Shedding light on neuropathic pain: Current and emerging tools for diagnosis, screening, and quantification.

Ensuring the proper management of neuropathic pain is a contemporary challenge for professionals who care for patients with this type of pain. The estimated prevalence of neuropathic pain in Europe is 7%-8%. The objective of this study was to perform a non-systematic review on the diagnosis, screening, and quantification of neuropathic pain. For this purpose, a search was conducted of the PubMed/Medline, ScienceDirect, OVID, and SciELO databases for available evidence. The findings highlight the common occurrence of chronic neuropathic pain in clinical practice. However, diagnosing and managing this type of pain pose challenges due to its complexity and the individualized nature of cases. Precise diagnosis is crucial for effective management, involving therapeutic approaches that go beyond traditional pain treatments. It is noteworthy that until recent times, general questionnaires were utilized to assess neuropathic pain, lacking the ability to distinguish it from nociceptive pain or evaluate its broader impact on well-being. Biomarker pain panels hold promise in identifying treatable pain causes and evaluating treatment effectiveness. In conclusion, this review describes the diagnostic methods and tools for screening and quantifying neuropathic pain.

Neuropsychological assessment protocol in an ongoing randomized controlled trial on posterior subthalamic area vs. ventral intermediate nucleus deep brain stimulation for essential tremor.

Objective: Patients with essential tremor (ET) may experience cognitive-affective impairment. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of different targets, such as the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) of the thalamus or the posterior subthalamic area (PSA), has been shown to be beneficial for refractory ET. However, there is little evidence regarding the possible neuropsychological effects of PSA-DBS on patients with ET, and there are few studies comparing it with VIM-DBS in this population.In this study, we aim to present the evaluation protocol and neuropsychological battery as used in an ongoing trial of DBS for ET comparing the already mentioned targets. Methods: As part of a randomized, double-blind, crossover clinical trial comparing the effectiveness and safety of PSA-DBS vs. VIM-DBS, 11 patients with refractory ET will undergo a multi-domain neuropsychological battery assessment. This will include a pre-/post-implantation assessment (3 months after the stimulation of each target and 6 months after an open stage of DBS on the most optimal target). Conclusion: Evidence on the neuropsychological effects of DBS in patients with refractory ET is very scarce, particularly in lesser-explored targets such as PSA. This study could contribute significantly in this field, particularly on pre-procedure safety analysis for tailored patient/technique selection, and to complete the safety analysis of the procedure. Moreover, if proven useful, this proposed neuropsychological assessment protocol could be extensible to other surgical therapies for ET.

A prospective international multi-center study on safety and efficacy of deep brain stimulation for resistant obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been proposed for severe, chronic, treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) patients. Although serious adverse events can occur, only a few studies report on the safety profile of DBS for psychiatric disorders. In a prospective, open-label, interventional multi-center study, we examined the safety and efficacy of electrical stimulation in 30 patients with DBS electrodes bilaterally implanted in the anterior limb of the internal capsule. Safety, efficacy, and functionality assessments were performed at 3, 6, and 12 months post implant. An independent Clinical Events Committee classified and coded all adverse events (AEs) according to EN ISO14155:2011. All patients experienced AEs (195 in total), with the majority of these being mild (52% of all AEs) or moderate (37%). Median time to resolution was 22 days for all AEs and the etiology with the highest AE incidence was 'programming/stimulation' (in 26 patients), followed by 'New illness, injury, condition' (13 patients) and 'pre-existing condition, worsening or exacerbation' (11 patients). Sixteen patients reported a total of 36 serious AEs (eight of them in one single patient), mainly transient anxiety and affective symptoms worsening (20 SAEs). Regarding efficacy measures, Y-BOCS reduction was 42% at 12 months and the responder rate was 60%. Improvements in GAF, CGI, and EuroQol-5D index scores were also observed. In sum, although some severe AEs occurred, most AEs were mild or moderate, transient and related to programming/stimulation and tended to resolve by adjustment of stimulation. In a severely treatment-resistant population, this open-label study supports that the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks of DBS.

An initial experience with intraoperative O-Arm for deep brain stimulation surgery: can it replace post-operative MRI?

