia nervosa (AN) represent important causes of morbidity and mortality among young adults. Morbid obesity affects disproportionate numbers of children. AN is also important for its high mortality in young adults. The challenges of effectively treating AN are well recognized. In this article, important aspects of ED are reviewed in detail and novel approaches to the treatment of ED are proposed.

Original Article: http://www.neurosurgery.theclinics.com/article/S1042-3680(13)00081-8/abstract?rss=yes

Image-Guided Deep Brain Stimulation

Image-Guided Deep Brain Stimulation
Neurosurgery Clinics of North America

Advances in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery have been achieved through the use of stereotactic targeting of key tracks in patients undergoing awake surgery. Intraoperative detection of track location has been useful in interpreting physiologic results, has limited the number of brain penetrations, and has decreased the incidence of reoperations. Alternatively, some centers are gaining experience with placement of the lead under general anesthesia using a purely anatomic approach, for which both computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging have proved useful. In this article, the use of image guidance with both the anatomic and physiologic approaches is described.

Original Article: http://www.neurosurgery.theclinics.com/article/S1042-3680(13)00084-3/abstract?rss=yes

Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques for Central Neuromodulation

Advanced Neuroimaging Techniques for Central Neuromodulation
Neurosurgery Clinics of North America

Deep brain stimulation an effective treatment of many neurologic conditions such as Parkinson disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Structural and functional neuroimaging studies provide the opportunity to visualize the dysfunctional nodes and networks underlying neurologic and psychiatric disease, and to thereby realize new targets for neuromodulation as well as personalize current therapy. This article reviews contemporary advances in neuroimaging in the basic sciences and how they can be applied to redirect and propel functional neurosurgery toward a goal of functional localization of targets with individualized maps and identification of novel targets for other neuropsychiatric diseases.

Original Article: http://www.neurosurgery.theclinics.com/article/S1042-3680(13)00088-0/abstract?rss=yes

Brain Arteriovenous Malformations in Patients With Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: Clinical Presentation and Anatomical Distribution

Brain Arteriovenous Malformations in Patients With Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia: Clinical Presentation and Anatomical Distribution
Pediatric Neurology

Abstract: Background: Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia is an autosomal dominant genetic disease with a wide array of vascular malformations involving multiple organs. Brain arteriovenous malformations can lead to intracranial hemorrhage and are often diagnosed only after patients become symptomatic. Early diagnosis and interventional treatment may prevent neurologic sequelae or death. Because of the rarity of defined cases, the spectrum of presentations in children with brain arteriovenous malformations and hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia has not been explored in detail. Here, we report our experience in children with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and brain arteriovenous malformations regarding both disease manifestations at presentation and the spectrum of brain arteriovenous malformation manifestations.Methods: A retrospective review of demographics, clinical manifestations, and brain magnetic resonance imaging/computed tomography scan findings in 115 patients with confirmed hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) was conducted using the Hospital for Sick Children's HHT Clinic database for the years 1997-2012.Results: Eleven patients (four girls and seven boys) were diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and brain arteriovenous malformations during this period. Five patients initially presented with epistaxis, four presented with intracranial hemorrhage, and two were asymptomatic with a positive family history of confirmed hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia. Although all children had an index case with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia in the family, in three patients, hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia was not diagnosed before the child's presentation with intracranial hemorrhage. Multiple brain arteriovenous malformations were found in five patients, with one patient having bithalamic arteriovenous malformations.Conclusions: This study highlights the importance of both family history and early clinical signs to prompt further diagnostic testing to avoid intracranial hemorrhage from brain arteriovenous malformations in children with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia.

Original Article: http://www.pedneur.com/article/S0887-8994(13)00487-6/abstract?rss=yes

