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Objective Subgaleal drains are generally deemed necessary for cranial surgeries including decompressive craniectomies (DCs) to avoid excessive postoperative subgaleal hematoma (SGH) formation. Many surgeries have moved away from routine prophylactic drainage but the role of subgaleal drainage in cranial surgeries has not been addressed. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial at 2 centers. A total of 78 patients requiring DC were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio into 3 groups: vacuum drains (VD), passive drains (PD), and no drains (ND). Complications studied were need for surgical revision, SGH amount, new remote hematomas, postcraniectomy hydrocephalus (PCH), functional outcomes, and mortality. Results Only 1 VD patient required surgical revision to evacuate SGH. There was no difference in SGH thickness and volume among the 3 drain types (P = 0.171 and P = 0.320, respectively). Rate of new remote hematoma and PCH was not significantly different (P = 0.647 and P = 0.083, respectively), but the ND group did not have any patient with PCH. In the subgroup analysis of 49 patients with traumatic brain injury, the SGH amount of the PD and ND group was significantly higher than that of the VD group. However, these higher amounts did not translate as a significant risk factor for poor functional outcome or mortality. VD may have better functional outcome and mortality. Conclusions In terms of complication rates, VD, PD, and ND may be used safely in DC. A higher amount of SGH was not associated with poorer outcomes. Further studies are needed to clarify the advantage of VD regarding functional outcome and mortality, and if ND reduces PCH rates.

A new stereotactic frame was created in 2015, based on a linear algorithm. It is called Albert Wong (AW) frame. A simple AW stereo-calculator was also designed based on ExcelThe aim of this study is to test the accuracy of the AW frame by a direct head to head comparison with CRWThis is a prospective pilot cross-sectional phantom study with a total of 42 (21 for AW and 21 for CRWA comparable accuracy testing results were observed between the AW and CRWAW frame successfully demonstrated a good accuracy of 0.64 mm in phantom testing using the BL phantom by a linear algorithmic calculation. The clinical trial with three patients demonstrated definitive diagnoses and safety with its use.

Introduction Intracranial volume (ICV) is an important tool in the management of patients undergoing decompressive craniectomy (DC) surgery. The aim of this study was to validate ICV measurement applying the shape-based interpolation (SBI) method using open source software on computed tomography (CT) images. Methods The pre- and post-operative CT images of 55 patients undergoing DC surgery were analyzed. The ICV was measured by segmenting every slice of the CT images, and compared with estimated ICV calculated using the 1-in-10 sampling strategy and processed using the SBI method. An independent t test was conducted to compare the ICV measurements between the two different methods. The calculation using this method was repeated three times for reliability analysis using the intraclass correlations coefficient (ICC). The Bland–Altman plot was used to measure agreement between the methods for both pre- and post-operative ICV measurements. Results The mean ICV (±SD) were 1341.1 ± 122.1 ml (manual) and 1344.11 ± 122.6 ml (SBI) for the preoperative CT data. The mean ICV (±SD) were 1396.4 ± 132.4 ml (manual) and 1400.53 ± 132.1 ml (SBI) for the post-operative CT data. No significant difference was found in ICV measurements using the manual and the SBI methods (p = .983 for pre-op, and p = .960 for post-op). The intrarater ICC showed a significant correlation; ICC = 1.00. The Bland–Altman plot showed good agreement between the manual and the SBI method. Conclusion The shape-based interpolation method with 1-in-10 sampling strategy gave comparable results in estimating ICV compared to manual segmentation. Thus, this method could be used in clinical settings for rapid, reliable and repeatable ICV estimations.

Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has recently become a major concern for public health care and a socioeconomic burden internationally. Prognostic models are mathematical models developed from specific populations which are used to predict the mortality and unfavourable outcomes especially in trauma centres. Hence, we formulate a study to perform an external validation of the IMPACT and CRASH prognostic models; the CRASH model to predict 14-day mortality and 6-month unfavourable outcome and the IMPACT model to estimate 6-month mortality and unfavourable outcome in a single centre cohort of TBI patients in Malaysia. Methods All patients with traumatic brain injury (mild, moderate and severe) who were admitted to Hospital Queen Elizabeth from 1st November 2017 to 31st January 2019, were prospectively analysed through a data collection sheet. The discriminatory power of the models was assessed as area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and calibration was assessed using the Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) goodness-of-fit test and Cox calibration regression analysis. Results We analyzed 281 patients with significant TBI treated in a single neurosurgical center in Malaysia over a 2-year period. The overall observed 14-day mortality was 9.6%, a 6-month unfavourable outcome of 23.5%, and a 6-month mortality of 13.2%. Overall, both the CRASH and IMPACT models showed good discrimination with AUCs ranging from 0.88 to 0.94 and both models calibrating satisfactorily H-L GoF p>0.05 and calibration slopes >1.0 although IMPACT seemed to be slightly more superior compared to the CRASH model. Conclusions The CRASH and IMPACT prognostic models displayed satisfactory overall performance in our cohort of TBI patients, but further investigations on factors contributing to TBI outcomes and continuous updating on both models remain crucial.

