OBJECTIVE To identify specific factors that can be used to predict functional outcome and to assess the value of decompressive craniectomy in patients with acute subdural haematoma. METHODS The retrospective study was done at the Zonguldak Karaelwas University Practice and Research Hospital, Turkey, and included 34 trauma patients who had undergone decompressive craniectomy for acute subdural...

Clinical outcome after traumatic diffuse axonal injury (DAI) is difficult to predict. In this study, three magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sequences were used to quantify the anatomical distribution of lesions, to grade DAI according to the Adams grading system, and to evaluate the value of lesion localization in combination with clinical prognostic factors to improve outcome prediction. Thirt...

BACKGROUND Prevention of hypoxia and thus secondary brain injury in traumatic brain injury (TBI) is critical. However there is controversy regarding the role of endotracheal intubation in the prehospital management of TBI. OBJECTIVE To describe the outcome of TBI with various airway management methods employed in the prehospital setting in the Cape Town Metropole. METHODS The study was a co...

OBJECTIVE The study aimed to investigate optimal surgical timing, methods, and clinical efficacy of bifrontal decompression craniotomy (BDC) on traumatic bifrontal contusions (TBC). METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed of 98 patients with TBC who underwent BDC of 2510 patients with traumatic brain injury. The operation-timing score was used to determine surgical timing. RESULTS Ni...

The Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) is the most widely used outcome measure after traumatic brain injury, but it is increasingly recognized to have important limitations. It is proposed that shortcomings of the GOS can be addressed by adopting a standard format for the interview used to assign outcome. A set of guidelines are outlined that are directed at the main problems encountered in applying t...

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Despite rapid advancements in intracranial aneurysm management, there is no evidence as of yet that this has translated into improvement in overall prognosis. METHODS We compared 2 periods of aneurysm management, 1998 to 2003 (n=1023 aneurysms) and 2007 to 2013 (n=1499 aneurysms), at a single, high-volume neurovascular center. Our outcome of interest was low or moderate...

OBJECTIVE To measure inter-observer error of a recently reported computerised tomography scoring system and to assess the ability of the scoring system to predict outcome in head injury patients. METHODS Two radiologists independently graded all CT scans performed during the admission of all head injured patients. They were blinded to the clinical condition of the patient. Patients were follo...

INTRODUCTION Civilian penetrating gunshot injuries to the neurocranium are no longer uncommon in Nigeria. Such injuries are however poorly reported. They are associated with poor outcome and, at close range, are frequently fatal, especially when inflicted by high-velocity weapons. Prompt transfer to neurosurgical service and urgent intervention may improve outcome in those that are not mortally...

Measuring Treatment Effect in Acute Stroke Trials To the Editor: We read with interest Bruno et al’s analysis of National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score in the trial of Org 10172 in acute stroke treatment (TOAST). They found the dichotomous variable, NIHSS score 2 at 3 months, to be associated with “very favorable outcome” at 3 months, defined as both Glasgow Outcome Scale of 1...