Limbic Encephalitis in a Child: An Atypical Presentation

Limbic Encephalitis in a Child: An Atypical Presentation
Pediatric Neurology

Abstract: Background: Limbic encephalitis is a rare disorder with a generally subacute onset evolving over days to weeks. Patients present with a variable combination of memory loss, seizures, and psychiatric disturbance, and it is not rare for patients to be initially misdiagnosed.Patient: We describe a previously healthy 12-year-old boy who developed his first seizures at 8 years of age. He had a total of eight prolonged focal seizures, each followed by a month of behavioral changes and short-term memory loss. There was no family history of seizures or other neurological disorders, and he had an otherwise unremarkable neonatal and medical history.Results: Magnetic resonance imaging during each episode of seizures showed alternating unilateral brain hemispheric involvement consistent with limbic encephalitis that was followed by resolution for a total of six times. Despite a negative laboratory evaluation for a large panel of paraneoplastic antibodies, the clinical scenario and exclusion of other possible disorders made recurrent limbic encephalitis the most likely diagnosis.Conclusion: Limbic encephalitis is a rare disorder that is diagnosed primarily on the basis of clinical criteria and is often associated with the presence of a paraneoplastic antibody. However, lack of a positive paraneoplastic antibody in a patient with a triad of seizure, behavioral changes, and short-term memory loss does not exclude the diagnosis. The unique presentation in a seronegative patient may indicate an unrecognized antibody.

Original Article: http://www.pedneur.com/article/S0887-8994(13)00332-9/abstract?rss=yes

Friday, November 15, 2013

How Many Friends Can Your Brain Handle?

How Many Friends Can Your Brain Handle?
Scientific American: Mind and Brain

SAN DIEGO -- Being a social butterfly just might change your brain: In people with a large network of friends and excellent social skills, certain brain regions are bigger and better connected than in people with fewer friends, a new study finds.

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Original Article: http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=how-many-friends-can-your-brain-handle

Neurostimulator for Epilepsy Wins FDA Nod

Neurostimulator for Epilepsy Wins FDA Nod
MedPage Today Neurology

(MedPage Today) -- SILVER SPRING, Md. -- An electrical pulse generator that's implanted under the scalp has received FDA approval to treat drug-resistant epilepsy, the agency said.

Original Article: http://www.medpagetoday.com/Neurology/Seizures/42923

Genetics of ischaemic stroke

Genetics of ischaemic stroke
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry current issue

Recent advances in genomics and statistical computation have allowed us to begin addressing the genetic basis of stroke at a molecular level. These advances are at the cusp of making important changes to clinical practice of some monogenic forms of stroke and, in the future, are likely to revolutionise the care provided to these patients. In this review we summarise the state of knowledge in ischaemic stroke genetics particularly in the context of how a practicing clinician can best use this knowledge.



Original Article: http://jnnp.bmj.com/cgi/content/short/84/12/1302?rss=1

Does pre-existing cognitive impairment no-dementia influence the outcome of patients treated by intravenous thrombolysis for cerebral ischaemia?

Does pre-existing cognitive impairment no-dementia influence the outcome of patients treated by intravenous thrombolysis for cerebral ischaemia?
Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry current issue

Approximately 10% of patients with a first-ever stroke and 30% with a recurrent stroke have pre-existing dementia, and many others have cognitive impairment no-dementia (CIND). A recent trial and an updated meta-analysis showed that rt-PA is also beneficial after 80 years of age. Cognitive impairment being frequent in elderly subjects, more patients eligible for rt-PA will have prestroke cognitive impairment. They often have an underlying brain pathology associated with an increased bleeding risk: brain microbleeds and leukoaraiosis are frequent and usually associated with cerebral amyloid angiopathy in Alzheimer's disease or hypertensive microangiopathy in vascular dementia. They are also less likely to recover because of pre-existing brain lesions, impaired brain plasticity and possibly higher sensitivity to the neurotoxic effects of rt-PA. Three studies evaluated the influence of pre-existing dementia on outcome after thrombolysis. They provided conflicting results, that is, a tendency towards increased...

Original Article: http://jnnp.bmj.com/cgi/content/short/84/12/1412?rss=1

Delayed Neurological Deterioration After Mild Head Injury: Cause, Temporal Course, and Outcomes

Delayed Neurological Deterioration After Mild Head Injury: Cause, Temporal Course, and Outcomes
Neurosurgery - Most Popular Articles

