Placement of intracranial pressure monitors by non-neurosurgeons: excellent outcomes can be achieved.

Background: Traumatic brain injury remains one of the most prevalent and costly injuries encountered within the discipline of trauma and represents a leading cause of morbidity and mortality within our society. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety of intracranial pressure (ICP) monitor placement by general surgery residents and neurosurgeons.

Methods: A retrospective chart review of all trauma patients requiring ICP monitor placement at an American College of Surgeons-verified Level 1 trauma center during a 10-year period was performed.

Resting tremor secondary to a pineal cyst: case report and review of the literature.

Background: Patients with pineal lesions typically present with the classical signs of increased intracranial pressure (headache, nausea, vomiting) and/or Parinaud's syndrome. Rare symptomatology of secondary parkinsonism attributed to pineal lesions has been previously reported in the literature. We describe an unusual case of a pineal cyst in a patient with the presenting sign of a resting tremor.

Case report: spontaneous intracranial hypotension in association with the presence of a false localizing C1-C2 cerebrospinal fluid leak.

Background: Spontaneous intracranial hypotension is an increasingly recognized cause of new-onset, daily, persistent headaches. Although these headaches are similar to post-lumbar puncture headaches, characteristic differences include intracranial pachymeningeal enhancement, subdural fluid collections, and downward displacement of the brain. The identification of upper cervical epidural fluid collections as a false localizing sign in patients with SIH has provided significant insight into the selection of management options.

Circumferential cervical spine surgery in an 18-month-old female with traumatic disruption of the odontoid and C3 vertebrae. Case report and review of techniques. Case report and review of techniques.

Study Design: A case study of an 18-month-old female with craniovertebral instability and spinal cord compression requiring circumferential stabilization. A review of surgical techniques in upper cervical spine and craniovertebral stabilization for young children is provided.

Objectives: To describe an interesting surgical approach in a young pediatric patient requiring circumferential stability at the craniovertebral junction.