A rare case of herpes simplex virus encephalitis from viral reactivation following surgically treated traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE: Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Here, we present the occurrence of HSVE in a 36-year-old immunocompetent patient following craniotomy for a traumatic acute subdural hematoma (ASDH). METHODS: Imaging after four days of progressive headache following a fall with head-strike demonstrated a 1 cm thick left holohemispheric ASDH with significant cerebral compression, edema, and 8 mm of left-to-right midline shift, and an emergent craniotomy and ASDH evacuation were performed, with additional treatment needed for reaccumulation. Postoperatively, the patient developed a worsening leukocytosis, became febrile, and was hypotensive requiring vasopressor support. RESULTS: Despite empiric antibiotics, the patient remained persistently febrile with significant leukocytosis. Repeat head CT showed a new left insular hypodensity and a subsequent viral encephalitis panel was positive for HSV-1. The patient was then started on intravenous acyclovir, with progressive neurological exam improvement. Of note, the patient was noted to have a positive serum HSV-1 IgG antibody titer, indicative of prior infection. CONCLUSIONS: Given the known systemic immunosuppression in brain injury and the high prevalence of HSV seropositivity, clinicians should consider the possibility of HSVE from HSV reactivation in TBI patients with persistent fever, leukocytosis, and/or neurological deficits without an obvious etiology.

The Effect of Direct Oral Anti-Coagulants on Delayed Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: The use of anticoagulant medications leads to a higher risk of developing traumatic intracranial hemorrhage (tICH) after a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). The management of anticoagulated patients can be difficult to determine when the initial head computed tomography is negative for tICH. There has been limited research on the risk of delayed tICH in patients taking direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) medications. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine the risk of delayed tICH for patients anticoagulated with DOACs after mTBI. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines and searched several medical databases to examine the risk of delayed tICH in patients on DOACs. RESULTS: There were 1252 nonduplicate studies that were identified through an initial database search, 15 of which met our inclusion and exclusion criteria and were included in our analysis after full-text review. A total of 1375 subjects were combined among the 15 studies, with 20 instances of delayed tICH after mTBI. Nineteen of the 20 patients with a delayed tICH were discharged without any neurosurgical intervention, and 1 patient on apixaban died due to a delayed tICH. CONCLUSIONS: This systematic review confirms that delayed tICH after mTBI in patients on DOACs is uncommon. However, large, multicenter, prospective studies are needed to confirm the true incidence of clinically significant delayed tICH after DOAC use. Due to the limited data, we recommend using shared decision-making for patients who are candidates for discharge.

Variability in outcome after elective cerebral aneurysm repair in high-volume academic medical centers.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Unruptured intracranial aneurysm repair is the most commonly performed procedure for the prevention of hemorrhagic stroke. Despite efforts to regionalize care in high-volume centers, overall results have improved little. This study aims to determine the effectiveness in improving outcomes of previous efforts to regionalize unruptured intracranial aneurysm repair to high-volume centers and to recommend future steps toward that goal. METHODS: Using data obtained via the New York Statewide Planning and Research Cooperative System, this study included all patients admitted to any of the 10 highest volume centers in New York state between 2005 and 2010 with a principal diagnosis of unruptured intracranial aneurysm who were treated either by microsurgical or endovascular repair. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to determine the degree to which hospital-level and patient-level variables contributed to observed variation in good outcome, defined as discharge to home, between hospitals. RESULTS: Of 3499 patients treated during the study period, 2692 (76.9%) were treated at the 10 highest volume centers, with 2198 (81.6%) experiencing a good outcome. Good outcomes varied widely between centers, with 44.6% to 91.1% of clipped patients and 75.4% to 92.1% of coiled patients discharged home. Mixed-effects logistic regression revealed that procedural volume accounts for 85.8% of the between-hospital variation in outcome. CONCLUSIONS: There is notable interhospital heterogeneity in outcomes among even the largest volume unruptured intracranial aneurysm referral centers. Although further regionalization may be needed, mandatory participation in prospective, adjudicated registries will be necessary to reliably identify factors associated with superior outcomes.