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to treat movement disorders, severe psychiatric disorders, and neuropathic pain, among other diseases. Advanced neuroimaging techniques allow direct or indirect localization of the target site, which is verified in many centers by the intraoperative recording of unitary neuronal activity. Intraoperative image acquisition technology (e.g., O-Arm) is increasingly used for accurate electrode positioning throughout the surgery. The aim of our study is to analyze the initial experience of our team in the utilization of O-Arm for planning DBS and monitoring its precision and accuracy throughout the procedure. The study included 13 patients with movement disorders. All underwent DBS with the intraoperative O-arm image acquisition system (iCT) and Medtronic StealthStation S7 cranial planning system, placing a total of 25 electrodes. For each patient, we calculated the difference between real and theoretic x, y, z coordinates, using the paired Student's t test to evaluate absolute and directional differences and the one-sample Student's t test to analyze differences in Euclidean distances. No statistically significant differences were found in absolute, directional, or Euclidean distances between intended and actual x, y, and z coordinates, based on iCT scan. Our experience confirms that utilization of the O-Arm system in DBS provides accurate and precise verification of electrode placements throughout the procedure. Recent studies found no significant differences between iCT and postoperative MRI, the current gold standard. Further prospective studies are warranted to test the elimination of postoperative MRI when this system is used.

Resección completa de neurocitoma extraventricular hipervascularizado tras embolización preoperatoria / Complete resection of hypervascularised extraventricular neurocytoma after preoperative embolisation

Una mujer de 13 años de edad presenta clínica de cefalea de 15 días de evolución y solo edema de papila bilateral en la exploración. El estudio inicial de tomografía computarizada y RM mostró una gran masa multiquística frontal izquierda con calcificación rodeada de edema periférico, sangrado intralesional subagudo y múltiples importantes vasos asociados. Se interviene en otro centro, encontrando cavidad con hematoma subagudo que se evacua con múltiples vasos y venas arteriolizadas. Ante la sospecha de malformación arteriovenosa (MAV) a pesar de los hallazgos de la neuroimagen realizada previamente, se deriva a nuestro centro para seguir tratamiento. Realizamos arteriografía, angio-RM y RM con secuencias avanzadas que muestran masa intraaxial hipervascularizada que se emboliza previo a la interviene quirúrgica definitiva con resultado anatomopatológico de neurocitoma extraventricular (NEV). Los NEV son lesiones extremadamente raras que no se han descrito previamente en la literatura como lesiones hipervascularizadas que en nuestro caso requirió la realización de angiografía y embolización previa para su correcto diagnóstico y adecuado manejo

A 13-year-old female arrived at the Emergency Department with a two-week history of headache, and bilateral papilloedema on examination. The initial study with CT and MRI showed a large multicystic left frontal mass with calcification surrounded by peripheral oedema, subacute intralesional bleeding and association of multiple large vessels. She was initially operated on in another centre where a subacute haematoma was found, evacuating to multiple vessels and arteriolised veins. Despite the earlier neuroimaging findings, arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was suspected, so she was referred to our centre for further treatment. We performed angiography, MR angiography and MRI with advanced sequences, diagnosing a highly vascularised intra-axial tumour which was embolised. The patient was then definitively operated on, with the resulting finding of extraventricular neurocytoma (EVN). EVN are extremely rare lesions, not previously described in the literature as hypervascularised lesions, which in our case required prior angiography and embolisation for proper diagnosis and adequate management

Complete resection of hypervascularised extraventricular neurocytoma after preoperative embolisation. / Resección completa de neurocitoma extraventricular hipervascularizado tras embolización preoperatoria.

A 13-year-old female arrived at the Emergency Department with a two-week history of headache, and bilateral papilloedema on examination. The initial study with CT and MRI showed a large multicystic left frontal mass with calcification surrounded by peripheral oedema, subacute intralesional bleeding and association of multiple large vessels. She was initially operated on in another centre where a subacute haematoma was found, evacuating to multiple vessels and arteriolised veins. Despite the earlier neuroimaging findings, arteriovenous malformation (AVM) was suspected, so she was referred to our centre for further treatment. We performed angiography, MR angiography and MRI with advanced sequences, diagnosing a highly vascularised intra-axial tumour which was embolised. The patient was then definitively operated on, with the resulting finding of extraventricular neurocytoma (EVN). EVN are extremely rare lesions, not previously described in the literature as hypervascularised lesions, which in our case required prior angiography and embolisation for proper diagnosis and adequate management.