The neural basis for epilepsy and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is currently incompletely known. We reported a young girl with both epilepsy and ADHD, who had a calcified lesion in the right basolateral amygdalo-hippocampal region extending to the ventral striatum. The child underwent disconnecting surgery and biopsy of the lesion. Fascinatingly, the child’s behavior changed immediately after the surgery from inattentive and impulsive to nearly normal behavior experiencing no more breakthrough seizures since after 3 years of surgery. The Schaltenbrand Wahren Brain Atlas revealed alveus, cornu ammonis, amygdala superficialis, and medium as the disconnected region in this surgery.

Introduction Bedside ultrasound measurement of optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) is emerging as a non-invasive technique to evaluate and predict raised intracranial pressure (ICP). It has been shown in previous literature that ONSD measurement has good correlation with surrogate findings of raised ICP such as clinical and radiological findings suggestive of raised ICP. Objectives The objective of the study is to find a correlation between sonographic measurements of ONSD value with ICP value measured via the gold standard invasive intracranial ICP catheter, and to find the cut-off value of ONSD measurement in predicting raised ICP, along with its sensitivity and specificity value. Methods A prospective observational study was performed using convenience sample of 41 adult neurosurgical patients treated in neurosurgical intensive care unit with invasive intracranial pressure monitoring placed in-situ as part of their clinical care. Portable SonoSite ultrasound machine with 7 MHz linear probe were used to measure optic nerve sheath diameter using the standard technique. Simultaneous ICP readings were obtained directly from the invasive monitoring. Results Seventy-five measurements were performed on 41 patients. The non-parametric Spearman correlation test revealed a significant correlation at the 0.01 level between the ICP and ONSD value, with correlation coefficient of 0.820. The receiver operating characteristic curve generated an area under the curve with the value of 0.964, and with standard error of 0.22. From the receiver operating characteristic curve, we found that the ONSD value of 5.205 mm is 95.8% sensitive and 80.4% specific in detecting raised ICP. Conclusions ONSD value of 5.205 is sensitive and specific in detecting raised ICP. Bedside ultrasound measurement of ONSD is readily learned, and is reproducible and reliable in predicting raised ICP. This non-invasive technique can be a useful adjunct to the current invasive intracranial catheter monitoring, and has wide potential clinical applications in district hospitals, emergency departments and intensive care units.

Symptomatic intracranial arachnoid cysts are commonly treated using neuroendoscopy. Cysts located within the posterior fossa may present a greater surgical challenge to the neurosurgeon due to the numerous vital neurovascular structures located within this confined space. Adding neuronavigation during endoscopy helps a neurosurgeon to visualize and utilize both anterior and posterior corridors safely to access and manage these lesions. We present three symptomatic posterior fossa arachnoid cysts that were treated successfully using minimally invasive neuronavigation-guided endoscopic neurosurgery utilizing the anterior transfrontal transaqueductal, anterior transfrontal transtrigonal, and posterior suboccipital infratentorial supracerebellar approaches.

Decompressive craniectomy (DC) is a surgical option in managing uncontrolled raised intracranial pressure refractory to medical therapy. The authors evaluate the addition of zygomatic arch (ZA) resection with standard DC and analyze the resulting increase in brain volume using three-dimensional volumetric CT scans. Measurements of brain expansion dimension morphometrics from CT images were also analyzed. Eighteen patients were selected and underwent DC with ZA resection. The pre- and post-operative CT images were analyzed for volume and dimensional changes. CT images of 29 patients previously operated on at the same center were retrieved from the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) and were similarly studied. The findings obtained from the two groups were compared and analyzed. Analysis from three-dimensional CT volumetric techniques revealed an significant increase of 27.97ml (95% confidence interval [CI]: 39.98-180.36; p=0.048) when compared with standard DC. Brain expansion analysis of maximum hemicraniectomy diameter revealed a mean difference of 0.82cm (95% CI: 0.25-1.38; p=0.006). Analysis of the ratio of maximum hemicraniectomy diameter to maximum anteroposterior diameter gave a mean difference of 0.04 (95% CI: 0.05-0.07; p=0.026). The addition of ZA resection to standard DC may prove valuable in terms of absolute brain volume gain. This technique is comparable to other maneuvers used to provide maximum brain expansion in the immediate post-operative period.

The splenial-habenular junctional area is an alternative site for neuroendoscopic fenestration to divert CSF flow into the quadrigeminal cistern in cases in which endoscopic third ventriculostomy is not amenable. In some patients with obstructive hydrocephalus, the splenium of the corpus callosum can be elevated from the habenular complex. This exposes the membranous connection between the splenium and habenula, which can be fenestrated to divert the CSF flow into the quadrigeminal cistern. This technique can be performed in patients in whom the foramen of Monro or the third ventricle is blocked by a lesion. Here, the authors present 3 complex cases that were managed by neuronavigation-guided transventricular transcavum endoscopic fenestration of the splenial-habenular junctional area. These cases may increase the knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of this region.

