Event-related deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus affects conflict processing.

Objective: Many lines of evidence suggest that response conflict recruits brain regions in the cortical-basal ganglia system. Within the basal ganglia, deep brain recordings from the subthalamic nucleus (STN) have shown that conflict triggers a transient increase in low-frequency oscillations (LFOs; 2-8Hz). Here, we deployed a new method of delivering short trains of event-related deep brain stimulation (DBS) to the STN to test the causal role of the STN and its associated circuits in conflict-related processing.

Predictors of deep brain stimulation outcome in tremor patients.

Background: Deep brain stimulation of the ventro-intermedius nucleus of the thalamus is an established treatment for tremor of differing etiologies but factors that may predict the short- and especially long-term outcome of surgery are still largely unknown.

Methods: We retrospectively investigated the clinical, pharmacological, electrophysiological and anatomical features that might predict the initial response and preservation of benefit in all patients who underwent deep brain stimulation for tremor. Data were collected at the following time points: baseline (preoperative), one-year post-surgery, and most recent visit.

Critical Care Management of the Patient with Traumatic Brain Injury.

The critical care management of patients with traumatic brain injury is complex. The primary goal is to minimize the effects of secondary injury that would otherwise serve to further worsen neurologic function. This requires an understanding of the abnormal brain physiology that is found in these patients.

Reliable Intraoperative Repair Nuances of Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak in Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery and Review of the Literature.

Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak during anterior cervical spine surgery can lead to complications, including wound breakdown, meningitis, headaches, need for lumbar drain, or additional surgery. These leaks can be difficult to manage given the limited field of view and lack of deep access. Herein, we describe 8 consecutive patients who underwent intraoperative repair of CSF leak, with no postoperative evidence of wound dehiscence or drainage.

Transfusion in Traumatic Brain Injury.

There are three primary blood products that are often transfused in traumatic brain injury: packed red blood cells (pRBCs), platelets, and plasma. For pRBCs, hemoglobin thresholds for transfusion in anemia should be set at 7 g/dl. Higher threshold is warranted only when the patient is clinically symptomatic.

Three-dimensional random access multiphoton microscopy for functional imaging of neuronal activity.

The dynamic ability of neuronal dendrites to shape and integrate synaptic responses is the hallmark of information processing in the brain. Effectively studying this phenomenon requires concurrent measurements at multiple sites on live neurons. Substantial progress has been made by optical imaging systems that combine confocal and multiphoton microscopy with inertia-free laser scanning.

Combining optical imaging and computational modeling to analyze structure and function of living neurons.

We are investigating the computational properties of principal neurons in the mammalian brain. To manage the small size and intricate structure of neuronal dendrites, we employ advanced optical imaging techniques in combination with automatic image reconstruction and computational modeling to study their complex spatio-temporal pattern of activity.