Altered levels of transthyretin in human cerebral microdialysate after subarachnoid haemorrhage using proteomics; a descriptive pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) is one of the most severe forms of stroke in which delayed cerebral ischemia is one of the major complications. Neurointensive care aims at preventing and treating such complications and identification of biomarkers of early signs of ischemia might therefore be helpful. METHODS: We aimed at describing proteome profile in cerebral microdialysate in four patients with aneurysmal SAH using two dimensional gel electrophoresis in combination with mass spectrometry in search for new biomarkers for delayed cerebral ischemia and to investigate if there were temporal fluctuations in those biomarkers over time after aneurysmal bleed. RESULTS: The results showed transthyretin in nine different proteoforms (1001, 1102, 2101, 3101, 4101, 4102, 5001, 5101, 6101) in cerebral microdialysate samples from four patients having sustained SAH. Several proteoforms show highly differing levels and pooled analysis of all samples showed varying optical density related to time from aneurysmal bleed, indicating a temporal evolution. CONCLUSIONS: Transthyretin proteoforms have not earlier been shown in cerebral microdialysate after SAH and we describe differing levels based on proteoform as well as time from subarachnoid bleed. Transthyretin is well known to be synthetized in choroid plexus, whilst intraparenchymal synthesis remains controversial. The results need to be confirmed in larger studies in order to further describe transthyretin.

A more than 20-year follow-up of pain and disability after anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery for degenerative disc disease and comparisons between two surgical techniques.

BACKGROUND: Follow-ups more than 20 years after neck surgery are extremely rare. No previous randomized studies have investigated differences in pain and disability more than 20 years after ACDF surgery using different techniques. The purpose of this study was to describe pain and functioning more than 20 years after anterior cervical decompression and fusion surgery, and to compare outcomes between the Cloward Procedure and the carbon fiber fusion cage (CIFC). METHODS: This study is a 20 to 24-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial. Questionnaires were sent to 64 individuals, at least 20 years after ACDF due to cervical radiculopathy. Fifty individuals (mean age 69, 60% women, 55% CIFC) completed questionnaires. Mean time since surgery was 22.4 years (range 20,5-24). Primary outcomes were neck pain and neck disability index (NDI). Secondary outcomes were frequency and intensity of neck and arm pain, headache, dizziness, self-efficacy, health related quality of life or global outcome. Clinically relevant improvements were defined as 30 mm decrease in pain and a decrease in disability of 20 percentage units. Between-group differences over time were analyzed with mixed design ANOVA and relationships between main outcomes and psychosocial factors were analyzed by Spearman´s rho. RESULTS: Neck pain and NDI score significantly improved over time (p < .001), with no group differences in primary or secondary outcomes. Eighty-eight per cent of participants experienced improvements or full recovery, 71% (pain) and 41% (NDI) had clinically relevant improvements. Pain and NDI were correlated with lower self-efficacy and quality of life. CONCLUSION: The results from this study do not support the idea that fusion technique affects long-term outcome of ACDF. Pain and disability improved substantially over time, irrespective of surgical technique. However, the majority of participants reported residual disability not to a negligible extent. Pain and disability were correlated to lower self-efficacy and quality of life.

Fatty infiltrate and neck muscle volume in individuals with chronic whiplash associated disorders compared to healthy controls - a cross sectional case-control study.

