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Background  To describe our operative strategy and analyze its safety and effectiveness for the removal of medial sphenoid wing meningiomas (MSWMs) through the extended pterional approach. Method  We identified 47 patients with MSWMs who were operated using this approach between 1986 and 2016. Medical charts, operative reports, imaging results, and clinical follow-up evaluations were reviewed and retrospectively analyzed. Results  No surgical mortality was observed in this sample. Gross total resection was achieved in 30 (63.8%) patients. Intradural clinoidectomy was performed in 16 (34%) patients. The median length of follow-up was 8.5 years (range, 1–30 years). Conclusion  The extended pterional approach associated with microsurgery techniques provided excellent results for the removal of MSWMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A review of the literature was performed to answer the following questions: Does motor cortex excitability correlate with motor function? Do motor cortex excitability and cortex activation change after a rehabilitation program that results in improvements in motor outcomes? Can the 10–20 electroencephalography (EEG) system be used to locate the primary motor cortex when employing transcranial direct current stimulation? Is there a bihemispheric imbalance in individuals with cerebral palsy similar to what is observed in stroke survivors? the authors found there is an adaptation in the geometry of motor areas and the cortical representation of movement is variable following a brain lesion. The 10–20 EEG system may not be the best option for locating the primary motor cortex and positioning electrodes for noninvasive brain stimulation in children with cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: The aim of the present study was to analyze the use of anodal tDCS of the cerebellar region combined with treadmill training to improve balance and functional performance in children with ataxic cerebral palsy.Design: Single-blind, sham-controlled, crossover, pilot study.Setting: Rehabilitation center and research motion analysis laboratory.Participants: Children (N= 6) with ataxic cerebral palsy and balance deficit.Main Outcome Measures: Static balance (oscillations of the center of pressure), functional balance (Pediatric Balance Scale) and functional performance (Pediatric Evaluation of Disability Inventory) were evaluated.Results: Significant reductions occurred in oscillations of the center of pressure with eyes closed after active anodal tDCS only. The effects of treadmill training on functional balance and functional performance in mobility were maintained in the active tDCS group only.Conclusion: These preliminary data support the notion that anodal tDCS of the cerebellar region combined with treadmill training improves balance in children with ataxic cerebral palsy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current priority of investigations involving transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and neurorehabilitation is to identify biomarkers associated with the positive results of the interventions such that respondent and non-respondent patients can be identified in the early phases of treatment. The aims were to determine whether: (1) present motor evoked potential (MEP); and (2) injuries involving the primary motor cortex, are associated with tDCS-enhancement in functional outcome following gait training in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We reviewed the data from our parallel, randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind studies. Fifty-six children with spastic CP received gait training (either treadmill training or virtual reality training) and tDCS (active or sham). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify clinical, neurophysiologic and neuroanatomic predictors associated with the responsiveness to treatment with tDCS. MEP presence during the initial evaluation and the subcortical injury were associated with positive effects in the functional results. The logistic regression revealed that present MEP was a significant predictor for the sixminute walk test (6MWT; p = 0.003) and gait speed (p = 0.028), whereas the subcortical injury was a significant predictor of gait kinematics (p = 0.013) and gross motor function (p = 0.021). In this preliminary study involving children with CP, two important prediction factors of good responses to anodal tDCS combined with gait training were identified. Apparently, MEP (integrity of the corticospinal tract) and subcortical location of the brain injury exerted different influences on aspects related to gait, such as velocity and kinematics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current priority of investigations involving transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and neurorehabilitation is to identify biomarkers associated with the positive results of the interventions such that respondent and non-respondent patients can be identified in the early phases of treatment. The aims were to determine whether: (1) present motor evoked potential (MEP); and (2) injuries involving the primary motor cortex, are associated with tDCS-enhancement in functional outcome following gait training in children with cerebral palsy (CP). We reviewed the data from our parallel, randomized, sham-controlled, double-blind studies. Fifty-six children with spastic CP received gait training (either treadmill training or virtual reality training) and tDCS (active or sham). Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were employed to identify clinical, neurophysiologic and neuroanatomic predictors associated with the responsiveness to treatment with tDCS. MEP presence during the initial evaluation and the subcortical injury were associated with positive effects in the functional results. The logistic regression revealed that present MEP was a significant predictor for the six-minute walk test (6MWT; p = 0.003) and gait speed (p = 0.028), whereas the subcortical injury was a significant predictor of gait kinematics (p = 0.013) and gross motor function (p = 0.021). In this preliminary study involving children with CP, two important prediction factors of good responses to anodal tDCS combined with gait training were identified. Apparently, MEP (integrity of the corticospinal tract) and subcortical location of the brain injury exerted different influences on aspects related to gait, such as velocity and kinematics.