imageBACKGROUND:Mild head injury (MHI) complicated by an intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is a common cause of hospital admission after head trauma. Most patients are treated nonoperatively, remain neurologically stable, and are discharged uneventfully. However, a small percentage of patients suffer delayed neurological deterioration (DND). Little is known about the characteristics of DND after an MHI complicated by ICH. OBJECTIVE:To identify the cause, temporal course, and outcomes of patients who deteriorated neurologically after presenting with MHI and ICH. METHODS:A retrospective review was performed of all adult patients presenting over 54 consecutive months with MHI and ICH. Patients who were treated nonoperatively after initial head computed tomography and had a subsequent DND (Glasgow Coma Scale score decrease ≥2) were identified. Demographics, neurological status, clinical course, radiographic findings, and outcome data were collected. RESULTS:Over 54 months, 757 patients with MHI plus ICH were admitted for observation; of these, 31 (4.1%) experienced DND. Eighty-seven percent of patients deteriorated within 24 hours after admission. Twenty-one patients (68%) deteriorated as a result of progressive intracranial hemorrhage, and 10 patients (32%) deteriorated as a result of medical causes. Seven patients (23%) died. Variables significantly associated with mortality included age > 60 years, coagulopathy, and change in Marshall computed tomography classification. CONCLUSION:The incidence of delayed neurological deterioration after MHI with ICH is low and usually occurs within 24 hours after admission. It results in significant morbidity and mortality if it is the result of progressive intracranial hemorrhage. Further research is needed to identify risk factors that can allow early detection and improve outcomes in these patients. ABBREVIATIONS:DND, delayed neurological deteriorationGCS, Glasgow Coma ScaleGOS, Glasgow Outcome ScaleICH, intracranial hemorrhageMHI, mild head injuryPIH, progressive intracranial hemorrhageTBI, traumatic brain injury

Original Article: http://journals.lww.com/neurosurgery/Fulltext/2013/11000/Delayed_Neurological_Deterioration_After_Mild_Head.3.aspx

Social stability affects production of new brain cells; ability of brain to adapt is key to coping with hierarchies and stress

Social stability affects production of new brain cells; ability of brain to adapt is key to coping with hierarchies and stress
Neurology News & Neuroscience News from Medical News Today

New studies released reveal links between social status and specific brain structures and activity, particularly in the context of social stress. The findings were presented at Neuroscience 2013, the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience and the world's largest source of emerging news about brain science and health.

Original Article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/268799.php

Endovascular Neurosurgery on Real Patients in a Simulated Environment - PR Web (press release)

Endovascular Neurosurgery on Real Patients in a Simulated Environment - PR Web (press release)
neurosurgery - Google News


Endovascular Neurosurgery on Real Patients in a Simulated Environment
PR Web (press release)
Mentice, world leader in medical cardiovascular and endovascular simulation, today announced the release of the world's first solution to allow physicians to import medical image data from cerebral anatomies of real patients into a simulated ...



Original Article: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNE6XbHzjGcjI7hVOoGMelmds-nTrQ&url=http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/11/prweb11320814.htm

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Statistical significance and its part in science downfalls

Statistical significance and its part in science downfalls
Scientific American: Mind and Brain

Imagine if there were a simple single statistical measure everybody could use with any set of data and it would reliably separate true from false. Oh, the things we would know! Unrealistic to expect such wizardry though, huh?

Yet, statistical significance is commonly treated as though it is that magic wand. Take a null hypothesis or look for any association between factors in a data set and abracadabra ! Get a " p value" over or under 0.05 and you can be 95% certain it's either a fluke or it isn't. You can eliminate the play of chance! You can separate the signal from the noise!

[More]


Original Article: http://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/post.cfm?id=statistical-significance-and-its-part-in-science-downfalls

Artificial legs that emulate healthy limbs

Artificial legs that emulate healthy limbs
Neurology News & Neuroscience News from Medical News Today

Recent advances in robotics technology make it possible to create prosthetics that can duplicate the natural movement of human legs. This capability promises to dramatically improve the mobility of lower-limb amputees, allowing them to negotiate stairs and slopes and uneven ground, significantly reducing their risk of falling as well as reducing stress on the rest of their bodies...

Original Article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/268620.php

Successful grant applications and scholarly impact in neurosurgery - Medical Xpress

Successful grant applications and scholarly impact in neurosurgery - Medical Xpress
neurosurgery - Google News


Successful grant applications and scholarly impact in neurosurgery
Medical Xpress
Researchers have found a strong relationship between scholarly impact and success in receiving awards from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) among faculty in academic neurosurgery departments. Faculty members who receive NIH funding have ...



Original Article: http://news.google.com/news/url?sa=t&fd=R&usg=AFQjCNGGBdgDHJDPvciuTam6_Xays2gm2w&url=http://medicalxpress.com/news/2013-11-successful-grant-applications-scholarly-impact.html

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Increased brain activity linked to self-reflection during depression

Increased brain activity linked to self-reflection during depression
Neurology News & Neuroscience News from Medical News Today

New research has shown that people who experience depressive episodes demonstrate increases in brain activity when they think about themselves, compared with people who are not depressed. This is according to a study published in the journal PLOS One...

Original Article: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/268518.php

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