Papel de la estimulación del nervio vago en el tratamiento de la epilepsia refractaria. Resultados clínicos e impacto en la calidad de vida / The role of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of refractory epilepsy: Clinical outcomes and impact on quality of life

Introducción: La estimulación del nervio vago (ENV) se ha mostrado como una terapia complementaria al tratamiento farmacológico en pacientes con epilepsia refractaria. Nuestro objetivo es evaluar la eficacia de la ENV en relación con la disminución del número, intensidad y duración de las crisis, con la reducción del número de fármacos antiepilépticos y con la mejoría de la calidad de vida. Material y métodos: Se analizó la evolución de 70 pacientes con epilepsia refractaria, tratados mediante ENV en el Hospital General Universitario de Alicante y en el Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Se recogieron variables pre- y postoperatorias. La diferencia en la frecuencia tras la estimulación vagal se clasificó mediante la escala de McHugh. También se recogieron los cambios en la duración e intensidad de las crisis y la disminución de la medicación junto con la modificación de la calidad de vida. Resultados: El 12,86% de los pacientes se clasificaron como McHugh I, el 44,29% como ii, el 40% como iii y el 2,86% como iv-v. Un 57,15% de los pacientes presentaron una reducción superior al 50% en la frecuencia de las crisis. Un 88% de los pacientes presentaron una mejoría en la duración de las crisis, en el 68% disminuyó la intensidad, un 66% toman menos fármacos y en el 93% mejoró la calidad de vida. Conclusiones: La ENV ha mostrado disminuir la frecuencia de las crisis, así como la duración, la intensidad y el consumo de fármacos, ofreciendo además una mejoría en la calidad de vida de nuestros pacientes. (AU)

Background: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used as a complementary therapy to pharmacological treatment in patients with refractory epilepsy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of VNS in reducing seizure frequency, severity, and duration; reducing the number of antiepileptic drugs administered; and improving patients’ quality of life. Material and methods: We analysed the clinical progression of 70 patients with refractory epilepsy treated with VNS at Hospital Universitario de Alicante and Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Data were collected before and after the procedure. The difference in seizure frequency pre- and post-VNS was classified using the McHugh scale. Data were also collected on seizure duration and severity, the number of drugs administered, and quality of life. Results: According to the McHugh classification, 12.86% of the patients were Class I, 44.29% were Class II, 40% were Class III, and the remaining 2.86% of patients were Class IV-V. A ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency was observed in 57.15% of patients. Improvements were observed in seizure duration in 88% of patients and in seizure severity in 68%; the number of drugs administered was reduced in 66% of patients, and 93% reported better quality of life. Conclusions: VNS is effective for reducing seizure frequency, duration, and severity and the number of antiepileptic drugs administered. It also enables an improvement in patients’ quality of life. (AU)

The role of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of refractory epilepsy: clinical outcomes and impact on quality of life.

BACKGROUND: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used as a complementary therapy to pharmacological treatment in patients with refractory epilepsy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of VNS in reducing seizure frequency, severity, and duration; reducing the number of antiepileptic drugs administered; and improving patients' quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed the clinical progression of 70 patients with refractory epilepsy treated with VNS at Hospital Universitario de Alicante and Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Data were collected before and after the procedure. The difference in seizure frequency pre- and post-VNS was classified using the McHugh scale. Data were also collected on seizure duration and severity, the number of drugs administered, and quality of life. RESULTS: According to the McHugh classification, 12.86% of the patients were Class I, 44.29% were Class II, 40% were Class III, and the remaining 2.86% of patients were Class IV-V. A ≥ 50% reduction in seizure frequency was observed in 57.15% of patients. Improvements were observed in seizure duration in 88% of patients and in seizure severity in 68%; the number of drugs administered was reduced in 66% of patients, and 93% reported better quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: VNS is effective for reducing seizure frequency, duration, and severity and the number of antiepileptic drugs administered. It also enables an improvement in patients' quality of life.

