Tetraplegic Subject Utilizes Brain-Machine Interfaces to Manipulate Prosthetic Arm, Regain and Restore Significant Limb Functionality
Tuesday, April 30, 2013 10:00
Researchers have found a means to use of brain-machine interfaces (BMI) and robotic prosthetic arms may help those suffering from upper-limb paralysis or amputation regain the ability to grasp and manipulate objects, and more actively interact with their environment to complete regular daily tasks. The findings were presented at the 81st American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting. Click here for the full release.
Study: Microglia Derived From Human Stem Cells May Lead to a Number of Disease Treatments
Monday, April 29, 2013 16:00
During the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) 81st Annual Scientific Meeting, researchers have announced new findings regarding the development of methods to turn human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) into microglia, which could be used for not only research but potentially in treatments for various diseases of the central nervous system. Microglia are the resident inflammatory cells of the CNS and can modulate the outcomes of a wide range of disorders including trauma, infections, stroke, brain tumors, and various degenerative, inflammatory and psychiatric diseases. However, the effective therapeutic use of microglia demonstrated in various animal CNS disease models currently cannot be translated to patients due to the lack of methods for procuring high-purity patient-specific microglia. Developing a method for obtaining these cells would be highly valuable. Click here to read the full release.
Study: Intra-operative Neuromonitoring Benefits Might Not Outweigh the Costs for Some Patients
Monday, April 29, 2013 15:45
In a study of the value of intra-operative neuromonitoring (IOM), researchers found that in patients undergoing cervical spine surgery for degenerative spondylosis, IOM was linked with significant added cost without a corresponding benefit in safety or patient outcomes. The researchers concluded that, for certain low-risk cervical procedures with specific patient populations, IOM appears to be an area where cost can be saved without sacrificing surgical quality or patient safety. Click here to read the full story.
Deep Brain Stimulation: The End of Addiction?
Monday, April 29, 2013 15:45
Researchers have found that the use of deep brain stimulation (DBS) in alcoholic rats consistently reduced their alcohol consumption, suggesting that the treatment may used used to treat end-stage addiction in humans. Click here to read the full article.
Study: Use of MR-Guided Focused Ultrasound Thalamotomy Results in Reduced Tremor, Improved Quality of Life
Monday, April 29, 2013 15:00
Research findings offered today during the 81st American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Annual Scientific Meeting show that the use of transcranial MR-guided focused ultrasound for producing a thalamotomy can have significant positive effects on subjects suffering from essential tremor. A preliminary clinical trial suggested that acoustic energy could be delivered precisely to generate a focal stereotactic ablation deep within the brain. Click here to read the full release.
How Useful is Bone Morphogenic Protein in Spinal Fusion Surgery?
Monday, April 29, 2013 14:45
With some recent studies questioning the use of bone morphogenic protein (BMP) in spinal fusions to prevent nonunions and reduce re-operations, researchers have found that that after studying a large cohort of spinal fusions at all spinal levels with and without BMP, they did not find any statistically significant difference in operative nonunion rates. These findings were presented today during the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) 81st Scientific Meeting in New Orleans. Click here to read the full release.
Clinical Trial for Stem Cell-Based ALS Treatment Shows Promise
Monday, April 29, 2013 10:30
Researchers who completed the first American clinical trial involving stem cell-based treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) were encouraged by the trial study’s results, noting that this delivery approach could be a helpful therapeutic approach for other traumatic spine-related problems. The group focused on the safety of a direct microinjection-based technique and neural stem cell transplantation to the cervical and thoracolumbar spinal cord. Click here to read the full release.
Study: Need For Neurologists Outweighs Supply in the U.S.
Friday, April 26, 2013 13:00
A study has found that those suffering with neurological ailments may face longer wait times to see a neurologist, if they can find a neurologist in the first place. The study, published in Neurology, was released as nearly 150 neurologists converged on Capitol Hill to encourage Congress to advocate patients’ access to neurological care. As noted in a release issued by the American Academy of Neurology: “Previous studies have shown that the average wait times to see a neurologist are increasing. The average wait time for a new patient to see a neurologist in 2012 was 35 business days, up from 28 business days in 2010. The average wait for a follow-up visit in 2012 was 30 days, up from 26 days in 2010. Other studies have shown that these wait times are longer than those for new visits for family practitioners, cardiologists and other specialties.” Click here to read the full story.
Safety, Concussion Awareness the Focuses of National Neurosurgery Awareness Week
Friday, April 26, 2013 9:00
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) will commemorate National Neurosurgery Awareness Week (NNAW) April 28-May 4, 2013, in conjunction with its 81st Annual Scientific Meeting in New Orleans, which takes place April 27-May 1, 2013. This year, AANS is focusing on two issues of critical importance to the public — patient safety and concussion awareness. The theme for the 2013 AANS Annual Scientific Meeting is “Changing Our Culture to Advance Patient Safety,” as more than 3,200 heath-care professionals involved in the neurosurgical specialty converge to review, discuss and explore how neurosurgical practitioners can work together to improve patient safety and quality of care. Click here to read the full story.