BACKGROUND: The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of chronic Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) are not fully understood. More knowledge of morphology is needed to better understand the disorder, improve diagnostics and treatments. The aim was to investigate dorsal neck muscle volume (MV) and muscle fat infiltration (MFI) in relation to self-reported neck disability among 30 participants with chronic WAD grade II-III compared to 30 matched healthy controls. METHODS: MV and MFI at spinal segments C4 through C7 in both sexes with mild- to moderate chronic WAD (n = 20), severe chronic WAD (n = 10), and age- and sex matched healthy controls (n = 30) was compared. Muscles: trapezius, splenius, semispinalis capitis and semispinalis cervicis were segmented by a blinded assessor and analyzed. RESULTS: Higher MFI was found in right trapezius (p = 0.007, Cohen's d = 0.9) among participants with severe chronic WAD compared to healthy controls. No other significant difference was found for MFI (p = 0.22-0.95) or MV (p = 0.20-0.76). CONCLUSIONS: There are quantifiable changes in muscle composition of right trapezius on the side of dominant pain and/or symptoms, among participants with severe chronic WAD. No other statistically significant differences were shown for MFI or MV. These findings add knowledge of the association between MFI, muscle size and self-reported neck disability in chronic WAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NA. This is a cross-sectional case-control embedded in a cohort study.

Determining the level of cervical radiculopathy: Agreement between visual inspection of pain drawings and magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pain drawings are commonly used in the clinical assessment of people with cervical radiculopathy. This study aimed to assess (1) the agreement of clinical interpretation of pain drawings and MRI findings in identifying the affected level of cervical radiculopathy, (2) the agreement of these predictions based on the pain drawing among four clinicians from two different professions (i.e., physiotherapy and surgery) and (3) the topographical pain distribution of people presenting with cervical radiculopathy (C4-C7). METHODS: Ninety-eight pain drawings were obtained from a baseline assessment of participants in a randomized clinical trial, in which single-level cervical radiculopathy was determined using MRI. Four experienced clinicians independently rated each pain drawing, attributing the pain distribution to a single nerve root (C4-C7). A post hoc analysis was performed to assess agreement. OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentage agreement and kappa values were used to assess the level of agreement. Topographic pain frequency maps were created for each cervical radiculopathy level as determined by MRI. RESULTS: The radiculopathy level determined from the pain drawings showed poor overall agreement with MRI (mean = 35.7%, K = -0.007 to 0.139). The inter-clinician agreement ranged from fair to moderate (K = 0.212-0.446). Topographic frequency maps revealed that pain distributions were widespread and overlapped markedly between patients presenting with different levels cervical radiculopathy. CONCLUSION: This study revealed a lack of agreement between the segmental level affected determined from the patient's pain drawing and the affected level as identified on MRI. The large overlap of pain and non-dermatomal distribution of pain reported by patients likely contributed to this result.

Morphology and composition of the ventral neck muscles in individuals with chronic whiplash related disorders compared to matched healthy controls: a cross-sectional case-control study.

BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE: Studies of cross-sectional area (CSA) (morphology) and muscle fat infiltration (MFI) (composition) in ventral neck muscles is scarce in patients with chronic whiplash associated disorders (WAD), especially for men and those with severe WAD compared with matched healthy controls. The aim was to compare CSA and MFI of sternocleidomastoid (SCM), longus capitis (LCA) and longus colli (LCO) in patients with chronic right-sided dominant moderate (Neck Disability Index: NDI < 40) or severe WAD (NDI ≥ 40), compared to age- and sex-matched healthy controls. METHODS: Cross-sectional case-control study with blinded investigators. Thirty-one patients with chronic WAD (17 women and 14 men, mean age 40 years) (SD 12.6, range 20-62)) and 31 age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent magnetic resonance imaging of ventral neck muscles segmental level C4. RESULTS: Unique to the severe group was a larger magnitude of MFI in right SCM (p = 0.02) compared with healthy controls. There was no significant difference between the groups with regards to the other muscles and measures. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with severe right-sided dominant WAD have a higher MFI in the right SCM compared to healthy controls. No other differences were found between the groups. The present study indicates that there are changes in the composition of muscles on the side of greatest pain.

Work Ability After Anterior Cervical Decompression and Fusion Followed by a Structured Postoperative Rehabilitation: Secondary Outcomes of a Prospective Randomized Controlled Multi-Centre Trial with a 2-year Follow-up.

