Acta Neurochirurgica 

About: Acta Neurochirurgica is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Neuroradiology & Intracranial pressure. It has an ISSN identifier of 0001-6268. Over the lifetime, 15499 publications have been published receiving 320875 citations. The journal is also known as: Acta neurochirurgica (Print).

A systematic review of brain injury epidemiology in Europe.

Abstract: Background. The world’s literature on traumatic brain injury (TBI) grows annually including new reports on epidemiologic findings from many regions. With the wide variety of reports emphasizing various factors it is useful to compile these findings, hence the objective of this report. Thus, we describe epidemiological factors from European studies largely published in the last 20 years.

Plate and screw fixation for atlanto-axial subluxation.

Abstract: Our experience with 30 cases of atlanto-axial dislocation, over the period of 3 years and 9 months, is described A modified plate and screw method of fixation of the lateral masses of the atlas and axis was successfully used in these cases The technical aspects and merits of the method, wherein a 100% union rate was achieved, with no morbidity, mortality, or instrument fatigue or failure, are presented The average follow-up period is of 19 months The technique provided immediate rigid segmental internal fixation, permitting early mobilization with minimal external support Onlay and interfacetal bone grafts subsequently produced bony fusion Direct application of screws to the atlas and axis, thus utilizing the firm purchase in their thick and large cortico-cancellous lateral mass, provides a biomechanically strong fixation of the region Occipito-cervical fusion can be achieved in selected cases by a modification of the method It appears that such a method of fixation could be useful at least in some complex congenital or traumatic craniovertebral region instability where the conventional methods have failed or are not suitable

Assessment and prognosis of coma after head injury

Abstract: The Glasgow Coma Scale, based upon eye opening, verbal and motor responses has proved a practical and consistent means of monitoring the state of head injured patients Observations made in the early stages after injury define the depth and duration of coma and, when combined with clinical features such as a patient's age and brain stem function, have been used to predict outcome Series of cases in comparable depths of coma in Glasgow and the Netherlands showed remarkably similar outcomes at 3 months Based upon observations made in the first 24 hours of coma after injury, data from 255 previous cases reliably predicted outcome in the majority of 92 new patients The exceptions were patients with potential to recover who later developed complications: no patient did significantly better than predicted

Chronic Motor Cortex Stimulation for the Treatment of Central Pain

Abstract: Twelve patients with deafferentation pain secondary to central nervous system lesions were subjected to chronic motor cortex stimulation. The motor cortex was mapped as carefully as possible and the electrode was placed in the region where muscle twitch of painful area can be observed with the lowest threshold. 5 of the 12 patients reported complete absence of previous pain with intermittent stimulation at 1 year following the initiation of this therapy. Improvements in hemiparesis was also observed in most of these patients. The pain of these patients was typically barbiturate-sensitive and morphine-resistant. Another 3 patients had some degree of residual pain but considerable reduction of pain was still obtained by stimulation. Thus, 8 of the 12 patients (67%) had continued effect of this therapy after 1 year. In 3 patients, revisions of the electrode placement were needed because stimulation became incapable of inducing muscle twitch even with higher stimulation intensity. The effect of stimulation on pain and capability of producing muscle twitch disappeared simultaneously in these cases and the effect reappeared after the revisions, indicating that appropriate stimulation of the motor cortex is definitely necessary for obtaining satisfactory pain control in these patients. None of the patients subjected to this therapy developed neither observable nor electroencephalographic seizure activity.

Surgical Treatment of Epilepsies

Abstract: Epilepsy is characterized by recurrent epileptic seizures. Surgical interventions represent a reasonable alternative to long-term anti-epileptic drug treatment in those patients destined to achieve incomplete seizure control. The presurgical work-up aims at identifying appropriate surgical candidates. Surgical options with a curative goal include temporal and extratemporal resections and hemispherectomy. With these procedures complete seizure control can be achieved in approximately 2/3 of patients. With palliative procedures such as callosotomy, multiple subpial transections, and vagal nerve stimulation, approximately half of the patients will significantly improve after surgery. In all, epilepsy surgery has proven to be a highly effective treatment option. Major problems include the definition of the epileptogenic area with respect to optimal seizure control and minimum neurological and neuropsychological impairment after surgery.