Neuromodulación en cefaleas y neuralgias craneofaciales: Guía de la Sociedad Española de Neurología y de la Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía / Neuromodulation in headache and craniofacial neuralgia: guidelines from the Spanish Society of Neurology and the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery

INTRODUCCIÓN: En los últimos años han surgido numerosos dispositivos de neuromodulación, invasivos y no invasivos, que se han aplicado en pacientes con cefaleas y neuralgias sin que exista una revisión actualizada de su eficacia y seguridad, ni recomendaciones de ninguna institución sanitaria sobre su uso específico en cada entidad nosológica. MÉTODOS: Neurólogos del Grupo de Cefaleas de la Sociedad Española de Neurología (SEN) y neurocirujanos expertos en neurocirugía funcional seleccionados por la Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía (SENEC), hemos realizado una revisión exhaustiva en el sistema Medline sobre neuromodulación en cefaleas y neuralgias. RESULTADOS: Presentamos una revisión actualizada y establecemos por primera vez unas recomendaciones consensuadas entre la SEN y la SENEC sobre el uso de la neuromodulación en cefaleas y neuralgias, adjudicando niveles de evidencia sobre su eficacia actual, específicamente en cada entidad nosológica. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados actuales de los estudios proporcionan evidencias para la indicación de técnicas de neuromodulación en casos refractarios de cefaleas y neuralgias (sobre todo en migraña, cefalea en racimos y neuralgia del trigémino), seleccionados por neurólogos expertos en cefaleas, tras comprobar el agotamiento de las opciones farmacológicas. Adicionalmente, en el caso de la neuromodulación invasiva, se recomienda que los casos sean debatidos en comités multidisciplinarios y la cirugía sea realizada por equipos de neurocirujanos expertos en neurocirugía funcional y con una morbimortalidad aceptable

INTRODUCTION: Numerous invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation devices have been developed and applied to patients with headache and neuralgia in recent years. However, no updated review addresses their safety and efficacy, and no healthcare institution has issued specific recommendations on their use for these 2 conditions. METHODS: Neurologists from the Spanish Society of Neurology's (SEN) Headache Study Group and neurosurgeons specialising in functional neurosurgery, selected by the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENEC), performed a comprehensive review of articles on the MEDLINE database addressing the use of the technique in patients with headache and neuralgia. RESULTS: We present an updated review and establish the first set of consensus recommendations of the SEN and SENC on the use of neuromodulation to treat headache and neuralgia, analysing the current levels of evidence on its effectiveness for each specific condition. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence supports the indication of neuromodulation techniques for patients with refractory headache and neuralgia (especially migraine, cluster headache, and trigeminal neuralgia) selected by neurologists and headache specialists, after pharmacological treatment options are exhausted. Furthermore, we recommend that invasive neuromodulation be debated by multidisciplinary committees, and that the procedure be performed by teams of neurosurgeons specialising in functional neurosurgery, with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality

Neuromodulation in headache and craniofacial neuralgia: guidelines from the Spanish Society of Neurology and the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery. / Neuromodulación en cefaleas y neuralgias craneofaciales: Guía de la Sociedad Española de Neurología y de la Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous invasive and non-invasive neuromodulation devices have been developed and applied to patients with headache and neuralgia in recent years. However, no updated review addresses their safety and efficacy, and no healthcare institution has issued specific recommendations on their use for these 2 conditions. METHODS: Neurologists from the Spanish Society of Neurology's (SEN) Headache Study Group and neurosurgeons specialising in functional neurosurgery, selected by the Spanish Society of Neurosurgery (SENEC), performed a comprehensive review of articles on the MEDLINE database addressing the use of the technique in patients with headache and neuralgia. RESULTS: We present an updated review and establish the first set of consensus recommendations of the SEN and SENC on the use of neuromodulation to treat headache and neuralgia, analysing the current levels of evidence on its effectiveness for each specific condition. CONCLUSIONS: Current evidence supports the indication of neuromodulation techniques for patients with refractory headache and neuralgia (especially migraine, cluster headache, and trigeminal neuralgia) selected by neurologists and headache specialists, after pharmacological treatment options are exhausted. Furthermore, we recommend that invasive neuromodulation be debated by multidisciplinary committees, and that the procedure be performed by teams of neurosurgeons specialising in functional neurosurgery, with acceptable rates of morbidity and mortality.