Purpose Information on work ability after ACDF and postoperative rehabilitation is lacking. The aim of the present study is therefore to investigate the work ability benefits of a structured postoperative treatment (SPT) over a standard care approach (SA) in patients who underwent anterior cervical decompression and fusion (ACDF) for cervical radiculopathy and factors important to the 2-year outcome. Methods Secondary outcome and prediction model of a prospective randomized controlled multi-centre study with a 2-year follow-up (clinicaltrials.gov NCT01547611). The Work Ability Index (WAI) and Work Ability Score (WAS) were measured at baseline and up to 2 years after ACDF in 154 patients of working age who underwent SPT or SA after surgery. Predictive factors for the WAI at 2 years were analysed. Results Both WAI and WAS significantly improved with SPT and SA (p < 0.001), without any between-group differences. Thoughts of being able to work within the next 6 months, Neck Disability Index (NDI), and work-related neck load explained 59% of the variance in WAI at the 2-year follow-up after ACDF. Conclusions Patients improved over time without group differences, suggesting the improvement to be surgery related. Expectation to work within the next 6 months, self-reported neck functioning and work-related neck load were important to work ability and are central factors to ask early after ACDF, to identifying further interventions promoting return to work.

Postoperative Lead Movement after Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery and the Change of Stimulation Volume.

INTRODUCTION: Lead movement after deep brain stimulation may occur and influence the affected volume of stimulation. The aim of the study was to investigate differences in lead position between the day after surgery and approximately 1 month postoperatively and also simulate the electric field (EF) around the active contacts in order to investigate the impact of displacement on affected volume. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with movement disorders underwent deep brain stimulation surgery (37 leads). Computed tomography at the 2 time points were co-fused respectively with the stereotactic images in Surgiplan. The coordinates (x, y, and z) of the lead tips were compared between the 2 dates. Eleven of these patients were selected for the EF simulation in Comsol Multiphysics. Postoperative changes of EF spread in the tissue due to conductivity changes in perielectrode space and due to displacement were evaluated by calculating the coverage coefficient and the Sørensen-Dice coefficient. RESULTS: There was a significant displacement (mean ± SD) on the left lead: x (0.44 ± 0.72, p < 0.01), y (0.64 ± 0.54, p < 0.001), and z (0.62 ± 0.71, p < 0.001). On the right lead, corresponding values were: x (-0.11 ± 0.61, ns), y (0.71 ± 0.54, p < 0.001), and z (0.49 ± 0.81, p < 0.05). The anchoring technique was a statistically significant variable associated with displacement. No correlation was found between bilateral (n = 14) versus unilateral deep brain stimulation, gender (n = 17 male), age <60 years (n = 8), and calculated air volume. The simulated stimulation volume was reduced after 1 month because of the perielectrode space. When considering perielectrode space and displacement, the volumes calculated the day after surgery and approximately 1 month later were partly overlapped. CONCLUSION: The left lead tip displayed a tendency to move lateral, anterior, and inferior and the right a tendency to move anterior and inferior. The anchoring technique was associated to displacement. New brain territory was affected due to the displacement despite considering the reduced stimulated volume after 1 month. Postoperative changes in perielectrode space and small lead movements are reasons for delaying programming to 4 weeks following surgery.

Optical Measurements during Asleep Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery along Vim-Zi Trajectories.

BACKGROUND: Optics can be used for guidance in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. The aim was to use laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) to investigate the intraoperative optical trajectory along the ventral intermediate nucleus (VIM) and zona incerta (Zi) regions in patients with essential tremor during asleep DBS surgery, and whether the Zi region could be identified. METHODS: A forward-looking LDF guide was used for creation of the trajectory for the DBS lead, and the microcirculation and tissue greyness, i.e., total light intensity (TLI) was measured along 13 trajectories. TLI trajectories and the number of high-perfusion spots were investigated at 0.5-mm resolution in the last 25 mm from the targets. RESULTS: All implantations were done without complications and with significant improvement of tremor (p < 0.01). Out of 798 measurements, 12 tissue spots showed high blood flow. The blood flow was significantly higher in VIM than in Zi (p < 0.001). The normalized mean TLI curve showed a significant (p < 0.001) lower TLI in the VIM region than in the Zi region. CONCLUSION: Zi DBS performed asleep appears to be safe and effective. LDF monitoring provides direct in vivomeasurement of the microvascular blood flow in front of the probe, which can help reduce the risk of hemorrhage. LDF can differentiate between the grey substance in the thalamus and the transmission border entering the posterior subthalamic area where the tissue consists of more white matter tracts.

