Vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation for stroke: Implantation experience from the VNS-REHAB trial.

OBJECTIVE: Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) paired with rehabilitation delivered by the Vivistim® Paired VNS™ System was approved by the FDA in 2021 to improve motor deficits in chronic ischemic stroke survivors with moderate to severe arm and hand impairment. Vagus nerve stimulators have previously been implanted in over 125,000 patients for treatment-resistant epilepsy and the surgical procedure is generally well-tolerated and safe. In this report, we describe the Vivistim implantation procedure, perioperative management, and complications for chronic stroke survivors enrolled in the pivotal trial. METHODS: The pivotal, multisite, randomized, triple-blind, sham-controlled trial (VNS-REHAB) enrolled 108 participants. All participants were implanted with the VNS device in an outpatient procedure. Thrombolytic agents were temporarily discontinued during the perioperative period. Participants were discharged within 48 hrs and started rehabilitation therapy approximately 10 days after the Procedure. RESULTS: The rate of surgery-related adverse events was lower than previously reported for VNS implantation for epilepsy and depression. One participant had vocal cord paresis that eventually resolved. There were no serious adverse events related to device stimulation. Over 90% of participants were taking antiplatelet drugs (APD) or anticoagulants and no adverse events or serious adverse events were reported as a result of withholding these medications during the perioperative period. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the largest, randomized, controlled trial in which a VNS device was implanted in chronic stroke survivors. Results support the use of the Vivistim System in chronic stroke survivors, with a safety profile similar to VNS implantations for epilepsy and depression.

Evaluation of DBS Timeline in Movement Disorders: A Comparison Between Genders.

BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a pivotal surgical treatment for movement disorders. However, men and women have had differing opinions and referral experiences related to DBS, leading us to assess whether a gender disparity exists in the interval from a movement disorder diagnosis to DBS usage. METHODS: We performed a single-center, retrospective cohort study of 105 patients who had undergone DBS surgery for either Parkinson disease (PD) or essential tremor (ET). We compared gender differences in the median interval between the diagnosis date, DBS consultation date, and DBS surgery dates. Additionally, the patient demographics, baseline clinical characteristics, and DBS outcomes were compared between men and women. RESULTS: We found no significant differences between genders in the interval from the diagnosis to DBS surgery for ET or PD. At the DBS consultation for ET, the women had had significantly greater disease severity compared with the men (P = 0.029). The baseline motor impairment without medication was similar between the men and women with PD. However, female patients with PD had experienced a significantly greater reduction compared with male patients in baseline motor impairment with medication versus without medication (P = 0.042). No minority populations were represented within the female ET and PD subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: Our study detected no gender differences in the DBS implantation timeline but alluded to a gender-specific discrepancy in DBS referral for ET. The female patients did not have a shorter duration from the ET diagnosis to DBS, despite experiencing significantly greater baseline ET severity compared with their male counterparts. Furthermore, the women with ET more often used Medicaid insurance and were without minority representation.

Emerging Trends in Neuromodulation for Treatment of Drug-Resistant Epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects more than 70 million people globally. A considerable proportion of epilepsy is resistant to anti-epileptic drugs (AED). For patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), who are not eligible for resective or ablative surgery, neuromodulation has been a palliative option. Since the approval of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in 1997, expansion to include other modalities, such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) and responsive neurostimulation (RNS), has led to improved seizure control in this population. In this article, we discuss the current updates and emerging trends on neuromodulation for epilepsy.

Jamestown Canyon Virus (JCV) Encephalitis Mimicking Acute Stroke in Michigan: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

Jamestown canyon virus (JCV) is an arbovirus and is an under-recognized cause of mosquito-borne viral encephalitis. In this report we present a patient who presented with focal neurological deficits. Patient was initially evaluated for stroke. However, leptomeningeal enhancement on MRI and CSF studies were concerning for viral encephalitis. Brain biopsy and CSF sample from surgical site was positive for JCV IgM antibodies. Patients presenting with concern for viral encephalitis in endemic areas should undergo antibody testing for JCV to guide appropriate treatment.