Resultados clínicos y de costes del tratamiento endovascular frente al quirúrgico en aneurismas incidentales / Clinical results and costs of endovascular treatment in comparison with surgery in non ruptured aneurysms

Objetivo: Evaluar los resultados clínicos y angiográficos, así como los costes del tratamiento quirúrgico frente al endovascular, en el tratamiento de los aneurismas incidentales. Material y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo de una serie consecutiva de 89 pacientes de un solo centro tratados endovascularmente (EV) y quirúrgicamente (SC). Se realiza estudio descriptivo de aspectos demográficos (edad, sexo) y de las características de los aneurismas así como se evalúan resultados clínicos (GOS a 6 meses), angiográficos (grado de oclusión) y de costes económicos tanto globalmente como de cada uno de los grupos. Resultados: Ochenta y nueve pacientes tratados entre 2010 y 2015. Un 74% de los pacientes recibieron tratamiento endovascular y un 26% quirúrgico. No hubo diferencias significativas en cuanto a edad o sexo entre los grupos EV y SC. Un 89% de los pacientes presentaron GOS a los 6 meses favorable (4-5), sin diferencias entre ambos grupos. La oclusión completa del aneurisma fue mayor en el grupo SC (96% versus 55%), así como la estabilidad del tratamiento (24% de retratamientos en el grupo EV versus 0% en el grupo SC). Los retratamientos son más frecuentes en aneurismas de circulación anterior (27%) y de mayor tamaño (un 38,5% de los mayores de 10 mm). El gasto en el grupo SC viene derivado fundamentalmente de la estancia hospitalaria en tanto que en grupo EV tiene más importancia el coste de los materiales de embolización. Las estancias medias son notablemente superiores en el grupo SC pero el coste medio del primer ingreso es un 14% superior en el grupo EV debido al precio de los materiales de embolización. El gasto total es notablemente superior en el grupo EV (un 61%) debido a los gastos derivados del seguimiento y de los retratamientos. Conclusiones: Los resultados clínicos de ambos tipo de tratamiento son comparables. El grado de oclusión aneurismática del grupo SC es superior al del EV, así como la estabilidad del tratamiento, precisando menos retratamientos. A pesar de que el tratamiento quirúrgico genera estancias más largas, los costes del grupo EV son notablemente superiores a los del grupo SC debido al precio de los materiales de embolización, el seguimiento que precisan y la tasa de retratamientos. Una adecuada selección de los casos candidatos a coiling o pinzamiento podría mejorar los resultados angiográficos, reducir la tasa de retratamientos y ahorrar costes

Objective: to evaluate the results and costs of surgical treatment against endovascular in non ruptured aneurysms. Material and methods: retrospective study of a consecutive series non ruptured aneurysms from a single-center treated endovascularly (EV) and surgically (SC). A descriptive study of demographic (age, sex) charqacteristics of the patients and the radiological aspects of the aneurysms have been carried out. Clinical results (GOS at 6 months), angiographic data (occlusion classification) and economic costs have been evaluated in both globally, and in each of the groups. Results: 89 patients treated between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed. Most of them were treated endovascularly (74%). There were no statiscally significant differences between EV and SC groups. 89% of the patients presented favourable GOS (4-5) at six months, being this percentage similar in both groups. Complete occlusion was much higher in SC group (96%) than in EV (55%). Retreatment rate was 24% in EV group and 0% in SC group. The retreatments were more frequent in anterior circulation aneurysms and bigger aneurysms (> 10 mm). The expenses in the SC group come mainly from hospital stay, meanwhile in the EV group is due to embolisation materials. The average length of stay (ALOS) are higher in SC group but costs of first admission are higher in EV group (14% more). When the costs of retreatments and follow up are included the costs of endovascular treatment is much higher than the surgical (61% more expensive). Conclusions: results of both types of treatment are comparable. The grade of aneurysmal occlusion of the SC group was higher than the EV, as well as the stability of the treatment, requiring fewer retreatments. Althoug the ALOS in SC group were longer, the costs of the EV group were significantly higher than the SC group due to the costs of embolisation materials, follow up that they need and the rate of retreatment. Adequate selection of candidates for endovascular coiling could improve angiographic outcomes, reduce retraction rates, and save costs

Clinical results and costs of endovascular treatment in comparison with surgery in non ruptured aneurysms. / Resultados clínicos y de costes del tratamiento endovascular frente al quirúrgico en aneurismas incidentales.

OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the results and costs of surgical treatment against endovascular in non ruptured aneurysms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective study of a consecutive series non ruptured aneurysms from a single-center treated endovascularly (EV) and surgically (SC). A descriptive study of demographic (age, sex) charqacteristics of the patients and the radiological aspects of the aneurysms have been carried out. Clinical results (GOS at 6 months), angiographic data (occlusion classification) and economic costs have been evaluated in both globally, and in each of the groups. RESULTS: 89 patients treated between 2010 and 2015 were reviewed. Most of them were treated endovascularly (74%). There were no statiscally significant differences between EV and SC groups. 89% of the patients presented favourable GOS (4-5) at six months, being this percentage similar in both groups. Complete occlusion was much higher in SC group (96%) than in EV (55%). Retreatment rate was 24% in EV group and 0% in SC group. The retreatments were more frequent in anterior circulation aneurysms and bigger aneurysms (> 10 mm). The expenses in the SC group come mainly from hospital stay, meanwhile in the EV group is due to embolisation materials. The average length of stay (ALOS) are higher in SC group but costs of first admission are higher in EV group (14% more). When the costs of retreatments and follow up are included the costs of endovascular treatment is much higher than the surgical (61% more expensive). CONCLUSIONS: results of both types of treatment are comparable. The grade of aneurysmal occlusion of the SC group was higher than the EV, as well as the stability of the treatment, requiring fewer retreatments. Althoug the ALOS in SC group were longer, the costs of the EV group were significantly higher than the SC group due to the costs of embolisation materials, follow up that they need and the rate of retreatment. Adequate selection of candidates for endovascular coiling could improve angiographic outcomes, reduce retraction rates, and save costs.

Aplicabilidad del sistema da Vinci en el abordaje transoral a la base del cráneo. Investigación preclínica / Applicability of the da Vinci robotic system in the skull base surgical approach. Preclinical investigation

Introducción: El papel de la cirugía robótica está claramente establecido en diversas especialidades como Urología o Cirugía General, pero no así en otras como Neurocirugía u Otorrinolaringología, y en el caso concreto de la Cirugía de base de cráneo, apenas ha pasado de una fase experimental. Objetivo: Investigar las posibilidades de la aplicación del robot quirúrgico da Vinci en cirugía transoral de base de cráneo comparándola con la experiencia de los autores en cirugía endoscópica transnasal convencional de la misma región. Métodos: se llevó a cabo un abordaje transoral transpalatino a la rinofaringe y la base del cráneo medial en 4 cabezas de cadáver criopreservadas. Se empleó el robot da Vinci, con endoscopio de 30° y 12mm de grosor, con doble cámara e iluminación doble, pinza de Maryland en el terminal izquierdo y tijera curva en el derecho, ambos de 8mm de grosor. El fresado óseo se realizó manualmente. Para el estudio anatómico de la región a abordar se emplearon cortes axiales de 0,5cm de grosor de una cabeza de cadáver plastinada. Resultados: Con los terminales del robot se alcanzaron con relativa facilidad diversas estructuras de la base del cráneo a distintos niveles de profundidad. Conclusiones: La cirugía robótica transoral con el sistema da Vinci aporta posibles ventajas sobre la cirugía endoscópica transnasal convencional en el abordaje quirúrgico de esta región