Introduction: Degenerative spine disease is increasingly common. There are many spinal fusion techniques used to treat degenerative spine disease. This study aims to compare the functional outcome of open versus minimally invasive surgery (MIS) technique in posterior lumbar instrumentation and fusion in degenerative spine disease and to evaluate the perioperative outcome and complications between MIS and open surgery. Materials and Methods: This is an observational cross-sectional study conducted on all degenerative spine disease patients who underwent both methods of posterior lumbar instrumentation and fusion from 2010 to 2014 by the Orthopedic and Neurosurgery Department, Sarawak General Hospital. The analyzed variables were method of surgery and the levels involved, demographic data, estimated blood loss, duration of operation, length of hospitalization, visual analog scale of back pain and radicular pain preoperative, postoperative 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and functional outcome. Results: One hundred and twenty-two patients underwent posterior lumbar instrumentation and fusion from 2010 to 2014. Seventy patients were subjected to MIS transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) and 52 open TLIF. Total 89 patients underwent single level of lumbar fusion with sixty patients in MIS group and 29 in open surgeries. MIS TLIF has less estimated blood loss and shorter hospitalization and longer operation time compared to open TLIF, which were statistically significance. MIS TLIF has statistically significance better functional outcome based on Oswestry disability index, Modified NASS score, and RAND 36-item Health Survey 1.0 score. Complications such as infection, new onsets of neurological, and dural tear are equal in both methods of surgery. Conclusion: This study concluded that MIS has better functional outcome compared to open TLIF with shorter hospitalization, faster return to work, and less estimated blood loss.

Stroke resulting from traumatic brain injury in children is uncommon. Three such cases are reported here, to bring this entity to attention and to highlight their good prognosis. Possible mechanisms that may lead to stroke in children following head trauma are discussed No other causes of stroke were identified, and magnetic resonance angiography and Doppler ultrasound ruled out injury to the carotid vessels in all three cases.

Symptomatic chronic subdural hematomas (CSDH) remain one of the most frequent diagnoses in current neurosurgical practice. Burr-hole craniostomy with irrigation and placement of close-system drainage is the current recommended surgery for symptomatic CSDH. The aim of this study is to perform a direct comparison between two surgical techniques in the treatment of symptomatic CSDH, which have been proven in previous studies to be efficient. Our main objective was to compare the efficacy of placement of a subperiosteal drain (SPD) and a subdural drain (SDD) following single burr-hole craniostomy and irrigation, and to demonstrate any significant differences in terms of overall surgical complications, functional outcome at three months and mortality rate.The study was carried out in two local neurosurgical centres. The SPD group was performed in Hospital Umum Sarawak (HUS) and the SDD group was performed in Hospital Sultanah Aminah Johor Bahru (HSAJB), from 1 January 2012 till 30 January 2014 with a total of 30 patients in both treatment groups.Overall, there were no statistically significant difference in terms of patient general characteristics, pre-operative and post-operative symptoms, Markwalder grades, post-operative hematoma volume and recurrence, mortality and functional outcome at discharge and at three month follow-up between both groups. Albeit not achieving statistical significance, we observed a lower rate of surgical complication especially for post-operative intracranial hematoma with placement of the SPD system.Our study concludes that both treatment methods proved to be highly effective in the treatment of CSDH. However, with a lower overall surgical complication rate, treatment with single burr-hole craniostomy, irrigation and placement of the SPD system can be considered a treatment of choice for the management of symptomatic CSDH.

Considerable evidence suggests that brain damage can lead to impairments in locomotive activity in human beings. However, no study has thoroughly investigated the locomotion and morphological changes in animals after IntelliCage Exposure (IE). Therefore, to elucidate the locomotive activity and morphological changes in striatum of mice models of fluid percussion injury (FPI), we designed a novel strategy and utilised an advanced neurobehavioral monitoring device known as the IE system. We observed locomotive functioning, from the induction of injury until complete recovery. To achieve the objectives, mice were divided into four groups, the (i) sham group (n = 8), (ii) FPI group (n = 8), and not subjected to acclimatisation in the IE, (iii) sham group (n = 11) and (iv) FPI group (n = 11), and subjected to acclimatisation in the IE. Locomotive activity was monitored for each group for 5 days. Results suggested that the neuronal damage associated with locomotive impairment could occur in the early hours (3–6 h) post-FPI. The process of recovery started significantly at 24 h and continued. Results showed a complete restoration in locomotive activity by the FPI mice at 72 h post-trauma. Morphological results suggested that FPI mice with IE showed less dead cells as compared to FPI mice without IE. Our data also suggested a new dimension for the factors influencing FPI recovery. We hypothesise that IE to FPI animals may provide the necessary enriched environment, induce motivated voluntary physical exercises, and enhance social interactions to accelerate striatum-derived neurogenesis. These factors could be beneficial in TBI-related therapeutic strategies.

Background Intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) is the most disabling and least treatable form of stroke. Its risk factors include old age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolaemia, smoking and high alcohol intake, which are also associated with arterial stiffness. The aim of the present study was to determine the prognostic value of high augmentation index (AI), which is a surrogate marker of arterial stiffness, in patients with spontaneous ICH. Methods A prospective study of 60 patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH was conducted. Outcome was assessed using the Modified Rankin Scale at 3 months follow-up. Data were collected on age and sex, risk factors for ICH, clinical parameters, laboratory parameters, radiological findings and hospital management. Logistic regression analysis was carried out to identify independent predictors of 3-month outcome and mortality. Results Admission Glasgow Coma Scale score (OR, 0.7; 95% CI, 0.450–0.971; p = 0.035), total leukocyte count (OR,1.2; 95% CI, 1.028–1.453; p = 0.023) and haematoma volume (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.024–1.204; p = 0.011) were found to be statistically significant in multivariate analysis of 3-month poor outcome. Factors independently associated with mortality were high AI (OR, 8.6; 95%CI, 1.748–40.940; p = 0.007) and midline shift (OR, 7.5; 95%CI, 1.809–31.004; p = 0.005). Conclusion Admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, total leukocyte count and haematoma volume were significant predictors for 3-month poor outcome; high AI and midline shift were significant predictors for 3-month mortality.

