This issue of Neurosurgery Clinics, guest edited by Dr. John Hurlbert, is devoted to Current State of the Art in Spinal Cord Injury. This is one of four issues selected each year by the series Consulting Editors, Russell R. Lonser and Daniel K. Resnick. Articles in this issue are dedicated to basics of spinal cord injury and emerging therapy and include topics such as: Pathophysiology of spinal cord injury, Natural history of spinal cord injury, Diagnostic imaging in spinal cord injury, Spinal cord injury clinical assessment tools, Spinal cord injury management on the front line, Central Cord Syndrome redefined, Compartment Syndrome, Hypothermia, Pharmaceutical, Regeneration, and Neural interfacing and modulation.

There are few books devoted to the topic of brain plasticity and behavior. Most previous works that cover topics related to brain plasticity do not include extensive discussions of behavior. The first to try to address the relationship between recovery from brain damage and changes in the brain that might support the recovery, this volume includes studies of humans as well as laboratory species, particularly rats. The subject matter identifies a consistent correlation between specific changes in the brain and behavioral recovery, as well as various factors such as sex and experience that influence this correlation in consistent ways.
Evolving from a series of lectures given as the McEachran Lectures at the University of Alberta, this volume originally began as a summary of the lectures, but has expanded to include more background literature, allowing the reader to see the author's biases, assumptions, and hunches in a broader perspective. In writing this volume, the author had two goals in mind:
* to initiate senior undergraduates or graduate psychology, biology, neuroscience or other interested students to the issues and questions regarding the nature of brain plasticity, and
* to provide a monograph in the form of an extended summary of the work the author and his colleagues have done on brain plasticity and recovery of function.

Medications for epilepsy are mainstays in controlling epileptic seizures. But surgical procedures are another dimension in treatment. Included in this issue will be articles such as: Laser ablation for hypothalamic hamartomas and other epileptic lesions, radiosurgery for epilepsy, minimally invasive neurosurgery using focused MRI guidance, Selective amygdalohippocampectomy, and many more!

The pituitary gland is a very small-sized gland which plays an important role in regulating human well-being by controlling many activities of other hormone-secreting glands. It embeds in a midline, bony hollow of the cranial base and is surrounded by vital structures (eg: optic apparatus, cavernous sinuses, internal carotid arteries, and cranial nerves that control extraocular muscles). Adenoma of this gland is a challenging problem for neurosurgeons. Some are best managed with medication alone, but some are more responsive to surgery. Numerous refinements in surgical approaches to the pituitary gland have been proposed for decades. Advancements in modern surgical equipment and state-of-the-art technology of highly precise tools have given neurosurgeons a new, minimally invasive approach. Since the era of image-guided surgery, neurosurgeons have been offered many chances in innovating high precision surgical techniques via a very small incision or no incision at all. Patients received many benefits from the so-called minimally invasive surgery, particularly less side effects with greater patient comfort. Better outcome, little or no scarring, and lower complication rates of pituitary adenoma surgery resulted from little tissue manipulation by cutting-edge technology. However, the revolutionized pituitary surgery is still going ahead. Starting with the microscopic era, followed by image-guidance and then by endoscopic maneuver, all of these give neurosurgeons a streamlined, multidisciplinary approach in treatment of the pituitary adenoma. Another groundbreaking development in minimally invasive treatment for pituitary adenoma is robotic surgery. Robotic surgery of pituitary adenoma offers a wide range of treatment: passive, semiactive, active robots, and remote manipulators. Some of them are non-invasive alternatives to surgery such as Gamma Knife (R), LINAC, Cyberknife (R); they provide pain-free, non-surgical alternative treatment for surgically complex and invasive adenomas or inoperable patients. The era of robotic surgery is going to innovate pituitary glands surgery; as a technique, it is to become the gold standard treatment. Future progress will turn minimally invasive surgery into non-invasive treatment of pituitary adenoma sooner or later. This book examines all these issues and provides a prediction of what will happen in the future in the field of minimally invasive surgery, particularly for pituitary adenoma.

Intracranial injury, caused by a transorbital penetrating object, is a neglected topic in neurosurgery. With few exceptions, only occasional publications, often containing merely case histories, are present in the literature. Through a perusal of the world literature - for the first time - the author has collected and combined all available and relevant information, trying to give a thorough description of this rare, but extremely dangerous injury. This book is a major and definitive contribution to neurosurgery, but is also of importance to ophthalmology, neurology, traumatology, neuro-radiology and pediatrics.

