Publications by authors named "Werner Josef Z'Graggen"

Introduction: The increasing detection rates of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIA) pose a challenge for both neurovascular centers, tasked with managing a growing pool of patients requiring regular monitoring with imaging, and the healthcare system that must bear the costs of such surveillance. While there is consensus on the need for follow-up of UIA, uncertainties persist regarding the optimal cessation of surveillance, especially when considering diverse patient risk factors and, notably, in cases of treated aneurysms with stable rest perfusion. Detailed guidelines on UIA follow-up are currently lacking, exacerbating these challenges.

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Objective: To assess the pathophysiologic changes in patients with spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) based on measures of CSF dynamics, and on the duration of symptoms, in a retrospective case-controlled study.

Methods: We included consecutive patients investigated for SIH at our department from January 2012 to February 2018. CSF leak was considered confirmed if extrathecal contrast spillage was seen on imaging (CT or MRI) after intrathecal contrast application, or dural breach was detected by direct intraoperative visualization.

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Objective: The use of subdural drains after surgical evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma (CSH) decreases the risk of recurrence and has become the standard of care. Halfway through the controlled, randomized TOSCAN (Randomized Trial of Follow-up CT after Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma) trial, the authors' institutional guidelines changed to recommend subgaleal instead of subdural drainage. The authors report a post hoc analysis on the influence of drain location in patients participating in the TOSCAN trial.

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Objective: Patients with orthostatic hypotension may experience neck pain radiating to the occipital region of the skull and the shoulders while standing (so-called coat-hanger ache). This study assessed muscle membrane potential in the trapezius muscle of patients with orthostatic hypotension and healthy subjects during head-up tilt (HUT), by measuring velocity recovery cycles (VRCs) of muscle action potentials as an indicator of muscle membrane potential.

Methods: Eight patients with multiple system atrophy (MSA), orthostatic hypotension and a positive history for coat-hanger pain and eight normal controls (NCs) were included in this study.

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