The role of vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of refractory epilepsy: Clinical outcomes and impact on quality of life. / Papel de la estimulación del nervio vago en el tratamiento de la epilepsia refractaria. Resultados clínicos e impacto en la calidad de vida.

BACKGROUND: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is used as a complementary therapy to pharmacological treatment in patients with refractory epilepsy. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of VNS in reducing seizure frequency, severity, and duration; reducing the number of antiepileptic drugs administered; and improving patients' quality of life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed the clinical progression of 70 patients with refractory epilepsy treated with VNS at Hospital Universitario de Alicante and Hospital Clínico de Valencia. Data were collected before and after the procedure. The difference in seizure frequency pre- and post-VNS was classified using the McHugh scale. Data were also collected on seizure duration and severity, the number of drugs administered, and quality of life. RESULTS: According to the McHugh classification, 12.86% of the patients were Class I, 44.29% were Class II, 40% were Class III, and the remaining 2.86% of patients were Class IV-V. A≥50% reduction in seizure frequency was observed in 57.15% of patients. Improvements were observed in seizure duration in 88% of patients and in seizure severity in 68%; the number of drugs administered was reduced in 66% of patients, and 93% reported better quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: VNS is effective for reducing seizure frequency, duration, and severity and the number of antiepileptic drugs administered. It also enables an improvement in patients' quality of life.

Neuromodulación eléctrica y dolor raquídeo / Electrical neuromodulation and pain of spinal origin

El dolor de origen raquídeo es un cuadro patológico con una importante incidencia y prevalencia y un enorme impacto socio-sanitario. La incorporación de las diferentes técnicas de neuromodulación eléctrica en el tratamiento de estos pacientes se ha mostrado como una alternativa terapéutica novedosa, segura y eficaz. El presente trabajo de revisión pretende profundizar desde el punto de vista etiológico y fisiopatológico en el dolor raquídeo, y sobre todo en el síndrome de cirugía fallida espinal. Se intentará acercar la técnica quirúrgica de implantación, comentar las indicaciones y resultados obtenidos hasta la actualidad, y realizar una aproximación crítica a los posibles mecanismos de acción de las diferentes modalidades de neuroestimulación eléctrica. Finalmente, se comentarán cuáles han sido los problemas e inconvenientes que han impedido la utilización generalizada de esta alternativa quirúrgica en estos procesos (AU)

The pain of spinal origin is a pathological condition with a significant incidence and prevalence and enormous social and health impact. The different electrical neuromodulation techniques can be considered an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of these patients. In the present review, we deep from the etiological and pathophysiological in spinal pain, especially in the syndrome of failed spinal surgery. We describe the surgical implantation technique, its indications and results achieved until now. We will also summarize the possible mechanisms of action of different types of electrical neurostimulation. Finally, we will comment on the dificulties and inconvinients that did not allow this pain surgical alternative to become more widely used (AU)

[Treatment of intrinsic brain tumors located in motor eloquent areas. Results of a protocol based in navigation, tractography and neurophysiological monitoring of cortical and subcortical structures]. / Tratamiento de los tumores cerebrales intrínsecos de áreas motoras elocuentes. Resultados de un protocolo basado en la navegación, tractografía y monitorización neurofisiológica de estructuras corticales y subcorticales.

