Malignant neuroleptic syndrome following deep brain stimulation surgery: a case report

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The neuroleptic malignant syndrome is an uncommon but dangerous complication characterized by hyperthermia, autonomic dysfunction, altered mental state, hemodynamic dysregulation, elevated serum creatine kinase, and rigor. It is most often caused by an adverse reaction to anti-psychotic drugs or abrupt discontinuation of neuroleptic or anti-parkinsonian agents. To the best of our knowledge, it has never been reported following the common practice of discontinuation of anti-parkinsonian drugs during the pre-operative preparation for deep brain stimulation surgery for Parkinson's disease.</p> <p>Case presentation</p> <p>We present the first case of neuroleptic malignant syndrome associated with discontinuation of anti-parkinsonian medication prior to deep brain stimulation surgery in a 54-year-old Caucasian man.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The characteristic neuroleptic malignant syndrome symptoms can be attributed to other, more common causes associated with deep brain stimulation treatment for Parkinson's disease, thus requiring a high index of clinical suspicion to timely establish the correct diagnosis. As more centers become eligible to perform deep brain stimulation, neurologists and neurosurgeons alike should be aware of this potentially fatal complication. Timely activation of the deep brain stimulation system may be important in accelerating the patient's recovery.</p

Prevalence of Clinical and Neuroimaging Markers in Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND: Limited data exist regarding the prevalence of clinical and neuroimaging manifestations among patients diagnosed with cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA). We sought to determine the prevalence of clinical phenotypes and radiological markers in patients with CAA. METHODS: Systematic review and meta-analysis of studies including patients with CAA was conducted to primarily assess the prevalence of clinical phenotypes and neuroimaging markers as available in the included studies. Sensitivity analyses were performed based on the (1) retrospective or prospective study design and (2) probable or unspecified CAA status. We pooled the prevalence rates using random-effects models and assessed the heterogeneity using the Cochran Q and I2 statistics. RESULTS: We identified 12 prospective and 34 retrospective studies including 7159 patients with CAA. The pooled prevalence rates were cerebral microbleeds (52% [95% CI, 43%-60%]; I2=93%), cortical superficial siderosis (49% [95% CI, 38%-59%]; I2=95%), dementia or mild cognitive impairment (50% [95% CI, 35%-65%]; I2=97%), intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH; 44% [95% CI, 27%-61%]; I2=98%), transient focal neurological episodes (48%; 10 studies [95% CI, 29%-67%]; I2=97%), lacunar infarcts (30% [95% CI, 25%-36%]; I2=78%), high grades of perivascular spaces located in centrum semiovale (56% [95% CI, 44%-67%]; I2=88%) and basal ganglia (21% [95% CI, 2%-51%]; I2=98%), and white matter hyperintensities with moderate or severe Fazekas score (53% [95% CI, 40%-65%]; I2=91%). The only neuroimaging marker that was associated with higher odds of recurrent ICH was cortical superficial siderosis (odds ratio, 1.57 [95% CI, 1.01-2.46]; I2=47%). Sensitivity analyses demonstrated a higher prevalence of ICH (53% versus 16%; P=0.03) and transient focal neurological episodes (57% versus 17%; P=0.03) among retrospective studies compared with prospective studies. No difference was documented between the prevalence rates based on the CAA status. CONCLUSIONS: Approximately one-half of hospital-based cohort of CAA patients was observed to have cerebral microbleeds, cortical superficial siderosis, mild cognitive impairment, dementia, ICH, or transient focal neurological episodes. Cortical superficial siderosis was the only neuroimaging marker that was associated with higher odds of ICH recurrence. Future population-based studies among well-defined CAA cohorts are warranted to corroborate our findings

Prognostic value of time-related Glasgow Coma Scale components in severe traumatic brain injury: a prospective evaluation with respect to 1-year survival and functional outcome

