Context: Decompressive craniectomy is commonly use as the treatment for medically refractory intracranial hypertension. Unexpected improvement in patient's neurological status has been observed among patients that underwent cranioplasty. Restoration of cerebral blood flow (CBF) hemodynamics is one of the contributing factors. This study was conducted to determine the impact of cranioplasty on CBF and its correlation with clinical outcome. Aims: This study was done to evaluate the effect of cranioplasty on CBF with computed tomography perfusion (CTP). It also aimed to determine the correlation between postcranioplasty CBF and clinical outcome. Settings and Design: Prospective observational study. Subjects and Methods: All patients had CTP done to determine precranioplasty CBF. CTP was repeated at 6 weeks postcranioplasty and clinical assessment at 6 and 24 weeks postcranioplasty. Statistical Analysis Used: Data analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 12.0.1. Results: The median value of the ipsilateral CBF was 48.87 and 61.10 ml/min/100 g at precranioplasty and 6 weeks postcranioplasty (P < 0.001). Contralateral CBF also showed improvement from 60.55 to 71.84 ml/min/100 g (P < 0.001). Median value for mini mental state examination showed a significant difference with value of 22, 25, and 25.5 at precranioplasty, 6 and 24 weeks postcranioplasty (P = 0.001 and P < 0.001). Median value for frontal assessment battery was 12, 14.5, and 15 (P = 0.002 and P = 0.001). Conclusions: Cranioplasty can remarkably improve cortical perfusion for both ipsilateral and contralateral hemisphere. Though we are unable to establish strong correlation, between CBF and clinical outcome, cranioplasty was observed to have a therapeutic role in terms of clinical outcome improvement.

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Background: Electrolyte disturbances are frequently observed during the acute and subacute period after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) and may potentially worsen therapeutic outcome. This study was conducted to determine the pattern of electrolyte disturbance in the acute and subacute phase after SAH and their effect on the long-term outcome of the patients. Materials and Methods: Fifty-three patients were prospectively enrolled. The standards of care for all patients were uniformly performed. The serum levels of electrolytes (sodium, potassium and magnesium) were determined with measurements obtained on admission, 3–5 and 7–10 days after SAH. Radiographic intensity of hemorrhage (Fisher's scale), and the clinical grading (World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies grade) were documented in the first visit. The outcomes were evaluated using Glasgow outcome scale at 3 months after discharge. Results: Hyponatremia was the most common electrolyte imbalance among the patients but did not worsen the outcome. Although less common, hypernatremia in the subacute phase was significantly associated with poor outcome. Both hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia were predictive of poor outcomes. Conclusions: Because electrolyte abnormalities can adversely affect the outcome, the serum levels of electrolytes should be closely monitored with serial measurements and treated properly in patients with aneurysmal SAH.

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Aim: In this paper, we aim to present our experience with a series of patients with PMSAH. In addition, the clinical course of perimesencephalic subarachnoid hemorrgade (PMSAH) is discussed with an evaluation of etiologies, risk factors, and the necessity for a second angiogram on follow-up. Materials and Methods: The data for this study were obtained retrospectively from patients who were treated at the Uludag University, School of Medicine, Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Neurovascular Surgery's clinic with a diagnosis of PMSAH between January 1980 and March 2002. Results: We identified a total of 24 patients, 12 male. The mean age at the time of hemorrhage was 53 ± 12 years. In all patients, the onset was typical with a sudden severe headache. Five of the patients were Hunt-Hess Grade I, 15 were Grade II, and 4 were Grade III. The initial 4-vessel angiography was normal in 23 cases. Twenty-two had a second 4-vessel angiography, and all were normal. We observed acute hydrocephalus in 5 patients (20.8%). We did not observe re-bleeding during the follow-up of our patients. Conclusion: Patients with PMSAH have a particularly excellent outcome, and there is no need to evaluate these patients with repeat angiography.

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Papillary tumor of the pineal region (PTPR) is a newly described entity, which has been recently included in the World Health Organization classification of central nervous system tumors. We report an unusual presentation of PTPR in a 17-year-old girl, which was extending into the third ventricle, along with a detailed description of morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics of PTPRs. The diagnosis of PTPR was established on immunohistopathological examination.