Proteomic Analysis of the Cerebrospinal Fluid in Patients With Essential Tremor Before and After Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery: A Pilot Study.

OBJECTIVE: Electrical neuromodulation by deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established method for treatment of severe essential tremor (ET). The mechanism behind the tremor relieving effect remains largely unknown. Our aim of this study was to evaluate alterations in proteomics pre- and post-DBS in patients diagnosed with severe ET. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten right-handed ET patients were included in this study. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obtained by lumbar puncture preoperatively (N = 10) and six months postoperatively (N = 7). The samples were analyzed by high sensitive liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Twenty-two proteins were statistically significantly altered in the CSF of ET patients before and after DBS treatment. Downregulated proteins were involved in regulatory processes of protein activation, complement activation, humoral immune response as well as acute inflammatory response. The upregulated proteins were involved in pathways for cell secretion, adhesion as well as response to axon injury. CONCLUSIONS: DBS in ET patients effects the neurochemical environment in the CSF. These findings further elucidate the mechanisms of DBS and may lead to new biomarkers for evaluating the effect of DBS treatment.

Pathophysiology behind prolonged whiplash associated disorders: study protocol for an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: There is insufficient knowledge of pathophysiological parameters to understand the mechanism behind prolonged whiplash associated disorders (WAD), and it is not known whether or not changes can be restored by rehabilitation. The aims of the projects are to investigate imaging and molecular biomarkers, cervical kinaesthesia, postural sway and the association with pain, disability and other outcomes in individuals with longstanding WAD, before and after a neck-specific exercise intervention. Another aim is to compare individuals with WAD with healthy controls. METHODS: Participants are a sub-group (n = 30) of individuals recruited from an ongoing randomized controlled study (RCT). Measurements in this experimental prospective study will be carried out at baseline (before intervention) and at a three month follow-up (end of physiotherapy intervention), and will include muscle structure and inflammation using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), brain structure and function related to pain using functional MRI (fMRI), muscle function using ultrasonography, biomarkers using samples of blood and saliva, cervical kinaesthesia using the "butterfly test" and static balance test using an iPhone app. Association with other measures (self-reported and clinical measures) obtained in the RCT (e.g. background data, pain, disability, satisfaction with care, work ability, quality of life) may be investigated. Healthy volunteers matched for age and gender will be recruited as controls (n = 30). DISCUSSION: The study results may contribute to the development of improved diagnostics and improved rehabilitation methods for WAD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrial.gov Protocol ID: NCT03664934, initial release 09/11/2018.

Oxygen saturation estimation in brain tissue using diffuse reflectance spectroscopy along stereotactic trajectories.

Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) can be used to estimate oxygen saturation (SO2) of hemoglobin and blood fraction (fB) in brain tissue. The aim of the study was to investigate the SO2 and fB in different positions along deep brain stimulation (DBS) trajectories and in specific target regions using DRS and a novel algorithm. DRS measurements were done at 166 well-defined anatomical positions in relation to stereotactic DBS-implantation along 20 trajectories toward 4 DBS targets (STN, Vim, GPi and Zi). The measurements were dived into groups (gray, white and light gray matter) related to anatomical position, and DBS targets, before comparison and statistical analysis. The median SO2 in gray, white and light gray matter were 52%, 24% and 20%, respectively. Median fB in gray matter (3.9%) was different from values in white (1.0%, p < 0.05) and light gray (0.9%, p < 0.001) matter. No significant difference in median SO2 and fB was found between DBS target regions. The novel algorithm allows for quick and reliable estimation of SO2 and fB in human brain tissue.

