Epileptic Syndrome and Cranioplasty: Implication of Reconstructions in the Electroencephalogram.

BACKGROUND: In the presence of a skull deformity after large decompressive craniectomy (DC), neurologic deterioration manifesting as epileptic syndrome (ES) may occur independently of the primary disease or spontaneous improvement may be unduly impaired, and these unfavorable outcomes have sometimes been reversed by cranioplasty. The objective of this study was to analyze the influence of cranioplasty on the presence of ES in patients who underwent DC. METHODS: A prospective study was performed from October 2016 to October 2017 involving patients who underwent DC and subsequent cranioplasty. Electroencephalographic (EEG) status before and after cranioplasty was analyzed in the presence of seizures and was compared with results after DC. RESULTS: The sample included 52 patients. Male sex (78.8%) and traumatic brain injury (82.7%) were common indications for DC. ES after DC was verified in 26.9% of patients, and 50% of patients presented with abnormal EEG status. ES after cranioplasty was noted in 21.2% and 36.3% of patients followed by abnormal EEG status. All patients with precranioplasty epileptogenic paroxysms showed better EEG tracings after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: In routine clinical practice, altered amplitudes were observed in the region of bone defects. Although cranioplasty reduced pathologic EEG status (epileptogenic paroxysms), it was not able to produce new EEG tracings that could predict changes in seizure discharge or reduce ES.

Reliability of Tokuhashi Score to Predict Prognosis: Comparison of 117 Patients.

BACKGROUND: Spinal metastatic disease compromises the quality of life and prognosis of the patients. Prognosis is an important factor for the decision-making process and needs to be precise in order to adjust the intensity of therapy. The Tokuhashi score is a universal instrument to determine the prognosis. The objective was to analyze the effectiveness of the Tokuhashi score in determining the prognosis of the patients with spine metastasis by comparing the expected survival time from the Tokuhashi score with the survival time observed among surgical patients. METHODS: This retrospective study was performed from October 2008 to October 2015. The inclusion criteria were symptomatic patients with spinal metastasis who underwent spinal cord decompression and had a minimum of 1-year follow-up. The exclusion criteria were patients without histologic confirmation and were lost to follow-up. The Tokuhashi score was applied, and once the expected survival was defined, it was compared with the survival time observed in the follow-up. RESULTS: The sample studied was 117 patients. The commonly female (58%) and breast spinal metastasis was often observed (25.6%). The patients were followed for a minimum period of 12 months. The actual survival was beyond that estimated by the Tokuhashi score (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Tokuhashi score was not reliable to predict the prognosis. Patients with lower scores that surgical treatment was not recommended by the Tokuhashi score had better quality of life and longer survival after surgery. Tokuhashi score is not a precise tool to establish the best therapy and survival in patients with spinal metastasis.

Epidemiology and Management of Spinal Trauma in Children and Adolescents <18 Years Old.

OBJECTIVE: This retrospective study reports the epidemiology, clinical aspects, and management of spinal trauma in children and adolescents. METHODS: Multicenter study of 215 cases of spinal trauma in individuals <18 years of age. All patients were submitted to preoperative and postoperative radiologic and clinical evaluation. The fractures were classified according to the AOSpine fracture classification. Neurological evaluation was performed using the Frankel scale at admission to hospital and at the last follow-up. RESULTS: Mean age was 14.7 (± 2.5) years and most of the patients were male (72.6%). Falls were responsible for 52.6% of the spinal trauma. Compression fracture was the most common type of fracture, observed in 48.4% of the cases. Most spinal fractures were located at the thoracic level (58.7%). Associated injuries were observed in 37.2% of the cases. The complication rates were 15.8%. Normal neurological examination was observed in 160 cases (74.4%) at the final follow-up. Neurological impairment was mostly observed due to shallow water diving, dislocation fractures types, and fractures located between the lower cervical spine and the thoracic spine. Surgical treatment was performed in 73.8% of the cases. Better neurological outcome was observed in fractures due to falls, fractures located in the upper cervical (C1-C2) and lower lumbar spine injuries (L3-L5). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment is often necessary in children and adolescents after spinal trauma. Higher incidence of spinal cord injury was observed after shallow water diving, fractures located in the lower cervical spine and thoracic spine, and type B and C fractures.