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Medicine (Baltimore) 2020 Apr;99(16):e18638

Professor, Neurology Department, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, PR China.

Rationale: Guillian-Barré syndrome (GBS) is a devastating autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive ascending weakness, areflexia with or without autonomic and sensory disturbances. Hydrocephalus is a rare but well-documented complication in patients with GBS. However, due to the rarity of this condition, no treatment guideline for GBS with hydrocephalus is currently available. Read More

Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2019 ;119(10):94-102

Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia.

Article is devoted to topical issues of complex diagnosis and treatment of the consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children, adolescents and adults. Craniocerebral trauma is one of the most important problems of modern neurology, due to the high frequency and severity of disability. In recent years, there has been a steady increase in effects of TBI, a significant part of which are asthenic, autonomic, cognitive, emotional and motor disorders. Read More

Front Neuroendocrinol 2019 10 24;55:100793. Epub 2019 Sep 24.

Department of Neuroscience, Group in Behavioral Neuroendocrinology, Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Repair, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.

Traumatic brain injuries in children represent a major public health issue and even relatively mild injuries can have lifelong consequences. However, the outcomes from these injuries are highly heterogeneous, with most individuals recovering fully, but a substantial subset experiencing prolonged or permanent disabilities across a number of domains. Moreover, brain injuries predispose individuals to other kinds of neuropsychiatric and somatic illnesses. Read More

Arq Neuropsiquiatr 2019 07 29;77(7):460-469. Epub 2019 Jul 29.

Eli Lilly and Company, Neuroscience Research, Indianapolis, USA.

Objective: Facial nerve injury, affecting mainly the marginal mandibular branch, is the most frequent neurologic complication from parotidectomy. To test a modified Sunnybrook Facial Grading System as a new tool to assess the facial nerve function following parotidectomy, emphasizing the marginal mandibular branch.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of 73 post-parotidectomy patients (40 female, 18-84 years old, mean age 53. Read More

Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019 Jan 19;1:CD012483. Epub 2019 Jan 19.

Department of General Surgery, University of Perugia, Terni, Italy, 05100.

Background: Injuries to the recurrent inferior laryngeal nerve (RILN) remain one of the major post-operative complications after thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Damage to this nerve can result in a temporary or permanent palsy, which is associated with vocal cord paresis or paralysis. Visual identification of the RILN is a common procedure to prevent nerve injury during thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Read More

J Trauma Acute Care Surg 2019 01;86(1):52-61

From the Division of Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, Burns and Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego Health, San Diego, California (E.C.W., T.W.C., A.B., B.P.E., T.W.C.); and Riverside University Health System Medical Center, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Moreno Valley, California (R.C.).

Background: Trauma/hemorrhagic shock (T/HS) causes a release of proinflammatory mediators into the mesenteric lymph (ML) that may trigger a systemic inflammatory response and subsequent organ failure. Recently, we showed that exosomes in postshock ML are biologically active mediators of this inflammation. Because the specific inflammatory mediators in postshock ML exosomes have yet to be characterized, we hypothesized that T/HS would lead to a distinct ML proinflammatory exosome phenotype that could be identified by proteomic analysis. Read More

Semin Neurol 2018 12 6;38(6):619-626. Epub 2018 Dec 6.

Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts.

Posttraumatic headaches are among the most challenging complaints after mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). They are a debilitating problem experienced by patients after TBI of all severities. Up to 90% of mild TBI patients experience headache, particularly if female and with a premorbid history of primary headache. Read More

Ann Otol Rhinol Laryngol 2019 Jan 20;128(1):56-61. Epub 2018 Oct 20.

3 Department of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

Objectives:: Assess the utility of intraoperative transcranial facial motor-evoked potential (FMEP) monitoring in predicting and improving facial function after vestibular schwannoma (VS) resection.

Study Design:: Retrospective chart review.

Methods:: Data were obtained from 82 consecutive VS resections meeting inclusion criteria. Read More

Zhonghua Er Bi Yan Hou Tou Jing Wai Ke Za Zhi 2018 Sep;53(9):655-660

Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Changhai Hospital of the Second Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China.