Introduction: The role of robotic surgery is well established in various specialties such as urology and general surgery, but not in others such as neurosurgery and otolaryngology. In the case of surgery of the skull base, it has just emerged from an experimental phase. Objective: To investigate possible applications of the da Vinci surgical robot in transoral skull base surgery, comparing it with the authors’ experience using conventional endoscopic transnasal surgery in the same region. Methods: A transoral transpalatal approach to the nasopharynx and medial skull base was performed on 4 cryopreserved cadaver heads. We used the da Vinci robot, a 30° standard endoscope 12mm thick, dual camera and dual illumination, Maryland forceps on the left terminal and curved scissors on the right, both 8mm thick. Bone drilling was performed manually. For the anatomical study of this region, we used 0.5cm axial slices from a plastinated cadaver head. Results: Various skull base structures at different depths were reached with relative ease with the robot terminals Conclusions: Transoral robotic surgery with the da Vinci system provides potential advantages over conventional endoscopic transnasal surgery in the surgical approach to this region

Síndrome de twiddler en paciente con trastorno obsesivo compulsivo tratado mediante estimulación cerebral profunda / Twiddler’s syndrome in a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder treated with deep brain stimulation

El síndrome de twiddler es una extraña complicación relacionada con los dispositivos implantables de estimulación eléctrica. Descrito por primera vez en un paciente portador de marcapasos, es una complicación conocida en el ámbito de la cardiología, aunque no lo es tanto en el mundo de la neurocirugía, donde se ha descrito en relación con dispositivos de estimulación cerebral profunda. Se caracteriza por la manipulación, ya sea consciente, ya inconsciente, del generador de tales dispositivos, lo que origina el giro de este sobre sí mismo, lo que ocasiona el trenzado del cableado de estos sistemas, pudiendo provocar su rotura o bien el desplazamiento de los electrodos intracraneales. Describimos un caso de síndrome de twiddler en un paciente tratado mediante estimulación cerebral profunda para el trastorno obsesivo compulsivo que, tras una buena respuesta inicial, presenta un deterioro clínico, apreciándose en las radiografías de control del sistema el giro del cableado y el desplazamiento de los electrodos intracraneales

Twiddler's syndrome is a rare complication associated with implantable electrical stimulation devices. First described in a patient with a pacemaker, it is a known complication in the field of cardiology. However, it is not so recognised in the world of neurosurgery, in which it has been described in relation to deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices. Characterised by manipulating either consciously or unconsciously the generator of such devices, which causes it to rotate on itself, the syndrome causes the coiling of the wiring of these systems and can lead to their rupture or the displacement of intracranial electrodes. We describe a case of twiddler's syndrome in a patient treated with DBS for obsessive-compulsive disorder, in which clinical deterioration presented after a good initial response. Control radiographs revealed rotation of the wiring system and displacement of the intracranial electrodes

[Applicability of the da Vinci robotic system in the skull base surgical approach. Preclinical investigation]. / Aplicabilidad del sistema da Vinci en el abordaje transoral a la base del cráneo. Investigación preclínica.

INTRODUCTION: The role of robotic surgery is well established in various specialties such as urology and general surgery, but not in others such as neurosurgery and otolaryngology. In the case of surgery of the skull base, it has just emerged from an experimental phase. OBJECTIVE: To investigate possible applications of the da Vinci surgical robot in transoral skull base surgery, comparing it with the authors' experience using conventional endoscopic transnasal surgery in the same region. METHODS: A transoral transpalatal approach to the nasopharynx and medial skull base was performed on 4 cryopreserved cadaver heads. We used the da Vinci robot, a 30° standard endoscope 12mm thick, dual camera and dual illumination, Maryland forceps on the left terminal and curved scissors on the right, both 8mm thick. Bone drilling was performed manually. For the anatomical study of this region, we used 0.5cm axial slices from a plastinated cadaver head. RESULTS: Various skull base structures at different depths were reached with relative ease with the robot terminals CONCLUSIONS: Transoral robotic surgery with the da Vinci system provides potential advantages over conventional endoscopic transnasal surgery in the surgical approach to this region.

