• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.1
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• pp.10-26
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• 2019

Magnetic resonance-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is an emerging new technology with considerable potential to treat various neurological diseases. With refinement of ultrasound transducer technology and integration with magnetic resonance imaging guidance, transcranial sonication of precise cerebral targets has become a therapeutic option. Intensity is a key determinant of ultrasound effects. High-intensity focused ultrasound can produce targeted lesions via thermal ablation of tissue. MRgFUS-mediated stereotactic ablation is non-invasive, incision-free, and confers immediate therapeutic effects. Since the US Food and Drug Administration approval of MRgFUS in 2016 for unilateral thalamotomy in medication-refractory essential tremor, studies on novel indications such as Parkinson's disease, psychiatric disease, and brain tumors are underway. MRgFUS is also used in the context of blood-brain barrier (BBB) opening at low intensities, in combination with intravenously-administered microbubbles. Preclinical studies show that MRgFUS-mediated BBB opening safely enhances the delivery of targeted chemotherapeutic agents to the brain and improves tumor control as well as survival. In addition, BBB opening has been shown to activate the innate immune system in animal models of Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid plaque clearance and promotion of neurogenesis in these studies suggest that MRgFUS-mediated BBB opening may be a new paradigm for neurodegenerative disease treatment in the future. Here, we review the current status of preclinical and clinical trials of MRgFUS-mediated thermal ablation and BBB opening, described their mechanisms of action, and discuss future prospects.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.59 no.2
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• pp.161-164
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• 2016

Few preoperative extrapontine myelinolysis (EPM) cases with pituitary adenoma have been reported. No such case had long follow-up to see the outcome of EPM. We reported a 38-year-old man complaining of nausea, malaise and transient loss of consciousness who was found to have severe hyponatremia. Neurologic deficits including altered mental status, behavioral disturbances, dysarthria and dysphagia developed despite slow correction of hyponatremia. Endocrine and imaging studies revealed hypopituitarism, nonfunctional pituitary macroadenoma and extrapontine myelinolysis. Transsphenoidal surgery was performed after three weeks of supportive therapy, when neurological symptoms improved significantly. The patient recovered function completely 3 months after surgery. Our case indicates that outcome of EPM can be good even with prolonged periods of severe neurologic impairment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.63 no.1
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• pp.4-13
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• 2020

For surgical minimalism to reduce iatrogenic traumatization, a supraorbital keyhole approach has already been successfully applied to treat many unruptured anterior circulation aneurysms. However, using this minimal approach also raises several technical concerns due to the small cranial opening and cosmetic impact of a facial incision. Yet, such technical limitations can be overcome by using favorable surgical indications, slender surgical instruments, and optimized surgical techniques, while excellent cosmetic outcomes can be achieved using a short skin incision located <1 cm from the supraorbital margin, reconstruction of any bone defects around the bone flap, and meticulous wound closure. Thus, given such reassuring surgical results, in terms of the clipping status, neurological effects, and cosmetic outcomes, any concerns can be transitioned into confidence.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.2
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• pp.84-87
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• 2008

Spontaneous spinal epidural hematoma (SSEH) is rare in children. especially in infants, in whom only 12 cases have been reported. Because of the nonspecificity of presenting symptoms in children, the diagnosis may be delayed. We report herein a case of SSEH in a 20-month-old girl who initially presented with neck pain, and developed lower extremity motor weakness and symptoms of neurogenic bladder 2 weeks prior to admission. The magnetic resonance imaging showed an epidural mass lesion extending from C7 to T4, and the spinal cord was severely compressed by the mass. After emergency decompressive surgery the neurologic function was improved immediately. Two months after surgery, the neurological status was normal with achievement of spontaneous voiding. We suggest that surgical intervention can provide excellent prognosis in case of SSEH in infants, even if surgery delayed.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.42 no.3
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• pp.235-237
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• 2007

