CSNS/CNS Medical Student Summer Fellowship

The CSNS/CNS Medical Student Socioeconomic Fellowship supports a medical student conducting research on a socioeconomic issue impacting neurosurgical practice. It is funded and overseen by the Council of State Neurosurgical Societies and administered through the Fellowship Committee of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

To be considered for a 2012-2013 CSNS/CNS Medical Student Summer Fellowship, applicants must apply by March 9, 2012.

The fellowship is open to all medical students in the United States and Canada. The fellow will spend 8 to 10 weeks conducting supervised research on a socioeconomic topic of importance to neurosurgery. Click here to apply.

Editor Choice: Prospective Study of Postmicrodiscectomy Lumbar Disc Degeneration

Background: Emotional distress and depression are common psychological disturbances associated with low-back and leg pain. The effects of lumbar discectomy on pain, disability, and physical quality of life are well described. The effects of discectomy on emotional distress and mental well-being are less well understood.

Objective: To assess the effect of microdiscectomy on depression, somatization, and mental well-being in patients with herniated lumbar discs.

Methods: Patients undergoing surgical discectomy for single-level, herniated lumbar disc were prospectively evaluated preoperatively, and at 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. Back and leg pain, depression, somatic perception, and mental well-being were assessed.

Ahead of Print: Cingulate Gyrus Epilepsy Surgery

Background: Epilepsy surgery involving the cingulate gyrus has been mostly presented as case reports, and larger series with long-term follow up are not published yet.

Objective: To report our experience with focal epilepsy arising from the cingulate gyrus and surrounding structures and its surgical treatment.

Methods: 22 patients (mean age 36, range 12-63) with a mean seizure history of 23 years (range 2-52) were retrospectively analyzed. We report pre-surgical diagnostics, surgical strategy, and post-operative follow up concerning functional morbidity and seizures (mean follow-up 86 months, range 25-174).

Free Article: Merci Retrievers as Access Adjuncts for Reperfusion Catheters

Background: Expeditious, stable access in acute ischemic stroke is foundational for mechanical revascularization. Proximal vascular tortuosity and unfavorable anatomy may impede the access necessary for revascularization, particularly when large-caliber catheters are used. We describe an approach using the Merci retriever to gain stable catheter access for aspiration.

Objective: To assess the technical feasibility of using the Merci retriever system as an access adjunct in acute ischemic stroke and tortuous ophthalmic segment anatomy.

Methods: The acute ischemic stroke database was queried, and 3 patients presenting with acute ischemic stroke and tortuous proximal anatomy who were treated with mechanical thrombectomy and the Merci retriever as an access adjunct were identified. Patient charts and procedure reports were reviewed.

New Podcasts Posted to iTunes and Available for Free Download

Additional episodes have been added to the Spanish, English, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese and Russian Neurosurgery International Podcasts on iTunes. Each podcast episode is the scientific abstract from a published article translated into a foreign language and read by a native speaker. Use iTunes to download new and existing podcasts in your preferred language.