We studied the efficacy of two surgical methods used for the treatment of intracranial subdural empyema (ISDE) at our centre. A cross-sectional study (1999-2005) of 90 patients with non-traumatic supratentorial ISDE revealed that the two surgical methods used for empyema removal were burr hole/s and drainage (50 patients, 55.6%) and a cranial bone opening procedure (CBOP) (40 patients, 44.4%). Patients in the CBOP group had a better result in terms of clinical improvement (chi-squared analysis, p=0.006) and clearance of empyema on brain CT scan (chi-squared analysis, p0.001). Reoperation was more frequent among patients who had undergone burr hole surgery (multiple logistic regression, p0.001). The outcome and morbidity of ISDE survivors were not related to the surgical method used (p0.05). The only factor that significantly affected the morbidity of ISDE was level of consciousness at the time of surgery (multiple logistic regression, p0.001). We conclude that CBOP and evacuation of the empyema is a better surgical method for ISDE than burr hole/s and drainage. Wide cranial opening and empyema evacuation improves neurological status, gives better clearance of the empyema and reduces the need for reoperation. Level of consciousness at the time of presentation is a predictor of the morbidity of ISDE. Thus, aggressive surgical treatment should occur as early as possible, before the patient deteriorates.

Background Traumatic chronic subdural hematomas in Malaysia are increasingly common in young patients after road traffic accidents as well as the elderly who fall at home. Most surgeons in this country manage these pathologies without irrigation, with only a drainage system. This has led to criticism that the recurrence rate might be higher when no irrigation is done and that rates are lower with irrigation and drainage. Thus, a study was done to look into the outcome of TCSH operated with and without irrigation, followed by drainage, to guide the surgeons in Malaysia as to what best could be done for these cases. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted on 2 surgical treatments: burr hole drainage with irrigation and without irrigation based on the internal architecture of chronic subdural hematomas based on CT of the brain and their outcome in relation to their clinical parameters. Results A total of 42 patients treated with the burr hole craniotomy without irrigation with drainage were compared to 40 patients with irrigation and drainage. In both groups, univariate and multivariate analysis revealed that good clinical outcome was associated with preoperative Markwalder grade and the presence of postoperative hematoma recurrence. There was no difference in good outcome between the 2 operative methods. Conclusion There was no significant difference between these 2 operative techniques in relation to outcomes whether good or bad. The recurrence rate was 12.2%. When either technique is done properly, no difference to the outcome is seen. Neurosurgeons or general surgeons in Southeast Asia may choose not to irrigate the chronic subdural space, although drainage placement is necessary afterwards.

BACKGROUND Intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) causes blockage of ventricular conduits leading to hydrocephalus, increased intracranial pressure (ICP), and a reduced level of consciousness. The current standard management of IVH is insertion of an external ventricular drainage (EVD) catheter. However, this procedure addresses only the problems of acute hydrocephalus and raised ICP. Endoscopic washout allows for a more complete removal of the intraventricular clot. This study compared these two types of treatment in terms of shunt dependency and relevant clinical outcomes. METHODS Patients who were 10-80 years old and presented with a Graeb score of more than six were randomised into endoscopic washout and EVD treatment groups. A CT brain was repeated on each patient within 24 hours after surgery, and if a patient's Graeb score was still more than six, a repeat endoscopic washout was performed to clear the remaining clots. All patients were monitored for shunt dependency at two weeks and three months, and clinical outcomes were measured at six months after the procedure. RESULTS A total of 39 patients were recruited; 19 patients were randomised into the endoscopic washout group, and 20 were randomised into the EVD group. However, three patients in the endoscopic group refused that treatment and opted for EVD insertion. Patients treated with endoscopic washout had significantly less drainage dependency at two weeks (P < 0.005) and at three months (P < 0.004) as compared to patients in the external ventricular drainage group. The reduction in Graeb scores was also significantly greater in the endoscopic washout group (P < 0.001). However, the functional outcome at six months measured via a modified Rankin scale score was no different in the two groups of patients. The difference in the functional outcome of the patients was mainly dependent on the initial pathology, with those presenting with a thalamic bleed with IVH showing a poor functional outcome. This parameter was also influenced by the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score on admission, with those patients with a score of 12 or less having a poor functional outcome (MRS 5-6) at three and six months after the surgery. CONCLUSIONS The use of neuroendoscopy in patients with a massive IVH significantly reduced drainage dependency. However, it did not alter the final functional outcome.

Background The pattern of allelic loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and PTEN mutations appear to be associated with the progression of gliomas leading to a decrement in the survival rate of patients. This present study was carried out to determine the LOH and PTEN mutational status in glioma patients and its association with patients' survival. Methods Thirty-seven Malaysian glioma patients of the Malay race were subject to PTEN mutational analysis and the presence of LOH using the cold single-strand conformation polymorphism method, and their clinical and paraclinical response were correlated. Results Among analysed glioma patients, seven (21.6%) cases with PTEN mutations were detected and 12 (32.4%) of 37 patients showed presence of LOH. Univariate analysis showed that tumour grade, vascularization, PTEN mutation, LOH and combination of both PTEN mutation and LOH were significantly associated with glioma patients' survival. Multivariate analysis revealed that no factors contributed to survival time. Conclusion The results show that PTEN mutation and LOH are quite frequent in Malaysian glioma patients. However, they have no impact on the survival outcome of patients.