To discuss the long-term efficacy of laryngeal reinnervation using the anterior root of the ansa cervicalis in the treatment of unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) caused by thyroid surgery. From January 2010 to January 2016, a total of 39 UVFP patients who underwent ansa cervicalis anterior root-to-recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) anastomosis and who had suffered nerve disfunction for 6 to 24 months were enrolled as UVFP group.Another 39 age and gender matched normal subjects served as control group. Read More

Headache 2018 Oct 29;58(9):1397-1407. Epub 2018 Aug 29.

Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, AZ, USA.

Background: Most persistent posttraumatic headaches (PPTH) have a phenotype that meets diagnostic criteria for migraine or probable migraine. Although symptoms of autonomic dysfunction have been well described among those with migraine, the presence and relative severity of such symptoms among those with PPTH have yet to be reported.

Objective: The objective of this study was to assess and compare symptoms of autonomic dysfunction among those with PPTH attributed to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) vs migraine vs healthy controls using Composite Autonomic Symptom Score 31 (COMPASS-31) questionnaire scores. Read More

Brain Inj 2018 1;32(13-14):1824-1833. Epub 2018 Aug 1.

a School of Kinesiology , Lakehead University , Thunder Bay , ON , Canada.

Primary Objective: Recent findings suggest breathing may negatively affect performance after concussion. The aim of the study was to examine group differences between individuals with and without post-concussion syndrome (PCS) in end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO) and respiratory rate (RR) during neurocognitive and physical tasks.

Hypothesis: Individuals in the PCS group will have elevated ETCO and lower RR compared to the control group. Read More

Biomed Environ Sci 2018 Jun;31(6):413-424

Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100050, China.

Objective: To investigate the optimal timing for the repair of persistent incomplete facial paralysis by hypoglossal-facial 'side'-to-side neurorrhaphy in rats.

Methods: A total of 30 adult rats with crushed and bulldog-clamped facial nerve injury were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 6 each) that were subjected to injury without nerve repair or with immediate repair, 2-week-delayed repair, 4-week-delayed repair, or 8-week-delayed repair. Three months later, the effects of repair in each rat were evaluated by facial symmetry assessment, electrophysiological examination, retrograde labeling, and axon regeneration measurement. Read More

Ophthalmic Plast Reconstr Surg 2019 Jan/Feb;35(1):53-55

Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary.

Purpose: Introduction of a novel sensory grading system to assess the incidence and long-term recovery of infraorbital hypesthesia following orbital floor and inferior orbital rim fractures.

Methods: Patients who presented for evaluation of orbital floor and/or zygomaticomaxillary complex (ZMC) fractures between January 2015 and April 2016 were analyzed. Two-point subjective infraorbital sensory grading in 5 discrete anatomic areas was performed. Read More

Int J Surg 2018 Aug 14;56:73-78. Epub 2018 Jun 14.

Division of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery, Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. Electronic address:

Background: Vocal fold motion impairment (VFMI) is a well-recognized complication of thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Preoperative counseling requires a thorough understanding of the incidence, risk factors, and value of early diagnosis of postoperative VFMI. Our objective is to describe the incidence of and risk factors for VFMI for a single high-volume academic surgeon, and to assess the utility of immediate postoperative fiberoptic laryngoscopy (FOL) in early diagnosis of VFMI. Read More

Undersea Hyperb Med 2018 Mar-Apr;45(2):129-156

University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah.

Background: In prior military randomized trials, participants with persistent symptoms after mild traumatic brain injury (TBI) reported improvement regardless of receiving hyperbaric oxygen (HBO₂) or sham intervention. This study's objectives were to identify outcomes for future efficacy trials and describe changes by intervention.

Methods: This Phase II, randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial enrolled military personnel with mild TBI and persistent post-concussive symptoms. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2018 Jan 6;104:104-107. Epub 2017 Nov 6.

Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3401 Civic Center Blvd, 1 Wood ENT, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. Electronic address:

Pediatric aspiration is a multifactorial process that is often complex to manage. Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury can cause glottic insufficiency and aspiration. We describe three cases of unilateral vocal fold paralysis resulting in aspiration and the successful use of the RLN reinnervation for its treatment. Read More

Int J Psychophysiol 2018 10 29;132(Pt A):155-166. Epub 2017 Nov 29.