Throughout its history, the field of neurosurgery has been revolutionized by improvements in imaging. From the development of the pneumoencephalogram, to the operating microscope, to cross sectional imaging with CT and later MRI, to stereotaxy and neuronavigation, the ability to visualize the pathology and surrounding neural structures has been the driving factor leading surgical innovation and improved outcomes. The last decade has seen perhaps the greatest impact of imaging in neurosurgery. Several examples include the ubiquitous use of neuronavigation in cranial surgery, the increasing adoption of intra-operative MRI, and the enormous growth of interventional neuroradiology and catheter based interventions. The book will be of interest to neurosurgeons, interventional radiologists, neurologists, psychiatrists, and radiologists, as well as technical experts in imaging, image analysis, computer science, and biomedical engineering.
*A comprehensive reference on image-guided neurosurgery
*Includes coverage of neuronavigation in cranial surgery, adoption of intra-operative MRI and interventional neuroradiology and catheter based interventions
*Covers all image-guided neurosurgery tools including robotic surgical devices

Evidence-based medicine is a concept that has come to the fore in the past few years. Clinicians are increasingly encouraged to practise patient management based on available evidence in the scientific literature. For example, new pharmacological therapies are only used when large randomized trials have 'proven' that a particular drug is better than existing ones. This is also the case in surgical specialties, although surgery has traditionally seen a lack of use of this information, with individual surgeon's preferences being most influential in treatment choices. However, more recently, there has been a large expansion of trials and studies aimed at providing surgeons with information to guide their choices using firm evidence. This new edition has been revised and expanded to include new data where relevant, and also features a new chapter on pituitary surgery. Landmark Papers in Neurosurgery, Second Edition, remains a key collection of the most important trials and studies in neurosurgery, allowing the reader to rapidly extract key results, and making it essential reading for all neurosurgeons and trainees in the field.

This issue of "Progress in Brain Research" is split over 2 volumes, bringing together cutting-edge research on functional neural transplantation. The 2 volumes review current knowledge and understanding, provide a starting point for researchers and practitioners entering the field, and build a platform for further research and discovery.
Leading authors review the state-of-the-art in their field of investigation, and provide their views and perspectives for future research
Chapters are extensively referenced to provide readers with a comprehensive list of resources on the topics covered
All chapters include comprehensive background information and are written in a clear form that is also accessible to the non-specialist

"Rapid Neurology and Neurosurgery" is a must for all medical students and junior doctors - it is a quick and easy on-the-ward or clinic reference and the perfect revision tool for those approaching finals, undergraduate neurology and neurosurgery examinations, and the Membership of Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) examinations.

It provides a concise, structured approach to neurology and neurosurgery learning, covering key facts in a simple and memorable way: Part I - The Basics - features the basic principles and facts essential for a good understanding of neurology and neurosurgery and includes sections on relevant neuroanatomy; neurological history and examination; and investigations including neurophysiology and neuroradiology. MRI and CT scans are included throughout the text.Part II - Complaints: face to face with the patient - features OSCE-style and the viva-voce examination preparation and has chapters on presenting complaints with relevant and selected questions to ask for establishing the differential diagnoses (presented in a table) with basic investigations and management.Part III - Conditions: applying the basics - presents important clinical conditions with sections on definition; epidemiology; aetiology; associations/risk factors; pathology; history; examination; investigations; management; complications; prognosis and a list of differential diagnoses usually in a table with general clinical information and distinguishing information to exclude the alternative diagnoses.

Each chapter also includes key points to remember and highlights key facts.

"Rapid Neurology and Neurosurgery" contains only the essential, core, and relevant facts in a concise, pocket-sized, 'rapid' refresher providing a thorough foundation of neurology and neurosurgery knowledge allowing you to excel in the examinations.

There have been important developments in materials and therapies for the treatment of spinal conditions. Biomaterials for spinal surgery summarises this research and how it is being applied for the benefit of patients.
After an introduction to the subject, part one reviews fundamental issues such as spinal conditions and their pathologies, spinal loads, modelling and osteobiologic agents in spinal surgery. Part two discusses the use of bone substitutes and artificial intervertebral discs whilst part three covers topics such as the use of injectable biomaterials like calcium phosphate for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty as well as scoliosis implants. The final part of the book summarises developments in regenerative therapies such as the use of stem cells for intervertebral disc regeneration.
With its distinguished editors and international team of contributors, Biomaterials for spinal surgery is a standard reference for both those developing new biomaterials and therapies for spinal surgery and those using them in clinical practice.
Summarises recent developments in materials and therapies for the treatment of spinal conditions and examines how it is being applied for the benefit of patientsReviews fundamental issues such as spinal conditions and their pathologies, spinal loads, modelling and osteobiologic agents in spinal surgeryDiscusses the use of bone substitutes and artificial intervertebral discs and covers topics such as the use of injectable biomaterials like calcium phosphate for vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty

Benefits: - Leblancs new investigative technique allows the rapid visualisation of the most vulnerable points of the cranial nerves - the course of each nerve is studied radiologically and anatomically, using dissections, injections, serial macroscopic sections, and x-rays - each cranial nerve is depicted from its origin to the muscle with its intracranial, extracranial, and intracranial pathways - the start of each chapter features an illustration of the cranial nerve as a whole, allowing the reader to quickly memorize the cranial anatomy - unique full-colour illustrations make the atlas a reference of outstanding value to clinicians, researchers and students

Kumar and colleagues' Neurocritical Care Management of the Neurosurgical Patient provides the reader with thorough coverage of neuroanatomical structures, operative surgical approaches, anesthetic considerations, as well as the full range of known complications relating to elective and non-elective neurosurgical procedures. Drawing upon the expertise of an interdisciplinary team of physicians from neurosurgery, neurology, anesthesiology, critical care, and nursing backgrounds, the text covers all aspects intensivists need to be aware of in order to provide optimal patient care. Expert Consult eBook version included with purchase. This enhanced eBook experience allows you to search all of the text, figures, images, and references from the book on a variety of devices. Over 100 world-renowned authors from multispecialty backgrounds (neurosurgeons, neuro-interventionalists, and neurointensivists) and top institutions contribute their unique perspectives to this challenging field. Six sections cover topics such as intraoperative monitoring, craniotomy procedures, neuroanesthesiology principles, spine and endovascular neurosurgery, and additional specialty procedures. Includes 300 tables and boxes, 70 line artworks, and 350 photographic images. Clinical pearls pulled out of the main text offer easy reference.

Peripheral nerves are biologic wires that convey the desire for motion from brain to muscle, and the experience of touch from skin to brain. When a nerve is cut, the individual fibers, or axons, must regenerate from the site of injury to reconnect with their skin and muscle targets. Nerve regeneration is a process of bewildering complexity that requires the coordinated action of multiple biologic systems. Gene expression within the neuron is altered to support axon growth, regenerating axons must cross the complex environment of the nerve injury and enter pathways that lead to functionally appropriate end organs, Wallerian degeneration clears these pathways of axon debris, and Schwann cells in the distal nerve must produce growth factors to support regeneration. In spite of this complexity, the surgical repair of transected nerve remains a mechanical process that has changed little in the last century, and that restores normal function to only 10% of adults with nerve injuries. Improving the outcome of nerve repair will require close cooperation between surgeon and scientist. Skyrocketing clinical demands on the surgeon and the rapidly increasing sophistication of neuroscience have interacted to form two distinct cultures. Nerve Repair bridges these cultures by providing a translational review of the clinical and basic science relevant to nerve repair. It provides the clinician with an understanding of pertinent research, and the basic scientist with an overview of the clinical manifestations of nerve injury and regeneration. It is also grounded in the history of peripheral nerve surgery and biology so that modern concepts can be understood in the context of their origins.

This book is a comprehensive guide to Targeted Drug Delivery (TDD), also known as Intrathecal Drug Delivery (IDD), and offers an overview to this unique form of treatment. The medication is delivered by intrathecal pumps and is less common than some other techniques for interventional pain management, but is essential in conditions such as refractory pain, cancer pain, multifocal pain, severe spasticity, and in patients who are not candidates for surgical correction of their underlying condition. This book is the first source to describe both the optimal surgical implantation and patient management aspect of this therapy, and thus will be a valuable single reference guide for interventional radiologists, anesthesiologists, physiatrists, oncologists, neurologists, spine surgeons, palliative care physicians, and primary care physicians.