Giant nerve sheath tumour is a rare tumour originating from the nerve sheath. It differs from the conventional nerve sheath tumour only by the size these tumours can reach. There are two main type of tumours that occur in the nerve sheath which include neurofibroma and schwannoma. The current views are that schwannomas arise from the progenitor of the schwann cell. Whereas the neurofibroma series probably arise from a mesenchymal origin closer to a fibroblast. We report on six cases of nerve sheath tumour that occur in the spinal and paraspinal region that presented to us over a 5 year period.

Spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage constitutes 18-40% of all stroke cases. Indications for cerebral angiography to find underlying potentially treatable vascular abnormalities are not clear. This study determined which intracranial haemorrhage patients need cerebral angiography by correlating computed tomography (CT) findings, age and hypertension history with cerebral angiography findings. Methods: A total of 54 patients (8-79 years) with intracranial haemorrhage who underwent both CT examination and six-vessel cerebral angiography were studied over a 2-year period. Cerebral angiography was repeated within 6 weeks if the first angiogram was negative. Results: Angiography detected vascular lesions in 50% of cases (aneurysm 38.9% and arteriovenous malformation, AVM, 11.1%). In the aneurysm group, angiographic yield was 34.3% whereas in the AVM group, it was 37.9%. Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) combined with other types of haemorrhage (such as intracerebral haemorrhage, ICH) was not significantly correlated with the likelihood of finding a vascular lesion, both aneurysm and AVM (p = 0.157). Age less than 50 years had significant correlation (p = 0.021) in the AVM group as well as in the aneurysm group (p < 0.001). A history of hypertension was associated with both aneurysm (p = 0.039) and AVM (p = 0.008). No patients with deep intracerebral haematoma had vascular lesions. The presence of an intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) had significant correlation with aneurysm (p = 0.008) but not AVM. There was no significant difference in mean age between patients with and without a vascular lesion (p = 0.134). Conclusion: Cerebral angiography is justified in patients with pure SAH (p = 0.001). Other factors associated with finding a vascular lesion were a history of hypertension and the presence of IVH. Diagnostic cerebral angiography is indicated for patients with ICH and SAH and IVH with a history of hypertension, regardless of age.

Minor head injury in a developing country like Malaysia is managed by primary care physicians and/or medical assistants in district hospitals. These patients are seen initially in their local hospitals, which have at least an X-ray machine for the purpose of screening. This study aimed to guide these physicians to manage these patients at a primary care level. A cross-sectional study was conducted and the study revealed significant predictors of significant computed tomographic (CT) findings. The presence of a Glasgow coma scale (GCS) score of 14 or 13 was associated with the risk of developing significant CT findings compared to patients with a GCS of 15 (p

The determination of cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) is regarded as vital in monitoring patients with severe traumatic brain injury. Besides indicating the status of cerebral blood flow (CBF), it also reveals the status of intracranial pressure (ICP). The abnormal or suboptimal level of CPP is commonly correlated with high values of ICP and therefore with poor patient outcomes. Eighty-two patients were divided into three groups of patients receiving treatment based on CPP and CBF, ICP alone, and conservative methods during two different observation periods. The characteristics of these three groups were compared based on age, sex, time between injury and hospital arrival, Glasgow Coma Scale score, pupillary reaction to light, surgical intervention, and computerized tomography scanning findings according to the Marshall classification system. Only time between injury and arrival (p = 0.001) was statistically significant. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportions of good outcomes between the multimodality group compared with the group of patients that underwent a single intracranial-based monitoring method and the group that received no monitoring (p = 0.003) based on a disability rating scale after a follow up of 12 months. Death was the focus of outcome in this study in which the multimodality approach to monitoring had superior results.

Background and Purpose— Spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage is a major cause of death and disability, yet there is no convincing evidence of the benefit of any medical treatment and the role of surgery remains controversial. The international randomized Surgical Trial in Intracerebral Hemorrhage (STICH) provided an opportunity to assess the role of surgery within the centers taking part. Methods— Screening logs were completed to record details of all patients assessed by the department, whether they were included in the trial, the reasons if they were not included, and whether they underwent surgery. Results— Logs were returned by 42 centers and cover 704 months. They include details on 1578 patients with characteristics comparable to STICH inclusion criteria. Neurosurgeons were more likely to express clinical certainty about treatment for older patients, patients with a higher Glasgow Coma Score scale, and patients in whom the hematoma was located on the right or in the basal ganglia or thalamus. Patients for whom the neurosurgeon was certain about treatment were more likely to have the hematoma removed if they were younger (62 versus 68 years of age), had a lower Glasgow Coma Scale score (10 versus 13), and had a lobar hematoma (49% versus 40%). The operation rate varied between 74% in Lithuania and 2% in Hungary. Conclusions— The difference in operation rates could not be explained by differences in patient characteristics alone. This finding demonstrates the need for further evidence to ensure that treatment for intracerebral hemorrhage is not governed by local custom.

