The ENIGMA Stroke Recovery Working Group: Big data neuroimaging to study brain–behavior relationships after stroke

The goal of the Enhancing Neuroimaging Genetics through Meta‐Analysis (ENIGMA) Stroke Recovery working group is to understand brain and behavior relationships using well‐powered meta‐ and mega‐analytic approaches. ENIGMA Stroke Recovery has data from over 2,100 stroke patients collected across 39 research studies and 10 countries around the world, comprising the largest multisite retrospective stroke data collaboration to date. This article outlines the efforts taken by the ENIGMA Stroke Recovery working group to develop neuroinformatics protocols and methods to manage multisite stroke brain magnetic resonance imaging, behavioral and demographics data. Specifically, the processes for scalable data intake and preprocessing, multisite data harmonization, and large‐scale stroke lesion analysis are described, and challenges unique to this type of big data collaboration in stroke research are discussed. Finally, future directions and limitations, as well as recommendations for improved data harmonization through prospective data collection and data management, are provided

Feasibility and safety of using the radial artery approach for the Wada test: A case report

The Wada test is used to lateralize the dominant hemisphere in epilepsy patients prior to surgery. Either amobarbital, methohexital, or propofol is injected via a transfemoral catheter into a unilateral carotid artery, briefly suppressing the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere to allow functional evaluation of the opposite side. Here, we highlight and propose a radial artery approach for the Wada test, allowing easier arterial access, better patient comfort, and ample procedural efficacy

Feasibility and safety of using the radial artery approach for the Wada test

The Wada test is used to lateralize the dominant hemisphere in epilepsy patients prior to surgery. Either amobarbital, methohexital, or propofol is injected via a transfemoral catheter into a unilateral carotid artery, briefly suppressing the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere to allow functional evaluation of the opposite side. Here, we highlight and propose a radial artery approach for the Wada test, allowing easier arterial access, better patient comfort, and ample procedural efficacy

Headache and Brain Tumor

Headaches are exceedingly common, but most individuals who seek medical attention with headache will not have a serious underlying etiology such as a brain tumor. Brain tumors are uncommon; however, many patients with brain tumors do suffer from headaches. Generally these headaches are accompanied by other neurologic signs and symptoms. A careful clinical assessment for red flags should be undertaken when considering further work-up with neuroimaging to exclude a serious underlying condition