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Materials used in neurosurgery to achieve hemostasis may be of resorbable or nonresorbable substance and may cause foreign body granuloma if left at the operative site. Foreign body granuloma depending on clinical history may be indistinguishable from an abscess, resolving infarction, and hematoma. Here we present two cases, who had decompressive craniectomy following road traffic accident. Follow-up computerized tomography (CT) scan revealed hyperdense lobulated lesion with peripheral rim enhancement. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), lesions were predominantly hypointense on T1-weighted images, and hyperintense on T2-weighted images and showed a lack of restricted diffusion. In view of recent craniectomy and imaging findings diagnosis of foreign body granuloma was made. Both patients underwent surgery, intraoperatively gauze pieces were retrieved from lesions which confirmed preoperative diagnosis. The combination of CT and MRI can diagnose foreign body granuloma, especially in trauma settings. Thus, we can help the surgeon by providing the probable diagnosis for proper management.

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Background: The study aimed to assess the relationship between computed tomography (CT) scan findings and Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score with the purpose of introducing GCS scoring system as an acceptable alternative for CT scan to clinically management of brain injuries in head trauma patients. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on hospitalized patients with the complaints of head trauma. The severity of the head injury was assessed on admission by the GCS score and categorized as mild, moderate, or severe head injury. Results: Of all study subjects, 80.5% had GCS 13–15 that among those, 45% had GCS 15. Furthermore, 10.5% had GCS ranged 9–12 and 9% had GCS <8. Of all subjects, 54.5% had abnormal CT findings that of them, 77.1% categorized as mild head injury, 11.0% had a moderate head injury, and 11.9% had a severe head injury. Furthermore, of those with GCS 15, 41.0% had abnormal CT scan. Of all patients with abnormal CT findings, 33.0% underwent surgery that 61.1% categorized in mild head injury group, 13.9% categorized in moderate head injury group, and 22.2% categorized in severe head injury group. Of those with GCS equal to 15, only 27.0% underwent surgery. Conclusion: The use of GCS score for assessing the level of injury may not be sufficient and thus considering CT findings as the gold standard, the combination of this scoring system and other applicable scoring systems may be more applicable to stratify brain injury level.

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Discectomy for lumbar disc provides faster relief in acute attack than does conservative management. Long-term results of open, microscopy-, and endoscopy-assisted discectomy are same. Early results of endoscopy-assisted surgery are better as compared to that of open surgery in terms of better visualization, smaller incision, reduced hospital stay, better education, lower cost, less pain, early return to work, and rehabilitation. Although microscopic discectomy also has comparable advantages, endoscopic-assisted technique better addresses opposite side pathology. Inter laminar technique (ILT) and trans foraminal technique (TFT) are two main endoscopic approaches for lumbar pathologies. Endoscopy-assisted ILT can be performed in recurrent, migrated, and calcified discs. All lumbar levels including L5-S1 level, intracanalicular, foraminal disc, lumbar canal and lateral recess stenosis, multiple levels, and bilateral lesions can be managed by ILT. Migrated, calcified discs, L5-S1 pathology, lumbar canal, and lateral recess stenosis can be better approached by ILT than by TFT. Most spinal surgeons are familiar with anatomy of ILT. It can be safely performed in foramen stenosis and in uncooperative and anxious patients. There is less risk of exiting nerve root damage, especially in short pedicles and in presence of facet osteophytes as compared to TFT. On the other hand, ILT is more invasive than TFT with more chances of perforations of the dura matter, pseudomeningocele formation, and cerebrospinal fluid fistula in early learning curve. Obtaining microsurgical experience, attending workshops, and suitable patient selection can help shorten the learning curve. Once adequate skill is acquired, this procedure is safe and effective. The surgeon must be prepared to convert to an open procedure, especially in early learning curve. Spinal endoscopy is likely to achieve more roles in future. Endoscopy-assisted ILT is a safer alternative to the microscopic technique.

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Supratentorial hemangioblastomas (HBLs) are rare, benign vascular tumors of the central nervous system neoplasms. Very scarce literature is available regarding supratentorial HBL without von Hippel–Lindau (VHL) syndrome in an adult. We reviewed the literature and PubMed advanced search showed only a few results of supratentorial HBL without VHL syndrome. We reported a rare case of cystic supratentorial HBL in 39-year-old male affecting the parietal lobe without VHL syndrome. Supratentorial HBL is a rare tumor and supratentorial HBL without VHL syndrome are even rarer. Being a rare entity, not much clinical data is currently available regarding supratentorial HBLs, thus necessitating the need for further reporting and review of such cases.