OBJECTIVES: The role of the microsurgical management of intrinsic brain tumors is to maximize the volumetric resection of the tumoral tissue minimizing the postoperative morbidity. The purpose of our paper has been to study the benefits of an original protocol developed for the microsurgical treatment of tumors located in eloquent motor areas where the navigation and electrical stimulation of motor subcortical pathways have been implemented. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 17 patients operated on for resection of cortical or subcortical tumors in motor areas were included in the series. Preoperative planning for multimodal navigation was done integrating anatomic studies, motor functional MRI (f-MRI) and subcortical pathways volumes generated by diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). Intraoperative neuromonitorization included motor mapping by direct cortical and subcortical electrical stimulation (CS and sCS) and localization of the central sulcus using cortical multipolar electrodes and the N20 wave inversion technique. The location of all cortical and subcortical stimulated points with positive motor response was stored in the navigator and correlated with the cortical or subcortical motor functional structures defined preoperatively. RESULTS: The mean tumoral volumetric resection was 89.1±14.2% of the preoperative volume, with a total resection (≥100%) in twelve patients. Preoperatively a total of 58.8% of the patients had some motor deficit, increasing 24 hours after surgery to 76.5% and decreasing to 41.1% a month later. There was a great correlation between anatomic and functional data, both cortically and subcortically. However, in six cases it was not possible to identify the central sulcus and in many cases fMRI gave contradictory information. A total of 52 cortical points submitted to CS had positive motor response, with a positive correlation of 83.7%. Also, a total of 55 subcortical points had positive motor response, being in these cases 7.3±3.1 mm the mean distance from the stimulated point to the subcortical tract. CONCLUSIONS: The integration of preoperative and intraoperative anatomic and functional studies allows a safe functional resection of the brain tumors located in eloquent areas, compared to the tumoral resection based on anatomic imaging studies. Multimodal navigation allows the integration and correlation among preoperative and intraoperative anatomic and functional data. Cortical motor functional areas are anatomically and functionally located preoperatively thanks to MRI and fMRI and subcortical motor pathways with TDI and tractography. Intraoperative confirmation is done with CS and N20 inversion wave for cortical structures and with sCS for subcortical pathways. With this protocol we achieved a mean of 90% of volumetric resection in cortical and subcortical tumors located in eloquent motor areas with an increase of neurological deficits in the immediate postoperative period that significantly decreased one month later. Ongoing studies will define the safe limits for functional resection taking into account the intraoperative brain shift. Finally, it must be demonstrated if this protocol has any benefit for patients concerning disease free or overall survival.

Tratamiento de los tumores cerebrales intrínsecos de áreas motoras elocuentes. Resultados de un protocolo basado en la navegación, tractografía y monitorizaciónneurofisiológica de estructuras corticales y subcorticales / Treatment of intrinsic brain tumors located in motor eloquent areas. results of a protocol based in navegation, tractography and neurophysiological monitoring of cortical and subcortical structures

Objetivos. El papel actual del tratamiento microquirúrgicode los tumores cerebrales intrínsecos se basaen alcanzar la máxima resección volumétrica del tumorminimizando la morbilidad postoperatoria. El propósitodel trabajo es estudiar los beneficios de un protocolodiseñado para tratar tumores localizados en áreaselocuentes motoras, en el que se incluye la navegación yla estimulación de tractos motores subcorticales.Material y métodos. Se han incluido 17 pacientescon tumores corticales y subcorticales de área motoratratados quirúrgicamente. Para la planificación preoperatoriase fusionaron en el sistema de navegaciónestudios anatómicos, de resonancia funcional motora(RNM-f) y los tractos subcorticales generados porestudios de tensor de difusión (DTI). La monitorizaciónintraoperatoria incluía el mapeo motor por estimulacióncortical y subcortical directa (ECD y EsCD) e identificacióndel surco central por inversión de la onda N20con electrodos corticales multipolares. La localizaciónde los puntos con respuesta positiva a la ECD o EsCD secorrelacionaba con las áreas corticales o tractos funcionalesmotores definidos en los estudios preoperatoriosgracias al navegador.Resultados. La resección volumétrica tumoral mediafue del 89.1±14.2% del volumen tumoral calculado enlos estudios preoperatorios, con resección total (≥100%)en doce pacientes. En el preoperatorio había focalidadneurológica deficitaria motora en el 58.8% de lospacientes, que aumentó al 76.5% a las 24 horas de lacirugía y se redujo a los 30 días al 41.1%. Hubo una (..) (AU)