Optical Measurements during Deep Brain Stimulation Lead Implantation: Safety Aspects.

BACKGROUND: Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is the most feared complication in deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery. The aim of the study was to evaluate patient safety and outcome using laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) as guidance tool during DBS implantations. METHODS: An LDF probe adapted for the stereotactic system was used as guide for creation of the trajectory. The microcirculation along 83 preplanned trajectories was measured with the guide during DBS surgery for movement disorders. The microvascular blood flow levels were investigated for all measurement positions. Medical record and postoperative radiology were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS: Of 2,963 measurement positions, 234 (7.9%) showed at least a doubled blood flow compared to the surrounding tissue. Of these 2.2% had a more than 5 times higher blood flow in front of the probe tip. Along 1 trajectory, a small ICH was detected during surgery. Increased blood flow was more common close to sulci and verticals. CONCLUSION: Real-time LDF measurement of the microcirculation using a forward-looking probe during DBS surgery can detect blood flow peaks and further minimize the risk of developing ICH. No separate guide tube is necessary as the probe also creates the trajectory for the DBS lead.

Neck-Related Physical Function, Self-Efficacy, and Coping Strategies in Patients With Cervical Radiculopathy: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Postoperative Physiotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare postoperative rehabilitation with structured physiotherapy to the standard approach in patients with cervical radiculopathy (CR) in a prospective randomized study at 6 months follow-up based on measures of neck-related physical function, self-efficacy, and coping strategies. METHODS: Patients with persistent CR and scheduled for surgery (N = 202) were randomly assigned to structured postoperative physiotherapy or a standard postoperative approach. Structured postoperative physiotherapy combined neck-specific exercises with a behavioral approach. Baseline, 3-month, and 6-month evaluations included questionnaires and clinical examinations. Neck muscle endurance, active cervical range of motion, self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing (CSQ-CAT), perceived control over pain, and ability to decrease pain were analyzed for between-group differences using complete case and per-protocol approaches. RESULTS: No between-group difference was reported at the 6-month follow-up (P = .05-.99), but all outcomes had improved from baseline (P < .001). Patients undergoing structured postoperative physiotherapy with ≥50% attendance at treatment sessions had larger improvements in CSQ-CAT (P = .04) during the rehabilitation period from 3 to 6 months after surgery compared with the patients who received standard postoperative approach. CONCLUSIONS: No between-group difference was found at 6 months after surgery based on measures of neck-related physical function, self-efficacy, and coping strategies. However, the results confirm that neck-specific exercises are tolerated by patients with CR after surgery and may suggest a benefit from combining surgery with structured postoperative physiotherapy for patients with CR.

High-Resolution Laser Doppler Measurements of Microcirculation in the Deep Brain Structures: A Method for Potential Vessel Tracking.

BACKGROUND: Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) can be used to measure cerebral microcirculation in relation to stereotactic deep brain stimulation (DBS) implantations. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the microcirculation and total light intensity (TLI) corresponding to tissue grayness in DBS target regions with high-resolution LDF recordings, and to define a resolution which enables detection of small vessels. METHODS: Stereotactic LDF measurements were made prior to DBS implantation with 0.5-mm steps in the vicinity to 4 deep brain targets (STN, GPi, Vim, Zi) along 20 trajectories. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the microcirculation and TLI between targets, and the measurement resolution (0.5 vs. 1 mm). The numbers of high blood flow spots along the trajectories were calculated. RESULTS: There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in microcirculation between the targets. High blood flow spots were present at 15 out of 510 positions, 7 along Vim and GPi trajectories, respectively. There was no statistical difference between resolutions even though both local blood flow and TLI peaks could appear at 0.5-mm steps. CONCLUSIONS: LDF can be used for online tracking of critical regions presenting blood flow and TLI peaks, possibly relating to vessel structures and thin laminas along stereotactic trajectories.