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We present a rare case of calvarial tuberculosis mimicking a solitary bone tumor, which was surgically removed. A 52-year-old female presented with a right forehead swelling, which gradually enlarged over the course of 2 years, with no symptoms or raised intracranial pressure or neurological deficits. Plain and contrast-enhanced brain computed tomography scans were done, revealing a punched-out lesion of the right frontal bone, with a nonenhancing lytic mass. With an initial diagnosis of an intraosseous meningioma, and later on intraoperatively thought to be a metastatic tumor, the mass was excised along with a rim of bone. Histopathological examination results came back as caseous necrosis, highly suggestive of tuberculosis. The patient was then treated with a 1 year regimen of anti-tuberculous medications. Tuberculosis of the cranium is a rare entity, and can mimic tumors or multiple myeloma. A high index of suspicion and knowledge is required for an early diagnosis. A combined surgical and medical therapy is curative.

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Cavernous malformations (CMs) arising from the optic nerve and chiasm are extremely rare. In large autopsy series, CMs were estimated to range from 0.02 to 0.13% in the general population. However, with introduction of MRI, these lesions were found more often than previously thought, ranging from 0.2% to 0.4%. Only 29 cases have been reported according to our knowledge. Most patients present with drop in visual acuity and visual field. Although MRI findings of cavernous malformations have been reported, they may not be diagnostic enough. Among the 29 reported, 16 underwent total resection with good results. In some, resection was complicated by damage to the surrounding neural tissue. Surgical removal is the recommended treatment to restore or preserve vision and to eliminate the risk of future hemorrhage. However, the anatomical location and eloquence of nearby neural structures can make these lesions difficult to access and remove. CMs appear to occur in every age group (range 4 months to 84 years mean-34.6 years) ith an approximately equal male to female ratio. They typically present with chiasmal apoplexy, characterized by sudden visual loss, acute headaches, retro orbital pain, and nausea

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Arachnoid cysts in the spine are a rare entity with extradural occurrence being the commonest. Arachnoid cysts in intramedullary location are sparingly reported in elderly. We herein report a case of intramedullary arachnoid cyst in an adult female who presented with features of compressive myelopathy.

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Background: A chronic subdural hematoma is an old clot of blood on the surface of the brain between dura and arachnoid membranes.These liquefied clots most often occur in patients aged 60 and older with brain atrophy. When the brain shrinks inside the skull over time, minor head trauma can cause tearing of blood vessels over the brain surface, resulting in a slow accumulation of blood over several days to weeks. Aim of the Study: To evaluate the role of membrane in hematoma evaluation and to correlate its histopathology with clinic-radiological aspects of the condition and overall prognosis of patients. Material and Methods: The study incorporated all cases of chronic SDH admitted to the Neurosurgery department of JLN Hospital and Research Centre, Bhilai, between November 2011 and November 2013. All such cases were analyzed clinically, radiologically like site, size, thickness in computed tomography, the attenuation value, midline shift and histopathological features were recorded. Criteria for Inclusion: All cases of chronic subdural haematoma irrespective of age and sex were incorporated into the study. Criteria for Exclusion: All cases of acute subdural haematoma and cases of chronic sub dural hematoma which were managed conservatively irrespective of age and sex were excluded from the study Results: In our series of cases, the most common histopathological type of membrane was the inflammatory membrane (Type II) seen in 42.30% of cases followed by hemorrhagic inflammatory membrane (Type III) seen in 34.62% of cases while scar inflammatory type of membrane (Type IV) was seen in 23.08% of cases. No case with noninflammatory type (Type I) was encountered.

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Introduction: Intracranial arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of Spetzler-Martin grades (SMGs) I-III are treated using either monomodality treatments of microsurgical excision, embolization or stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), or a combination of two or more of these treatment options. At Hospital Kuala Lumpur, we still practice monomodality treatments for AVMs of these three grades. In this study, we wanted to achieve an understanding whether monomodality treatments can achieve a satisfactory outcome of AVM nidi for patients, for up to 3 years, and to gather an objective data for AVM treatment for the Malaysian population. Subjects and Methods: This is a retrospective review of records study. The data are acquired from case notes of patients with intracranial AVM of SMGs I to III who underwent monomodality treatment at Hospital Kuala Lumpur between 2008 and 2011. The patients were followed up with imaging for up to 3 years from the date of treatment. A total of 81 patients were recruited in this study, where 30 underwent microsurgical treatment, 27 underwent embolization, and 24 underwent SRS. Results: Total obliteration of AVM nidus was achieved in 96.7% of patients who underwent microsurgery, 8.7% of patients who underwent embolization, and 79.2% of patients who underwent SRS. The modified Rankin scale (mRS) for all three groups showed an improving trend, with the microsurgery group showing the best improvement (from 70% at 3 months to 92.3% at 3 years showing favorable mRS scores). Conclusions: The AVM nidus obliteration for each treatment group is comparable to the meta-analysis published in 2011. Each modality had its own set of complications; however, most of the patients in all three groups had either static or improved mRS at the end of the 3-year follow-up.