Objectives. The role of the microsurgical managementof intrinsic brain tumors is to maximize the volumetricresection of the tumoral tissue minimizing thepostoperative morbidity. The purpose of our paper hasbeen to study the benefits of an original protocol developedfor the microsurgical treatment of tumors locatedin eloquent motor areas where the navigation and electricalstimulation of motor subcortical pathways havebeen implemented.Materials and methods. A total of 17 patients operatedon for resection of cortical or subcortical tumors inmotor areas were included in the series. Preoperativeplanning for multimodal navigation was done integratinganatomic studies, motor functional MRI (f-MRI)and subcortical pathways volumes generated by diffusiontensor imaging (DTI). Intraoperative neuromonitorizationincluded motor mapping by direct corticaland subcortical electrical stimulation (CS and sCS) andlocalization of the central sulcus using cortical multipolarelectrodes and the N20 wave inversion technique.The location of all cortical and subcortical stimulatedpoints with positive motor response was stored in thenavigator and correlated with the cortical or subcorticalmotor functional structures defined preoperatively.Results. The mean tumoral volumetric resection (..) (AU)

[Vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of refractory epilepsy. State of the art]. / Estimulación eléctrica vagal en el tratamiento de la epilepsia rebelde. Situación actual.

The vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy is a new neurostimulation technique used for treating pharmacoresistant epilepsy. It can be considered an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of refractory epilepsy patients. In the present review, we describe the surgical implantation technique, its indications and results achieved until now. We will also summarize the possible mechanisms of action of VNS therapy. Finally, we will comment on the difficulties and inconveniences that did not allow this antiepileptic surgical technique to become more widely used.

Estimulación eléctrica vagal en el tratamiento de la epilepsia rebelde. Situaciónactual / Vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of refractory epilepsy. State of the art

La estimulación intermitente vagal es una técnica de neuroestimulación de reciente incorporación en el tratamiento de pacientes con epilepsia refractaria al tratamiento farmacológico convencional. Hasta el momentopresente y, a pesar de algunos resultados dispares, se ha mostrado como una alternativa eficaz y segura en el tratamiento de estos pacientes. El presente trabajo de revisión pretende acercar la técnica quirúrgica de implantación, comentar las indicaciones y resultados obtenidos hasta la actualidad, y profundizar en los posibles mecanismos de acción de este tipo de estimulación,para finalmente realizar una aproximación crítica a la misma, intentando puntualizar cúales han sido los problemas e inconvenientes que han impedido la utilización generalizada de esta alternativa quirúrgica antiepiléptica (AU)

The vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy is a new neurostimulation technique used for treating pharmacoresistant epilepsy. It can be considered an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of refractory epilepsy patients. In the present review, we describe the surgical implantation technique, its indications and results achieved until now. We will also summarize the possible mechanisms of action of VNS therapy. Finally, we will comment on the difficulties and inconvenients that did not allow this antiepileptic surgical technique to become more widely used (AU)

[Effect of combination therapy with hypothermia, magnesium and tirilazad in an experimental model of diffuse cerebral ischemia]. / Efecto de la hipotermia combinada con magnesio y tirilazad en un modelo experimental de isquemia cerebral difusa*

OBJECTIVE: To determine the grade of neuroprotection of combined treatment with moderate hypothermia, tirilazad and magnesium sulfate. Cerebral ischemia is one of the problems of great interest at present, with limited therapeutic measures. Hypothermia, one of the more efficient measures, together with neuroprotector pharmaceuticals, could be a valid alternative. DESIGN: Experimental study with a control group and two levels of application of therapeutic measures. CONTEXT: Experimental laboratory of the Medicine Faculty. PARTICIPANTS AND METHOD: Twenty-eight Wistar rats underwent global cerebral ischemia of 10 minutes duration by the combination of bilateral carotid clamping and controlled hypotension (mean arterial pressure: 45 mmHg). Three groups were used: group I, normothermia maintenance; group II, moderate hypothermia (32-33 degrees C) for 2 hours; group III, hypothermia and administration of tirilazad mesylate and magnesium sulfate during the reperfusion and two hours after ischemia. The animals were sacrificed at 7 days and, after processing the tissue, the neurons preserved in layer CA1 of the hippocampus were counted. RESULTS: There is a significantly greater neuronal preservation in group III with regard to group I (55.4 +/- 5.1 versus 38.7 +/- 8.8, p < 0.0001). If we compare groups II and III, significant differences are only obtained on the right side and in the hippocampus considered globally, favoring the group with hypothermia and drugs. When groups I and II are compared there are no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS: Association of moderate hypothermia, magnesium sulfate and tirilazad mesylate in the experimental model of transitory global ischemia used is confirmed as an effective neuroprotector measure, surpassing the degree of neuronal preservation of hypothermia alone.