Background: Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) has been widely studied with the aim of enhancing local synaptic efficacy and modulating the electrical activity of the cortex in patients with neurological disorders. Objective: The purpose of the present study was to determine the effect of a single session of tDCS regarding immediate changes in spatiotemporal gait and oscillations of the center of pressure (30 seconds) in children with cerebral palsy (CP). Method: A randomized controlled trial with a blinded evaluator was conducted involving 20 children with CP between six and ten years of age. Gait and balance were evaluated three times: Evaluation 1 (before the stimulation), Evaluation 2 (immediately after stimulation), and Evaluation 3 (20 minutes after the stimulation). The protocol consisted of a 20-minute session of tDCS applied to the primary motor cortex at an intensity of 1 mA. The participants were randomly allocated to two groups: experimental group - anodal stimulation of the primary motor cortex; and control group - placebo transcranial stimulation. Results: Significant reductions were found in the experimental group regarding oscillations during standing in the anteroposterior and mediolateral directions with eyes open and eyes closed in comparison with the control group (p<0.05). In the intra-group analysis, the experimental group exhibited significant improvements in gait velocity, cadence, and oscillation in the center of pressure during standing (p<0.05). No significant differences were found in the control group among the different evaluations. Conclusion: A single session of tDCS applied to the primary motor cortex promotes positive changes in static balance and gait velocity in children with cerebral palsy.

Objective: The global neurosurgery workforce does not have a defined stance on gender equity. The authors sought to study and characterize the demographic features of the international women neurosurgery community and to better understand the perceptions and reflections of their neurosurgical careers. The objective was to define and characterize the workplace inequities faced by the global women neurosurgeon community., Methods: A 58-item cross-sectional survey was distributed to the global women neurosurgery community. The survey was distributed via an online and mobile platform between October 2018 and December 2020. Responses were anonymized. The authors utilized chi-square analysis to differentiate variables (e.g., career satisfaction) between various groups (e.g., those based on academic position). The authors calculated 95% CIs to establish significance., Results: Among 237 respondents, approximately 40% were between the ages of 26 and 35 years. Within their respective departments, 45% identified themselves as the only woman neurosurgeon in their practice. Forty-three percent stated that their department supported women neurosurgeons for leadership roles. Seventy-five percent of respondents were members of organized neurosurgery professional societies; of these, 38% had been involved in leadership roles. Almost 60% of respondents postponed their decision to get pregnant because of resident or work-related influences., Conclusions: This survey provides international feedback for characterizing and understanding the experiences of women neurosurgeons worldwide. Future research should aim to understand all neurosurgeons' experiences throughout the pipeline and career life cycle of neurosurgery in order to improve the field of neurosurgery.

The history of women in neurosurgery worldwide has been characterized by adversity and hardships in a male-dominated field, where resilient, tenacious, and ingenious women have nevertheless left their mark. The first women in neurosurgery appeared in Europe at the end of the 1920s, and since then have emerged in all continents in the world. Women neurosurgeons all over the globe have advanced the field in numerous directions, introducing neurosurgical subspecialties to their countries, making scientific and technical advances, and dedicating themselves to humanitarian causes, to name a few. The past 30 years, in particular, have been a period of increasing involvement and responsibility for women in neurosurgery. We must now focus on continual system improvements that will promote a diverse and talented workforce, building a welcoming environment for all aspiring neurosurgeons, in order to advance the specialty in the service of neurosurgical patients., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Objective: Craniosynostosis is a premature cranial suture junction and requires a craniectomy to decrease cranial compression and remodel the affected areas of the skull. However, mastering these neurosurgical procedures requires many years of supervised training. The use of surgical simulation can reduce the risk of intraoperative error. The authors propose a new instrument for neurosurgical education, which mixes reality with virtual and realistic simulation for repair of craniosynostosis (scaphocephaly type)., Methods: This study tested reality simulators with a synthetic thermo-retractile/thermosensitive rubber joined with different polymers. To validate the model, 18 experienced surgeons participated in this study using 3D videos developed using 3DS Max software. Renier's "H" technique for craniosynostosis correction was applied during the simulation. All participants completed questionnaires to evaluate the simulator., Results: An expert surgical team approved the craniosynostosis reality and virtual simulators. More than 94% of participants found the simulator relevant, considering aspects such as weight, surgical positioning, dissection by planes, and cranial reconstruction. The consistency and material resistance were also approved on average by more than 60% of the surgeons., Conclusions: The virtual simulator demands a high degree of effectiveness with 3D perception in anatomy and operative strategies in neurosurgical training. Physical and virtual simulation with mixed reality required psychomotor and cognitive abilities otherwise acquired only during practical surgical training with supervision.

