Segmental spinal dysgenesis: insights from three consecutive cases and a review of the literature.

Objective: Segmental spinal dysgenesis (SSD) is a rare congenital spinal abnormality affecting the thoracic and lumbar region of the spine, as well as the spinal cord of neonates and infants. The purpose of the study was to analyze our institution's surgical case series to provide insights into our best practices to contribute to SSD management principles, while conducting a comprehensive literature review.

Methods: Following institutional review board approval, a retrospective review of SSD surgical cases was examined to observe clinical findings, radiographic findings, management, surgical intervention, and outcomes.

Technical case report: intractable focal seizures related to bifrontal transmantle heterotopia subserving peculiar homotopic motor distribution treated by responsive neurostimulation therapy.

NeuroPace responsive neurostimulation (RNS) therapy was used in a case of intractable focal epilepsy with bifrontal transmantle heterotopia subserving peculiar homotopic motor distribution in a 16-year-old, right-handed male with intractable seizures. Brain MRI demonstrated bifrontal transmantle heterotopia extending from the central sulcus to subjacent lateral ventricles along with polymicrogyria along the overlying cortex suspected to be the motor cortex. Functional MRI demonstrated homotopic distribution of finger and foot motor function (deeper) within the polymicrogyria.

Virtual reality-based 3-dimensional localization of stereotactic EEG (SEEG) depth electrodes and related brain anatomy in pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Introduction: The increasing use of stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) in the USA and the need for three-dimensional (3D) appreciation of complex spatial relationships between implanted stereotactic EEG depth electrodes and surrounding brain and cerebral vasculature are a challenge to clinicians who are used to two-dimensional (2D) appreciation of cortical anatomy having been traditionally trained on 2D radiologic imaging. Virtual reality and its 3D renderings have grown increasingly common in the multifaceted practice of neurosurgery. However, there exists a paucity in the literature regarding this emerging technology in its utilization of epilepsy surgery.

Responsive neurostimulation for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy in pediatric patients: strategies, outcomes, and technical considerations.

Objective: Children with medically refractory partial-onset epilepsy arising from eloquent cortex present a therapeutic challenge, as many are not suitable for resective surgery. For these patients, responsive neurostimulation may prove to be a potential tool. Although responsive neurostimulation has demonstrated utility in adults, little has been discussed regarding its utility in the pediatric population.

Cavernous malformation of the intracranial optic nerve with operative video and review of the literature.

Optic pathway cavernous malformations represent less than 1% of all central nervous system cavernomas. They can lead to visual loss with indeterminate speed, and therefore, the timing of intervention is controversial. We present a patient with an optic nerve cavernoma, which was discovered incidentally 3 years before the onset of visual symptoms.

The Effect of Morbid Obesity on Subarachnoid Hemorrhage Prognosis in the United States.

Objective: The association between obesity and nontraumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) patient outcome is unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of morbid obesity (body mass index ≥40 kg/m) on nontraumatic SAH outcomes.

Methods: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified hospitalized, nontraumatic SAH patients who received their diagnoses from 2008 to 2013 and tested the effect of obesity on their mortality and clinical outcomes.

Impact of Patients' Income on Stroke Prognosis.

Background: For patients diagnosed with stroke, the association between socioeconomic status and patient outcomes is poorly understood. Our objective was to define the impact of patients' socioeconomic status on their prognosis after stroke in the United States.

Methods: Utilizing the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, we identified discharges involving a diagnosis of stroke from 2008 to 2013.