Costes del tratamiento endovascular frente al quirúrgico en hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática / Endovascular versus surgical treatment in subarachnoid haemorrhage: Cost analysis

Objetivo: Evaluar los costes derivados del tratamiento quirúrgico y endovascular de una serie consecutiva de 80 pacientes con hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática (HSAa). Material y métodos: Se revisan 80 pacientes ingresados en nuestro centro con HSA aneurismática que recibieron tratamiento endovascular (EV) (n = 57) o quirúrgico (Q) (n = 23) entre enero de 2010 y junio de 2011. Se analizan datos demográficos (edad y sexo), clínicos (Fischer y Hunt-Hess al ingreso) y los resultados (GOS a los 6 meses) de ambas series. Se registra estancia hospitalaria (UCI y planta), coste del tratamiento (número de coils, catéteres, craneotomía…), del seguimiento (arteriografías de control, angio-RMN) y de los retratamientos de cada una de las técnicas. Se calculan los costes según los precios medios estimados de hospitalización, material fungible y procedimientos. Resultados: No hay grandes diferencias entre ambas series en cuanto a características clínicas (edad, Hunt-Hess y Fischer) ni a los resultados a los 6 meses medidos en la escala GOS. Existen diferencias en cuanto al tiempo de hospitalización tanto en UCI (superior en algo más de 1,4 días en el grupo Q) como en planta (1,7 días más). La hospitalización también se relaciona con la edad, la puntuación de Hunt-Hess y la de Fischer. Los gastos derivados de los materiales de embolización, del seguimiento y de los retratamientos (un 12% de la serie EV) hace que el coste global tratamiento endovascular sea un 4,1% más caro que el quirúrgico (35.835 Euros versus 34.404 Euros). El procedimiento endovascular en sí, incluyendo los retratamientos resulta un 110% más caro que el quirúrgico (8.015 Euros versus 3.817 Euros). Conclusiones: Los resultados en cuanto a morbimortalidad obtenidos mediante tratamiento quirúrgico o embolizador no son diferentes. La estabilidad del tratamiento quirúrgico es superior al del endovascular, con mayores tasas de oclusión y menor necesidad de retratamiento. El tratamiento endovascular resulta más caro que el quirúrgico en aneurismas rotos, fundamentalmente debido al precio de los materiales de embolización, a la tasa de retratamientos y al seguimiento que precisan. Estas diferencias podrían ser aún más significativas en el caso de aneurismas no rotos, en los que se presupone un ingreso hospitalario menor, fuente principal del gasto en el tratamiento quirúrgico de esta patología

Objectives: To analyse costs of endovascular versus surgical treatment in 80 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). Material and methods: We analysed data on 80 consecutive patients with aSAH between January 2010 and June 2011. Endovascular treatment was used in 57 patients and surgical in 23 patients. Demographic (gender and age) and clinical data (Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales), length of stay (ICU and ward) and results at 6 months (Glasgow outcome scale, [GOS]) were collected. Costs including stay, follow-up, complications and retreatments were calculated. Results: Age was higher in the endovascular group (statistically significant). There were no differences between the 2 groups in Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales. Results at 6 months were also similar, although slightly better in the surgical group. Length of stay was longer in surgical patients, both in ICU (mean 1.4 days) and ward (1.7 days). Hospitalisation length was also related to age and Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales. Costs from embolisation devices, follow-up and retreatment (12% in this series) made final endovascular treatment 4.1% more expensive than surgical treatment (Euros 35,835 versus Euros 34,404). Endovascular procedure (including retreatments) was 110% more expensive than surgical treatment (Euros 8,015 versus Euros 3,817). Conclusions: There are no differences between the 2 treatments in terms of morbidity and mortality. Stability of surgical treatment was higher than that of endovascular, with better occlusion and lower retreatment rates. Endovascular treatment is more expensive in ruptured aneurysms, principally due to embolisation device costs, long-term follow-up and retreatments, in retreatments, in spite of shorter hospital stay. In incidental aneurysms, which usually need shorter hospitalisation, differences between the 2 treatments could be even larger