From Text to Insight: A Natural Language Processing-Based Analysis of Topics and Trends in Neurosurgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Neurosurgical research is a rapidly evolving field, with new research topics emerging continually. To provide a clearer understanding of the evolving research landscape, our study aimed to identify and analyze the prevalent research topics and trends in Neurosurgery. METHODS: We used BERTopic, an advanced natural language processing-based topic modeling approach, to analyze papers published in the journal Neurosurgery . Using this method, topics were identified based on unique sets of keywords that encapsulated the core themes of each article. Linear regression models were then trained on the topic probabilities to identify trends over time, allowing us to identify "hot" (growing in prominence) and "cold" (decreasing in prominence) topics. We also performed a focused analysis of the trends in the current decade. RESULTS: Our analysis led to the categorization of 12 438 documents into 49 distinct topics. The topics covered a wide range of themes, with the most commonly identified topics being "Spinal Neurosurgery" and "Treatment of Cerebral Ischemia." The hottest topics of the current decade were "Peripheral Nerve Surgery," "Unruptured Aneurysms," and "Endovascular Treatments" while the cold topics were "Chiari Malformations," "Thromboembolism Prophylaxis," and "Infections." CONCLUSION: Our study underscores the dynamic nature of neurosurgical research and the evolving focus of the field. The insights derived from the analysis can guide future research directions, inform policy decisions, and identify emerging areas of interest. The use of natural language processing in synthesizing and analyzing large volumes of academic literature demonstrates the potential of advanced analytical techniques in understanding the research landscape, paving the way for similar analyses across other medical disciplines.

Prevalence of Acute Alcohol Use in Traumatic Brain Injury Patients During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Retrospective Analysis From Queens, New York.

Background This study investigates the impact of New York's relaxed alcohol consumption policies during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on alcohol-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among patients admitted to a Level 1 trauma center in Queens. Given the limited research available, this study critically explores the link between public health policies and trauma care. It aims to address a significant gap in the literature and highlight the implications of alcohol regulations during global health emergencies. Methodology A retrospective analysis was conducted among trauma patients from 2019 to 2021. The study period was divided into the following three periods: pre-lockdown (March 7, 2019, to July 31, 2019), lockdown (March 7, 2020, to July 31, 2020), and post-lockdown (March 7, 2021, to July 31, 2021). Data on demographics, injury severity, comorbidities, and outcomes were collected. The study focused on assessing the correlation between New York's alcohol policies and alcohol-related TBI admissions during these periods. Results A total of 1,074 admissions were analyzed. The study found no significant changes in alcohol-positive patients over the full calendar years of 2019, 2020, and 2021 (42.65%, 38.91%, and 31.16% respectively; p = 0.08711). Specifically, during the lockdown period, rates of alcohol-positive TBI patients remained unchanged, despite the relaxed alcohol policies. There was a decrease in alcohol-related TBI admissions in 2021 compared to 2020 during the lockdown period. Conclusions Our study concludes that New York's specific alcohol policies during the COVID-19 pandemic were not correlated with an increase in alcohol-related TBI admissions. Despite the relaxation of alcohol consumption laws, there was no increase in alcohol positivity among TBI patients. The findings suggest a complex relationship between public policies, alcohol use, and trauma during pandemic conditions, indicating that factors other than policy relaxation might influence alcohol-related trauma incidences.

Ultra-Early (<5 Hours) Decompression for Thoracolumbar Spinal Cord Injury: A Case Series.

Early surgical decompression within 24 hours for traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with improved neurological recovery. However, the ideal timing of decompression is still up for debate. The objective of this study was to utilize our retrospective single-institution series of ultra-early (<5 hours) decompression to determine if ultra-early decompression led to improved neurological outcomes and was a feasible target over previously defined early decompression targets. Retrospective data on patients with SCI who underwent ultra-early (<5 hours) decompression at a level one metropolitan trauma center were extracted and collected from 2015-2018. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale (AIS) grade improvement was the primary outcome, with ASIA Motor score improvement and complication rate as secondary outcomes. Four individuals met the criteria for inclusion in this case series. All four suffered thoracolumbar SCI. All patients improved neurologically by AIS grade, and there were no complications directly related to ultra-early surgery. Given the small sample size, there was no statistically significant difference in outcomes compared to a control group who underwent early (5-24 hour) decompression in the same period. Ultra-early decompression is a feasible and safe target for thoracolumbar SCI and may lead to improved neurological outcomes without increased risk of complications. This case series can help create the foundation for future, larger studies that may definitively show the benefit of ultra-early decompression.