Experience From 211 Transcortical Selective Amygdalohippocampectomy Procedures: Relevant Surgical Anatomy and Review of the Literature.

BACKGROUND: Selective amygdalohippocampectomy (SelAH) is designed to treat medically refractory mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with reduced morbidity compared to standard anterior temporal lobectomy. At our institution, we perform SelAH via a transcortical approach via small corticectomy in the middle temporal gyrus. OBJECTIVE: To discuss the surgical anatomy and nuances of SelAH, share our institutional experience, and perform a review of literature. METHODS: Institutional experience was recorded by collecting demographic and outcome data from 1999 to 2017 under an Institutional Review Board protocol in a prospective manner using a REDCap database. RESULTS: A total of 211 SelAH procedures were performed at our institution between 1999 and 2017. Of these patients, 54% (113/211) were females. The average age at surgery was 39.4 yr. Two-year Engel outcome data were available for 168 patients, of which 73% (123/168) had Engel I outcomes. Engel II outcomes were reported in 16.6% (28/168), III in 4.7% (8/168), and IV in 5.3% (9/168). Our review of literature showed that this is comparable to the seizure freedom rates reported by other groups. We then reviewed our surgical methodology based on operative reports and created illustrations of the surgical anatomy of temporal lobe approach. These illustrations were compared with postoperative magnetic resonance imaging to provide a better 3D understanding of the complex architecture of mesial temporal structures. CONCLUSION: SelAH is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective approach for the treatment of medically refractory epilepsy with good surgical outcomes and low morbidity. We feel that mastering the complex anatomy of this approach helps achieve successful outcomes.

Vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation for upper limb motor function after ischaemic stroke (VNS-REHAB): a randomised, blinded, pivotal, device trial.

BACKGROUND: Long-term loss of arm function after ischaemic stroke is common and might be improved by vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation. We aimed to determine whether this strategy is a safe and effective treatment for improving arm function after stroke. METHODS: In this pivotal, randomised, triple-blind, sham-controlled trial, done in 19 stroke rehabilitation services in the UK and the USA, participants with moderate-to-severe arm weakness, at least 9 months after ischaemic stroke, were randomly assigned (1:1) to either rehabilitation paired with active vagus nerve stimulation (VNS group) or rehabilitation paired with sham stimulation (control group). Randomisation was done by ResearchPoint Global (Austin, TX, USA) using SAS PROC PLAN (SAS Institute Software, Cary, NC, USA), with stratification by region (USA vs UK), age (≤30 years vs >30 years), and baseline Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) score (20-35 vs 36-50). Participants, outcomes assessors, and treating therapists were masked to group assignment. All participants were implanted with a vagus nerve stimulation device. The VNS group received 0·8 mA, 100 µs, 30 Hz stimulation pulses, lasting 0·5 s. The control group received 0 mA pulses. Participants received 6 weeks of in-clinic therapy (three times per week; total of 18 sessions) followed by a home exercise programme. The primary outcome was the change in impairment measured by the FMA-UE score on the first day after completion of in-clinic therapy. FMA-UE response rates were also assessed at 90 days after in-clinic therapy (secondary endpoint). All analyses were by intention to treat. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03131960. FINDINGS: Between Oct 2, 2017, and Sept 12, 2019, 108 participants were randomly assigned to treatment (53 to the VNS group and 55 to the control group). 106 completed the study (one patient for each group did not complete the study). On the first day after completion of in-clinic therapy, the mean FMA-UE score increased by 5·0 points (SD 4·4) in the VNS group and by 2·4 points (3·8) in the control group (between group difference 2·6, 95% CI 1·0-4·2, p=0·0014). 90 days after in-clinic therapy, a clinically meaningful response on the FMA-UE score was achieved in 23 (47%) of 53 patients in the VNS group versus 13 (24%) of 55 patients in the control group (between group difference 24%, 6-41; p=0·0098). There was one serious adverse event related to surgery (vocal cord paresis) in the control group. INTERPRETATION: Vagus nerve stimulation paired with rehabilitation is a novel potential treatment option for people with long-term moderate-to-severe arm impairment after ischaemic stroke. FUNDING: MicroTransponder.

