NICA: Neurological Injury Compensation Association

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 45-47
Author(s):  
Kathryn Natale
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Injury

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors for cavernous hemangiomas of the spinal cord: a retrospective cohort study

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 271-278 ◽  
Author(s):  
Narihito Nagoshi ◽  
Osahiko Tsuji ◽  
Daisuke Nakashima ◽  
Ayano Takeuchi ◽  
Kaori Kameyama ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Conservative Treatment ◽  
Surgical Intervention ◽  
Lesion Size ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Neurological Function ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Prognostic Indicators ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Surgical Data ◽  
Unstable Gait

OBJECTIVEIntramedullary cavernous hemangioma (CH) is a rare vascular lesion that is mainly characterized by the sudden onset of hemorrhage in young, asymptomatic patients, who then experience serious neurological deterioration. Despite the severity of this condition, the therapeutic approach and timing of intervention for CH remain matters of debate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics of CH patients before and after surgery and to identify prognostic indicators that affect neurological function in these patients.METHODSThis single-center retrospective study included 66 patients who were treated for intramedullary CH. Among them, 57 underwent surgery and 9 patients received conservative treatment. The authors collected demographic, symptomology, imaging, neurological, and surgical data. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the prognostic indicators for neurological function.RESULTSWhen comparing patients with stable and unstable gait prior to surgery, patients with unstable gait had a higher frequency of hemorrhagic episodes (52.4% vs 19.4%, p = 0.010), as assessed by the modified McCormick Scale. The lesion was significantly smaller in patients who underwent conservative treatment compared with surgery (2.5 ± 1.5 mm vs 5.9 ± 4.1 mm, respectively; p = 0.024). Overall, the patients experienced significant neurological recovery after surgery, but a worse preoperative neurological status was identified as an indicator affecting surgical outcomes by multivariate analysis (OR 10.77, 95% CI 2.88–40.36, p < 0.001). In addition, a larger lesion size was significantly associated with poor functional recovery in patients who had an unstable gait prior to surgery (8.6 ± 4.5 mm vs 3.5 ± 1.6 mm, p = 0.011).CONCLUSIONSOnce a hemorrhage occurs, surgical intervention should be considered to avoid recurrence of the bleeding and further neurological injury. In contrast, if the patients with larger lesion presented with worse preoperative functional status, surgical intervention could have a risk for aggravating the functional deficiencies by damaging the thinning cord parenchyma. Conservative treatment may be selected if the lesion is small, but regular neurological examination by MRI is needed for assessment of a change in lesion size and for detection of functional deterioration.

scholarly journals Upbeat vertical nystagmus after brain stem cavernoma resection: a rare case of nucleus intercalatus/nucleus of roller injury

2020 ◽  
Vol 267 (10) ◽  
pp. 2865-2870
Author(s):  
Torstein R. Meling ◽  
Aria Nouri ◽  
Adrien May ◽  
Nils Guinand ◽  
Maria Isabel Vargas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rare Case ◽  
Vascular Malformations ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Medial Longitudinal Fasciculus ◽  
Blurred Vision ◽  
Complete Excision ◽  
First Case ◽  
Vertical Nystagmus ◽  
Upbeat Nystagmus

Abstract Introduction CNS cavernomas are a type of raspberry-shaped vascular malformations that are typically asymptomatic, but can result in haemorrhage, neurological injury, and seizures. Here, we present a rare case of a brainstem cavernoma that was surgically resected whereafter an upbeat nystagmus presented postoperatively. Case report A 42-year old man presented with sudden-onset nausea, vomiting, vertigo, blurred vision, marked imbalance and difficulty swallowing. Neurological evaluation showed bilateral ataxia, generalized hyperreflexia with left-sided predominance, predominantly horizontal gaze evoked nystagmus on right and left gaze, slight left labial asymmetry, uvula deviation to the right, and tongue deviation to the left. MRI demonstrated a 13-mm cavernoma with haemorrhage and oedema in the medulla oblongata. Surgery was performed via a minimal-invasive, midline approach. Complete excision was confirmed on postoperative MRI. The patient recovered well and became almost neurologically intact. However, he complained of mainly vertical oscillopsia. The videonystagmography revealed a new-onset spontaneous upbeat nystagmus in all gaze directions, not suppressed by fixation. An injury of the rarely described intercalatus nucleus/nucleus of Roller is thought to be the cause. Conclusion Upbeat nystagmus can be related to several lesions of the brainstem, including the medial longitudinal fasciculus, the pons, and the dorsal medulla. To our knowledge, this is the first case of an iatrogenic lesion of the nucleus intercalatus/nucleus of Roller resulting in an upbeat vertical nystagmus. For neurologists, it is important to be aware of the function of this nucleus for assessment of clinical manifestations due to lesions within this region.