Exploiting Natural Language Processing to Unveil Topics and Trends of Traumatic Brain Injury Research.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has evolved from a topic of relative obscurity to one of widespread scientific and lay interest. The scope and focus of TBI research have shifted, and research trends have changed in response to public and scientific interest. This study has two primary goals: first, to identify the predominant themes in TBI research; and second, to delineate "hot" and "cold" areas of interest by evaluating the current popularity or decline of these topics. Hot topics may be dwarfed in absolute numbers by other, larger TBI research areas but are rapidly gaining interest. Likewise, cold topics may present opportunities for researchers to revisit unanswered questions. We utilized BERTopic, an advanced natural language processing (NLP)-based technique, to analyze TBI research articles published since 1990. This approach facilitated the identification of key topics by extracting sets of distinctive keywords representative of each article's core themes. Using these topics' probabilities, we trained linear regression models to detect trends over time, recognizing topics that were gaining (hot) or losing (cold) relevance. Additionally, we conducted a specific analysis focusing on the trends observed in TBI research in the current decade (the 2020s). Our topic modeling analysis categorized 42,422 articles into 27 distinct topics. The 10 most frequently occurring topics were: "Rehabilitation," "Molecular Mechanisms of TBI," "Concussion," "Repetitive Head Impacts," "Surgical Interventions," "Biomarkers," "Intracranial Pressure," "Posttraumatic Neurodegeneration," "Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy," and "Blast Induced TBI," while our trend analysis indicated that the hottest topics of the current decade were "Genomics," "Sex Hormones," and "Diffusion Tensor Imaging," while the cooling topics were "Posttraumatic Sleep," "Sensory Functions," and "Hyperosmolar Therapies." This study highlights the dynamic nature of TBI research and underscores the shifting emphasis within the field. The findings from our analysis can aid in the identification of emerging topics of interest and areas where there is little new research reported. By utilizing NLP to effectively synthesize and analyze an extensive collection of TBI-related scholarly literature, we demonstrate the potential of machine learning techniques in understanding and guiding future research prospects. This approach sets the stage for similar analyses in other medical disciplines, offering profound insights and opportunities for further exploration.

Volume-dependent effect of perihaematomal oedema on outcome for spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhages.

INTRODUCTION: It is still unknown whether subsequent perihaematomal oedema (PHE) formation further increases the odds of an unfavourable outcome. METHODS: Demographic, clinical, radiographic and outcome data were prospectively collected in a single large academic centre. A multiple logistic regression model was then developed to determine the effect of admission oedema volume on outcome. RESULTS: 133 patients were analysed in this study. While there was no significant association between relative PHE volume and discharge outcome (p=0.713), a strong relationship was observed between absolute PHE volume and discharge outcome (p=0.009). In a multivariate model incorporating known predictors of outcome, as well as other factors found to be significant in our univariate analysis, absolute PHE volume remained a significant predictor of poor outcome only in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) volumes ≤30 cm(3) (OR 1.123, 95% CI 1.021 to 1.273, p=0.034). An increase in absolute PHE volume of 10 cm(3) in these patients was found to increase the odds of poor outcome on discharge by a factor of 3.19. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the effect of absolute PHE volume on functional outcome following ICH is dependent on haematoma size, with only patients with smaller haemorrhages exhibiting poorer outcome with worse PHE. Further studies are needed to define the precise role of PHE in driving outcome following ICH.

Transnasal endoscopic approach to the pediatric craniovertebral junction and rostral cervical spine: case series and literature review.

