• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.116-124
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• 2006

Peripheral nerve injuries are a commonly encountered clinical problem and often result in chronic pain and severe functional deficits. At the Dept. of Oriental Rehab. Medicine, we have used for pain control a herbal bath containing the following herbs: Harpagophytum radix, Atractylodes japonica and Corydalis tuber. In the present study, we investigated the effects of this herbal bath on the recovery rate of the locomotor function and the expression of c-Fos in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vIPAG) region of the brain following sciatic crushed nerve injury in rats. In the present study, characteristic gait change with decreasing of the sciatic function index (SFI) was observed and c-Fos expression in the vIPAG was suppressed following sciatic crushed nerve injury in rats. Immersion into herbal bath enhanced SFI value and restored c-Fos expression in the vIPAG to the control value. These results suggest the herbal bath might activate neurons in the vIPAG, and could facilitate functional recovery from peripheral nerve injury.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.21 no.4
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• pp.244-248
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• 2020

The infraorbital nerve is a branch of the trigeminal nerve. Injury to the infraorbital nerve can be caused by trauma, including various facial fractures. Due to this nerve injury, patients complain of numbness and pain in the entire cheek, the ala of nose, and upper lip. In general, spontaneous sensory recovery is expected after decompressive surgery. If nerve transection is confirmed, however, neurorrhaphy is typically performed. Here, we present a case in which microsurgery was not performed in a patient with Sunderland grade V avulsion injury of the infraorbital nerve due to a facial bone fracture. Gradual nerve function recovery was confirmed to be possible with conservative treatment and rehabilitation alone. These findings suggest that the nerve function recovery can be expected with conservative treatment, even for severe nerve injury for which microsurgery cannot be considered.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Clinical Toxicology
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.33-36
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• 2016

Purpose: This study was conducted to identify the characteristics associated with sulfuric acid injury in the emergency department. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from January 2007 to December 2015 on all sulfuric acid injuries presenting to the emergency department in Gu-mi Soonchunhyung University Hospital. Patients injured by sulfuric acid were recorded over a nine year study period and collected data included demographics, injury mechanism, injured body part, hospital care and final diagnosis. Results: A total of 26 cases were identified. Most patients were male (88.5%) and the face was the most commonly injured body part. The most common mechanism of injury was splashing injury. A total of 16 (61.5%) patients were identified as having lesions worse than second degree burns. Conclusion: Sulfuric acid can cause severe and fatal skin burn. When working with sulfuric acid, acid proof protect clothing, goggles and glove should be worn. Furthermore, safety education and workplace environment improvement are necessary to reduce sulfuric acid injury.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.31 no.3
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• pp.66-78
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• 2010

Background: Peripheral nerve injuries are a commonly-encountered clinical problem and often result in a chronic pain and severe functional deficits. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on the descending pain and the recovery of the locomotor function that follows sciatic crushed nerve injury in rats. Method: In order to assess the effects of acupuncture on the descending pain and functional recovery, we investigated the walking track analysis, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor tyrosine receptor kinase B (TrkB) expression in the sciatic nerve, and on the expressions of c-Fos and nitric oxide synthase in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus and in the ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) region resulting from sciatic crushed nerve injury in rats. Results: Acupuncture treatment at Huantiao (GB30), Yanglingquan (GB34), and Weizhong (BL40) facilitated functional recovery. C-Fos and nitric oxide synthase expressions in the brain and BDNF and TrkB expressions in the sciatic nerve were decreased by acupuncture treatment. The most potent effects of acupuncture were observed at the GB30 acupoint. Conclusion: It is possible that acupuncture can be used for pain control and functional recovery from sciatic nerve injury.