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Context: Standardized nursing handovers have been known to improve outcome, reduce error, and enhance communication. Few, if any, studies on nursing handovers have been conducted in the India. Aim: The aim was to study nursing handover practices in a Neurosciences Center in India. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted in a 200 bedded public sector Neurosciences Center in New Delhi, to assess nursing handover practices across five wards, all shifts, weekdays, and weekends using a pretested checklist. Ten elements were observed under the categories of time, duration, process, nurse interaction, and patient communication. Statistical Analysis: Analysis of variance, Z-test, and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results: Totally, 525 nursing handovers revealed varying compliance levels among (63%) time, place (76%), process (82%), staff interaction (53%), and patient communication (44%) related elements. Poorer compliance was seen in morning shifts and weekends; the difference being statistically significant. Bedside handovers were more frequent during weekends and night shifts and were positively correlated with increased staff interaction and patient communication and negatively related to handover duration. Though nurses showed better adherence to process related elements, background patient information, and assessment was explained less frequently. Differences between wards were insignificant except in categories of nurse interaction and patient communication which was better in the neurosurgery than neurology wards. Conclusion: Study revealed a need for a system change and standardization of handovers. Greater administrative commitment, use of technology, training, and leadership development will aid in continuity of care, promote patient safety, and ensure better outcomes.

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Elevated fractures of skull in pediatric age group are rarely reported in the literature. In view of rarity, we present a series of five cases of elevated skull fracture in pediatric age group. Over a period of 1-year, we operated on five such cases. In this article, we have discussed the mode, mechanism and extent of injury, its clinico-radiological findings, course of the disease, and the management outcome. Four out of five cases improved after surgery and did not suffer any complications. Early recognition and appropriate management of compound elevated fracture in pediatric age group comes with good outcome and prevents unwanted morbidity and mortality.

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Spontaneously resolving depressed skull fractures have been previously reported in the pediatric age group, however they are very rare in adolescents. We report a case of spontaneously elevating depressed fracture in a 13 year old boy. Depressed skull fractures in this age group might resolve on its own but may also complicate during its course of non-operative self elevation. In the reported case, the child developed gliosis and suffered seizures two years after the trauma. Repeat scans showed almost normal skull topography with underlying gliotic changes. Although all depressed skull fractures won't complicate as such, patients without neurological deficits should also be operated to prevent any delayed complications.

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Superficial temporal artery (STA) aneurysms are very infrequent. Moreover, true aneurysms, which are not pseudoaneurysms associated with trauma or previous surgery are even rarer. With this manuscript, authors present a case of a 79-year-old woman suffering from subarachnoid hemorrhage whose radiological examinations revealed multiple intracranial aneurysms along with an STA aneurysm. This very rare case, to the best of our knowledge, the second case reported so far, might contribute to the literature and lead further investigations toward the rare association between intracranial aneurysms and STA aneurysms.

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Vein of Galen malformation (VOGM) is a rare congenital vascular anomaly, comprising about 1% of all intracranial vascular anomalies, predominantly affecting the children less than 1 year of age. A 6-month-old infant presented with complaints of increasing head size of 3 months duration and multiple episodes of vomiting associated with refusal to feed since 7 days. He was a known case of VOGM who had initially refused treatment. Investigations revealed a spontaneously thrombosed VOGM with obstructive hydrocephalous. Child improved uneventfully with ventriculoperitoneal shunt. Spontaneous thrombosis of a VOGM is a rare occurrence and carries a better prognosis. The relevant literature is discussed with emphasis on etiopathogenesis, mechanism, and management of spontaneous thrombosis of the malformation.