Massive intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is nearly always associated with hydrocephalus and is often treated with prolonged external ventricular drainage (EVD); however this procedure can lead to bacterial ventriculitis and meningitis, which can worsen the clinical outcomes. Endoscopic burr hole surgery to remove the hematomas in lateral and third ventricles is an alternative treatment option. We describe the surgical techniques and benefits of endoscopic surgery for acute massive IVH in four patients and discuss the current published literature-related to this condition. Four patients were treated endoscopically for massive IVH. Three patients presented with secondary IVH due to vascular malformation, tumoral bleed and chronic hypertension, while one case presented as massive primary IVH. Endoscopic wash out and removal of hematomas was normally performed together with an endoscopic third ventriculostomy. Recombinant factor VIIa was only administered prior to surgery for IVH secondary to vascular malformation and for cases with postoperative rebleeding which required second endoscopic surgery. Weaning from ventilator and EVD commenced on day 4 postoperatively. All treated patients recovered and did not require further shunt surgery. Good outcomes obtained may be related to early removal of hematomas, creation of new cerebrospinal fluid diversion pathway after thorough wash-out, early weaning from ventilator and EVD. Endoscopic surgery is beneficial in treating poor grade IVH with Graeb score of more than 6.

AIm: This study evaluated the neuroprotective effect of intrathecally infused paclitaxel in the prevention of motoneuron death and mitochondrial dysfunction following brachial plexus avulsion injury. Mat erIal and Methods: Brachial root avulsion injury was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats. The Paclitaxel treatment group (n = 32) received a 5-d intrathecal infusion of paclitaxel (256 ng/d) via a micro infusion pump, whereas the Control group (n = 32) received normal saline. The cervical cord was harvested at survival times of 1, 2, 4, and 6 wk (n = 8 each). The number of surviving and nNOS-positive motoneurons at the injury level in the ventral horn was determined with NADPH-d histochemistry. Mitochondrial function at this location was measured with CcO histochemistry and densitometry. An independent t-test was applied to detect differences between the study groups at specific survival times. Result s: The Paclitaxel treatment group showed a significant relative reduction in nNOS expression at 2, 4, and 6 wk, and significantly improved mitochondrial function at 4 and 6 wk. Motoneuron survival was significantly increased at 2, 4, and 6 wk. ConclusIon: Paclitaxel has a significant neuroprotective effect against spinal motoneuron degeneration following brachial plexus avulsion injury, which involves inhibition of nNOS expression and prevention of mitochondrial dysfunction.

Malaysia had the second highest crude accident rate in the world until 1998. Most children who were involved in these road traffic accidents required intensive neurosurgical care management. We report a prospective study on 36 paediatric neurotrauma patients in rural North East West Malaysia who underwent uniform intensive therapy and were subsequently followed up over a period of 2 years. The modified paediatric Glasgow Coma Scale with support of the revised Wechlser Intelligence Scale for children was used to test the outcome of these children over a period of two years. All patients were managed aggressively in our intensive care as well as our high dependency units. Our results indicate that improvement in outcome is seen after a six month period. Midline shift, duration of coma and duration of transport were found to be significant variables associated with bad outcome. Other variables i.e. age, sex, Glasgow Coma Scale on admission and on site, and lesions of the dominant lobe were not found to be associated with good outcome in these patients.

BACKGROUND Shunt surgery is frequently chosen to manage periventricular metastasis of pineal region tumours which obscured the floor of the third ventricle. However, this procedure falls short due to distant metastasis. Neuronavigation-guided endoscopic surgery offers a viable alternative. PATIENT A 17-year-old man became symptomatic from widespread periventricular metastasis of a pineal region tumour which completely obscured the floor of the third ventricle. RESULTS Endoscopic tumour biopsy followed by neuronavigation-guided endoscopic third ventriculotomy was performed successfully. CONCLUSION This case report emphasizes the value of neuronavigation-guided endoscopic third ventriculostomy as a feasible surgical alternative for pineal region tumours with widespread periventricular metastasis that obscure the third ventricular floor.

The discussion of this case presentation indicates that the patient's symptoms progressed from low back pain with lower extremity neurological symptoms to more widespread pain associated with multiple areas of muscle tenderness. The earlier symptom complex is consistent with the diagnosis, ultimately made, of adhesive arachnoiditis and the latter syndrome is clearly more consistent with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia. The earlier symptoms were limited to the back and lower extremities and not associated with multiple muscular tender points. Her past medical and psychosocial histories are not given, so the origin of an inflammatory condition of the spinal canal, such as prior bacterial, tubercular or fungal infection is not ruled out and a psychological source for some of her symptoms also remains specifically undiagnosed, although she did have a prior history of excess alcohol use, which could play a role. The later syndrome with multiple muscle pain and tenderness is quite consistent with the diagnosis of fibromyalgia in which psychosocial issues have become notably prominent. She came under the care of a neuropsychologist so such issues were likely considered and accounted for during treatment. In such a circumstance past history, such as abuse during childhood often plays a major role and her gender is consistent with the fibromyalgia disorder. As the authors suggest, a multidisciplinary approach to the patient's condition wherein the various surgeons treating her case regularly conferenced with the neuropsychologist and pain specialist also treating her may have reduced the number of operations she had carried out, and may have impacted on the ultimate clinical outcome of her case.[1,2] So, the “take away” of the article is that awareness, especially on the part of surgical specialists, is essential to preparedness!

