Magnesium for acute traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Acute traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of death and disability in young adults. Numerous pharmacological and non-pharmacological tools have been investigated and considered as potential mechanisms for improving neurological outcome. Magnesium has been considered as one of these potential therapeutic tools because of its activity on NMDA-receptors, calcium channels and neuron […]
Surgery for primary supratentorial intracerebral haemorrhage
Abstract Background There is considerable international variation in the rate and indications of surgery for primary supratentorial intracerebral haematoma, reflecting the uncertainty about the effects of surgery. Recently, some large randomised trials have appeared in the literature but the controversy over its role continues. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in […]
Shunting for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
Abstract Background Since the condition was first described in 1965, the syndrome of normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) has conventionally been managed by placement of a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt. Objectives To determine the effectiveness of shunting procedures in promoting stability or improvement in the neurological symptoms and signs of NPH. Search methods The Specialized Register […]
Antiepileptic drugs for preventing seizures in people with brain tumors
Abstract Background Seizures can present at any time before or after diagnosis of a brain tumor. The risk of seizures varies by tumor type and its location in the brain. For a long time we believed that preventing seizures with antiepileptic drugs (seizure prophylaxis) was effective and necessary, but the supporting evidence was little and […]
Surgical interventions for lumbar disc prolapse
Abstract Background Disc prolapse accounts for five percent of low-back disorders but is one of the most common reasons for surgery. Objectives The objective of this review was to assess the effects of surgical interventions for the treatment of lumbar disc prolapse. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, PubMed, […]
Conservative treatments for whiplash
Abstract Background Many treatments are available for whiplash patients but there is little scientific evidence for their accepted use. Patients with whiplash-associated disorders (WAD) can be classified by the severity of signs and symptoms from Grade 0 (no complaints or physical signs) to Grade 4 (fracture or dislocation). Objectives To assess the effectiveness of conservative […]
Angioplasty for intracranial artery stenosis
Abstract Background Intracranial artery stenosis causes up to 10% of all ischaemic strokes. The rate of recurrent vascular ischaemic events is very high. Angioplasty with or without stent placement is a feasible procedure to dilate the vessel affected. However, its safety and efficacy have not been systematically studied. Objectives To determine the efficacy and safety […]
Antibiotic prophylaxis for surgical introduction of intracranial ventricular shunts
Abstract Background Systemic antibiotics and antibiotic-impregnated shunt systems are often used to prevent shunt infection. Objectives To evaluate the effectiveness of either prophylactic systemic antibiotics or antibiotic-impregnated shunt systems for preventing infection in patients who underwent surgical introduction of intracranial ventricular shunts. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE, […]
Aminosteroids for acute traumatic brain injury
Abstract Background Traumatic brain injury is a leading cause of premature death and disability. Post-traumatic membrane lipid peroxidation has been proposed as one mechanism leading to secondary brain damage following head injury. Aminosteroids have been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation in laboratory animals and have the potential to improve outcome following head injury. Objectives To […]
Carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid stenosis
Abstract Background Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is of proven benefit in recently-symptomatic patients with severe carotid stenosis. Its role in asymptomatic stenosis is still debated. The Asymptomatic Carotid Surgery Trial (ACST) more than doubled the number of patients randomised to CEA trials. This revised review incorporates the recently published ACST results. Objectives To determine the effects […]