Preoperative Cortical Mapping for Brain Tumor Surgery Using Navigated Transcranial Stimulation: Analysis of Accuracy.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) represents a distinctive technique for non-invasive brain stimulation. Recent advancements in image processing have enabled the enhancement of TMS by integrating magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) modalities with TMS via a neuronavigation system. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of navigated TMS for cortical mapping in comparison to surgical mapping using direct electrical stimulation (DES).

Quantification of tumor induced motor cortical plasticity using navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with adult-type diffuse gliomas.

Introduction: The evaluation of brain plasticity can provide relevant information for the surgical planning of patients with brain tumors, especially when it comes to intrinsic lesions such as gliomas. Neuronavigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS) is a non-invasive tool capable of providing information about the functional map of the cerebral cortex. Although nTMS presents a good correlation with invasive intraoperative techniques, the measurement of plasticity still needs standardization.

The Utility of Routine Intensive Care Admission for Patients Undergoing Intracranial Neurosurgical Procedures: A Systematic Review.

Background: Patients who have undergone intracranial neurosurgical procedures have traditionally been admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) for close postoperative neurological observation. The purpose of this study was to systematically review the evidence for routine ICU admission in patients undergoing intracranial neurosurgical procedures and to evaluate the safety of alternative postoperative pathways.

Methods: We were interested in identifying studies that examined selected patients who presented for elective, non-emergent intracranial surgery whose postoperative outcomes were compared as a function of ICU versus non-ICU admission.

Surgical variation of microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia: A technical note and anatomical study.

Background: In this article, the authors described their experience in microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia.

Methods: The microvascular decompression technique used in the authors' institution is described in a step by step manner with some illustrative cases as well as a cadaver dissection to highlight the differences with other previously described techniques.

Results: Since 2013, 107 patients were operated in the Neurosurgery Division of the University of São Paulo using the described technique, with a shorter operative time and avoiding cerebellar retractor compared with classic techniques.

Dural sinus and internal jugular vein thrombosis complicating a blunt head injury in a pediatric patient.

Introduction: Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) following a blunt head trauma is a rare condition, described in the literature along with the lack of consensus regarding diagnosis and management. We present a case of a pediatric patient with a blunt head injury and epidural hematoma, who developed dural sinus and internal jugular vein thrombosis with fatal outcome.

Discussion: Most of reports show good outcome and recovery, but CVST might be related to poor recovery and even lead to death.