Real-time symptom reporting during elective intracranial pressure monitoring using an interactive handset.

Background: Determining whether symptoms are related to abnormal intracranial pressure (ICP) may prove challenging in some cases. We evaluated the utility of an in-house designed interactive handset which allows the real-time recording of symptoms during ICP monitoring.

Methods: Adult patients undergoing elective continuous ICP monitoring using the device to investigate symptoms between November 2013 and June 2015 were included in this retrospective observational cohort study.

Gravity-assisted valve (GAV) systems to prevent low-pressure headaches in patients with lumboperitoneal shunts.

Objectives: Low-pressure symptoms after lumboperitoneal (LP) shunting for idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) remain a significant problem. Gravity-assisted valves (GAV) operate at a higher pressure in a vertical position and therefore aim to reduce postural over-drainage. We audited patients with GAV valves inserted in their shunt system to assess their efficacy in reducing low-pressure symptoms and ascertain whether the additional cost of such device can be justified.

Counting the cost of negligence in neurosurgery: Lessons to be learned from 10 years of claims in the NHS.

Introduction: Despite substantial progress in modernising neurosurgery, the specialty still tops the list of medico-legal claims. Understanding the factors associated with negligence claims is vital if we are to identify areas of underperformance and subsequently improve patient safety. Here we provide data on trends in neurosurgical negligence claims over a 10-year period in England.

Routine but risky: a multi-centre analysis of the outcomes of cranioplasty in the Northeast of England.

Background: Cranioplasty is undertaken as a routine secondary operation following craniectomy. At a time when decompressive craniectomy is being evaluated by several large trials, we aimed to evaluate the morbidity associated with cranioplasty and investigate its potential effect on outcome.

Methods: The outcomes of 166 patients undergoing cranioplasty at two centres in the United Kingdom between June 2006 and September 2011 were retrospectively analysed.