Background  The purpose of this article is to describe our approach, surgical strategies, and results for resection of meningiomas located at cerebellopontine angle (CPA). Methods  We retrospectively identified 28 patients with CPA meningiomas operated by the extended retrosigmoid approach. This approach incorporates a generous mastoidectomy and the sigmoid sinus exposure. Results  The mean age was 33.8 years, with a follow-up of 12.5 years. Gross total removal (GTR) was achieved in 22 (78.5%) patients with low surgical mortality, acceptable morbidity, and recurrence rate of 7.1% (2 patients). Conclusion  The extended retrosigmoid approach enhances the exposure of the CPA and posterior fossa cisterns and increases the surgical angle of maneuverability. This approach provides adequate access even to extensive CPA meningiomas, enabling, in most of cases, GTR to be safe and effective. The extended retrosigmoid approach used in this group of patients is an alternative to more extensive cranial base approaches.

[Purpose] To investigate the correlation of functional balance with the functional performance of children with cerebral palsy. [Subjects and Methods] This was a cross-sectional study of children with cerebral palsy with mild to moderate impairment. The children were divided into 3 groups based on motor impairment. The evaluation consisted of the administration of the Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS) and the Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory. Correlations between the instruments were determined by calculating Pearson's correlation coefficients. [Results] In Group 1, a strong positive correlation was found between the PBS and the mobility dimension of the Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory (r=0.82), and a moderate correlation was found between the PBS and self-care dimension of the Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory (r=0.51). In Group 2, moderate correlations were found between the PBS and both the self-care dimension (r=0.57) and mobility dimension (r=0.41) of the Pediatric Evaluation Disability Inventory. In Group 3, the PBS was weakly correlated with the self-care dimension (r=0.11) and moderately correlated with the mobility dimension (r=0.55). [Conclusion] The PBS proved to be a good auxiliary tool for the evaluation of functional performance with regard to mobility, but cannot be considered a predictor of function in children with cerebral palsy.

[Purpose] The aim of the present study was to describe the results of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with treadmill training in a child with delayed neuro-psychomotor development. [Subject and Methods] Transcranial direct current stimulation (intensity: 1 mA) was applied over the primary motor cortex for 20 minutes during simultaneous treadmill training (2.5 km/h) in ten sessions. [Results] Clinically significant improvement was found in motor development (fine motor subscale, 23 to 25; gross motor subscale, 32 to 41). Reductions in mean oscillation of the center of pressure were found in the anteroposterior (239.2 to 146.5 mm) and mediolateral (177.4 to 149.2 mm) directions. Increases occurred in cadence (106 to 123 steps/minute), step length (0.16 to 0.23 m), step width (0.09 to 0.14 m) and gait velocity with support (0.3 to 0.7 m/s). [Conclusion] After treatment, the child was able to initiate the standing position for the first time and walk without support.

Aplasia cutis congenita is a rare disorder characterized by absence of skin. Lesions typically occur on the vertex and are sometimes small, but they can affect deep tissues such as the skull bone and dura. Mortality is related to the depth and size of the lesion and can amount to a rate of more than 50% when full thickness is involved. The treatment remains controversial -- both surgical and conservative managements are described. Minor lesions can be controlled with nonsurgical treatment, but large defects require early surgery. We report the case of a female newborn with acrania and scalp aplasia cutis congenita, which was treated with a bipedicle scalp flap based on the temporal vessels. Full- and partial-thickness skin grafts were used to cover the donor site on the temporo-occipital region. Postoperatively, the patient developed a liquorice cyst, which was treated with a shunt, and she has been followed up for evaluation of the bony defect closure and skull morphology. Her neuropsychomotor development is normal.