School of Health and Medical Sciences, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA; The Institute for Advanced Study of Rehabilitation and Sports Science, Seton Hall University, South Orange, NJ, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs Rehabilitation Research & Development Service National Center for the Medical Consequences of Spinal Cord Injury, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Seton Hall University, School of Health and Medical Sciences, 400 South Orange Avenue, South Orange, NJ 07079, USA.. Electronic address:

Concussion is defined as a complex pathophysiological process affecting the brain that is induced by the application or transmission of traumatic biomechanical forces to the head. The result of the impact is the onset of transient symptoms that may be experienced for approximately 2weeks in most individuals. However, in some individuals, symptoms may not resolve and persist for a protracted period and a chronic injury ensues. Read More

J Neurol 2017 Sep 2;264(9):1956-1967. Epub 2017 Aug 2.

Department of Neurology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany.

After traumatic brain injury (TBI), central autonomic dysfunction might contribute to long-term increased mortality rates. Central autonomic dysfunction might depend on initial trauma severity. This study was performed to evaluate differences in autonomic modulation at rest and upon standing between patients with a history of mild TBI (post-mild-TBI patients), moderate or severe TBI (post-moderate-severe-TBI patients), and healthy controls. Read More

Undersea Hyperb Med 2016 Aug-Sept;43(5):531-547

The Emmes Corporation, Rockville, Maryland U.S.

Heart rate variability (HRV) represents measurable output of coordinated structural and functional systems within the body and brain. Both mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and HRV are modulated by changes in autonomic nervous system function. We present baseline HRV results from an ongoing mTBI clinical trial. Read More

Undersea Hyperb Med 2016 Aug-Sept;43(5):491-509

The Emmes Corporation, Rockville, Maryland U.S.

The Brain Injury and Mechanisms of Action of Hyperbaric Oxygen for Persistent Post-Concussive Symptoms after Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) (BIMA) study, sponsored by the Department of Defense, is a randomized double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial that has a longer duration of follow-up and more comprehensive assessment battery compared to recent HBO₂ studies. BIMA randomized 71 participants from September 2012 to May 2014. Primary results are expected in 2017. Read More

Clin J Sport Med 2018 05;28(3):272-277

Division of Sports Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio.

Objective: To characterize the presence and degree of postconcussion lightheadedness in relation to postconcussion vertigo and dizziness, and to determine whether lightheadedness influences overall symptom duration.

Design: Prospective, cohort design.

Setting: Nationwide Children's Hospital, Sports Concussion Clinic. Read More

Ann Cardiol Angeiol (Paris) 2017 Jun 3;66(3):176-180. Epub 2017 Jul 3.

Faculté de médecine Oran, Oran, Algérie.

The dysautonomic (DC) or neurovegetative crisis remains an imperfectly known entity; it associates in a paroxysmal manner a reaction of sympathetic hyperreactivity that can lead to the prognosis. Our objective is to specify the etiological circumstances (DC) and their modality of treatment in pediatric intensive care unit.

Materials-methods: Descriptive study on files of children admitted in the intensive care unit of 2010-2015 who presented a DC acquired during their hospitalization. Read More

Brain Behav Immun 2017 Nov 1;66:56-69. Epub 2017 Jul 1.

Department of Anesthesiology and Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. Electronic address:

Objectives: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has complex effects on the gastrointestinal tract that are associated with TBI-related morbidity and mortality. We examined changes in mucosal barrier properties and enteric glial cell response in the gut after experimental TBI in mice, as well as effects of the enteric pathogen Citrobacter rodentium (Cr) on both gut and brain after injury.

Methods: Moderate-level TBI was induced in C57BL/6mice by controlled cortical impact (CCI). Read More

J Neurotrauma 2017 10 17;34(19):2743-2752. Epub 2017 May 17.

3 Department of Anesthesia, University of Cambridge , Cambridge, United Kingdom .

The brain and heart are two vital systems in health and disease, increasingly recognized as a complex, interdependent network with constant information flow in both directions. After severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), the causal, directed interactions between the brain, heart, and autonomic nervous system have not been well established. Novel methods are needed to probe unmeasured, potentially prognostic information in complex biological networks that are not revealed by traditional means. Read More

Ann Ital Chir 2017 ;88:198-201

Aim: The objective was to compare the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and superior laryngeal nerve (SLN) injuries in patients with bilateral total thyroidectomy (BTT) and bilateral near total thyroidectomy (BNTT) with the frequency of the hypocalcemic complications regarding the operation procedures.

