Publications by authors named "Carsten R Bjarkam"

Background: The subgenual gyrus is a promising target for deep brain stimulation (DBS) against depression. However, to optimize this treatment modality, we need translational animal models.

Aim: To describe the anatomy and connectivity of the Göttingen minipig subgenual area (sgC).

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  • Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is being explored as a treatment for chronic pancreatitis pain, but there are few rigorous trials confirming its effectiveness.
  • A study involving 16 patients compared the effects of SCS and a sham procedure over different periods, measuring pain intensity through a diary and various questionnaires.
  • Results showed no significant difference in pain scores between SCS and sham, indicating that while short-term relief wasn't found, longer studies may be needed to assess the long-term impact of SCS on pain management in chronic pancreatitis patients.
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Background: Postoperative drainage after surgical evacuation of chronic subdural haematoma reduces the risk of recurrence, but the optimum drainage time is uncertain. We aimed to investigate the shortest possible drainage time without increasing the haematoma recurrence rate.

Methods: We conducted a randomised, multi-arm and multistage non-inferiority trial at four neurosurgical centres in Denmark.

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Introduction: Previously, only 40 cases with extradural hemangioblastoma at the spinal nerve (none at the T1 nerve root) have been described in the medical literature. In toto, resection of this hypervascular tumor is essential to avoid bleeding complications. Surgery for hemangioblastoma at the cervicothoracic junction is complex and nerve resection of the T1 results in specific neurodeficits of the hand muscles which are not well known.

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Purpose: To evaluate patient demographics, surgery characteristics, and patient-reported clinical outcomes related to the implementation of lumbar PTED in Denmark by surgeons novice to the PTED technique.

Methods: All adult patients treated with a lumbar PTED from our first surgery in October 2020 to December 2021 were included. Data was generated by journal audit and telephone interview.

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  • MEN1 is a rare genetic syndrome caused by mutations in the menin 1 gene, leading to tumors in multiple endocrine glands, particularly affecting parathyroid, pancreatic, and pituitary glands.
  • Primary hyperparathyroidism is the most common manifestation, followed by pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, and recent studies have identified ependymoma as another potential neoplasm associated with MEN1.
  • The text introduces a new tumor subtype linked to MEN1 called Pleomorphic Xanthoastocytoma grade 3 differential pathology (PDP), suggesting that it may arise from specific genetic variants related to the MEN1 gene and associated factors.
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A further rise in chronic subdural haematoma (CSDH) prevalence is expected with an ageing population, and evidence-based guidelines are needed to direct treatment, while creating a platform for research. The Danish Chronic Subdural Hematoma Study (DACSUHS) has implemented the first Danish national CSDH guidelines in 2018 and have standardised CSDH management on a national level. Based on CSDH literature published between 2016 and 2022, these guidelines were updated in 2022.

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Objective: To examine if the use of an antibacterial envelope (TYRX) decreases the rate of postoperative infection in chronic pain patients undergoing treatment with spinal cord stimulation (SCS) involving device implantation.

Methods: Single-center retrospective cohort study comparing postoperative infections rates in non-TYRX recipients from 2018 to 2020 with recipients of a TYRX antibacterial envelope from 2020 to 2021. Infection was registered if a patient received any form of antibiotic treatment after hospital discharge within a follow-up period of 100 days.

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Chronic malignant pain is a common and feared condition. Especially, since many patients do not achieve proper pain relief from conventional peroral medication regimes and possible unacceptable side effects of high dosing. As argued in this review, in these patients, continuous intrathecal infusion of pain medicine by a programmable subcutaneously placed pump enables good pain relief, less systemic side effects, and better life quality.

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The technical development has caused a reintroduction of endoscopic techniques directed towards degenerative spine disease. A summary of the endoscopic procedure is given in this review. The spinal canal is reached through an inter-laminar or transforaminal access.

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Background And Objectives: In most neurosurgical centers, irrigation is an essential part of the surgical procedure for chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH). However, it is unknown whether the volume of irrigation fluid affects the risk of CSDH recurrence. This study aimed to investigate a potential association between the volume of irrigation fluid used during burr hole evacuation of CSDH and the risk of CSDH recurrence.

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Aim: To compare the clinical outcome of single level cervical degenerative spine disease treated surgically with motion preserving anterior cervical disc arthroplasty versus anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF).