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Background: The application of skull pins in neurosurgical procedures is a highly noxious stimulus that causes hemodynamic changes and a rise in spectral entropy levels. We designed a study to compare intravenous (IV) labetalol and bupivacaine scalp block in blunting these changes. Patients and Methods: Sixty-six patients undergoing elective neurosurgical procedures were randomized into two groups, L (labetalol) and B (bupivacaine) of 33 each. After a standard induction sequence using fentanyl, propofol and vecuronium, patients were intubated. Baseline hemodynamic parameters and entropy levels were noted. Five minutes before, application of the pins, group L patients received IV labetalol 0.25 mg/kg and group B patients received scalp block with 30 ml of 0.25% bupivacaine. Following application of the pins, heart rate (HR), systolic arterial pressure (SAP), diastolic arterial pressure (DAP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and response entropy (RE)/state entropy (SE) were noted at regular time points up to 5 min. Results: The two groups were comparable with respect to their demographic characteristics. Baseline hemodynamic parameters and entropy levels were also similar. After pinning, the HR, SAP, DAP, MAP, and RE/SE all increased in both groups but were lower in the scalp block group patients. HR increased by 19.8% in group L and by 11% in group B. SAP increased by 11.9% in group L and remained unchanged in group B. DAP increased by 19.7% in group L and by 9.9% in group B, MAP increased by 15.6% in group L and 5% in group B (P < 0.05). No adverse effects were noted. Conclusion: Scalp block with bupivacaine is more effective than IV labetalol in attenuating the rise in hemodynamic parameters and entropy changes following skull pin application.

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Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is the most common of all leukemia constituting 15–20% of all leukemia. The clinical course of the diseases runs in two to three phases, initial chronic phase followed by accelerated phase or blast phase. Blast phase most commonly presents clinically as fever, splenomegaly, and bone pain. Here, we present a case of CML in blast phase presenting with central nervous system manifestation in a 55-year-old patient with a brief review of the literature.

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Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare spindle-cell neoplasm originating from the mesenchyme. It was originally thought to occur exclusively in the intrathoracic region but has been recently described in extrapleural sites including the orbit. SFT of the orbit is a rare lesion, which can be misdiagnosed as hemangiopericytoma, fibrous histiocytoma, meningioma, or neurofibroma. Immunohistochemistry plays an important role. We report an orbital SFT in a 39-year-old female presented with painless, progressive proptosis, and diminished vision in the right eye for the duration of 6 months. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated well-defined enhancing mass lesion. The patient underwent complete tumor removal through a right fronto-orbital approach, and a pathological diagnosis of the solitary fibrous tumor was made. Postoperatively, the patient was symptom-free. Clinical and pathological findings including immunohistochemistry are presented along with a brief discussion of literature.

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Perineuriomas are rare benign peripheral nerve sheath tumor composed exclusively of perineurial cells. They have been classified into two main types according to their location – intraneural and extraneural (soft-tissue). Extraneural perineurioma are uncommon, found mostly in the soft tissue of the extremities and trunk, rare at other site. They mainly affect adults and have been sometimes described in children but are extremely rare in infants. We present a case of extraneural (soft-tissue) perineurioma of scalp in a 3-month-old infant, highlighting clinical, pathologic, and immunohistochemical features along with a discussion of the main differential diagnosis of this tumor. This is also the youngest case ever reported in the literature.

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The purpose of this case report was to describe a novel method to retrieve a herniated lumbar interbody cage. Transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF) is an increasingly popular method of spinal fixation and fusion. Unexpected retropulsion of an interbody is a rare event that can result in intractable pain or motor compromise necessitating surgical retrieval of the interbody. Both anterior and posterior approaches to removing migrated cages may be associated with significant surgical morbidity and mortality. A 60-year-old woman underwent an L4-S1 TLIF coupled with pedicle screw fixation at a previous hospital 5 years prior to admission. She noted sudden-onset bilateral lower extremity weakness and right-sided foot drop. Magnetic resonance imaging and radiographs were notable for purely centrally herniated interbody. A posterior, midline transdural approach was used to retrieve the interbody. Situated in between nerve rootlets to the ventral canal, this virgin corridor allowed us to easily visualize and protect neurological structures while safely retrieving the interbody. The patient experienced an immediate improvement in symptoms and was discharged on postoperative day 3. At 12-month follow-up, she had no evidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak and had returned to normal activities of daily living. While the risk of CSF leak may be higher with a transdural approach, we maintain that avoiding unnecessary retraction of the nerve roots may outweigh this risk. To our knowledge, this is the first case report of a transdural approach for the retrieval of a retropulsed lumbar interbody cage.

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Spinal cord injury is one of the most debilitating injuries in patients with spinal trauma. Cord injury may range from simple cord edema to frank transection. Cord transection is the most severe form of cord injury as it results in complete and irreversible loss of all neural functions. Generally, it is a result of unstable spinal fractures with associated spondylolisthesis or spondyloptosis. Generally, the level of cord transection corresponds to the level of spinal fracture/spondylolisthesis. However, here we are presenting a case having a traumatic spinal fracture with spondylolisthesis where the level of cord transection was much higher than the level of the spinal fracture. Due to the traumatic traction, the cord distal to transection is displaced inferior leaving behind a long segment of the empty thecal sac.