Efecto de la hipotermia combinada con magnesio y tirilazad en un modelo experimental de isquemia cerebral difusa / Effect of combination therapy with hypothermia, magnesium and tirilazad in an experimental model of diffuse cerebral ischemia

Objetivo. Valorar el grado de neuroprotección combinando hipotermia con magnesio y tirilazad en la isquemia cerebral global. La isquemia cerebral es uno de los problemas de mayor interés en la actualidad con unas medidas terapéuticas limitadas. La utilización de la hipotermia, una de las más eficaces, junto con los fármacos neuroprotectores puede ser una alternativa válida. Diseño. Estudio experimental con grupo control y dos niveles de aplicación de medidas terapéuticas. Ámbito. Laboratorio experimental de la Facultad de Medicina. Participantes y método. Veintiocho ratas Wistar sufrieron isquemia cerebral global de 10 minutos de duración mediante la combinación del clampaje carotídeo bilateral y la hipotensión controlada (presión arterial media: 45 mmHg). Se utilizaron tres grupos: grupo I, mantenimiento de normotermia; grupo II, hipotermia moderada (32-33 ºC) durante dos horas; grupo III, hipotermia y administración de mesilato de tirilazad y sulfato de magnesio durante la reperfusión y a las dos horas de realizada la isquemia. A los 7 días se sacrificaban los animales y tras el procesamiento del tejido se cuantificaban las neuronas preservadas en la capa CA1 del hipocampo. Resultados. Existe mayor preservación neuronal de forma significativa en el grupo III con respecto al grupo I (55,4 ± 5,1 frente a 38,7 ± 8,8, p < 0,0001). Si comparamos los grupos II y III, sólo se obtienen diferencias significativas en el lado derecho y en el hipocampo considerado globalmente, a favor del grupo de hipotermia más fármacos. Comparados los grupos I y II no existen diferencias significativas. Conclusiones. La asociación de hipotermia moderada, sulfato de magnesio y mesilato de tirilazad en el modelo experimental utilizado de isquemia global transitoria se confirma como una medida neuroprotectora eficaz, superando el grado de preservación neuronal de la hipotermia aislada

Objective. To determine the grade of neuroprotection of combined treatment with moderate hypothermia, tirilazad and magnesium sulfate. Cerebral ischemia is one of the problems of great interest at present, with limited therapeutic measures. Hypothermia, one of the more efficient measures, together with neuroprotector pharmaceuticals, could be a valid alternative. Design. Experimental study with a control group and two levels of application of therapeutic measures. Context. Experimental laboratory of the Medicine Faculty. Participants and method. Twenty-eight Wistar rats underwent global cerebral ischemia of 10 minutes duration by the combination of bilateral carotid clamping and controlled hypotension (mean arterial pressure: 45 mmHg). Three groups were used: group I, normothermia maintenance; group II, moderate hypothermia (32-33 ºC) for 2 hours; group III, hypothermia and administration of tirilazad mesylate and magnesium sulfate during the reperfusion and two hours after ischemia. The animals were sacrificed at 7 days and, after processing the tissue, the neurons preserved in layer CA1 of the hippocampus were counted. Results. There is a significantly greater neuronal preservation in group III with regard to group I (55.4 ± 5.1 versus 38.7 ± 8.8, p < 0.0001). If we compare groups II and III, significant differences are only obtained on the right side and in the hippocampus considered globally, favoring the group with hypothermia and drugs. When groups I and II are compared there are no significant differences. Conclusions. Association of moderate hypothermia, magnesium sulfate and tirilazad mesylate in the experimental model of transitory global ischemia used is confirmed as an effective neuroprotector measure, surpassing the degree of neuronal preservation of hypothermia alone

Management of intractable spasticity of supraspinal origin by chronic cervical intrathecal infusion of baclofen.

