Antiepileptic drugs for treating seizures in adults with brain tumours
Abstract Background Seizures are a common symptom of brain tumours. The mainstay of treatment for seizures is medical therapy with antiepileptic drugs. Objectives To evaluate the relative effectiveness and tolerability of antiepileptic drugs commonly used to treat seizures in adults with brain tumours. Search methods We searched CENTRAL (Issue 2 of 4, The Cochrane Library 2011), MEDLINE […]
Surgical resection and whole brain radiation therapy versus whole brain radiation therapy alone for single brain metastases
Abstract Background The treatment of brain metastasis is generally palliative since most patients have uncontrollable systemic cancer. Historically, whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) has been the treatment of choice, although more recently focused radiation therapy e.g. stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) has developed a role in selected patients. In certain circumstances, such as single brain metastasis, death […]
Single or double-level anterior interbody fusion techniques for cervical degenerative disc disease
Abstract Background The number of surgical techniques for decompression and solid interbody fusion as treatment for cervical spondylosis has increased rapidly, but the rationale for the choice between different techniques remains unclear. Objectives To determine which technique of anterior interbody fusion gives the best clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with single- or double-level degenerative […]
Bradykinin beta-2 receptor antagonists for acute traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Cerebral oedema, the accumulation of fluid within the brain, is believed to be an important contributor to the secondary brain damage that occurs following injury. The release of kinins is thought to be an important factor in the development of […]
Extracranial-intracranial arterial bypass surgery for occlusive carotid artery disease
Abstract Background The EC/IC Bypass Study Group found no benefit of extracranial to intracranial (EC/IC) bypass surgery over medical therapy in patients with symptomatic carotid artery occlusion (sCAO). However, the study was criticised for many reasons and the real effect of this treatment is still not known conclusively. Objectives To determine whether bypass surgery plus […]
Surgery for cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy
Abstract Background Cervical spondylosis causes pain and disability by compressing the spinal cord or roots. Surgery to relieve the compression may reduce the pain and disability, but is associated with a small but definite risk. . Objectives To determine whether: 1) surgical treatment of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy is associated with improved outcome, compared with […]
Carotid endarterectomy for carotid stenosis in patients selected for coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Abstract Background Carotid stenosis and coronary artery disease can occur simultaneously. In patients with coronary artery disease who are scheduled for coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, but who also have carotid artery stenosis, there is controversy about the role of carotid surgery. It is not known whether any benefit from prophylactic carotid endarterectomy (by […]
Patch angioplasty versus primary closure for carotid endarterectomy
Abstract Background Carotid patch angioplasty (with either a venous or a synthetic patch) may reduce the risk of carotid artery restenosis and subsequent ischaemic stroke. This is an update of a Cochrane Review originally published in 1995 and previously updated in 2004. Objectives To assess the safety and efficacy of routine or selective carotid patch […]
Surgery versus radiosurgery for patients with a solitary brain metastasis from non-small cell lung cancer
Abstract Background Non-small cell lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. Brain metastases are often seen in non-small cell lung cancer patients and although they are frequently multiple, a subset of patients with a solitary brain metastasis is regularly seen. Treatment of solitary brain metastasis has been surgery, when […]
Prophylactic cranial irradiation for preventing brain metastases in patients undergoing radical treatment for non-small cell lung cancer
Abstract Background In non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), there is a relatively high incidence of brain metastases following radical treatment. At present, the role of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in this group of patients is not clear. This is an update of the original review published in 2005. Objectives To investigate whether PCI has a […]