Surgical Replacement of Implantable Pulse Generators in Deep Brain Stimulation: Adverse Events and Risk Factors in a Multicenter Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a growing treatment modality, and most DBS systems require replacement of the implantable pulse generator (IPG) every few years. The literature regarding the potential impact of adverse events of IPG replacement on the longevity of DBS treatments is rather scarce. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of adverse events, including postoperative infections, associated with IPG replacements in a multicenter cohort. METHODS: The medical records of 808 patients from one Australian and five Swedish DBS centers with a total of 1,293 IPG replacements were audited. A logistic regression model was used to ascertain the influence of possible predictors on the incidence of adverse events. RESULTS: The overall incidence of major infections was 2.3% per procedure, 3.7% per patient and 1.7% per replaced IPG. For 28 of 30 patients this resulted in partial or complete DBS system removal. There was an increased risk of infection for males (OR 3.6, p = 0.026), and the risk of infection increased with the number of prior IPG replacements (OR 1.6, p < 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of postoperative infection with DBS IPG replacement increases with the number of previous procedures. There is a need to reduce the frequency of IPG replacements.

Individual factors associated with neck disability in patients with cervical radiculopathy scheduled for surgery: a study on physical impairments, psychosocial factors, and life style habits.

PURPOSE: The influence of individual factors on patient-reported outcomes is important in the interpretation of disability and treatment effectiveness. The purpose of this study was to assess how physical impairments, psychosocial factors, and life style habits were associated with neck disability based on the Neck Disability Index (NDI), in patients with cervical radiculopathy scheduled for surgery. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 201 patients (105 men, 96 women; mean age 50 years). Data included self-reported measures and a clinical examination. Multiple linear regressions were performed to identify significant influencing factors. RESULTS: Pain, physical impairments in the cervical active range of motion, low self-efficacy, depression, and sickness-related absences explained 73% of the variance in NDI scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Assessments of physical impairments and psychosocial factors in patients with cervical radiculopathy could improve the description of neck disability and the interpretation of treatment outcomes in longitudinal studies.

Outcome of physiotherapy after surgery for cervical disc disease: a prospective randomised multi-centre trial.

BACKGROUND: Many patients with cervical disc disease require leave from work, due to long-lasting, complex symptoms, including chronic pain and reduced levels of physical and psychological function. Surgery on a few segmental levels might be expected to resolve disc-specific pain and reduce neurological deficits, but not the non-specific neck pain and the frequent illness. No study has investigated whether post-surgery physiotherapy might improve the outcome of surgery. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a well-structured rehabilitation programme might add benefit to the customary post-surgical treatment for cervical disc disease, with respect to function, disability, work capability, and cost effectiveness. METHODS/DESIGN: This study was designed as a prospective, randomised, controlled, multi-centre study. An independent, blinded investigator will compare two alternatives of rehabilitation. We will include 200 patients of working age, with cervical disc disease confirmed by clinical findings and symptoms of cervical nerve root compression. After providing informed consent, study participants will be randomised to one of two alternative physiotherapy regimes; (A) customary treatment (information and advice on a specialist clinic); or (B) customary treatment plus active physiotherapy. Physiotherapy will follow a standardised, structured programme of neck-specific exercises combined with a behavioural approach. All patients will be evaluated both clinically and subjectively (with questionnaires) before surgery and at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and 24 months after surgery. The main outcome variable will be neck-specific disability. Cost-effectiveness will also be calculated. DISCUSSION: We anticipate that the results of this study will provide evidence to support physiotherapeutic rehabilitation applied after surgery for cervical radiculopathy due to cervical disc disease. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01547611.

Neurological outcomes after surgery and postoperative rehabilitation for cervical radiculopathy due to disc disease: a 2-year-follow-up of a randomized clinical trial.