Today it is accepted that chronic infusion of baclofen produces significant relaxation and drastic reduction of spasms, amelioration of cramping pain and improvement of sphincter functions in spasticity of spinal cord origin. Based on these results our group had the opportunity of treating 11 cases with refractory spasticity and dystonic symptoms due to central damage caused by head injury in 8 cases and to cerebral palsy in 3 using cervical intrathecal infusion of baclofen. During the trial period with percutaneous intrathecal infusion of a daily bolus of 12.5-75 micrograms of baclofen through a reservoir, improvement of mentation and speech conditions, marked improvement of dystonic and abnormal movements of the upper limbs and trunk and a notable reduction of hypertonia were observed in all cases, which led to a better performance of motor activities in skilled acts and transfer. With these preliminary results in mind, in all cases the previous cervical subarachnoid catheter was attached to a programmable pump that infused a daily total dose varying from 100 to 190 micrograms of baclofen in a continuous or multistep complex mode. After a mean follow-up of 21 months previous results were long-lasting. Neither overdose side effects nor malfunction of the system were observed.

High-cervical spinal cord electrical stimulation in brain low perfusion syndromes: experimental basis and preliminary clinical report.

Previous studies of our group showed that C1-C2 spinal cord stimulation increases carotid and brain blood flow in normal conditions in the goat and dog and it has a beneficial vasomotor effect in a model of vasospasm in the rat. For further clinical application it seemed rational to investigate the possible vascular changes mediated by this technique in experimental brain infarction. To this aim, 45 New Zealand rabbits were used. Brain infarction was produced by bilateral carotid ligation in 15, unilateral microcoagulation of the middle cerebral artery in 15 and by microcoagulation of the vertebral artery at the craniocervical junction in the other 15. One week later, following daily clinical scoring and cortical and posterior fossa blood flow readings by laser Doppler, a period of 120 min of right C1-C2 spinal cord electric stimulation was performed. A mean of 27% increase in previous blood flow recordings was obtained at the right hemisphere and a mean of 32% in the posterior fossa. This procedure was used in 10 patients presenting with various cerebral low perfusion syndromes. Though not constant, an increase in alertness, retention, speech, emotional lability and performance in skilled acts was achieved. No MR changes were observed, though SPECT readings showed an increase in blood flow in the penumbral perilesional area.

Chronic intrathecal baclofen administration in severe spasticity.

On the basis of previous experimental and clinical studies, 14 patients with severe spasticity due to central or spinal cord damage, resistant to all conservative treatments, were selected after a percutaneous trial period for chronic intrathecal baclofen infusion by programmable pumps. The agent was delivered at C4 in quadriplegic patients or in cases with central spasticity and in the neighbouring areas on the affected segments in paraplegic patients. The daily baclofen dose varied from 25 to 260 micrograms and was infused in a bolus, continuously infused or both combined according to the results during the trial period. After a mean follow-up period of 11 months, constant decrease of rigidity, absence of spasms, improvement of bladder function, cramping pain remission, and moderate improvement in walking capacity and transfer activities were usually observed. Neither complications nor side effects were noted.

Role of vasoactive substances in the segmentary vasomotor response following spinal cord stimulation. An experimental study.

It is presumed today that spinal cord stimulation induces local delivery of vasoactive substances, such as prostacyclins, histamine, substance P, and vasoactive neuropeptides, in the perivascular environment and the vascular wall to mediate the segmental vasodilator response. To investigate this mechanism, 9 dogs were subjected to low thoracic spinal cord stimulation. Venous and arterial blood samples from the paraesthesic area in the lower limbs were obtained before and 120 min after stimulation to measure changes in the plasma concentration of vasoactive intestinal peptide, substance P, and histamine. The results were compared with those obtained from vessels of the upper limbs. Blood flow changes following stimulation were recorded by electromagnetic flowmeters. Local arterial vasoactive intestinal peptide showed a mean increase of 33% after 60 min of stimulation. Changes concerning substance P were inconclusive. Local arterial and venous histamine concentrations increased 26 and 29%, respectively, after 60 min of stimulation.

Critical approach to intrastriatal medullary adrenal implants via open surgery in parkinsonism. Case report.

