Publications by authors named "J Falco"

Background: Brainstem cavernous malformations (BCM) constitute one of the most controversial and challenging neurological pathologies: both natural course and surgical manipulation can lead to severe neurological symptoms by direct compression or following hemorrhage of this highly eloquent brain region.

Methods: The vascular section of the prospectively collected neurosurgical database of our center (2011-2023) was retrospectively reviewed, seeking all patients operated on for a sporadic BCM. Clinical, radiological and surgical data, operative records and videos were analyzed by independent reviewers with the assistance of a dedicated neuropsychologist, blinded to the hospital course.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Simulation is increasingly recognized as an important tool to enhance neurosurgical education. In this field, especially in neurovascular surgery, human placenta (hPl) is being recognized as a valuable training model because of its abundant availability, ethical acceptance, and analogous vasculature with other vessels of the human body. Nevertheless, although a rising body of literature is witnessing a renovated interest toward this "old" model, to date no comprehensive reviews on the topics are available.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Despite being uncommon, postoperative vasospasm (PoVS) present notably high morbidity and mortality rates. Our aim was to identify prognostic factors associated with this condition and introduce a scoring system to improve subsequent clinical and radiological surveillance strategies. We conducted a retrospective analysis of our institutional database covering patients aged over 18 who underwent craniotomic or transsphenoidal surgery for elective tumor removal at the Neurosurgical Unit of our institution between January 2016 and August 2023.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic pain syndrome more prevalent in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), often presenting with earlier onset and more intense pain compared to non-MS patients. The management of TN in MS is complex due to the interaction between demyelination and neurovascular factors.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of 35 MS patients treated for TN with 65 procedures between 2010 and 2023 was conducted.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Understanding the intricate relationship between consciousness and the midbrain's structures remains a significant challenge in neuroscience. Transient lesions are perfect examples of the physiological functioning mechanism of these structures.

Observations: The authors present the case of a 49-year-old female who experienced a transient disorder of consciousness due to a midbrain hematoma following surgical interventions to remove a cavernous malformation in the midbrain.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF