Trauma-Associated Tension Pneumocephalus with Characteristic Mount Fuji Sign—Case Report

Tension pneumocephalus is a rare and life-threatening neurosurgical emergency in the setting of blunt or penetrating head trauma, especially in those with craniofacial fractures, which emergency physicians should be aware about. Early identification and appropriate treatment measures including supine positioning, 100% oxygen via mask, early neurosurgery consultation and, if required, operative intervention are paramount to optimal neurological and survival outcome. Definitive diagnosis requires imaging usually in the form of computed tomography (CT) head and serial monitoring of neurological status, optic nerve sheath diameter measurement and repeat imaging, essential to identify patients who might have features of increased pressure on brain matter, which could lead to adverse neurological and clinical outcomes. We present two cases of tension pneumocephalus with the characteristic Mount Fuji sign on CT head, who were managed nonoperatively with optimal neurological outcome. In patients with severe head or maxillofacial trauma presenting to emergency department, CT should be evaluated for signs of tension pneumocephalus, and such patients need to be closely observed for complications of pressure effect on brain matter to ensure optimal neurological and survival outcomes.

Electrical Injuries and Neurosurgery: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Introduction Electrical injuries account for 5 to 27% of admissions to burn units. The nervous system is affected in as much as 21% of nervous injuries, with reported mortality. Case Report The authors report a case of a patient presenting to the neurosurgical service with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused due to an electrical burn. Available data was reviewed through a PubMed search of literature, with special attention to the nature of presentation, classification of such injuries, the pathophysiology of the events that arise, complications to be expected, and the guidelines for management. Conclusion It is possible for electrical injuries to cause TBIs requiring neurosurgical intervention.

Traumatic Optic Neuropathy Our Experience with Combined Therapy

Objective Traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is an important cause of severe vision impairment after sustaining a closed head injury. This study describes the safety and efficacy of combined therapy in the management of TON. Methods A retrospective analysis of 23 consecutive cases of unilateral TON managed with combined therapy (steroid and surgery) were performed. Statistical analysis of patient characteristic, timing of vision loss, radiological and intraoperative findings, and pre- and post-treatment vision were compared to assess the prognostic factors. Results Seventeen patients (85%) had vision improvement with combined therapy. Three patients (15%), who recorded no improvement, initially presented with no perception of light, and loss was sudden and immediate. With steroids, 9 patients improved, all of them presented with perception of light (PL) or better and vision improved to (6/6 in five, 6/9 in one, 6/18 in 3). Eleven patients (6 PL–ve and 5 PL + ve after failed steroid therapy) underwent endoscopic optic nerve decompression and eight had improvement in vision. The status of vision at presentation was only statically significant prognostic factor (p < 0.02). Others prognostic factors, for example, time of starting treatment, surgery, and presence of fracture in optic canal, were not found statistically significant (p > 0.05). There were no significant intra- and postoperative complications. Conclusion Combined therapy is safe and effective in management of TON. Mild form injury with some preserved vision at presentation respond well to steroids, while endoscopic nerve decompression should be reserved in cases with failed steroid therapy.

Clinical and Laboratory Markers in Determination of Treatment Modalities and Short-Term Prognosis in Patients with Traumatic Acute Subdural Hematoma: Original Study

Objective In patients with traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASH), it has not been yet fully elucidated which patients can benefit from surgery or from clinical follow-up. This study was constructed to predict treatment modality and short-term prognosis in patients with ASH using their clinical, radiological, and biochemical laboratory findings during admission to hospital. Methods Findings of patients with ASH determined on their CT scan between 2015 and 2018 were evaluated. Patients were grouped in terms of ASH-FOL (patients followed-up without surgery, n = 13), ASH-OP (patients treated surgically, n = 10), and ASH-INOP (patients considered as inoperable, n = 5) groups. They also were divided into “survived (n = 14)” and “nonsurvived (n = 14)” groups. Results ASH developed as a result of fall from a height in 15 patients and traffic accidents in 13 patients. In deciding for surgery, it was determined that Glasgow coma scale (GCS) scores < 8, midline shift (MLS) level > 5 mm, MLS-hematoma thickness ratio > 0.22, leukocyte count > 12730 uL, and presence of anisocoria could be used as predictive markers. It was determined that GCS scores < 8, hematoma thickness value > 8 mm, and the presence of anisocoria could be considered as biomarkers in prediction of mortality likelihood. Conclusion It could be suggested that GCS scores, MLS level, MLS-hematoma thickness ratio, presence of anisocoria, and leukocyte count value could help in determination of the treatment modality in patients with ASH. Additionally, GCS scores, hematoma thickness value, and presence of anisocoria could each be used as a marker in the prediction of early-stage prognosis and mortality likelihood of these patients.