Materials And Methods: Patients, who underwent BTT and BNTT in our clinic between January 1999 and January 2011, were included in this retrospective clinical study. Patients' files are evaluated. Read More

Headache 2017 May 27;57(5):719-728. Epub 2017 Feb 27.

Womack Army Medical Center (WAMC), Ft. Bragg, NC, USA.

Objective: To describe the diagnostic types and characteristics of headaches in soldiers with mild traumatic brain injury during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Background: Persistent post-traumatic headache interferes with returns to activity or duty. The most commonly cited headache diagnosis after concussion is migraine. Read More

Int J Surg 2016 Nov 5;35:172-178. Epub 2016 Oct 5.

Istanbul Medeniyet University, Goztepe Training & Research Hospital, Department of General Surgery, Istanbul, Turkey.

Background: Diabetes mellitus may cause degeneration in the myelin and/or axonal structures of peripheral nerves. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of diabetic neuropathy on intraoperative neuromonitoring findings such as latency and amplitude values of the recurrent laryngeal nerves during thyroidectomy. To our knowledge this is the first study to report comparison of the electrophysiologic features of diabetic and non-diabetic patients. Read More

J Head Trauma Rehabil 2017 May/Jun;32(3):E38-E48

Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Drs Hutchison, Mainwaring, Thomas, Richards, and Ms Senthinathan); and Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of St. Michael's Hospital, Ontario, Canada (Drs Hutchison and Churchill).

Background: Sport-related concussions are associated with a range of physical, cognitive, and behavioral disturbances that are highly variable across individuals. Much remains unknown about the effects of sport concussion, and changes in markers of psychological and physiological stress over the recovery timeline.

Objective: To examine psychological (mood, stress, sleep quality, and symptoms) and physiological (heart rate variability and salivary cortisol) measures in concussed athletes over clinical recovery milestones. Read More

Otol Neurotol 2016 09;37(8):1162-7

*Division of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery†Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

Objective: To determine whether transcranial electrical stimulation-induced facial motor-evoked potential (FMEP) monitoring of the facial nerve (FN) during vestibular schwannoma (VS) tumor resection can predict both immediate and 1 year postoperative FN functional outcome.

Design: Prospective consecutive non-comparative observational case series.

Setting: Tertiary referral center. Read More

Braz J Anesthesiol 2016 Jul-Aug;66(4):426-9. Epub 2013 Nov 11.

Department of Anesthesiology, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States.

Introduction: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES or "pseudoseizures") remain an obscure topic in the peri-operative setting. They are sudden and time-limited motor and cognitive disturbances, which mimic epileptic seizures, but are psychogenically mediated. Pseudoseizures occur more frequently than epilepsy in the peri-operative setting. Read More

Brain Behav Immun 2016 Oct 6;57:10-20. Epub 2016 Apr 6.

Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Laboratory of Neuroimmunology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary. Electronic address:

Intestinal microbiota are critical for health with changes associated with diverse human diseases. Research suggests that altered intestinal microbiota can profoundly affect brain function. However, whether altering brain function directly affects the microbiota is unknown. Read More

J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2016 Feb 1;45. Epub 2016 Feb 1.

Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.

Background: Recent studies have examined the effects of brief electrical stimulation (BES) on nerve regeneration, with some suggesting that BES accelerates facial nerve recovery. However, the facial nerve outcome measurement in these studies has not been precise or accurate. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of BES on accelerating facial nerve functional recovery from a transection injury in the rat model. Read More

J Laryngol Otol 2016 Mar 16;130(3):219-24. Epub 2015 Dec 16.

Division of Otolaryngology,Department of Special Surgery,Faculty of Medicine,Jordan University of Science and Technology,Irbid,Jordan.

Objective: This literature review analysed facial nerve management strategies in jugular paraganglioma surgery and discusses the tumour resection rate and the facial nerve outcome associated with each technique.

Methods: A retrospective review of PubMed and Medline articles on the surgical treatments for jugular paraganglioma was performed. Tumour resection rates and post-operative facial nerve function after non-rerouting, short anterior rerouting and long anterior rerouting approaches were evaluated for each article. Read More

Laryngoscope 2016 Jan 9;126(1):285-91. Epub 2015 Oct 9.

Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Sao Paulo Medical School, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Objectives/hypothesis: Surgical management of the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) during thyroidectomy is complex. We hypothesized that there exist variations in surgical behaviors patterns in the management of the EBSLN during thyroidectomy.

Study Design: A prospective Web-based anonymous survey (www. Read More

Dysphagia 2015 Dec 19;30(6):714-22. Epub 2015 Aug 19.

Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 State Route 44, PO Box 95, Rootstown, OH, 44272, USA.

Recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) injury in neonates, a complication of patent ductus arteriosus corrective surgery, leads to aspiration and swallowing complications. Severity of symptoms and prognosis for recovery are variable. We transected the RLN unilaterally in an infant mammalian animal model to characterize the degree and variability of dysphagia in a controlled experimental setting. Read More

J Neurotrauma 2016 05 8;33(9):811-7. Epub 2015 Oct 8.

1 Department of Kinesiology, Université de Montréal , Montreal, Quebec, Canada .

The purpose of this study was to evaluate cardiac autonomic modulation in university athletes during the post-acute to late phase (mean, 95 days ±63) of injury at rest and during physical exertion. We also sought to evaluate the effect of time since injury and number of injuries on heart rate variability (HRV). We hypothesized that physical exertion would reveal persisting modifications in HRV following a concussion. Read More

J Laryngol Otol 2015 Jun;129(6):553-7

ENT and Head & Neck Department,Amiens University Hospital,France.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of intra-operative neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve during total thyroidectomy for benign goitre.

Methods: A single-centre retrospective study using historical controls was conducted for a 10-year period, comprising a series of 767 patients treated by total thyroidectomy for benign goitre. Of these, 306 had intra-operative neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and 461 did not. Read More

Acta Otolaryngol 2015 10;135(10):1065-9. Epub 2015 Jun 10.

Division of Ear, Nose and Throat Diseases, Department of Clinical Sciences, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital , Stockholm , Sweden.

Conclusion: Most patients benefitted from immediate facial nerve grafting after radical parotidectomy. Even weak movement is valuable and can be augmented with secondary static operations. Post-operative radiotherapy does not seem to affect the final outcome of facial function. Read More

Clin J Sport Med 2016 Jan;26(1):40-5

*Division of Pediatric Neurology, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; †Department of Neurology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio; ‡Division of Sports Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio; §Department of Orthopedics, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado; and ‖Departments of Pediatrics and Orthopedics, Children's of Alabama, Birmingham, Alabama.

Objective: To explore head-upright tilt table (HUT) signs of autonomic dysfunction in a cohort of youth with persistent postconcussion symptoms (PCSs) that include light-headedness and to correlate repeat tilt table results with symptom improvements for those patients found to have postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS) on initial testing.

Design: Prospective cohort design.

Setting: Nationwide Children's Hospital, Neurology Clinic. Read More

Rev Bras Anestesiol 2016 Jul-Aug;66(4):426-9. Epub 2014 Nov 29.

Departamento de Anestesiologia, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, Estados Unidos.

Introduction: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES or "pseudoseizures") remain an obscure topic in the peri-operative setting. They are sudden and time-limited motor and cognitive disturbances, which mimic epileptic seizures, but are psychogenically mediated. Pseudoseizures occur more frequently than epilepsy in the peri-operative setting. Read More

Int J Neurosci 2015 22;125(7):486-92. Epub 2014 Oct 22.

1Department of Neurosurgery, University of Texas Health Sciences Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a demyelinating polyneuropathy resulting in sensory, motor and autonomic symptoms. The severity of the disease can range from mild to severe but it is classically described as an ascending demyelinating process. Initially thought to be the sequelae of a bacterial or viral infection, the clinical symptoms of post-infective GBS can present up to 4 weeks after sentinel injury. Read More

W V Med J 2014 Mar-Apr;110(2):12-3

Chronic headaches can be debilitating for many patients. They often have a nebulous etiology, unpredictable course, and can be difficult to manage. We describe a post-traumatic headache that began after a motor vehicle collision. Read More

Int J Surg 2014 23;12 Suppl 1:S140-4. Epub 2014 May 23.

5th Division of General Surgery and Surgical Special Techniques, Seconda Università di Napoli, Naples, Italy.