Reports on neurological outcomes in patients with cervical radiculopathy (CR) undergoing surgery and postoperative rehabilitation are important to inform prognosis. This 2-year-follow-up of a randomized clinical trial aimed to compare secondary neurological outcomes between structured postoperative rehabilitation and a standard approach after surgery for CR. A secondary aim was to increase knowledge about recovery of neurological impairments in relation to patient-reported neck disability. Neurological outcomes included assessment of sensibility, motor function, arm reflexes and the Spurling test. A total of 153 and 135 participants (> 70% response rate) completed the clinical examination. Between-group differences, changes over time, and associations between persistent neurological impairments and the Neck Disability Index were investigated. No between-group differences were reported (p > 0.07), and neurological impairments in sensibility, motor function, and a positive Spurling test decreased over time in both groups (p < 0.04). Persistent impairments in sensibility and reflex arm were most frequent at follow-up, whereas, a persistent positive Spurling test, and impairments in motor function were associated with higher NDI score. Neurological outcomes improved over time in patients undergoing surgery for CR with no between-group differences., However, persistent neurological impairments were common, and associated with poorer outcome for patient-reported neck disability.Clinical registration: clinicaltrial.gov NCT01547611, 08/03/2012, Title: Outcome of physiotherapy after surgery for cervical disc disease: a prospective multi-centre trial.

Dizziness and balance outcomes after two different postoperative rehabilitation approaches following neck surgery: analyses of a multicenter randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dizziness and balance problems are common symptoms in patients with cervical radiculopathy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of neck surgery postoperatively combined with either structured rehabilitation or standard approach in patients with cervical radiculopathy and dizziness and/or balance problems, and investigate factors influencing dizziness and balance at 6-month follow-up. METHODS: Individuals (n = 149) with cervical radiculopathy and dizziness and/or balance problems were randomized preoperatively to structured postoperative rehabilitation or standard postoperative approach. Outcomes were intensity of dizziness and subjective balance, and clinical measures of balance. RESULTS: Self-reported measures improved at three months (p ˂ 0.001 to p = .007) and the standing balance at six months (p = .008). No between-group differences. Baseline values, neck pain, and physical activity level explained 23-39% of the variance in 6-month outcomes for self-reported measures. Baseline values and physical activity level explained 71% of the variance in walking balance, and lower baseline scores were significantly associated with standing balance impairments (OR 0.876). CONCLUSION: Patients improved significantly in dizziness and subjective balance intensity shortly after surgery, and in standing balance at 6 months, independent of postoperative rehabilitation. Neck pain, physical activity, and neck muscle function influenced dizziness and balance, although preoperative values and neck pain were of most importance for 6-month outcomes.

Deep Brain Stimulation: Emerging Tools for Simulation, Data Analysis, and Visualization.

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a well-established neurosurgical procedure for movement disorders that is also being explored for treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions. This review highlights important consideration for DBS simulation and data analysis. The literature on DBS has expanded considerably in recent years, and this article aims to identify important trends in the field. During DBS planning, surgery, and follow up sessions, several large data sets are created for each patient, and it becomes clear that any group analysis of such data is a big data analysis problem and has to be handled with care. The aim of this review is to provide an update and overview from a neuroengineering perspective of the current DBS techniques, technical aids, and emerging tools with the focus on patient-specific electric field (EF) simulations, group analysis, and visualization in the DBS domain. Examples are given from the state-of-the-art literature including our own research. This work reviews different analysis methods for EF simulations, tractography, deep brain anatomical templates, and group analysis. Our analysis highlights that group analysis in DBS is a complex multi-level problem and selected parameters will highly influence the result. DBS analysis can only provide clinically relevant information if the EF simulations, tractography results, and derived brain atlases are based on as much patient-specific data as possible. A trend in DBS research is creation of more advanced and intuitive visualization of the complex analysis results suitable for the clinical environment.