This book is a combination of ideas and experiences from over 100 dedicated and brilliant neurosurgeons around the world. Their common goal is to provide data for a deeper understanding of the multi-faceted aspects of neurosurgery and, by doing so, to better serve patients across the globe. Scientific curiosity, deep dedication, incredible work ethics, entrepreneurship, and creativity are the common traits among all neurosurgeons, and not the exception. By allowing readers to see the field of neurosurgery from the perspectives of surgeons spanning five continents, this book serves to provide multiple, diverse viewpoints and to build a foundation for future collaborations. The book's 24 chapters are organized into 3 parts. Part I provides the reader with an overview of the role of neurosurgery in worldwide health care, its evolution over the past decades, the current state and future directions of each neurosurgical subspecialty across the five continents. Over the years, the overarching goal for neurosurgeons has been to develop new, more effective and high-end solutions for complex diseases and to provide access to neurosurgical services for all patients. Part II discusses the differences and similarities of neurosurgery education and training across the globe, providing a snapshot of how new tools, technology, and paradigms reduce inequality and increase access to neurosurgical education. Educational accomplishments and challenges still present for the in different regions of the world are reviewed. Part III focuses on economic aspects influencing neurosurgery globally, including how to make efficient decisions in the face of scarcity, yet demand. The authors provide theories, models, and tools helpful to apply when planning to allocate resources, not just financial, but also human and intellectual. A deeper understanding of economics does not necessarily provide the answer to the problem; rather it provides the tools to find an answer, or, ideally, multiple possible solutions. Neurosurgery and Global Health is the first comprehensive guide to the role of neurosurgery in the global health care sphere, providing an in-depth compendium about the understanding of the neurosurgical role within global health, its efforts in the education of tomorrow's workforce, and the economic aspects driving the field.

Designed to challenge the reader and bring active participation and efficiency to the learning and review process, this indispensable study guide is the ideal companion to the sixth edition of Dr. Greenberg's bestselling "Handbook of Neurosurgery." Developed from Dr. Kranzler's highly regarded annual review course, the text fully explores each neurosurgical topic and breaks down complex subjects into digestible bits with over 7,000 individual questions and answers. Each question topic is referenced to a specific page in Greenberg's "Handbook" to enable readers to easily find relevant background material. Packed with mnemonic devices, helpful hints, and study charts, this book is an essential review tool that tests and reinforces knowledge as it teaches.

Highlights: Over 7,000 strategically sequenced questions and answers that directly refer to a specific location in the "Handbook"Short answers that appear on the same page as questions to save time Emphasis on repetition and alternate arrangements of material to aid comprehension and retention Progressive withdrawal of cues that forces users to recall more and more information

The ideal companion to Dr. Greenberg's acclaimed reference text, this book is a valuable study guide for residents, fellows, and clinicians in neurosurgery, neurology, neuroradiology, and neuropathology preparing for board or recertification exams.

This book focuses on the exciting recent progress in restorative neurology and neuroscience. The book includes chapters on major neurodegenerative disorders of the brain and the visual system, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Huntington's disease, macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, spinal cord trauma, and multiple sclerosis. The primary goal of the book is to give an overview of new developments in translational research and in potential therapeutic strategies, including stem cell therapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, pharmacotherapy, neuroprostheses and deep brain stimulation.
* Provides the reader with a unique overview over all aspects of new advances in the therapy of neurological and psychiatric disorders
* Covers all levels of biological organization including novel molecular and cellular targets, electrophysiological, anatomical and behavioural substrates of neurodegeneration and the application of whole brain in vivo imaging
* Broad focus with contributions by the top scientists worldwide in the respective disciplines

This book bridges the gap between data scientists and clinicians by introducing all relevant aspects of machine learning in an accessible way, and will certainly foster new and serendipitous applications of machine learning in the clinical neurosciences. Building from the ground up by communicating the foundational knowledge and intuitions first before progressing to more advanced and specific topics, the book is well-suited even for clinicians without prior machine learning experience. Authored by a wide array of experienced global machine learning groups, the book is aimed at clinicians who are interested in mastering the basics of machine learning and who wish to get started with their own machine learning research. The volume is structured in two major parts: The first uniquely introduces all major concepts in clinical machine learning from the ground up, and includes step-by-step instructions on how to correctly develop and validate clinical prediction models. It also includes methodological and conceptual foundations of other applications of machine learning in clinical neuroscience, such as applications of machine learning to neuroimaging, natural language processing, and time series analysis. The second part provides an overview of some state-of-the-art applications of these methodologies. The Machine Intelligence in Clinical Neuroscience (MICN) Laboratory at the Department of Neurosurgery of the University Hospital Zurich studies clinical applications of machine intelligence to improve patient care in clinical neuroscience. The group focuses on diagnostic, prognostic and predictive analytics that aid in decision-making by increasing objectivity and transparency to patients. Other major interests of our group members are in medical imaging, and intraoperative applications of machine vision.

This book provides an in-depth review of the current state of knowledge on the intracranial chronic subdural hematoma, with an emphasis on the etiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, anatomic pathology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging findings, and treatment modalities, both medical and surgical. Sections on the postoperative complications, prognosis, and medicolegal aspects of this illness are also included. Lastly, the book considers future areas of investigation and innovative therapeutic philosophies. This richly illustrated book will help the reader choose the most appropriate way to manage this challenging neurosurgical disease process. It is an ideal resource for neuroscientists at all levels, from graduate students to research scientists, including neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, and pediatricians, and for those seeking both basic and more advanced information regarding the craniospinal subdural hematoma, including acute, subacute and chronic ones.

