Virtual Reality and Robotics in Neurosurgery Supplement Available Online and on iPad

Special Supplement to Neurosurgery Presents Updates on Emerging Technologies for Brain

Philadelphia, Pa. (December 20, 2012) – Robotic technologies have the potential to help neurosurgeons perform precise, technically demanding operations, together with virtual reality environments to help them navigate through the brain, according to a special supplement to Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

“Virtual Reality (VR) and robotics are two rapidly expanding fields with growing application within neurosurgery,” according to an introductory article by Garnette Sutherland, MD. The 22 reviews, commentaries, and original studies in the special supplement provide an up-to-the-minute overview of “the benefits and ongoing challenges related to the latest incarnations of these technologies.”

Press Release: High Risk of Bleeding from Brain Blood Vessel Abnormalities During Pregnancy

Experts Outline Recommended Approach for Pregnant Women with Arteriovenous Malformations

Philadelphia, Pa. (August 7, 2012) – A new study supports what neurosurgeons have long suspected—that pregnancy is an important risk factor for bleeding from arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) in the brain, reports the August issue of Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

The best available data suggest that pregnant women with AVMs face an eight percent risk of rupture and bleeding during pregnancy—far higher than the risk in non-pregnant women. Based on their findings, Bradley A. Gross, MD, and Rose Du, PhD, of Harvard Medical School outline some recommendations for women with AVMs who want to have children or are already pregnant.

Press Release: Could Deep Brain Stimulation Improve Lung Function?

Studies in Patients with Deep Brain Electrodes Suggest Possible Respiratory Effects

Philadelphia, PA (February 15, 2012) – Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has become a common treatment for patients with chronic pain or movement disorders. Now a unique set of experiments shows that electrical stimulation in some of the same brain areas can also affect respiratory function, according to a study in the February issue of Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

The preliminary findings help to clarify the brain’s involvement in controlling lung function, and may lend useful insights for developing new treatments for diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The lead author was Dr. Jonathan A. Hyam of University of Oxford, United Kingdom.

Press Release: No Link between Steroids and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, Study Suggests

Animal Experiments Find No Interaction between Anabolic Steroids and Brain Injury 

Philadelphia, PA (January 19, 2012) – Anabolic steroids don’t appear to contribute to degenerative brain disease caused by repeated head trauma in athletes, according to a study in the January issue of Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

The experimental findings do not support the theory that steroid use by athletes plays a role in the long-term damaging effects of mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI).  The lead author was Dr. James D. Mills of West Virginia University, Morgantown.

Press Release: Neurosurgery Residents Oppose Restrictions on Work Hours

Residents Feel Limits Hinder Their Training—High Rate of Duty Hour Violations

Newswise — Philadelphia, Pa. (December 2, 2011) – Residents at U.S. neurosurgery training programs strongly oppose new regulations that further limit their duty hours, according to a survey study in the December issue of Neurosurgery, official journal of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health. The study was performed by Dr. Kyle M. Fargen and colleagues at the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Florida in Gainesville.