Methods: Patients treated with cervical disc arthroplasty at Aalborg University Hospital and ACDF at Aarhus University Hospital were matched 1:2. Primary outcome measures were Neck Disability Index (NDI), EQ-5D-3 L and Numeric rating scale (NRS) for arm- and neck pain.

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Background: External ventricular drainage (EVD) is a key factor in the treatment of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) but associated with risks and complications. Intraventricular fibrinolysis (IVF) has been proposed to improve clinical outcome and reduce complications of EVD treatment. The following review and metaanalysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of IVH treatment with external ventricular drainage (EVD) and intraventricular fibrinolysis (IVF) with regards to complications and clinical outcomes.

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Introduction: To improve rehabilitation in young people with an acquired brain injury, the Danish Ministry of Health initiated the "National study on young brain injury survivors" in 2012. Using data from this initiative, we examined the changes in depression, cognition, global functional outcome and return to work/school among young traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors.

Method: This was an observational one-year follow-up study based on data from "Danish registry for young adults with acquired brain injury".

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  • * It will enroll 58 patients, evaluating various outcomes such as catheter occlusion, clearance of ventricular blood, rates of infection, and functional status at discharge and 90 days.
  • * The research aims to find a standardized treatment for IVH, addressing the current treatment's associated risks, especially concerning infection rates in passive drainage methods.
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  • Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) may help reduce pain in patients with complex regional pain syndrome type 2 (CRPS-2) when other treatments fail, according to a study from Aalborg University Hospital, Denmark.
  • In a cohort of 16 patients, only 50% showed clinically significant pain reduction averaging over 20% after six and twelve months, although opioid use remained mostly unchanged.
  • The study indicates that while SCS can provide meaningful relief for some patients, the high costs and potential complications highlight the need for better patient selection and understanding of the treatment's mechanisms.
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Background: Hydrocephalus caused by excessive liquor production due to choroid plexus hyperplasia is a rare condition that may necessitate unusual treatment paradigms. It can be seen in trisomy 9p where coexisting congenital heart disease additionally may complicate the therapeutic approach as illustrated in the current case report.

Case Presentation: At 20 months of age, a Caucasian girl with trisomy 9 and family history of an older brother and twin sister having the same syndrome displayed sign of congenital hydrocephalus due to increasing head circumference.

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After severe traumatic brain injury (sTBI) proteins, neurotrophic factors and inflammatory markers are released into the biofluids. This review and meta-analysis searched the literature for prognostic candidate cerebrospinal fluid markers and their relation to sTBI patient outcome. A systematic search of the literature was carried out across PubMed, EMBASE, PubMed Central (PMC), and Cochrane Central Library.

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Background: Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common acute or subacute neurosurgical condition, typically treated by burr-hole evacuation and drainage. Recurrent CSDH occurs in 5-20% of cases and requires reoperation in symptomatic patients, sometimes repeatedly. Postoperative subdural drainage of maximal 48 h is effective in reducing recurrent hematomas.

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A 15-year-old female experiencing lumbar pain without prior trauma. Despite being prescribed strong analgesics by her family physician, the symptoms intensified, and she was referred to diagnostic imaging. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an intradural extramedullary tumor in the spinal canal, located behind the L3 corpora.

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  • - Trigeminal neuropathy (TNO) causes facial and oral sensory issues along with pain, impacting the trigeminal nerve.
  • - It's important to conduct a detailed history and imaging tests to rule out various other potential causes of TNO.
  • - Treatment for TNO-related pain often requires a combination of methods, and severe cases might need surgical interventions.
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Objective: Placement of a subdural drain reduces recurrence and death after evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH), but little is known about optimal drainage duration. In the present national trial, the authors investigated the effect of drainage duration on recurrence and death.

Methods: In a randomized controlled trial involving all neurosurgical departments in Denmark, patients treated with single burr hole evacuation of CSDH were randomly assigned to 24 hours or 48 hours of postoperative passive subdural drainage.

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: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the dorsal subthalamic nucleus (STN) is a validated neurosurgical treatment of Parkinson's Disease (PD). To investigate the mechanism of action, including potential DBS induced neuroplasticity, we have previously used a minipig model of Parkinson's Disease, although the basal ganglia circuitry was not elucidated in detail. : To describe the cortical projections from the primary motor cortex (M1) to the basal ganglia and confirm the presence of a cortico-striatal pathway and a hyperdirect pathway to the subthalamic nucleus, respectively, which is known to exist in primates.

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