Novel Technique for Insertion of Cervical Spinal Cord Stimulator Percutaneous Leads: Technical Note and Institutional Experience.

OBJECTIVE: Cervical spinal cord stimulation is a safe and effective treatment for chronic axial neck pain and upper limb neuropathic pain. We report our novel institutional experience with performing cervical spinal cord stimulation trials with patients placed in an upright sitting position. This allows easy access to the cervical epidural space and has the added benefit of unobstructed access to the airway. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data for patients who had undergone cervical spinal cord stimulation trial procedures in an upright, sitting position at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Demographic information including age, gender, preoperative diagnosis, progression to permanent implant after a successful trial, and operative time in minutes was collected. RESULTS: A detailed description of the technique for implantation of cervical spinal cord stimulator trial leads in an upright sitting position is described. A total of 29 patients were implanted; 16 (55%) were female. Mean operative time was 78 minutes from incision to closing. The majority of patients (25/29; 86%) had successful trials and proceeded to permanent implant. No complications occurred, and the procedure was well tolerated by all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical spinal cord stimulation trials performed in an upright, sitting position allow for easy epidural access and an unobstructed airway with reasonable setup time.

Use of the modified frailty index to predict 30-day morbidity and mortality from spine surgery.

OBJECTIVE Limited tools exist to stratify perioperative risk in patients undergoing spinal procedures. The modified frailty index (mFI) based on the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Frailty Index (CSHA-FI), constructed from standard demographic variables, has been applied to various other surgical populations for risk stratification. The authors hypothesized that it would be predictive of postoperative morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing spine surgery. METHODS The 2006-2010 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data set was accessed for patients undergoing spine surgeries based on Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes. Sixteen preoperative clinical NSQIP variables were matched to 11 CSHA-FI variables (changes in daily activities, gastrointestinal problems, respiratory problems, clouding or delirium, hypertension, coronary artery and peripheral vascular disease, congestive heart failure, and so on). The outcomes assessed were 30-day occurrences of adverse events. These were then summarized in groups: any infection, wound-related complication, Clavien IV complications (life-threatening, requiring ICU admission), and mortality. RESULTS A total of 18,294 patients were identified. In 8.1% of patients with an mFI of 0 there was at least one morbid complication, compared with 24.3% of patients with an mFI of ≥ 0.27 (p < 0.001). An mFI of 0 was associated with a mortality rate of 0.1%, compared with 2.3% for an mFI of ≥ 0.27 (p < 0.001). Patients with an mFI of 0 had a 1.7% rate of surgical site infections and a 0.8% rate of Clavien IV complications, whereas patients with an mFI of ≥ 0.27 had rates of 4.1% and 7.1% for surgical site infections and Clavien IV complications, respectively (p < 0.001 for both). Multivariate analysis showed that the preoperative mFI and American Society of Anesthesiologists classification of ≥ III had a significantly increased risk of leading to Clavien IV complications and death. CONCLUSIONS A higher mFI was associated with a higher risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality, providing an additional tool to improve perioperative risk stratification.