The endoscopic transnasal approach to the rostral pediatric spine and craniovertebral junction is a relatively new technique that provides an alternative to the traditional transoral approach to the anterior pediatric spine. In this case series, the authors provide 2 additional examples of patients undergoing endoscopic transnasal odontoidectomies for ventral decompression of the spinal cord. Both patients would have required transection of the palate to undergo an effective transoral operation, which can be a cause of significant morbidity. In one case, transnasal decompression was initially incomplete, and decompression was successfully achieved via a second endoscopic transnasal operation. Both cases resulted in significant neurological recovery and stable long-term spinal alignment. The transnasal approach benefits from entering into the posterior pharynx at an angle that often reduces the length of postoperative intubation and may speed a patient's return to oral intake. Higher reoperation rates are a concern for many endoscopic approaches, but there are insufficient data to conclude if this is the case for this procedure. Further experience with this technique will provide a better understanding of the indications for which it is most effective. Transcervical and transoral endoscopic approaches have also been reported and provide additional options for pediatric anterior cervical spine surgery.

Decompressive hemicraniectomy without clot evacuation in dominant-sided intracerebral hemorrhage with ICP crisis.

OBJECT: Large intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), compounded by perihematomal edema, can produce severe elevations of intracranial pressure (ICP). Decompressive hemicraniectomy (DHC) with or without clot evacuation has been considered a part of the armamentarium of treatment options for these patients. The authors sought to assess the preliminary utility of DHC without evacuation for ICH in patients with supratentorial, dominant-sided lesions. METHODS: From September 2009 to May 2012, patients with ICH who were admitted to the neurological ICU at Columbia University Medical Center were prospectively enrolled in that institution's ICH Outcomes Project (ICHOP). Five patients with spontaneous supratentorial dominant-sided ICH underwent DHC without clot evacuation for recalcitrant elevated ICP. Data pertaining to the patients' characteristics and outcomes of treatment were prospectively collected. RESULTS: The patients' median age was 43 years (range 30-55 years) and the ICH etiology was hypertension in 4 of 5 patients, and systemic lupus erythematosus vasculitis in 1 patient. On admission, the median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 7 (range 5-9). The median ICH volume was 53 cm(3) (range 28-79 cm(3)), and the median midline shift was 7.6 mm (range 3.0-11.3 mm). One day after surgery, the median decrease in midline shift was 2.7 mm (range 1.5-4.6 mm), and the median change in GCS score was +1 (range -3 to +5). At discharge, all patients were still alive, and the median GCS score was 10 (range 9-11), the median modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was 5 (range 5-5), and the median NIHSS (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale) score was 22 (range 17-27). Six months after hemorrhage, 1 patient had died, 2 were functionally dependent (mRS Score 4-5), and 2 were functionally independent (mRS Score 0-3). Outcomes for the patients treated with DHC were good compared with 1) outcomes for all patients with spontaneous supratentorial ICH admitted during the same period (n = 144) and 2) outcomes for matched patients (dominant ICH, GCS Score 5-9, ICH volume 28-79 cm(3), age < 60 years) whose cases were managed nonoperatively (n = 5). CONCLUSIONS: Decompressive hemicraniectomy without clot evacuation appears feasible in patients with large ICH and deserves further investigation, preferably in a randomized controlled setting.

Does lower extremity fracture fixation technique influence neurologic outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury? The EAST Brain vs. Bone multicenter trial.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine whether lower extremity fracture fixation technique and timing (≤24 vs. >24 hours) impact neurologic outcomes in TBI patients. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted across 30 trauma centers. Inclusion criteria were age 18 years and older, head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) score of >2, and a diaphyseal femur or tibia fracture requiring external fixation (Ex-Fix), intramedullary nailing (IMN), or open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The analysis was conducted using analysis of variamce, Kruskal-Wallis, and multivariable regression models. Neurologic outcomes were measured by discharge Ranchos Los Amigos Revised Scale (RLAS-R). RESULTS: Of the 520 patients enrolled, 358 underwent Ex-Fix, IMN, or ORIF as definitive management. Head AIS was similar among cohorts. The Ex-Fix group experienced more severe lower extremity injuries (AIS score, 4-5) compared with the IMN group (16% vs. 3%, p = 0.01) but not the ORIF group (16% vs. 6%, p = 0.1). Time to operative intervention varied between the cohorts with the longest time to intervention for the IMN group (median hours: Ex-Fix, 15 [8-24] vs. ORIF, 26 [12-85] vs. IMN, 31 [12-70]; p < 0.001). The discharge RLAS-R score distribution was similar across the groups. After adjusting for confounders, neither method nor timing of lower extremity fixation influenced the discharge RLAS-R. Instead, increasing age and head AIS score were associated with a lower discharge RLAS-R score (odds ratio [OR], 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.002-1.03 and OR, 2.37; 95% CI, 1.75-3.22), and a higher Glasgow Coma Scale motor score on admission (OR, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73-0.97) was associated with higher RLAS-R score at discharge. CONCLUSION: Neurologic outcomes in TBI are impacted by severity of the head injury and not the fracture fixation technique or timing. Therefore, the strategy of definitive fixation of lower extremity fractures should be dictated by patient physiology and the anatomy of the injured extremity and not by the concern for worsening neurologic outcomes in TBI patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level III.

