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.

Reoperation for recurrent glioblastomas: What to expect?

Background: The current standard treatment for glioblastoma (GBM) is maximal safe surgical resection followed by radiation and chemotherapy. Unfortunately, the disease will invariably recur even with the best treatment. Although the literature suggests some advantages in reoperating patients harboring GBM, controversy remains.

Evaluation of Changes in Preoperative Cortical Excitability by Navigated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Patients With Brain Tumor.

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the cortical excitability (CE) of patients with brain tumors surrounding or directly involving the (CST) using navigated transcranial magnetic stimulation (nTMS). We recruited 40 patients with a single brain tumor surrounding or directly involving the CST as well as 82 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. The patients underwent standard nTMS and CE evaluations.

New technique for surgical decompression in traumatic brain injury: merging two concepts to prevent early and late complications of unilateral decompressive craniectomy with dural expansion.

Introduction: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with acute and late complications. To avoid these complications, we proposed a technical modification in DC. In this paper analyze a series of patients underwent to surgical treatment for acute subdural hematoma (ASDH).

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.

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.