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Biomedical subjects

G Gaist

Publications and source records attributed to G Gaist.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources
PubMedDate not supplied

The treatment of spasticity by means of dorsal longitudinal myelotomy and lozenge-shaped griseotomy.

This report describes the evolution of techniques of spinal surgery developed for the treatment of spasticity of varied etiology and further describes application of a T-shaped dorsal longitudinal myelotomy to five patients. Additionally, a losenge-shaped griseotomy was performed on three patients. Both techniques led to the elimination of hypertonicity and painful spasms, without producing sensory deficits. Although all procedures are performed at lumbar levels, some patients showed reduced spasticity in the neck or upper extremities as well.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Extradural haematomas: an analysis of the changing characteristics of patients admitted from 1980 to 1986. Diagnostic and therapeutic implications in 158 cases.

From January to June 1986, 158 patients with extradural haematoma were admitted to our neurosurgical unit. They were divided into four groups, reflecting their clinical features: A. 46 cases (GCS less than or equal to 12) in whom a condition of coma/stupor had occurred at the time of injury and persisted to the time of surgical decompression; B. 41 cases showing deterioration of consciousness (GCS less than or equal to 12) after a lucid interval; C. 46 cases of 'asymptomatic' patients (GCS consistently greater than or equal to 13, no neurological deficits, no signs of increased intracranial pressure); D. 25 cases arriving at our unit in a conscious state, but restless and/or with neurological deficits. The location of the haematoma (temporal in only 35%), the incidence of associated lesions such as cerebral lacerations and/or subdural effusion (30.3%), and the age of the patients (28.4 +/- 18.4 years were similar in the four groups. The size of the haematoma and the displacement of the midline structures were significantly greater in comatose/stuporose patients (groups A and B). The overall mortality was 12% (19 patients), with a morbidity of 14% (22 patients). Factors statistically significant in determining mortality and morbidity were: degree of coma as assessed by GCS; displacement of midline structures: age of the patient; size of the haematoma. There was no mortality or morbidity in those patients who remained conscious (groups C and D). A pronounced increase in the number of CT examinations performed in patients with head injury in our area of referral has caused profound changes in the population of patients admitted to our centre, resulting in a greater proportion of extradural haematomas detected in patients who are still conscious, and in whom operative mortality and morbidity are negligible. One further therapeutic implication of the increase in the number of patients with EDH admitted while asymptomatic may be the option of conservative management in those patients who remain in a good clinical condition, with haematomas of less than 1 cm in thickness and no displacement of midline structures.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Benign solitary nerve sheath tumors of the spinal accessory nerve in the posterior triangle of the neck. Report of two cases.

A case of solitary schwannoma and one of solitary neurofibroma originating from the spinal accessory nerve in the posterior triangle of the neck are described. Location of such neoplasms in this region is exceptional. The authors emphasize the importance of accurately enucleating the mass; when it is impossible to preserve the continuity of the neural pathway, nerve repair should be considered.

Accessory Nerve↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Stereotactic radioisotope implantations in the treatment of inoperable low malignancy neoplasms.

The authors report their experience of 53 patients with low grade malignancy cerebral neoplasms treated by means of stereotactic 125-I permanent interstitial radiotherapy. The method has been employed from 1981 to date. The authors confirm the validity of the technique in this brief report, and stress the greater efficacy of this treatment in young patients (less than 40 y/o) than in adults.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Epidemiology and sequelae of head injury in San Marino Republic.

A study of head injuried patients was carried out in the smallest nation in the world (Republic of San Marino) from January 1981 to December 1982. The results show an epidemiological incidence of 468 cases/10(5) population/year in regards to Hospital admissions, whereas the cases are 694/10(5) population/year when taking into account also patients seen only by Accident and Emergency Department. The consequences of the head injury (Post Traumatic Syndrome, PTS) were studied in 187 patients having comparable features on admission and discharge, and being all residents of the Republic of San Marino. Factors significant in determining a PTS seem to be a history of previous head injuries, the presence of previous neuropsychiatric disturbances and an abnormal E.E.G. on admission. The time of onset of the syndrome, associated with the above mentioned factors, can be important in determining whether the PTS is of neurotic or organic origin.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Clinical course of post-traumatic coma.

The Authors describe the clinical course of 331 cases of post-traumatic coma, studied during the two-year period 1970-1971 at the 2nd Division of Neurosurgery (Ospedale Maggiore, Bologna). Among them, 42% died from trauma-related causes; 40% survived and had a complete reintegration into society; 18% survived at a lower social level or remained totally excluded from society. The quality of survival does not depend on the presence and degree of organic sequelae only, but also on psycho-social factors.

Brain Injuries↗