Management of ruptured brain arteriovenous malformations.

Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are a common cause of stroke in younger patients, and often present as intracerebral hemorrhages (ICH), associated with 10 % to 30 % mortality. Patients who present with a hemorrhage from an AVM should be initially stabilized according to acute management guidelines for ICH. The characteristics of a lesion including its size, location in eloquent tissue, and high-risk features will influence risk of rupture, prognosis, as well as help guide management decisions. Given that rupture is associated with an increased risk of 6 % re-rupture in the year following the initial hemorrhage, versus 1 % to 3 % predicted annual risk in non-ruptured lesions only, definitive treatment is encouraged after ICH stabilization. A rest period of 2 to 6 weeks after hemorrhage is recommended before definitive treatment to avoid disrupting friable parenchyma and the hematoma. Treatment may consist of endovascular embolization, surgical resection, radiosurgery, or a combination of these three interventions based on the lesion.

The surgical management of chronic subdural hematoma.

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is an increasingly common neurological disease process. Despite the wide prevalence of cSDH, there remains a lack of consensus regarding numerous aspects of its clinical management. We provide an overview of the epidemiology and pathophysiology of cSDH and discuss several controversial management issues, including the timing of post-operative resumption of anticoagulant medications, the effectiveness of anti-epileptic prophylaxis, protocols for mobilization following evacuation of cSDH, as well as the comparative effectiveness of the various techniques of surgical evacuation. A PubMed search was carried out through October 19, 2010 using the following keywords: "subdural hematoma", "craniotomy", "burr-hole", "management", "anticoagulation", "seizure prophylaxis", "antiplatelet", "mobilization", and "surgical evacuation", alone and in combination. Relevant articles were identified and back-referenced to yield additional papers. A meta-analysis was then performed comparing the efficacy and complications associated with the various methods of cSDH evacuation. There is general agreement that significant coagulopathy should be reversed expeditiously in patients presenting with cSDH. Although protocols for gradual resumption of anti-coagulation for prophylaxis of venous thrombosis may be derived from guidelines for other neurosurgical procedures, further prospective study is necessary to determine the optimal time to restart full-dose anti-coagulation in the setting of recently drained cSDH. There is also conflicting evidence to support seizure prophylaxis in patients with cSDH, although the existing literature supports prophylaxis in patients who are at a higher risk for seizures. The published data regarding surgical technique for cSDH supports primary twist drill craniostomy (TDC) drainage at the bedside for patients who are high-risk surgical candidates with non-septated cSDH and craniotomy as a first-line evacuation technique for cSDH with significant membranes. Larger prospective studies addressing these aspects of cSDH management are necessary to establish definitive recommendations.

Predictors of long-term shunt-dependent hydrocephalus in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage requiring emergency cerebrospinal fluid diversion.