We describe a case of an unruptured basilar top aneurysm that was associated with early rupture after incomplete coiling. A 62-year-old woman with a history of several small infarctions has undergone coiling of unruptured basilar top aneurysm. Two weeks after initial coiling the patient presented with Hunt and Hess grade IV subarachnoid hemorrhage consistent with a ruptured basilar top aneurysm. Repeat angiography revealed a rupture of recanalized basilar top aneurysm. Second embolization with additional coils resulted in complete occlusion. However, her neurological status was not improved afterward and she was transferred to department of rehabilitation one month after hemorrhage with comatous state. To our knowledge, this is the first case of fatal early rupture after coiling of unruptured aneurysm. It has been speculated that coiling could cause injury to aneurysmal wall and facilitate rupture.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.40 no.5
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• pp.369-372
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• 2006

The dissecting aneurysms of the posterior cerebral circulation arise most commonly from the vertebral artery and occasionally extend to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery[PICA]. The dissecting aneurysm localized in the PICA without involving the vertebral artery is rare. We present a PICA dissecting aneurysm that had kaleidoscopic clinical course of bleeding, occlusion, and recanalization before the surgery. The patient had serial follow-up angiograms based on significant changes of clinical status. The patient successfully underwent microsurgical trapping with clips for the dissecting aneurysm and showed neurological improvement.

• Biotechnology and Bioprocess Engineering:BBE
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.252-256
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• 2003

In this paper we describe the status of a silicon-based microelectrode for neural recording and an advanced neural interface. We have developed a silicon neural probe, using a combination of plasma and wet etching techniques. This process enables the probe thickness to be controlled precisely. To enhance the CMOS compatibility in the fabrication process, we investigated the feasibility of the site material of the doped polycrystalline silicon with small grains of around 50 nm in size. This silicon electrode demonstrated a favorable performance with respect to impedance spectra, surface topography and acute neural recording. These results showed that the silicon neural probe can be used as an advanced microelectrode for neurological applications.

• Journal of TMJ Balancing Medicine
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• v.7 no.1
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• pp.24-31
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• 2017

Applied Kinesiology (AK) is an evaluation system on the functional balance and integration of the body. Functional aspects of the triad of health are evaluated through muscle testing to see if the balance and integration is in an optimal status or is influenced by a given environmental stimulation. Triad of health refers to the structural, chemical, and psychological aspects of the body. Muscle testing in AK is a functional neurological assessment of muscular response to a given environmental stimulation in a given individual. Meridian system and stomatognathic system as in TMJ balancing medicine serve as one of the theoretical basis of AK. This article reviews core concepts of AK, discusses yin-yang balance medicine perspectives and clinical applications of it.

• Journal of Veterinary Clinics
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• v.38 no.2
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• pp.89-93
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• 2021

2-Month-old, three related Perro de Presa Canario dogs were evaluated for similar neurological symptoms like circling, head pressing, depressed mental status, hypermetria, and vocalization. On magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, there were large, bilaterally symmetrical lesions with involvement of thalamus, and brainstem that were T2- and FLAIR-hyperintense and T1-iso/hypointense. There was no inclusion of cerebellum. Single-voxel spectroscopy acquisition was located in the thalamus where abnormalities were found in MR images. The results of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) showed markedly decreased N-acetylaspartic acid value. Euthanasia was performed and lesions consistent with the canine spongy degeneration. Alteration in metabolites in the brain can be determined by MRS, which helps in diagnosing degeneration/leukodystrophy of the central nervous system in dogs.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.65 no.3
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• pp.385-396
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• 2022

Abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants, especially acute subdural hematoma, has an extremely poor outcome. The most decisive and important finding is the appearance of a widespread low-density area on head computed tomography. This phenomenon was traditionally thought to be caused by cerebral ischemia. However, many other pathophysiological abnormalities have been found to be intricately involved. Recent studies have found that status epilepticus and hyperperfusion injures are the major causes. Another serious problem associated with AHT is cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA). Many infants are reported to visit to the hospital with CPA, and its pathophysiology has not been fully elucidated. This paper examines the background of these pathological conditions and associated factors and elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms resulting in poor outcomes in AHT. In addition to the intensity of assault on the head, the peculiar pathophysiological characteristics in infants, as well as the social background specific to child abuse, are found to be associated with poor outcome.