Sixty patients with brain abscess were treated at the Neurosurgical Unit of the Department of Surgery, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia between January 1990 and December 1996. A retrospective study was done and data were collected from the computerise d registry of the Record Unit of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. Good results were achieved in patients who were both treated surgically and medically. There were only twelve deaths in this group. The main factor that influences morbidity and mortality of brain abscess is the clinical presentation on admission. The mortality was high in patients treated solely by medical means. Death was common in patients who presented with acute onset of symptoms of less than one week duration and those with poor mental status. Brain abscess is common in the East Coast population of peninsular Malaysia, probably due in part to lower socioeconomic status. Efforts should be directed towards prevention of infection and early recognition and management.

There are few local statistics on the incidence of hydrocephalus and the outcome of hydrocephalic shunts in the South East Asian region. We report a retrospective study on 285 hydrocephalic patients who underwent shunting procedures between 1990 and 1998 at the University Hospital Science Malaysia, a regional referral center. Multiple logistic regression analysis was applied to predict determinants of outcome in relation to the timing of diagnosis, other congenital abnormalities associated with the hydrocephalus, timing of surgery and cortical thickness from CT scan. The relationship of shunt infection was correlated to the age of the patient and surgical procedure. The predictors for developmental outcome reported by this study were age at diagnosis, type of brain abnormalities and gender. Time of operation and cortical thickness did not contribute to the outcome.

Nonchromaffin paragangliomas are unusual tumours arising from widely distributed paraganglionic tissues probably of neural crest origin. In the head and neck region they are usually seen as carotid body or jugulotympanic tumours. Other rarely reported sites in the head and neck region are the orbit, nose and larynx. This report deals with a case of sinonasal paraganglioma which was initially treated with surgery and radiotherapy. Twenty two years later the tumour recurred and showed a rapid growth due to malignant transformation which we believe is late effect of radiotherapy. The clinical features, histopathology and role of radiotherapy in sinonasal paragangliomas together with a review of the medical literature have been discussed.

Background: Malignant middle cerebral artery (MCA) infarction is a devastating clinical entity affecting about 10% of stroke patients. Decompressive craniectomy has been found to reduce mortality rates and improve outcome in patients. Methods: A retrospective case review study was conducted to compare patients treated with medical therapy and decompressive surgery for malignant MCA infarction in Hospital Kuala Lumpur over a period of 5 years (from January 2007 to December 2012). A total of 125 patients were included in this study; 90 (72%) patients were treated with surgery, while 35 (28%) patients were treated with medical therapy. Outcome was assessed in terms of mortality rate at 30 days, Glasgow Outcome Score (GOS) on discharge, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) at 3 and 6 months. Results: Decompressive craniectomy resulted in a significant reduction in mortality rate at 30 days (P < 0.05) and favorable GOS outcome at discharge (P < 0.05). Good functional outcome based on mRS was seen in 48.9% of patients at 3 months and in 64.4% of patients at 6 months (P < 0.05). Factors associated with good outcome include infarct volume of less than 250 ml, midline shift of less than 10 mm, absence of additional vascular territory involvement, good preoperative Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, and early surgical intervention (within 24 h) (P < 0.05). Age and dominant hemisphere infarction had no significant association with functional outcome. Conclusion: Decompressive craniectomy achieves good functional outcome in, young patients with good preoperative GCS score and favorable radiological findings treated with surgery within 24 h of ictus.

Background: A patient with refractory epilepsy due to underlying mesial temporal sclerosis underwent general anesthesia for an elective anterior temporal lobectomy and amgydalo‑hippocampectomy. He was a known hypertensive and his blood pressure was well controlled on medication. Case Description: Following induction of general anesthesia and subsequent opening of the craniotomy flap it was noted that the patient had a very swollen brain that herniated out of the dural defect. There was an underlying spontaneous intraparenchymal bleed encountered in the region of the left temporal lobe with associated subarachnoid hemorrhage within the sylvian fissure. The clot was evacuated and subsequently brain swelling reduced allowing us to proceed with the intended surgery. Despite the intracranial findings there was no overt abnormality in the hemodynamic status from the time of induction of anesthesia to the craniotomy opening excepting a mild nonsustained elevation of blood pressure at the outset. Conclusion: This case is of interest due to the fact that spontaneous intraparenchymal bleeding after induction of anesthesia has not been reported before in literature and should be considered in any patient in which brain swelling occurs in a setting of elective neurosurgery in which the primary lesion does not cause elevated intracranial pressure.

Summary Background The balance of risk and benefit from early neurosurgical intervention for conscious patients with superficial lobar intracerebral haemorrhage of 10–100 mL and no intraventricular haemorrhage admitted within 48 h of ictus is unclear. We therefore tested the hypothesis that early surgery compared with initial conservative treatment could improve outcome in these patients. Methods In this international, parallel-group trial undertaken in 78 centres in 27 countries, we compared early surgical haematoma evacuation within 12 h of randomisation plus medical treatment with initial medical treatment alone (later evacuation was allowed if judged necessary). An automatic telephone and internet-based randomisation service was used to assign patients to surgery and initial conservative treatment in a 1:1 ratio. The trial was not masked. The primary outcome was a prognosis-based dichotomised (favourable or unfavourable) outcome of the 8 point Extended Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOSE) obtained by questionnaires posted to patients at 6 months. Analysis was by intention to treat. This trial is registered, number ISRCTN22153967. Findings 307 of 601 patients were randomly assigned to early surgery and 294 to initial conservative treatment; 298 and 291 were followed up at 6 months, respectively; and 297 and 286 were included in the analysis, respectively. 174 (59%) of 297 patients in the early surgery group had an unfavourable outcome versus 178 (62%) of 286 patients in the initial conservative treatment group (absolute difference 3·7% [95% CI −4·3 to 11·6], odds ratio 0·86 [0·62 to 1·20]; p=0·367). Interpretation The STICH II results confirm that early surgery does not increase the rate of death or disability at 6 months and might have a small but clinically relevant survival advantage for patients with spontaneous superficial intracerebral haemorrhage without intraventricular haemorrhage. Funding UK Medical Research Council.