OBJECT: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is frequently complicated by acute hydrocephalus, necessitating emergency CSF diversion with a subset of patients, ultimately requiring long-term treatment via placement of permanent ventricular shunts. It is unclear what factors may predict the need for ventricular shunt placement in this patient population. METHODS: The authors performed a retrospective analysis of a prospective database (ICH Outcomes Project) containing patients with nontraumatic ICH admitted to the neurological ICU at Columbia University Medical Center between January 2009 and September 2011. A multiple logistic regression model was developed to identify independent predictors of shunt-dependent hydrocephalus after ICH. The following variables were included: patient age, admission Glasgow Coma Scale score, temporal horn diameter on admission CT imaging, bicaudate index, admission ICH volume and location, intraventricular hemorrhage volume, Graeb score, LeRoux score, third or fourth ventricle hemorrhage, and intracranial pressure (ICP) and ventriculitis during hospital stay. RESULTS: Of 210 patients prospectively enrolled in the ICH Outcomes Project, 64 required emergency CSF diversion via placement of an external ventricular drain and were included in the final cohort. Thirteen of these patients underwent permanent ventricular CSF shunting prior to discharge. In univariate analysis, only thalamic hemorrhage and elevated ICP were significantly associated with the requirement for permanent CSF diversion, with p values of 0.008 and 0.033, respectively. Each remained significant in a multiple logistic regression model in which both variables were present. CONCLUSIONS: Of patients with ICH requiring emergency CSF diversion, those with persistently elevated ICP and thalamic location of their hemorrhage are at increased odds of developing persistent hydrocephalus, necessitating permanent ventricular shunt placement. These factors may assist in predicting which patients will require permanent CSF diversion and could ultimately lead to improvements in the management of this disorder and the outcome in patients with ICH.

Brainstem Hemorrhage Following Lumbar Drain for Post-traumatic Hydrocephalus.

Post-traumatic hydrocephalus is common after traumatic brain injury (TBI), particularly following decompressive craniectomy. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) removal by lumbar drain (LD) aids in the workup of post-traumatic hydrocephalus and serves as a bridge to definitive CSF diversion. Hemorrhagic complications following LD are rare but can include intracranial hemorrhage. We present a case of fatal brainstem hemorrhage following LD in a patient three months after craniectomy. A 32-year-old male presented with severe TBI and an acute subdural hematoma. He underwent emergent decompressive craniectomy and hematoma evacuation. The next day, he required ventriculostomy for elevated intracranial pressure (ICP), which was able to be successfully removed. Three months after the injury, the patient's neurological exam declined, and computed tomography (CT) findings were consistent with communicating hydrocephalus. An LD was placed with 15 mL of CSF and drained every two hours. Five days after LD placement, the CSF became blood-tinged, and a repeat head CT demonstrated an acute brainstem hemorrhage. The patient ultimately expired. Given the prevalence of post-traumatic hydrocephalus and the frequent use of CSF diversion in the management of this condition, it is important for neurosurgeons to remain cognizant of the potential risk for catastrophic brainstem hemorrhage following LD in decompressive craniectomy patients.

Intracranial extramedullary hematopoiesis in a patient with beta-thalassemia presenting with head trauma.

Background: Beta-thalassemia is an inherited hemoglobinopathy, whereby reduced or absent expression of beta-globin genes causes impaired erythropoiesis. Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) occurs in 1% of all patients with beta-thalassemia major receiving regular transfusions and is exceedingly rare intracranially. Case Description: We report a case of a male in his 20s with beta thalassemia who presented with head trauma found to have intracranial EMH mimicking multiple extra-axial hematomas. Making the correct diagnosis was critical in avoiding prolonged neuromonitoring and unnecessary interventions. Conclusion: Intracranial extramedullary hematopoietic pseudotumor is an exceedingly rare entity and seldom appears in a neurosurgeon's differential diagnosis. This case illustrates how this condition can easily mimic an acute intracranial hemorrhage in a patient with beta-thalassemia who presents with head trauma. We review the topic to further inform clinicians who may encounter this condition in their practice.

Racial and Socioeconomic Disparities in Neurotrauma: Research Priorities in the New York Metropolitan Area Through a Global Neurosurgery Paradigm.

