Neurodegenerative diseases and effective drug delivery: A review of challenges and novel therapeutics.

The central nervous system (CNS) encompasses the brain and spinal cord and is considered the processing center and the most vital part of human body. The central nervous system (CNS) barriers are crucial interfaces between the CNS and the periphery. Among all these biological barriers, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) strongly impede hurdle for drug transport to brain.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations, part 2: management of pediatric patients.

Object: The authors conducted a study to define the long-term outcomes and risks of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for pediatric arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Methods: Between 1987 and 2006, the authors performed Gamma Knife surgery in 996 patients with brain AVMs; 135 patients were younger than 18 years of age. The median maximum diameter and target volumes were 2.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations, Part 1: management of Spetzler-Martin Grade I and II arteriovenous malformations.

Object: The aim of this paper was to define the outcomes and risks of stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for Spetzler-Martin Grade I and II arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Methods: Between 1987 and 2006, the authors performed Gamma Knife surgery in 996 patients with brain AVMs, including 217 patients with AVMs classified as Spetzler-Martin Grade I or II. The median maximum diameter and target volumes were 1.

Stereotactic radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations, Part 3: outcome predictors and risks after repeat radiosurgery.

Object: The object of this study was to evaluate the outcomes and risks of repeat stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for incompletely obliterated cerebral arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).

Methods: Between 1987 and 2006, Gamma Knife surgery was performed in 996 patients with AVMs. During this period, repeat SRS was performed in 105 patients who had incompletely obliterated AVMs at a median of 40.

Computed tomography-guided γ knife stereotactic radiosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia.

Background: Gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery (GKSR) is an effective minimally invasive option for the treatment of medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia (TN). Optimal targeting of the retrogasserian trigeminal nerve target requires thin-slice, high-definition stereotactic magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate management outcomes in TN patients ineligible for MRI and who instead underwent GKSR using computed tomography (CT).

Stereotactic radiosurgery for patients with trigeminal neuralgia associated with petroclival meningiomas.

Background: The management of trigeminal neuralgia in patients with associated skull base meningiomas is complex.

Objective: We evaluated the pain management needs and outcomes in patients with petroclival meningiomas associated with medically refractory trigeminal neuralgia.

Methods: During a 21-year period, 168 patients underwent stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for meningiomas involving the petroclival region.

Gamma Knife radiosurgery for larger-volume vestibular schwannomas. Clinical article.

Object: Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is an important management option for patients with small- and medium-sized vestibular schwannomas. To assess the potential role of SRS in larger tumors, the authors reviewed their recent experience.

Methods: Between 1994 and 2008, 65 patients with vestibular schwannomas between 3 and 4 cm in one extracanalicular maximum diameter (median tumor volume 9 ml) underwent Gamma Knife surgery.

Deep brain stimulation: current and future perspectives.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been used to treat various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Over the years, the most suitable surgical candidates and targets for some of these conditions have been characterized and the benefits of DBS well demonstrated in double-blinded randomized trials. This review will discuss some of the areas of current investigation and potential new applications of DBS.