Neuroimaging has evolved from Computed Tomography (CT), CT-Positron Emission Tomography (CT-PET) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner in 1970s and 1980s to functional MRI (fMRI), Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) and Magnetic Source Imaging (MSI) or Magnetoencephalography-MRI (MEG-MRI) fusion in 1990s and 2000s. Anatomical and functional neuroimages are currently regarded by most as vital in planning for brain tumors surgery. These anatomical and functional neuroimages can be fused and exported to the neuronavigation system in the operating theatre (Figure 1). Collectively, these images are known as extraoperative neuroimages. On the contrary, intraoperative neuroimages are images that obtained intraoperatively and can be exported regularly to the navigation system. The intraoperative images can be obtained by using either intraoperative CT (iCT), MRI (iMRI) or ultrasound [3D-iUS) [1-3]. Safer and successful brain tumors surgery requires not only neuroimages-guided surgery but also properly defined the eloquent (important and function‐ al) cortices and monitoring of the vital areas of the brain and other organs. Awake surgery with intraoperative brain mapping, and surgery under general anaesthesia with intraoperative monitoring (IOM) which are guided by neuroimages are two operative techniques for brain tumors that are currently regarded by most as gold standard [4-8]. This chapter describes the current functional neuroimaging modalities (fMRI, DTI and MSI), brain mapping, surgery

Background: Bovine pericardium has widely been used for grafts in cardiac surgery and seems to have suitable properties for use as a dural graft. We report our experience of using locally processed bovine pericardium for dural grafts in 22 patients undergoing cranial operations. Methods: 22 patients were analysed prospectively and followed-up for a maximum 3 years. All available records and information regarding the indication for grafting, graft size, complications and outcome were collected and analysed. Results: Indications for grafting included neurosurgical, tumour, congenital and trauma patients. Outcomes were classified as good or excellent in 20 patients, whereas in two patients death was not related to surgical closure but more to malignant intracranial hypertension. In no patient was the dural graft a significant factor in the outcome. Bovine pericardium was found to be easily sutured and watertight using standard 4-0 silk suture. This material is relatively inexpensive compared to other non-synthetic grafts. Conclusion: In this clinical assessment, our bovine pericardium better known as Lyolemb® was found to be an excellent dural graft material for local and eventual international consumption.

SummaryBackgroundEpidemiological studies suggest that raised plasma concentrations of total homocysteine might be a risk factor for major vascular events. Whether lowering total homocysteine with B vitamins prevents major vascular events in patients with previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack is unknown. We aimed to assess whether the addition of once-daily supplements of B vitamins to usual medical care would lower total homocysteine and reduce the combined incidence of non-fatal stroke, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and death attributable to vascular causes in patients with recent stroke or transient ischaemic attack of the brain or eye.MethodsIn this randomised, double-blind, parallel, placebo-controlled trial, we assigned patients with recent stroke or transient ischaemic attack (within the past 7 months) from 123 medical centres in 20 countries to receive one tablet daily of placebo or B vitamins (2 mg folic acid, 25 mg vitamin B6, and 0·5 mg vitamin B12). Patients were randomly allocated by means of a central 24-h telephone service or an interactive website, and allocation was by use of random permuted blocks stratified by hospital. Participants, clinicians, carers, and investigators who assessed outcomes were masked to the assigned intervention. The primary endpoint was the composite of stroke, myocardial infarction, or vascular death. All patients randomly allocated to a group were included in the analysis of the primary endpoint. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT00097669, and Current Controlled Trials, ISRCTN74743444.FindingsBetween Nov 19, 1998, and Dec 31, 2008, 8164 patients were randomly assigned to receive B vitamins (n=4089) or placebo (n=4075). Patients were followed up for a median duration of 3·4 years (IQR 2·0–5·5). 616 (15%) patients assigned to B vitamins and 678 (17%) assigned to placebo reached the primary endpoint (risk ratio [RR] 0·91, 95% CI 0·82 to 1·00, p=0·05; absolute risk reduction 1·56%, −0·01 to 3·16). There were no unexpected serious adverse reactions and no significant differences in common adverse effects between the treatment groups.InterpretationDaily administration of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 to patients with recent stroke or transient ischaemic attack was safe but did not seem to be more effective than placebo in reducing the incidence of major vascular events. These results do not support the use of B vitamins to prevent recurrent stroke. The results of ongoing trials and an individual patient data meta-analysis will add statistical power and precision to present estimates of the effect of B vitamins.FundingAustralia National Health and Medical Research Council, UK Medical Research Council, Singapore Biomedical Research Council, Singapore National Medical Research Council, Australia National Heart Foundation, Royal Perth Hospital Medical Research Foundation, and Health Department of Western Australia.