Encouraged by the recent reports on the beneficial effects obtained with open transplantation of autologous adrenal medullary grafts into striatal structures in case with resistent Parkinson's disease, our team used this procedure in a 63-year-old man presenting with severe bradykinesia and rigidity resistent to all pharmacological attempts. In this case through a laparotomy the right adrenal gland was removed and stored in oxygenated Collins and bicarbonated Ringer solution mixtures while a F2 transventricular approach to the head of the caudatum was done. With the surgical microscope the medullary part of the adrenal gland was dissected and four pieces of mm3 of tissue selected, implanting them in a bed previously carved in the caudatum. Endocrinologic and hydroelectrolytic problems appeared during the immediate postoperative period. In the following 5 months no clinical benefit nor electroneurophysiological changes were observed.

Spinal cord stimulation in deafferentation pain.

Spinal cord stimulation (SCS) was used in 49 cases to control resistant deafferentation pain resulting from causalgia, phantom limb, plexus and nerve root avulsion, postherpetic neuralgia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy and amputation. In all cases, one or two standard percutaneous leads were introduced into the epidural space and manipulated until the spinal segment at which external stimulation provoked paresthesic sensation in the painful area. Two weeks of external stimulation trial was used to determine the efficiency of the system. Pulse width of 0.1-0.2 ms, a rate of 80-120 cps and amplitude to low paresthesia threshold were programmed as electric parameters. In 36 out of the 49 tested cases showing a positive response to percutaneous SCS, the device was permanently implanted. After a mean follow-up of 5.5 years, 57% of patients had satisfactory pain relief (over 75%). Side effects were limited to dislodgement of the electrode in 1 case and wire extrusion in another, both requiring replacement of the stimulator.

Cerebral and carotid haemodynamic changes following cervical spinal cord stimulation. An experimental study.

Since it is accepted that spinal cord stimulation may produce segmentary vasodilation, it is presumable that when applied in the high cervical segments some carotid and cerebral blood flow changes can be expected. Following this assumption, 25 dogs and 25 goats were used. Under routine experimental conditions a C 7 laminectomy was performed in these animals and a bipolar lead introduced and manipulated in the epidural space till the right C 2 segment. Right common and internal carotid arteries of the dogs were isolated and electromagnetics probes placed for continuous monitoring of blood flow changes. Right internal maxillary artery was isolated and its branches ligated for flowmetry of hemispheric blood flow in the goat. 131I antipyrine also studied to control regional cerebral blood flow changes. Arterial pressure and blood gasometry were periodically determined to avoid masking results. Pulse width of 0.1 to 0.2 msec, 80 to 120 cps and amplitude to muscle contraction threshold at low rate were used as electrical parameters. After stimulation common and internal carotid blood flow increased with a mean of 60% and hemispheric blood flow with a mean of 55% according to flowmetry findings. Iodoantipyrine studies showed an average increase of 35%. These changes were not modified by atropine, morphine and naloxone and partially blocked by indomethacin, cimetidine and propanolol.

Use of intrathecal baclofen administered by programmable infusion pumps in resistent spasticity.

On the basis of previous experimental and clinical studies patients with severe spasticity due to spinal cord damage from multiple sclerosis in 8 cases and postraumatic paraplegia in 6 and resistent to all conservative treatments were selected for a trial with morphine and baclofen administered intrathecally through a catheter placed in the spinal subarachnoid space rostral to the affected segments and attached to a subcutaneous reservoir. Whereas morphine single injection did not show any benefit, baclofen bolus injection 30 to 60 micrograms, revealed a marked decrease of spasticity and associated symptoms in 8 cases. After checking the clinical effect during 3 weeks and changes in electroneurophysiological studies and bladder manometry the catheter was attached to a subcutaneous programmable pump able to be refilled percutaneously and administered baclofen continuously or more often following a multistep complex programme in total doses of 90 to 150 micrograms per day. After a mean follow-up of 5 months all cases showed an absence of spasms and pain, a notable improvement for bettering of sphincter functions and a marked muscle relaxation that improves motor capacity, leading to increased ambulation or mobility. Neither complications nor side-effects were observed.