[Endovascular versus surgical treatment in subarachnoid haemorrhage: Cost analysis]. / Costes del tratamiento endovascular frente al quirúrgico en hemorragia subaracnoidea aneurismática.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse costs of endovascular versus surgical treatment in 80 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid haemorrhage (aSAH). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analysed data on 80 consecutive patients with aSAH between January 2010 and June 2011. Endovascular treatment was used in 57 patients and surgical in 23 patients. Demographic (gender and age) and clinical data (Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales), length of stay (ICU and ward) and results at 6 months (Glasgow outcome scale,[GOS]) were collected. Costs including stay, follow-up, complications and retreatments were calculated. RESULTS: Age was higher in the endovascular group (statistically significant). There were no differences between the 2 groups in Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales. Results at 6 months were also similar, although slightly better in the surgical group. Length of stay was longer in surgical patients, both in ICU (mean 1.4 days) and ward (1.7 days). Hospitalisation length was also related to age and Hunt-Hess and Fisher scales. Costs from embolisation devices, follow-up and retreatment (12% in this series) made final endovascular treatment 4.1% more expensive than surgical treatment (€35,835 versus €34,404). Endovascular procedure (including retreatments) was 110% more expensive than surgical treatment (€8,015 versus €3,817). CONCLUSIONS: There are no differences between the 2 treatments in terms of morbidity and mortality. Stability of surgical treatment was higher than that of endovascular, with better occlusion and lower retreatment rates. Endovascular treatment is more expensive in ruptured aneurysms, principally due to embolisation device costs, long-term follow-up and retreatments, in retreatments, in spite of shorter hospital stay. In incidental aneurysms, which usually need shorter hospitalisation, differences between the 2 treatments could be even larger.

[Twiddler's syndrome in a patient with obsessive-compulsive disorder treated with deep brain stimulation]. / Síndrome de twiddler en paciente con trastorno obsesivo compulsivo tratado mediante estimulación cerebral profunda.

Twiddler's syndrome is a rare complication associated with implantable electrical stimulation devices. First described in a patient with a pacemaker, it is a known complication in the field of cardiology. However, it is not so recognised in the world of neurosurgery, in which it has been described in relation to deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices. Characterised by manipulating either consciously or unconsciously the generator of such devices, which causes it to rotate on itself, the syndrome causes the coiling of the wiring of these systems and can lead to their rupture or the displacement of intracranial electrodes. We describe a case of twiddler's syndrome in a patient treated with DBS for obsessive-compulsive disorder, in which clinical deterioration presented after a good initial response. Control radiographs revealed rotation of the wiring system and displacement of the intracranial electrodes.

Cognitive effects of subthalamic nucleus stimulation in Parkinson's disease: a controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Subthalamic nucleus deep brain stimulation (STN-DBS) improves motor function in selected patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) but can be associated with variable changes in cognitive functions. METHODS: We studied 21 patients selected for STN-DBS and compared 6-month clinical and neuropsychological outcomes between those who underwent surgery (n = 9) and those who voluntarily refused it (n = 12). RESULTS: Motor and quality of life outcomes were markedly superior in the STN-DBS group versus controls. A wide neuropsychological battery was administered, and the whole sample showed a statistically significant worsening in phonemic verbal fluency, time to perform the Trail Making Test part B, Digit Symbol score of WAIS-III and color-naming score of the Stroop Test. In comparison to controls, a trend to a slightly worse deterioration in phonemic verbal fluency was observed in the STN-DBS patients and was significantly correlated with reductions in the L-dopa-equivalent daily dose (r = 0.850, p = 0.007). CONCLUSION: Our study confirms the safety of STN-DBS from a cognitive standpoint; a reduction in verbal fluency at 6 months after surgery can also be related to PD progression and medication reduction.

Evaluating the recovery of cognitive impairment in subarachnoid hemorrhage taking into consideration the practice effects.

BACKGROUND: It is not completely clear whether there are differences in the evolution of the neuropsychological outcomes between the 2 intervention procedures (surgery and endovascular coiling) used in subarachnoid aneurysmatic hemorrhage. Some studies have investigated this topic but without completely controlling the effect of learning the tests. OBJECTIVE: To analyze our data using 2 different statistical procedures that attempt to solve this problem. METHODS: The sample consists of 70 patients who have suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage: 40 treated by means of surgery and 30 by means of endovascular coiling. Two cognitive evaluations were performed at 4 and 12 months after the invention. Twenty-seven healthy subjects were also evaluated twice with a delay of 8 months. The data were analyzed using 2 different statistical procedures: one by Samra et al (2007) using z scores and the other by Crawford and Garthwaite (2007) using the regbuild.exe program. RESULTS: The results indicate there are no important differences between the 2 treatment groups in the evolution of the cognitive alterations. Despite an improvement in cognitive scores on repeat testing at 12 months, neither of the 2 treatment groups showed the same level of test-retest learning as healthy control subjects. CONCLUSION: The recovery of neuropsychological functions after a subarachnoid hemorrhage is similar with the 2 interventions. It is important to control the learning effect produced by the repeated administration of tests.

