scholarly journals A nationwide survey on clinical neurophysiology education in Italian schools of specialization in neurology

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tommaso Bocci ◽  
Laura Campiglio ◽  
Vincenzo Silani ◽  
Alfredo Berardelli ◽  
Alberto Priori
Keyword(s):  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Clinical Neurophysiology ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
International Perspective ◽  
School Directors ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
Training Standards ◽  
Wide Variability ◽  
Neurophysiological Test

Abstract Introduction Clinical neurophysiology deals with nervous system functions assessed with electrophysiological and ultrasound-based imaging techniques. Even though the need for highly specialized neurophysiologists has increased, residency training rarely takes today’s requirements into account. This study aimed to snapshot the neurophysiological training provided by Italian specialization schools in neurology. Methods A single-page web-based survey comprising 13 multiple-choice categorical and interval scale questions was sent via e-mail to neurology specialization school directors. The survey addressed the programs’ structural neurophysiology organization, time dedicated to each clinical neurophysiology subspecialty, and descriptors assessing the discipline’s importance (e.g., residents who attempted residential courses, gained certifications, or awards gained). Results The most studied neurophysiological techniques were electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG). Most specialization schools devoted less than 3 months each to multimodal evoked potentials (EPs), ultrasound sonography (US), and intra-operative monitoring. Of the 35 specialization schools surveyed, 77.1% reported that four students, or fewer, participated in the Italian Society of Clinical Neurophysiology Examination in Neurophysiology. Of the 35 specialization centers surveyed, 11.4% declared that the final evaluation required students to discuss a neurophysiological test. Discussion Our survey underlined the poorly standardized technical requirements in postgraduate neurology specialization schools, wide variability among training programs, and limited training on multi-modal evoked potentials, intraoperative monitoring, and sonography. These findings underline the need to reappraise and improve educational and training standards for clinical neurophysiology during postgraduate specialization schools in neurology with an international perspective.

scholarly journals Seventy years since the invention of the averaging technique in Neurophysiology: Tribute to George Duncan Dawson

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Otto Jesus Hernández Fustes ◽  
Cláudia Suemi Kamoi Kay ◽  
Paulo José Lorenzoni ◽  
Renata Dal-Prá Ducci ◽  
Lineu Cesar Werneck ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Evoked Potentials ◽  
Clinical Application ◽  
Clinical Neurophysiology ◽  
New Technique ◽  
Averaging Technique

ABSTRACT In 1951, the physiologist George Duncan Dawson presented his work with the averaging of the signal in the evoked potentials (EPs), opening a new stage in the development of clinical neurophysiology. The authors present aspects of Professor Dawson’s biography and a review of his work on the EPs and, mainly, the article reveals the new technique in detail that would allow the growth of the clinical application of the visual, auditory, and somatosensory EPs.

scholarly journals Interpretation and value of MR CSF flow studies for paediatric neurosurgery

2013 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samukelisiwe Sithembile Mbonane ◽  
Savvas Andronikou
Keyword(s):  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Aqueductal Stenosis ◽  
Chiari I Malformation ◽  
Invasive Technique ◽  
Third Ventriculostomy ◽  
Csf Flow ◽  
Mechanical Coupling ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Technical Requirements ◽  
Chiari I

Imaging techniques may be underutilised when clinicians are unaware of the technique or do not recognise its potential. Phase-contrast MR imaging (PC-MRI) is a rapid, simple and non-invasive technique that is sensitive to CSF flow. It demonstrates a mechanical coupling between cerebral blood and CSF flow throughout the cardiac cycle. Neurosurgeons should be able to request this procedure routinely as part of an MRI request. This paper gives an overview of the indications, technical requirements, technique and interpretation, using image examples. Indications for CSF flow studies include assessment and functionality of shunt treatment in patients with hydrocephalus; hydrocephalus associated with achondroplasia; Chiari I malformation; confirmation of aqueductal stenosis; and determining patency of a third ventriculostomy.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Strategies in the Management of Infective Aortic Valve Endocarditis at German Cardiac Surgical Departments

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (08) ◽  
pp. 624-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Payam Akhyari ◽  
Hug Aubin ◽  
Maximilian Lühr ◽  
Ardawan Julian Rastan ◽  
Andreas Beckmann ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Aortic Valve ◽  
Imaging Techniques ◽  
Surgical Techniques ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Nationwide Survey ◽  
Postoperative Management ◽  
Valve Prosthesis ◽  
Operative Strategies ◽  
Prospective Trials ◽  
High Risk Cohort

Background Surgical treatment of infective aortic valve endocarditis (AVE) remains a therapeutic challenge, necessitating interdisciplinary approach to limit morbidity and mortality in this high-risk cohort. With a considerable spectrum of available laboratory testings, imaging techniques, as well as operative strategies developed in recent years, there is a lack of standardization across cardiac surgical departments in Germany. Thus, the optimal treatment strategy of AVE has yet to be defined. Methods A nationwide survey on infective AVE was conducted, including 64 cardiac surgical departments responding to a 41-item questionnaire. The evaluation included common surgical practice, routine diagnostic steps, surgical techniques, perioperative medical treatment, as well as postoperative management. Results Remarkable differences were observed among the participating institutions, including the following components of the treatment: (1) standardization and extent of the use of imaging techniques and (2) success rate in identification AVE-causing germs, (3) timing of operation in case of cerebral embolization, and (4) choice of valve prosthesis for aortic valve replacement for infective AVE. Conclusion The findings of this survey underline the need for a nationwide registry to further elucidate the nature and course of AVE in Germany, as well as to serve as a solid basis for prospective trials, addressing the most important clinical purposes in the diagnosis and treatment of AVE.

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