Reoperation Rates and Risk Factors after Spinal Cord Stimulation Revision Surgery.

Introduction: Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) is an effective treatment for patients with refractory chronic pain. Despite its efficacy, rates of reoperation after initial implantation of SCS remain high. While revision rates after index SCS surgeries are well reported, less is known about rates and risk factors associated with repeat reoperations.

Combination Resective or Ablative Epilepsy Surgery with Neurostimulation for Complex Epilepsy Networks: A Case Series.

Introduction: Complex epilepsy networks with multifocal onset zones that overlap with eloquent cortex may benefit from combined surgical approaches. However, limited data exist on outcomes associated with performing these therapies in tandem. In this case series, we report on 6 patients who underwent combination surgery with either resection or laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) and neuromodulation with responsive neurostimulation (RNS) or deep brain stimulation (DBS).

A systematic review of focused ultrasound for psychiatric disorders: current applications, opportunities, and challenges.

Objective: Advancements in MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) technology have led to the successful treatment of select movement disorders. Based on the comparative success between ablation and deep brain stimulation, interest arises in focused ultrasound (FUS) as a promising treatment modality for psychiatric illnesses. In this systematic review, the authors examined current applications of FUS for psychiatric conditions and explored its potential opportunities and challenges.

Beta Oscillations in the Sensory Thalamus During Severe Facial Neuropathic Pain Using Novel Sensing Deep Brain Stimulation.

Objective: Advancements in deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices provide a unique opportunity to record local field potentials longitudinally to improve the efficacy of treatment for intractable facial pain. We aimed to identify potential electrophysiological biomarkers of pain in the ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPM) of the thalamus and periaqueductal gray (PAG) using a long-term sensing DBS system.

Materials And Methods: We analyzed power spectra of ambulatory pain-related events from one patient implanted with a long-term sensing generator, representing different pain intensities (pain >7, pain >9) and pain qualities (no pain, burning, stabbing, and shocking pain).

Response to Preoperative Dexamethasone Predicts Postoperative Neurological Improvement of Focal Neurological Deficits in Patients With Brain Metastases.

Background: Steroids are used ubiquitously in the preoperative management of patients with brain tumor. The rate of improvement in focal deficits with steroids and the prognostic value of such a response are not known.

Objective: To determine the rate at which focal neurological deficits respond to preoperative corticosteroids in patients with brain metastases and whether such an improvement could predict long-term recovery of neurological function after surgery.

Stereotactic electroencephalography in epilepsy patients for mapping of neural circuits related to emotional and psychiatric behaviors: a systematic review.

Objective: Stereotactic electroencephalography (sEEG) is an increasingly utilized method for identifying electrophysiological processes underlying sensorimotor, cognitive, and emotional behaviors. In this review, the authors outline current research using sEEG to investigate the neural activity underlying emotional and psychiatric behaviors. Understanding the current structure of intracranial research using sEEG will inform future studies of psychiatric disease and therapeutics for effective neuromodulation.

Venous Sinus Stenting: Safety and Health Care Resource Evaluation for Optimal Recovery in an Evolving Health Care Environment.

Background: Increasing evidence supports the effectiveness of venous sinus stenting (VSS) with favorable outcomes, safety, and expenses compared with shunting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension. Yet, no evidence is available regarding optimal postoperative recovery, which has increasing importance with the burdens on health care imposed by the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. We examined adverse events and costs after VSS and propose an optimal recovery pathway to maximize patient safety and reduce stress on health care resources.

Socioeconomic Status and Mock Interview Performance among Prospective Medical School Applicants.

We aim to evaluate the association between family income and mock multiple mini interview (MMI) performance for prospective medical school applicants. Each applicant participated in a three-station mock MMI and were scored on four items, each on a sevenpoint scale. Of the 48 prospective applicants participating, 29 (60% survey response rate) completed the survey.