MRI Pre- and Post-Embolization Enhancement Patterns Predict Surgical Outcomes in Intracranial Meningiomas.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of preoperative embolization on overall surgical outcomes after meningioma resection and determine whether pre- and postembolization tumor enhancement patterns on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can be used to assess the efficacy of embolization. METHODS: We developed a prospective database of all patients who underwent surgical resection with or without preoperative embolization for extra-axial intracranial meningiomas from 2004 to 2010. Using specialized computer software, the total volume of enhancement was calculated in pre- and postembolization MRI scans to quantify the percentage of embolization, which was described as the embolization fraction (EF). RESULTS: A total of 89 patients underwent surgical resection. Fifty two patients underwent embolization prior to surgery. Tumor location significantly correlated with the decision to embolize preoperatively. Adequate embolization was achieved in 58% of patients. Forty four patients (84.6%) had a postsurgical Karnofsky performance score (KPS) of 80 or above, while 46 patients (88.4%) had a postsurgical Glascow Outcome Score (GOS) of 4 or 5. The mean EF was 25.03% with a median of 18.72%. A greater extent of embolization as quantified by EF led to decreased intraoperative blood loss (r = -.319, P = .022) and better postsurgical outcomes as defined by KPS (r = .279, P = .044). CONCLUSIONS: Pre- and postembolization tumor enhancement patterns on magnetic resonance imaging defined as EF correlate with improved surgical facilitation and postoperative functional outcomes in the management of intracranial meningioma.

Glioblastoma and intracranial aneurysms: Case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: There is a paucity of data on the association of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) with intracranial aneurysms. It is an important clinical entity for physicians to be aware of and its presence illustrates several critical features of the pathophysiology of malignant glioma. In this article we present a case of a middle cerebral artery (MCA) pseudoaneurysm that occurred in a patient with recurrent GBM as well discuss the current literature relating to this unique combination of pathologies. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors present a case of a MCA pseudoaneurysm that developed in a patient with recurrent GBM and discuss the current literature. The authors identified 19 reports describing 23 patients harboring both GBM and an intracranial aneurysm. CONCLUSION: Several theories stand to explain the coincidental occurrence of intracranial aneurysms and GBM. The treating physician should be aware of this association when patients with intraaxial tumors present with unusual manifestation such as an intratumoral hemorrhage or angiogram negative subarachnoid hemorrhage. No guidelines exist to assist in the management of such patients; therefore, authors have attempted to address this issue using a classification and treatment algorithm.

Posterior interosseus nerve palsy resulting from inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumor: case presentation.

Local compression by a mass lesion is a potential cause of posterior interosseous nerve (PIN) palsy. Reported cases of PIN pathology do not include inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumor. We report the case of a 44-year-old woman with a 3-month history of progressive weakness of the left finger extensors. Sonographic imaging identified a mass compressing the PIN, and histologic examination of the specimen revealed an inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumor. Complete resection of the mass while sparing the nerve was possible, and the patient has regained functional use of the left hand. The differential diagnosis of PIN palsy should include inflammatory myofibroblastic pseudotumor.

A US-based survey on ventriculostomy practices.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of ICP monitoring has increased over the years and the indications for placement have expanded. Although ventriculostomy and ICP monitor placement are among the most commonly performed neurosurgical procedures, the current practice patterns have rarely been studied. METHODS: A 10-question survey was sent to 2006 neurosurgeons and 1060 neurosurgery residents in the US. Demographic information and data regarding estimated success rates of ventriculostomies, the steps taken in failure and use of technological aids used was sought. RESULTS: 479 neurosurgeons and 108 residents responded to our survey (response rates 23.9% and 10.2%, respectively). No catheter misplacements were reported by 19.8% respondents in the previous year whereas 2.2% reported misplacing more than 30%. With regards to ventriculostomy for patients with slit ventricles, image guidance was used by 51.7%; freehand technique was preferred by 41.6% and the Ghajar guide was used by 6.7% of respondents. We found that 56.9% of respondents abandoned free-hand placement after 3 failed passes. After abandoning free-hand cannulation, respondents used an ICP bolt or similar intra-parenchymal pressure monitoring device in trauma patients. Other approaches included leaving the catheter in place and readjusting it after repeating a CT scan. CONCLUSIONS: This survey sheds light on the current practice of ventriculostomy placement. Both residents and neurosurgeons admit to multiple attempts and frequent catheter misplacement. In order to consider a change in practice, respondents cited an increase in available data about guidance systems and ability to accommodate abnormal ventricular anatomy as primary requirements. A prospective study could help establish true evidence based practice for this common neurosurgical procedure.