The New York Neurotrauma Consortium (NYNC) is a nascent multidisciplinary research and advocacy organization based in the New York Metropolitan Area (NYMA). It aims to advance health equity and optimize outcomes for traumatic brain and spine injury patients. Given the extensive racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic diversity of the NYMA, global health frameworks aimed at eliminating disparities in neurotrauma may provide a relevant and useful model for the informing research agendas of consortia like the NYNC. In this review, we present a comparative analysis of key health disparities in traumatic brain injury (TBI) that persists in the NYMA as well as in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Examples include (a) inequitable access to quality care due to fragmentation of healthcare systems, (b) barriers to effective prehospital care for TBI, and (c) socioeconomic challenges faced by patients and their families during the subacute and chronic postinjury phases of TBI care. This review presents strategies to address each area of health disparity based on previous studies conducted in both LMIC and high-income country settings. Increased awareness of healthcare disparities, education of healthcare professionals, effective policy advocacy for systemic changes, and fostering racial diversity of the trauma care workforce can guide the development of trauma care systems in the NYMA that are free of racial and related healthcare disparities.

International Survey of Antiseizure Medication Use in Patients with Complicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A New York Neurotrauma Consortium Study.

BACKGROUND: Seizures and epilepsy after traumatic brain injury (TBI) negatively affect quality of life and longevity. Antiseizure medication (ASM) prophylaxis after severe TBI is associated with improved outcomes; these medications are rarely used in mild TBI. However, a paucity of research is available to inform ASM use in complicated mild TBI (cmTBI) and no empirically based clinical care guidelines for ASM use in cmTBI exist. We aim to identify seizure prevention and management strategies used by clinicians experienced in treating patients with cmTBI to characterize standard care and inform a systematic approach to clinical decision making regarding ASM prophylaxis. METHODS: We recruited a multidisciplinary international cohort through professional organizational listservs and social media platforms. Our questionnaire assessed factors influencing ASM prophylaxis after cmTBI at the individual, institutional, and health system-wide levels. RESULTS: Ninety-two providers with experience managing cmTBI completed the survey. We found a striking diversity of ASM use in cmTBI, with 30% of respondents reporting no/infrequent use and 42% reporting frequent use; these tendencies did not differ by provider or institutional characteristics. Certain conditions universally increased or decreased the likelihood of ASM use and represent consensus. Based on survey results, ASMs are commonly used in patients with cmTBI who experience acute secondary seizure or select positive neuroimaging findings; we advise caution in elderly patients and those with concomitant neuropsychiatric illness. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to characterize factors influencing clinical decision making in ASM prophylaxis after cmTBI based on multidisciplinary multicenter provider practices. Prospective controlled studies are necessary to inform standardized guideline development.

Technological advances in the management of unruptured intracranial aneurysms fail to improve outcome in New York state.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) are being identified more frequently and endovascular coil embolization has become an increasingly popular treatment modality. Our study evaluates patient outcomes with changing patterns of treatment of UIA. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective, longitudinal cohort study of 3132 hospital discharges for UIA identified from the New York Statewide Database (SPARCS) in 2005 to 2007 and 2200 discharges from 1995 to 2000. The rates of endovascular coiling and surgical clipping were examined along with hospital variables and discharge outcome. Anatomic specifics of UIA were unavailable for analysis. RESULTS: The case rate for treatment of UIA doubled from 1.59 (1995 to 2000) to 3.45 per 100,000 (2005 to 2007, P<0.0001) and increased in the case treatment rate for coiling of UIA (0.36 versus 1.98 per 100,000, P<0.0001). Compared with the old epoch, there were more UIAs clipped at high-volume centers (55.8% versus 78.8%, P<0.0001) but fewer coiled at high-volume centers (94.8% versus 84.5%, P<0.0001) in the new epoch. Coiling and increasing hospital UIA treatment volume were associated with good discharge outcome. However, there was no significant improvement in overall good outcome when comparing 1995 to 2000 versus 2005 to 2007 (79% versus 81%, P=0.168) and a worsening of good outcomes for clipping (76.3% versus 71.7%, P=0.0132). CONCLUSIONS: Despite coiling being associated with an increased incidence of good outcome relative to clipping of UIA, the increase in coiling has failed to improve overall patient outcome. The shift in coiling venue from high-volume centers to low-volume centers and decreasing microsurgical volume accompanied by a worsening in microsurgical results contribute to this. This argues for greater centralization of care.