All articles tagged with #neurosurgery
A 20-year-old male presented with acute spinal cord compression, leading to the diagnosis of a rare thoracic Ewing sarcoma. After surgical decompression and chemotherapy, the patient developed orbital metastasis six months later.
Tom Park-Paul, a 34-year-old gym-goer, suffered a ruptured arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in 2017, initially misdiagnosed as a bruised spine. After his partner, an ICU nurse, insisted on a CT scan, a massive brain bleed was discovered. He underwent a complex 16-hour surgery to remove the AVM, during which surgeons accidentally dropped his skull on the floor. The skull was cleaned and reinserted with antibiotic treatment. Park-Paul recovered, though he retains some proprioception issues in his left foot, and now views the incident with humor.
The world’s first brain-tumor removal was performed with real-time AI assistance that analyzes the live operation to highlight vessels and nerves, guiding surgeons while they retain control. Rhys Hibbert’s tumor near the pituitary gland was removed, preserving vision and energy. The AI tool, funded by NIHR and Google, aims to become an in-the-room surgical advisor, with broader trials planned as researchers push toward a ChatGPT-like helper for surgeons.
London's NHNN performed the world's first AI-assisted brain-tumor removal, using an AI system that color-codes critical brain structures in real time while surgeons remain in control. The 11mm pituitary-t gland tumor was removed, helping preserve the patient’s sight and enabling rapid recovery, with the procedure funded as part of an NIHR clinical trial and highlighting AI's potential to boost precision and safety in delicate neurosurgery.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Randy D’Amico recommends tracking 10 brain-health metrics in midlife: vascular/metabolic health (blood pressure, ApoB cholesterol, HbA1c), plus lifestyle factors like movement (150 minutes weekly), strength training, body composition, sleep (7–9 hours), mental health, engagement in new activities, and social connection. He emphasizes that heart and blood vessel health underpin brain health, and even hearing health can affect cognitive risk.
A 13-year-old with drug-resistant epilepsy faced a denial for deep brain stimulation because it wasn’t FDA-approved for children; after NBC News coverage, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield approved DBS and later updated its policy to cover pediatric DBS for epilepsy, offering new hope for reducing seizure frequency and improving quality of life.
Daniel Alexis, a 19-year-old Port St. Lucie High School basketball player, spent months in a coma after a sinus infection spread to his brain. He underwent three brain surgeries at UHealth, gradually improved, and on Thursday watched his Miami hospital graduation on a screen as his mother accepted his diploma in Port St. Lucie, with doctors optimistic about a continued recovery and ongoing rehabilitation.
A world-first use of a Hyperfine Swoop portable MRI at the patient’s bedside during pituitary tumor surgery provided real-time imaging, allowing surgeons to confirm complete tumor removal and identify residual tissue, potentially expanding the technology to other neurosurgical procedures.
Gerwyn Tumelty, a Pontarddulais man described as living with trigeminal neuralgia—often called the world’s most painful condition—suffered years of severe facial pain before a 2019 neurosurgery relieved the physical agony. While the pain subsided, he faced ongoing mental health challenges, prompting him to adopt routines like twice-weekly ice baths and outdoor challenges to cope and stay focused. His story, supported by the Trigeminal Neuralgia Association UK, also highlights the importance of early diagnosis and ongoing support for affected individuals.
A dog named Woody in Portland underwent a rare and complex skull/brain tumor removal at DoveLewis Animal Hospital. The tumor was near major blood vessels, and the operation took about 4–6 hours. With intensive post-op care, Woody has recovered well and is back to walking a mile daily and living his best life.
Tanner McIntosh underwent Lancaster General Health's first awake craniotomy to remove a brain tumor near his motor cortex, allowing surgeons to operate while he was conscious to preserve vital functions. The procedure was successful, and he is now undergoing additional treatments, including radiation and chemotherapy, with a positive outlook on recovery.
Dr. Alieu Kamara, Sierra Leone's first and only neurosurgeon, has begun providing life-saving neurosurgical care to a country of 8 million, overcoming significant resource challenges with international support, and inspiring a new era of medical self-sufficiency.
A neurosurgeon shares five simple habits to maintain and enhance brain health in old age, including staying mentally active, engaging in physical activity, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, maintaining social connections, and prioritizing sleep and stress management, all of which can help preserve cognitive function and prevent decline.
A groundbreaking transorbital surgical approach was successfully used by neurosurgeons at the University of Maryland to remove a rare spinal tumor through the patient's eye socket, avoiding more invasive procedures and preserving critical structures, leading to a successful outcome for the young patient.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Rahul Jandial shares four lifestyle changes to reduce dementia risk: adopting a Mediterranean diet, engaging in regular physical activity like walking, learning new skills, and maintaining social connections. These measures, he suggests, can help boost memory, manage stress, and support brain health, emphasizing that lifestyle modifications are crucial since there is no cure for dementia.