B-cell lymphoma of the brainstem with central neurogenic hyperventilation.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the brainstem is a rare entity. Central Neurogenic Hyperventilation (CNH), an associated manifestation of this disease, is an even rarer event. We report a case of an immunocompetent individual who presented to us with tachypnea and facial nerve palsy. Neuroimaging showed a Cerebellopontine angle tumour which on histopathology showed feature consistent with a Non-Hodgkin's B-Cell Lymphoma. The patient went on to develop severe respiratory alkalosis with findings consistent with CNH. Chemotherapy with Methotrexate was started and high dose Dexamethasone was added to the regimen a month later. Radiologically, the tumour size decreased by 50% but the patient's clinical condition deteriorated. He eventually expired due to cardiopulmonary arrest. Some common clinical presentations of this disease and various diagnostic modalities and treatment options available to such patients are discussed.

Craniocerebral aspergillosis: a review of advances in diagnosis and management.

Craniocerebral aspergillosis is a rare but dangerous central nervous system infection. The infection has a spectrum of presenting features, mostly affecting immunocompromised individuals. The incidence appears to be on the rise that has been especially observed in the immunocompetent population. A high index of suspicion, a comprehensive understanding of the infectious process and advanced laboratory and radiological diagnostic techniques, allow early diagnosis. Surgery, followed by systemic antifungal medications, remains the cornerstone of management. Early administration of empirical anti-fungal agents along with immunomodulators may further improve prognosis. Immunocompetent patients tend to have better outcomes as compared to those who are immunocompromised. Patients with intradural disease carry the worst prognosis.

Cost-effectiveness of clipping vs coiling of intracranial aneurysms after subarachnoid hemorrhage in a developing country--a prospective study.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular coil treatment is being used increasingly as an alternative to clipping for some ruptured intracranial aneurysms. The relative benefits of these 2 approaches have yet to be fully established. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical outcome, resource consumption, and cost-effectiveness of endovascular treatment vs surgical clipping in a developing country. METHODS: The study population consisted of 55 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) identified prospectively from January 2004 to June 2007. Of the 55 patients with ruptured intracranial aneurysms, 31 underwent surgical clipping, whereas 24 were treated via interventional coils. Clinical outcome at 6 months, using the modified Rankin Scale, and cost of treatment related to all aspects of the inpatient stay were evaluated in both groups. RESULTS: The average age of the patients in the endovascular group was 38 years, whereas in the surgical group, it was 45 years. Most patients (43) were found to be in grades (1 and 2). Of these patients, 18 received coils and 25 were clipped. The remaining 12 patients were of poor grades (3 and 4), of which 6 had coiling and 6 underwent clipping. Most the patients (46/55) had anterior circulation aneurysms, and the rest of the patients (9/55) had posterior circulation aneurysms. The clinical outcome was similar in comparison (good in 81% for clipping and 83% for coiling). The average total cost for patients undergoing endovascular treatment of the aneurysms was $5080, whereas the average total cost of surgical clipping was $3127. CONCLUSION: Patients with aneurysmal SAH whom we judged to require coiling had higher charges than patients who could be treated by clipping. The benefits of apparent decrease in length of stay in the endovascular group were offset by higher procedure price and cost of consumables. There was no significant difference in clinical outcome at 6 months. We have proposed a risk scoring system to give guidelines regarding the choice of treatment considering size of aneurysm and resource allocation.

Cerebellar haemangioblastoma: temporising treatment in a high risk pregnancy.

We describe the case of a young woman who was 29 weeks pregnant and presented with preterm labour along with hydrocephalus and brain stem symptoms from a large cytic lesion associated with a precariously sited haemangioblastoma. Cyst drainage was initially employed, with an Ommaya reservoir and periodic percutaneous drainage until the patient could undergo a full-term delivery. Following delivery, the tumour was embolised and resected surgically in the following week. The patient had no new deficits following surgery. We believe this temporising approach for symptomatic haemangioblastomas discovered in high risk pregnancies can lead to a better outcome for the mother and child.