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Presenting a case of 27-year-old female presented in our OPD on 6-12-2013 with severe headache and vomiting and no history of LOC/seizure. There was H/O head trauma 2 month back. O/E pupil of normal size and normal reaction to light and neurological status with GCS-14. CT scan showed a hyperdense left frontal chronic extradural/subdural mass lesion and midline shift of 8 mm. Peroperative there was intradural lesion as nonvascular, greyish white gelatinous solid tissue without evidence of EDH. The lesion was completely excised, and the skull the bone flap was replaced.Uneventful post operative recovery with GCS-15. Histopathological report was plasmacytoma.

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Neurolymphomatosis (NL) is a rare neurological manifestation of lymphoma characterized by malignant lymphoma cells infiltrating cranial or peripheral nerve, or their roots. We present the first reported Australian case of a patient whose initial presentation of relapsed mantle cell lymphoma was NL. Our case highlights that clinical and imaging findings of NL often mimic other neuropathies, and hence presents unique challenges that may lead to delayed diagnosis and management. We emphasize the importance of considering NL in the differential diagnosis and combining imaging with other diagnostic modalities such as lumbar puncture (LP) to aid in the diagnosis of NL particularly where there is acute neurological deterioration.

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Various intraventricular tumors can present with calcifications; however, the choroid plexus can also have physiological calcifications. This is the first case report of meningiomas located at the bilateral foramen of Monro (FOM), concealed by a grossly calcified choroid plexus, presenting with obstructive hydrocephalus. A 60-year-old woman with disturbed consciousness was admitted by ambulance. Head computed tomography revealed significantly high-density lesions that smoothly extended from the choroid plexus of the lateral ventricles to the third ventricle. They occupied both sides of the FOM, resulting in obstructive hydrocephalus. The diagnostic endoscopic biopsy was performed using a flexible neuroendoscopic system, and an egg shell-like grossly calcified choroid plexus was found to smoothly extend toward the FOM. Resection was not selected because the calcified lesions had tightly adhered to the veins and fornix; therefore, the patient underwent ventriculo-peritoneal shunting. The lesions were histologically identified as psammomatous meningiomas with low proliferation potential (the Ki-67 labeling index was lower than 1%). She was discharged 10 days after surgery without neurological deficits. As calcifications can have tumoral and nontumoral origins, we considered neuroendoscopic exploration to be essential in order to achieve an accurate diagnosis and select optimal management.

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Background: Anterior cervical discectomy and fusion has been a successful procedure in terms of patient satisfaction in the management of cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy. The procedure involves an anterior approach to the cervical vertebral column and decompression of the neural elements. Aim: A key part of the procedure is the removal of the posterior osteophyte. This is usually performed using a high-speed burr. In inexperienced hands, this part of the procedure can be a challenging one. Materials: Egg, egg cup, zinc oxide tape and high-speed burr. Conclusion: We describe a simple and cost effective method of practicing this manoeuver, enabling the trainee to gain sufficient confidence in handling the tool around delicate tissues.

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Introduction: Intracranial suppurations (ICS) of bacterial origin are associated with significant mortality and morbidity. This study aimed to review demography, etiology, level of consciousness, and outcome of surgical ICS in a tropical tertiary hospital. Materials and Methods: All patients admitted to the neurosurgical unit within the study period of 7 years that had a surgical intervention for their ICS were prospectively included in the study. In accordance with the unit protocol, all patients in whom there was clinical suspicion of ICS had a preoperative computed tomography scan and/or magnetic resonance imaging done. The following data among others were documented and recorded electronically: demography, clinical and radiological diagnosis, etiology of ICS, admission Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, type of neurosurgical intervention, mode of anesthesia, and outcome. Results: Forty-nine patients were included in the study. There were 33 males with a male-to-female ratio of 2.1:1. All patients presented at least a week after the use of antibiotics. The most common type of ICS was cerebral abscess (33 patients, 67.3%). There was no statistical significant association between outcome and age group (P = 0.630), gender (P = 0.999), diagnosis (P = 0.464), etiology of ICS (P = 0.169), solitary or multiplicity of ICS (P = 0.485), or type of offending organism (P = 0.278). Conclusions: ICS usually follows otorhinological infections in our center. The surgical outcome is dependent on the admission GCS score.

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