The severity of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is determined by many variables, the complexity of which has made prediction of functional outcome an elusive target. To evaluate whether the three components of the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) and their alterations over time can serve as predictors of functional outcome after a severe TBI at 12 months after the TBI insult, we carried out a prospective study of patients with severe TBI. Seventy patients were initially enrolled. Data were retrieved from the emergency department records and the patients’ intensive care unit, neurosurgical, and rehabilitation unit records. All patients underwent follow-up at 3, 6, and 12 months after injury. GCS components were evaluated on the day of injury and 2 weeks after injury. Functional outcome was estimated using the Glasgow Outcome Scale and the Functional Independence Measure motor scale. It was evaluated during rehabilitation and at 12 months after injury. Fifty-one patients were alive and followed up until 12 months. Logistic regression and receiver-operator characteristic curve analyses were carried out. In terms of functional outcome at 12 months, only GCS on day 15 was found to be a prognostic factor, with all its subscales being related to outcome 12 months later, whereas a higher GCS score on day 15 was also related to survival. A higher motor and verbal response on day 15 was strongly associated with a patient’s functional independence, whereby the motor response was a better predictor. The GCS motor score 2 weeks after injury was statistically significantly associated with the 12-month functional outcome in TBI survivors. Motor response was the most useful predictor among the GCS components with respect to the long-term functional outcome in patients with severe TBI. (c) 2013 Wolters Kluwer Health vertical bar Lippincott Williams &amp; Wilkins

Asymptomatic massive subdural hematoma in a patient with bitemporal agenesis and bilateral temporal arachnoid cysts

The case of a 38-year-old man with a history of chronic migraine is reported. Despite a 3 week history of changes in his migraine pattern, a normal neurologic examination led to conservative treatment. He later presented with worsening headaches and imbalance; tendon reflexes were increased on the right side, and brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging revealed a massive subacute subdural hematoma over the left hemisphere, developing on the grounds of bilateral temporal agenesis. The presence of bilateral temporal arachnoid cysts along with biternporal agenesis altered clinical findings, causing only mild symptoms where an otherwise acute and devastating neurologic deterioration would be expected

Impact of age on complications and outcome in meningioma surgery

Background: Surgery for benign brain tumors in elderly patients without severe general health problems is an acceptable practice, as results are comparable with the ones of younger patients. Nevertheless, the hypothesis that operative complications and perioperative incidents could differ between the 2 age groups should be controlled; and age-specific strategies in operative technique and perioperative care may be useful. Methods: Medical records of 348 patients were reviewed. Demographic data (age, sex), rate of excision, complications of the immediate postoperative period, neurological outcome, and mortality were recorded; and statistical evaluation comparing 2 age groups (19-64 and 65-84 years of age) was performed. Results: The “young” age group consisted of 240 patients, whereas the “elderly” one had 108. Tumor removal rate was not significantly different in the 2 groups. The elderly age group included significantly more “complicated cases.” Regarding each complication, postoperative hematoma, infections, and deep vein thrombosis were more frequent in elderly patients, presenting various degrees of statistical significance, whereas postoperative brain edema, hydrocephalus, and cardiorespiratory incidents presented no statistically significant difference. Finally, more elderly patients presented neurological deterioration, although mortality was not significantly different. Conclusions: Operation for intracranial meningioma in elderly patients is justified as long as detailed preoperative evaluation is performed. Planning of modified protocols including intraoperative technical aspects, careful use of steroids, antibiotics and prophylactic low molecular weight heparin, and early mobilization is necessary for optimizing operative outcome of elderly patients. (C) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved

Treatment of idiopathic head drop (camptocephalia) by deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus internus Case report

Deep brain stimulation of the globus pallidus internus has been shown to be beneficial in a small number of patients suffering from axial dystonias. However, it has not yet been reported as an effective treatment for the alleviation of idiopathic head drop. The authors describe a 49-year-old woman with idiopathic cervical dystonia (camptocephalia) who was unable to raise her head &gt; 30 degrees when standing or sitting; her symptoms would abate when lying down. This disabling neurological condition was treated successfully with bilateral chronic electrical stimulation of the globus pallidus internus. (DOI: 10.3171/2008.9.17659

Effect of constant-current pallidal deep brain stimulation for primary dystonia on cognition, mood and quality of life: Results from a prospective pilot trial

Objective: Knowledge on the effects of DBS on cognitive functions is limited and no data exists on the effects of constant-current DBS (CC-GPi-DBS), which appears to prevail over constant-voltage stimulation. Our aim was to prospectively assess the effect of Constant-Current-GPi-DBS, using an 8-contact lead, on cognition, mood and quality of life. Patients and Methods: Ten patients aged 27-49 underwent prospective neuropsychological assessment using dedicated tests. Various cognitive domains (intelligence, executive functions, memory, attention, visuo-spatial perception, verbal intelligence) as well as emotional state and quality of life were examined preoperatively and 1, 6 and 12 months after continuous constant-current DBS. Results: Patients performed preoperatively below average on information processing speed, phonemic verbal fluency and working memory. At 6-months there was an improvement in phonemic verbal fluency (p &lt; .05), which was retained at 12-months postoperatively (p = .05). Results also showed marginal improvement in the Trail Making-A test (p = .051) and the Stroop colour-word test (p &lt; .05). Despite improvement in Quality of Life (Physical and Mental Component improved by 32.42% and 29.46% respectively), patients showed no discernible change in anxiety and depression status. Conclusions: CC-GPi-DBS for primary dystonia has no discernible negative impact on cognition and mood. If anything, we noted an improvement of certain cognitive functions

Spinal synovial cysts: pathogenesis, diagnosis and surgical treatment in a series of seven cases and literature review

This study is designed based on the retrospective analysis of patients treated in the Neurosurgical Department of two major hospitals and review of the literature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of surgery and address controversial issues in the treatment of symptomatic lumbar intraspinal synovial cysts. Spinal juxtafacet cysts (synovial and ganglion cysts) are a rare cause of low back and radicular leg pain. Although the relevant reports in the international literature are increasing, the controversy about conservative versus surgical treatment and the need for concomitant fusion still exists. Data from seven patients (age range 58-69 years, mean age 61 years) with low back and radicular leg pain due to a lumbar facet joint cyst were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic data, cyst level, presence of concomitant local pathology, treatment and results of treatment were recorded. A follow-up of at least 6 months (range 6-48 months) was conducted and results were noted. All patients had back pain, while five also experienced unilateral radicular leg pain and one had bilateral leg pain. One patient had neurogenic claudication. MRI identified the cyst and highlighted underlying pathology in all cases. All patients underwent surgical cyst excision. No fusion was performed. Post-operatively, all patients showed a total resolution of symptoms with sustained benefit at final evaluation. Review of the literature revealed a trend towards surgery, as this is correlated to a more favorable outcome compared with conservative treatment. Fusion should be performed on a case-by-case basis only. Surgery is a safe and effective treatment choice in this increasingly appearing ailment. A prospective, randomized trial should clarify issues under debate

Restoration of erect posture in idiopathic camptocormia by electrical stimulation of the globus pallidus internus

The authors report on 2 young patients who developed drug-resistant idiopathic dystonic camptocormia (bent spine) and were treated successfully by deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi). The first patient, a 26-year-old woman, suffered for 3 years from such severe camptocormia that she became unable to walk and was confined to bed or a wheelchair. The second patient, a 21-year-old man, suffered for 6 months from less severe camptocormia; he was able to walk but only for short distances with a very bent spine, the arms in a parallel position to the legs, and the hands almost approaching the floor to potentially support him in case of a forward fall. Within a few days following DBS, both patients experienced marked clinical improvement. At most recent follow-up (44 months in one case and 42 in the other), the patients’ ability to walk upright remained normal. Similar findings have only been reported recently in a few cases of camptocormia secondary to Parkinson disease or tardive dyskinesia. On the basis of the experience of these 2 idiopathic cases and the previously reported cases of secondary camptocormia with a favorable response to GPi DBS, the authors postulate that specific patterns of oscillatory activity in the GPi are vital for the maintenance of erect posture and the adoption of bipedal walking by humans. (DOI: 10.3171/2010.3.JNS09981