scholarly journals Focused ultrasound in neuro-oncology: the role of the Focused Ultrasound Foundation in driving adoption and innovation

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emily C. Whipple ◽  
Camille A. Favero ◽  
Neal F. Kassell
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Brain Tumors ◽  
Focused Ultrasound ◽  
Clinical Evidence ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Tumor Agent

Abstract Introduction Intra-arterial (lA) delivery of therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an evolving strategy which enables the distribution of high concentration therapeutics through a targeted vascular territory, while potentially limiting systemic toxicity. Studies have demonstrated lA methods to be safe and efficacious for a variety of therapeutics. However, further characterization of the clinical efficacy of lA therapy for the treatment of brain tumors and refinement of its potential applications are necessary. Methods We have reviewed the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting superselective intraarterial cerebral infusion (SSJACI) with BBB disruption for the treatment of brain tumors. In addition, we review ongoing clinical trials expanding the applicability and investigating the efficacy of lA therapy for the treatment of brain tumors. Results Trends in recent studies have embraced the use of SSIACI and less neurotoxic chemotherapies. The majority of trials continue to use mannitol as the preferred method of hyperosmolar BBB disruption. Recent preclinical and preliminary human investigations into the lA delivery of Bevacizumab have demonstrated its safety and efficacy as an anti-tumor agent both alone and in combination with chemotherapy. Conclusion lA drug delivery may significantly affect the way treatment are delivered to patients with brain tumors, and in particular GBM. With refinement and standardization of the techniques of lA drug delivery, improved drug selection and formulations, and the development of methods to minimize treatment-related neurological injury, lA therapy may offer significant benefits for the treatment of brain tumors.

scholarly journals Microglia as therapeutic targets after neurological injury: strategy for cell therapy

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Collins Scott ◽  
Supinder S. Bedi ◽  
Scott D. Olson ◽  
Candice M. Sears ◽  
Charles S. Cox
Keyword(s):  
Cell Therapy ◽  
Therapeutic Targets ◽  
Neurological Injury

scholarly journals Esmolol during cardiopulmonary resuscitation reduces neurological injury in a porcine model of cardiac arrest

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Ruggeri ◽  
Francesca Nespoli ◽  
Giuseppe Ristagno ◽  
Francesca Fumagalli ◽  
Antonio Boccardo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation ◽  
Porcine Model ◽  
Neuronal Degeneration ◽  
Neuron Specific Enolase ◽  
Coronary Perfusion Pressure ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Saline Control ◽  
Preclinical Model ◽  
Coronary Perfusion ◽  
To Receive

AbstractPrimary vasopressor efficacy of epinephrine during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is due to its α-adrenergic effects. However, epinephrine plays β1-adrenergic actions, which increasing myocardial oxygen consumption may lead to refractory ventricular fibrillation (VF) and poor outcome. Effects of a single dose of esmolol in addition to epinephrine during CPR were investigated in a porcine model of VF with an underlying acute myocardial infarction. VF was ischemically induced in 16 pigs and left untreated for 12 min. During CPR, animals were randomized to receive epinephrine (30 µg/kg) with either esmolol (0.5 mg/kg) or saline (control). Pigs were then observed up to 96 h. Coronary perfusion pressure increased during CPR in the esmolol group compared to control (47 ± 21 vs. 24 ± 10 mmHg at min 5, p < 0.05). In both groups, 7 animals were successfully resuscitated and 4 survived up to 96 h. No significant differences were observed between groups in the total number of defibrillations delivered prior to final resuscitation. Brain histology demonstrated reductions in cortical neuronal degeneration/necrosis (score 0.3 ± 0.5 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5, p < 0.05) and hippocampal microglial activation (6 ± 3 vs. 22 ± 4%, p < 0.01) in the esmolol group compared to control. Lower circulating levels of neuron specific enolase were measured in esmolol animals compared to controls (2[1–3] vs. 21[16–52] ng/mL, p < 0.01). In this preclinical model, β1-blockade during CPR did not facilitate VF termination but provided neuroprotection.

scholarly journals Early Versus Late Spine Surgery in Severely Injured Patients—Which Is the Appropriate Timing for Surgery?

2021 ◽  
pp. 219256822198929
Author(s):  
Arnaldo Sousa ◽  
Cláudia Rodrigues ◽  
Luís Barros ◽  
Pedro Serrano ◽  
Ricardo Rodrigues-Pinto
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rate ◽  
Spinal Fractures ◽  
Simplified Acute Physiology Score ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Spine Fractures ◽  
Severely Injured ◽  
Intubation Time ◽  
Severely Injured Patients ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Injured Patients

Study Design: Retrospective cohort study conducted at tertiary spinal trauma referral center. Objective: We aimed to determine if early definitive management of spine fractures in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) shortens the intubation time and the length of stay (LOS), without increasing mortality. Methods: The medical records of all patients admitted to the ICU and submitted to surgical stabilization of spine fractures were reviewed over a 10-year period. Time to surgery, number of fractured vertebrae, degree of neurological injury, Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS II), ASA score and associated trauma were evaluated. Surgeries performed on the first 72 hours after trauma were defined as “early surgeries.” Intubation time, LOS on ICU, overall LOS and mortality rate were compared between patients operated early and late. Results: Fifty patients were included, 21 with cervical fractures, 23 thoracic and 6 lumbar. Baseline characteristics did not differ between patients in both groups. Patients with early surgical stabilization had significantly shorter intubation time, ICU-LOS and overall LOS, with no differences in terms of mortality rate. After multivariate adjustments overall LOS was significantly shorter in patients operated earlier. Conclusions: Early spinal stabilization (<72 hours) of severely injured patients is beneficial and shortens the intubation time, ICU-LOS and overall LOS, with no differences in terms of mortality rate. Although some patients may require a delay in treatment due to necessary medical stabilization, every reasonable effort should be made to treat patients with unstable spinal fractures as early as possible. Level of Evidence of the Study: Level III.

Neurosurgical intervention in penetrating spinal trauma with associated visceral injury

1989 ◽  
Vol 70 (4) ◽  
pp. 514-518 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin H. Venger ◽  
Richard K. Simpson ◽  
Raj K. Narayan
Keyword(s):  
Neurological Outcome ◽  
Cauda Equina ◽  
Neurological Deficits ◽  
Neurological Injury ◽  
Infection Prophylaxis ◽  
Associated Injuries ◽  
Visceral Injury ◽  
Surgical Exploration ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Neurosurgical Intervention

✓ Associated injuries to the neck, chest, or abdomen are found in approximately one-quarter of all civilians with penetrating spinal cord or cauda equina injuries. While the value of and indications for general surgical exploration and repair of these injuries are fairly self-evident, the value of neurosurgical intervention in terms of neurological outcome and infection prophylaxis remains the subject of debate. To study this issue, 160 civilian patients with penetrating spinal injuries and neurological deficits were retrospectively reviewed. Associated injuries of the esophagus, trachea, bronchi, or bowel were seen in 107 individuals (67%); 33 (31%) of these patients had abdominal injuries, 25 (23%) had neck injuries, 23 (21%) had thoracic injuries, and 26 (24%) had injuries occurring at multiple sites. Of these 107 patients, 67 (63%) had complete neurological injuries and the remaining 40 (37%) demonstrated incomplete deficits. All 107 patients underwent surgical exploration and repair of their visceral injuries; in 19 of them a neurosurgical procedure was also performed for decompression of the neural elements and/or debridement of the wound. Regardless of the presence of associated visceral injuries, the mechanism of injury, and the extent of the neurological deficit, no statistically significant difference in neurological outcome was found in patients with or without neurosurgical intervention. Complications associated with neurological injury were reported in 17 (11%) of the total group of 160 patients. Four (21%) of the 19 patients who had neurosurgical intervention suffered a related complication, compared to only six (7%) of the 88 patients who were managed conservatively (p < 0.05). Within the limitations of a retrospective review, the results of this study do not clearly support the value of routine neurosurgical intervention as an adjunct to general surgical repair in cases of spinal injury associated with penetrating visceral trauma.

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