Development and Implementation of an e-Learning Program on Glasgow Coma Scale

Background With the advancement in technology, e-learning is an attractive platform to facilitate online continuing medical education. The aim of the study was to develop a web-based nursing education program on the Glasgow coma scale (GCS) and to assess the effectiveness of this module in improving the knowledge of nurses. Methods A one-group pretest posttest study was conducted among nurses working in a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India, from November 2015 till July 2016. Before administering the GCS module, an online questionnaire was used to assess the baseline knowledge. After the completion of the module, a posttest questionnaire was administered and assessed. Results A total of 3500 users completed the e-learning GCS module. The mean pretest score was 4.2 ±2.1, and the mean posttest score was 7.3 ± 2.5. The mean difference in the score was statistically highly significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion The e-learning module is an effective means of providing continuing online education to the nurses, so that they can update their knowledge.

Posttraumatic Retropharyngeal Pseudomeningocele—A Case Report

A retropharyngeal pseudomeningocele after cervical vertebral fracture dislocation is an extremely rare complication and often associated with hydrocephalus. It usually presents with respiratory difficulty and dysphagia, sometimes as an incidental finding in radiological study. We reported a case of 45-year-old female patient who had posttraumatic lower cervical prevertebral retropharyngeal pseudomeningocele, found as an incidental finding in a routine radiological workup. Patient underwent ACDF but expired 2 weeks postoperatively due to respiratory failure. Although the prognosis of retropharyngeal pseudomeningocele depends upon the severity of initial trauma, early recognition and management can prevent enlargement of cyst and development of respiratory difficulty and dysphagia.

Asymmetric Lateral Ventricles—A Tale of Two Cases

Asymmetry of the lateral ventricles is not an uncommon finding. On one end, it is a predictor of intracranial pathology, and on the other, it can represent a normal variant. It needs to be appropriately investigated. In this case report, we presented two cases of asymmetric lateral ventricles, their presentation, progression and management.

Reliability of Towel Test for Elbow Flexion Assessment in Brachial Plexus Birth Palsy

Background and Objectives The towel test is a reliable and straightforward technique to find elbow flexion in brachial plexus birth palsy. This study evaluates the role and reliability of towel test in children at 6 and 9 months of age. Materials and Methods We conducted the towel test in 30 consecutive children at 6 and 9 months of their ages between 2015 and 2020. We recorded the results along with the side involved in these children and the mother’s handedness. Based on the results of towel tests, we did a statistical correlation. Results Sixteen of the 30 children were boys. Twelve of the 30 children had left-side involvement. Four mothers were left handed. Four (13%) infants (male = 3; female = 1) had false-negative towel test at 6 and 9 months. There is a significant correlation between the left-hand mother’s and infant who had false-negative towel test (p < 0.01) Conclusion The towel test is reliable and straightforward to assess the elbow flexion at 6 and 9 months. It can be falsely negative in 13% of children because of handedness. Mother’s handedness is crucial and should be recorded during the children assessment. Alternate tests will further evaluate the elbow flexion in such false-negative towel-tested brachial plexus birth palsy children.

Suprascapular Nerve Entrapment by a Trifid Superior Transverse Scapular Ligament

Anatomical variations at the suprascapular notch may limit the available space for the suprascapular nerve (SSN), and cause its entrapment in the tight osseoligamentous tunnel. The author encountered the presence of a trifid superior transverse scapular ligament (STSL) while operating on a patient with SSN entrapment. Surgical division of the three bands resulted in complete regression of symptoms.