Neurosurgeons still wanted

Still wanted—the mechanisms of consciousness!

Thirty years ago one of us proposed a theory of perception exemplified by the phenomenon of visual masking, based on neural mechanisms known to be responsible for contents and state of consciousness (Bachmann, 1984). Some of the colleagues labeled it “exotic,” perhaps trying to be polite by avoiding certain other adjectives. Be that as it may, within only a few years consciousness as a serious ...

Diagnosis Wanted

What Neurosurgeons Need to Know

“The results of the three parts of the Spine Patient Outcomes Research Trial (SPORT) were published within the 18 months.” In November 2006, the reports of the randomized, controlled trial (RCT) and observational cohort study of herniated lumbar disc (HLD) were published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.8,9 In May 2007, the New England Journal of Medicine published the results...

Wanted—Skulls

In order to determine the characters of a race, it is necessary that comparison should be made of at least twenty skulls. It is further desirable to have as many of the bones of the skeleton as possible, as comparison of pelvic and long bones give important results in determining race peculiarities. The Hunterian Museum, now under the direction of Professor Flower, F. E. S., is especially inter...

Implications of neuroplasticity for neurosurgeons.

The brain exhibits neuroplasticity, the capacity to be modifiable by experience. Over the last decade there has been an explosion of knowledge in the field of neuroplasticity. New brain stimulation techniques are being designed to enhance neuroplasticity and several neuromodulatory trials are underway to enhance behavioral gains from rehabilitation. An understanding of neuroplasticity is essent...