Endocannabinoids [2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA)], endogenously produced arachidonate-based lipids, are anti-inflammatory physiological ligands for two known cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, yet the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying their effects after brain injury are poorly defined. In the present study, we hypothesize that traumatic brain injury (TBI)-induced loss of endocannabinoids exaggerates neurovascular injury, compromises brain-cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) barriers (BCB) and causes behavioral dysfunction. Preliminary analysis in human CSF and plasma indicates changes in endocannabinoid levels.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSpontaneous Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a devastating injury that accounts for 10-15% of all strokes. The rupture of cerebral blood vessels damaged by hypertension or cerebral amyloid angiopathy creates a space-occupying hematoma that contributes toward neurological deterioration and high patient morbidity and mortality. Numerous protocols have explored a role for surgical decompression of ICH craniotomy, stereotactic guided endoscopy, and minimally invasive catheter/tube evacuation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOver the past several decades, anesthesia has experienced a significant growth in nonoperating room anesthesia. Gastrointestinal suites represent the largest volume location for off-site anesthesia procedures, which include complex endoscopy procedures like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). These challenging patients and procedures necessitate a shared airway and are typically performed in the prone or semiprone position on a dedicated procedural table.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjective: Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is an established optional treatment for malignant hemispheric infarction (MHI). We analyzed relevant clinical factors and computed tomography (CT) measurements in patients with DC for MHI to identify predictors of functional outcome 3-6 months after stroke.
Methods: This study was performed at 2 comprehensive stroke centers.