This book provides a comprehensive analysis of the contemporary management of all aspects of traumatic brain injury (TBI), combining the findings of several recent randomised controlled trials investigating the role of hypothermia, erythropoietin, intracranial pressure monitoring and decompressive craniectomy in the management of TBI. The book is divided into four sections: the first section covers the epidemiology of TBI, the changing global patterns of presentation, and the basic pathophysiology and classification, while the second discusses contemporary management of TBI, from pre-hospital care, emergency assessment, and medical and surgical management to rehabilitation and social reintegration. The third section then examines the evidence gained from recent clinical trials that have investigated the efficacy of management strategies involving intracranial pressure monitoring, multimodal monitoring, hypothermia, erythropoietin, thromboembolic prophylaxis and decompressive craniectomy. Lastly, the fourth section explores the ethical issues, both at the societal level and on an individual basis. Written by a broad range of experts, this book provides a valuable reference resource for neurosurgeons, intensivists, clinicians with ethical experience and pure bioethicists in their daily work.

This book is a detailed resource on the technical aspects of pediatric neurosurgery that relate to vascular malformations of the brain and spinal cord. It introduces concepts relevant to cerebrovascular system development and the classification of vascular malformations. Information on a range of disorders is then provided with an emphasis placed on answering frequently asked questions in relation to a particular condition. Therefore, enabling the reader to systematically improve their understanding of how approach treating patients utilizing techniques such as ultrasound and spinal angiography. The chapters, authored by experts in their respective field, provide a standard of care based on current diagnostic and management guidelines for pediatric neurosurgical diseases. Pediatric Vascular Neurosurgery: Technical Nuances in Contemporary Pediatric Neurosurgery (Part 2) is a comprehensive overview of how to approach diagnosing and treating a range of vascular malformations encountered in pediatric patients. The problem-solving approach of this work makes it a valuable addition to the literature and suitable for use by residents, fellows and consultants within pediatrics and allied specialities, including Neurosurgery, Neurology, Neuro-anesthesia, Neuro-critical care and advanced health care providers amongst others.

Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS). It regulates normal CNS function, is a major participant in pathology, and serves learning, memory, and higher cognitive functions. The 12 chapters of this book provide the first comprehensive coverage of all the major features of glutamate as excitatory neurotransmitter. The book begins with a valuable historical backdrop. Building from a chapter on the common structure of glutamate receptors, several others cover the major ionotropic receptors, their structure, function, and pharmacology. A follow-up chapter discusses the metabotropic receptors that are directly coupled to second messenger metabolism. A central theme of the book is the capacity of the excitatory amino acid system to contribute to the diverse array of signaling systems in the CNS as a direct result of the large assortment of receptors (including, for the ionotropic receptors, various subunits) the combination of which determine distinct functional properties. A recent development in the field discussed in several chapters is the biochemical characterization of a supermolecular protein complex, the post-synaptic density, that makes the unique structure of excitatory synapses. This complex subserves the experience-dependent modulation of synaptic strength and synaptic plasticity, and gives the synapse the capacity to change dynamically in both structure and receptor composition. Drawing on the individual properties of the receptors, transporters, and functional architecture of the synapse, the concluding chapters describe the functional integration of these components in the more complex physiological processes of plasticity and pathology. Recognition that the regulation of excitatory amino acid receptor activity underlies the pathology of many neurological diseases, including stroke, Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia, has opened up an exciting frontier that will allow the translation of our understanding of these basic mechanisms into new concepts of pathology and new therapeutic strategies. This book will be invaluable for neuroscientists, pharmacologists, neurologists, and psychiatrists, and for their students and trainees.

This book gathers the proceedings of the 17th International Conference on Intracranial Pressure and Neuromonitoring, held in Leuven, Belgium in September 2019. It provides an overview of the current understanding, underlying research and future perspectives concerning pathophysiology, biophysics, monitoring and management in traumatic and non-traumatic acute brain injury, hydrocephalus and spinal cord injury, including cerebrovascular autoregulation impairment in neurological as well as non-neurological diseases. The peer-reviewed contributions were prepared by specialists in neurosurgery, neurointensive care and neuroanesthesiology, as well as prominent experts from the fields of physiology, clinical and biomedical engineering, mathematics and informatics. The book continues the time-honored tradition of publishing key presentations from the ICP Conferences in order to facilitate their dissemination within the clinical and research community.