Neuropsychological evaluation of the treatments applied to intracranial aneurysms in a Spanish sample.

Very few studies have examined the neuropsychological differences between the two types of aneurysm treatment, and these studies come from different countries. The purpose of this study is to compare the neuropsychological differences between surgical treatment and endovascular treatment in a Spanish sample of patients who have experienced an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. The sample is composed of three groups: 40 patients who underwent surgical intervention, 24 who were treated by means of coiling, and a group of 29 healthy participants. An extensive neuropsychological evaluation was performed. The results presented show that no neuropsychological differences were found between the two types of treatment for aneurysms and that the most affected function was memory. This result coincides with findings from other studies.

Description of quality of life and its predictors in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: According to previous studies, the quality of life is usually substantially altered in patients who have suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage of an aneurysmal origin. Some studies have attempted to find out which factors predict the deterioration in quality of life. Our study will try to describe the quality of life of these patients and discover which variables may predict it in each of its dimensions. METHODS: The participants were 70 patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage between 15 and 85 years of age. The instrument used to measure the quality of life is the SF-36 with its eight dimensions. The predictor variables introduced into the multiple linear regressions are neurological condition on admission [World Federation of Neurological Surgeons (WFNS) scale and Hunt and Hess scale], extension of the hemorrhage (Fisher scale), sex, age, physical handicaps, and the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) on release. RESULTS: The results showed that 42.9% of the patients had a deteriorated quality of life after 4 months, and that the most affected dimension was the Physical Role (60%). The two factors that predict quality of life are sex and physical handicaps. Other factors that intervene are the GOS on release and the WFNS. CONCLUSIONS: The patients who have experienced an aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage show greater difficulty in performing daily activities, and they present more depression and anxiety. The absence of handicaps and being male are predictor factors for an unaffected quality of life.

Carotid body autotransplantation in Parkinson disease: a clinical and positron emission tomography study.

BACKGROUND: Carotid body (CB) glomus cells are highly dopaminergic and express the glial cell line derived neurotrophic factor. The intrastriatal grafting of CB cell aggregates exerts neurotrophic actions on nigrostriatal neurons in animal models of Parkinson disease (PD). OBJECTIVE: We conducted a phase I-II clinical study to assess the feasibility, long term safety, clinical and neurochemical effects of intrastriatal CB autotransplantation in patients with PD. METHODS: Thirteen patients with advanced PD underwent bilateral stereotactic implantation of CB cell aggregates into the striatum. They were assessed before surgery and up to 1-3 years after surgery according to CAPIT (Core Assessment Programme for Intracerebral Transplantation) and CAPSIT-PD (Core Assessment Programme for Surgical Interventional Therapies in Parkinson's Disease) protocols. The primary outcome measure was the change in video blinded Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale III score in the off-medication state. Seven patients had 18F-dopa positron emission tomography scans before and 1 year after transplantation. RESULTS: Clinical amelioration in the primary outcome measure was observed in 10 of 12 blindly analysed patients, which was maximal at 6-12 months after transplantation (5-74%). Overall, mean improvement at 6 months was 23%. In the long term (3 years), 3 of 6 patients still maintained improvement (15-48%). None of the patients developed off-period dyskinesias. The main predictive factors for motor improvement were the histological integrity of the CB and a milder disease severity. We observed a non-significant 5% increase in mean putaminal 18F-dopa uptake but there was an inverse relationship between clinical amelioration and annual decline in putaminal 18F-dopa uptake (r = -0.829; p = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: CB autotransplantation may induce clinical effects in patients with advanced PD which seem partly related to the biological properties of the implanted glomus cells.