Introduction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) of the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and the vagus nerve (VN) with a standardized approach in thyroid surgery.

Methods: Retrospective study with an experimental group with which IONM was used, both with the RLN that the VN, and a control one, each consisting of 300 total thyroidectomies. Each patient underwent a pre-and post-operative videolaryngoscopy. Read More

Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol 2014 Jun 30;78(6):960-3. Epub 2014 Mar 30.

Department of Biomedical Enginnering, and Center for Marine-Integrated Biomedical Technology (BK21 Plus), Pukyong National University, Pusan, South Korea.

Objective: To date, the effect of topical steroid after a crush injury to rat facial nerve has rarely been reported on. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of topical dexamethasone on recovery after a crush injury to the rat facial nerve, by functional, electrophysiological, and morphological evaluation.

Materials And Methods: We investigated the effects of topical dexamethasone on recovery after a crush injury to rat facial nerve by functional, electrophysiological and morphological evaluation. Read More

Br J Neurosurg 2014 Apr 12;28(2):181-6. Epub 2013 Sep 12.

Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton General Hospital , Southampton , UK.

Nosocomial infections, pneumonia in particular, are well-known complications of traumatic brain injury (TBI), which are associated with a worse neurological outcome. This review aims to explore the role of vagus nerve activity in immunomodulation as a causative factor. A MEDLINE search revealed numerous reports published over the last decade describing the "cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway" between the vagus nucleus and leukocyte activity. Read More

Brain Inj 2013 ;27(2):209-22

Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY, USA.

Primary Objective: To determine if individuals with brain injury can modify heart rate variability (HRV) through biofeedback and, if so, enhance its pattern to improve emotional regulation and problem-solving ability.

Design: A quasi-experimental design with repeated measures was employed. Thirteen individuals aged 23-63 years with severe brain injury (13-40 years post-onset) participating in a community-based programme were enrolled. Read More

Surg Radiol Anat 2012 Dec 18;34(10):897-902. Epub 2012 Oct 18.

Laboratoire d'Anatomie de la Faculté de Médecine de Nantes, 1, rue Gaston Veil, 44035, Nantes Cedex 01, France.

Purpose: Ciliary ganglion is a pre-visceral vegetative ganglion, relay of ocular bulb vegetative pathways, concerning three types of fibers: parasympathetic, sympathetic and somatosensory. The objective of this study was to describe the different patterns of distribution of those fibers around the ciliary ganglion to explain rare post-traumatic or postoperative ocular symptoms.

Methods: Dissection of 20 orbits, from cavernous sinus to ocular bulb, after intravascular injection of colored latex. Read More

J Neurotrauma 2013 Feb 4;30(4):281-91. Epub 2013 Feb 4.

Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California 90095-7039, USA.

We have previously reported that mild fluid percussion injury (FPI) is associated with a heightening of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis response during the first post-injury weeks. This is the same time period when rehabilitative exercise has been strongly suggested to be ineffective. Here, we explored whether cardiac and temperature autonomic function may also be compromised during this early post-injury period. Read More

Childs Nerv Syst 2012 Dec 11;28(12):2005-15. Epub 2012 Aug 11.

Neuropathology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK.

Introduction: This paper reviews the evidence in support of the hypothesis that the trigeminal system mediates brain swelling associated with subdural bleeding. The trigeminovascular system has been extensively studied in migraine; it may play an important but under-recognized role in the response to head trauma. Nerve fibers originating in trigeminal ganglion cells are the primary sensors of head trauma and, through their collateral innervation of the intracranial and dural blood vessels, are capable of inciting a cascade of vascular responses and brain swelling. Read More

J Rehabil Med 2012 May;44(6):502-4

S. Anna Institute and RAN - Research in Advanced Neurorehabilitation, Crotone, Italy.

Objective: To update knowledge of the incidence of paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity (PSH, also referred to as dysautonomia), an emergency condition tentatively attributed to sympathetic paroxysms or diencephalic-hypothalamic disarrangement associated with severe diffuse brain axonal damage or hypoxia. This condition is reportedly common in the vegetative state, threatens survival and affects outcome.

Methods: The results of a retrospective study on 333 subjects in a vegetative state admitted to a dedicated unit in 1998-2005 are compared with a survey on patients admitted to the same unit in 2006-2010. Read More