• The Korean Journal of Emergency Medical Services
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• v.9 no.1
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• pp.95-99
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• 2005

Penetrating neck trauma by gunshot injury involving tracheobronchial tree is rare in Korea. Extensive tissue damage by cavitation, tissue fragmentation and shock wave transmission of high-velocity projectile along with associated organ injury renders high rate of mortality and morbidity. A 28 year old man in military service with gunshot wound in left cervical area presented initial symptoms of severe dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema. Computed tomography of chest and cervical region as well as bronchoscopic evaluation was performed to confirm highly suspected injury to cervical trachea. Surgical exposure was established through a low collar incision; the damaged segment of 3.5 cm length including 2-4th tracheal rings was resected out and end-to-end anastomosis was performed. Bleeding from lacerated anterior jugular vein was controlled by ligation of both ends and a K2 bulllet was found upon inner border of body of first rib, medial to right carotid sheath and removed out. Cervical esophagus, carotid artery, internal jugular vein and recurrent laryngeal nerve were spared. Extubation was done on the first postoperative day and postoperative course until discharge on nineth postoperative day remained uneventful.

• Laboraroty Animal Research
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• v.33 no.3
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• pp.244-250
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• 2017

${\alpha}$-Synuclein is abundantly expressed in neuronal tissue, plays an essential role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, and exerts a neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress. Cerebral ischemia causes severe neurological disorders and neuronal dysfunction. In this study, we examined ${\alpha}$-synuclein expression in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced cerebral ischemic injury and neuronal cells damaged by glutamate treatment. MCAO surgical operation was performed on male Sprague-Dawley rats, and brain samples were isolated 24 hours after MCAO. We confirmed neurological behavior deficit, infarction area, and histopathological changes following MCAO injury. A proteomic approach and Western blot analysis demonstrated a decrease in ${\alpha}$-synuclein in the cerebral cortices after MCAO injury. Moreover, glutamate treatment induced neuronal cell death and decreased ${\alpha}$-synuclein expression in a hippocampal-derived cell line in a dose-dependent manner. It is known that ${\alpha}$-synuclein regulates neuronal survival, and low levels of ${\alpha}$-synuclein expression result in cytotoxicity. Thus, these results suggest that cerebral ischemic injury leads to a reduction in ${\alpha}$-synuclein and consequently causes serious brain damage.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.2
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• pp.255-260
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• 2021

Objective : We aimed to investigate the presence of brachial plexus injury (BPI) in traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients and to draw attention to BPI, which can be overlooked by physicians in TBI patients. Methods : The study was designed retrospectively by examining the files of 58 patients with moderate to severe TBI to investigate coexistence of TBI and BPI. Results : BPI was detected in six of 58 TBI patients (10.3%). BPI was detected after an average 116 days from the initial injury. Three patients had lower trunk BPI and three patients had panplexopathy. Conclusion : Diagnosis of BPI in patients with TBI is delayed in the acute period of injury. The clinicians should keep in mind that BPIs may occur and remain undiagnosed in patients with TBI.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.35 no.4
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• pp.282-286
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• 2022

Complete cricotracheal separation, which is the most severe type of laryngeal trauma, is an uncommonly seen injury that clinicians have limited experience in managing. However, it is potentially fatal. Due to limited exposure to this condition, mismanagement can occur, which may further aggravate the patient's condition. The most crucial part of managing this injury is to establish a secure airway. Tracheostomy under local anesthesia is the preferred method of airway stabilization, in order to avoid further injuries to the airway caused by endotracheal intubation. Here, we discuss the management of complete cricotracheal separation based on a case experienced in the east coast region of Malaysia, where this type of injury is rarely encountered.

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.22 no.1
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• pp.87-96
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• 2009

Purpose: Injuries are the most important cause of morbidity and mortality in the childhood population worldwide. Thus, this study was down to investigate the type and the severity of injuries according to the age group in childhood. Methods: A survey of injury information and a chart review were done on 378 children (257 boys, 121 girls) who visited the Emergency Departments of Asan Medical Center from March 1, 2009, to March 31, 2009. To determine differences in injury mechanism, accident place, injury site, New Injury Severity Score (NISS) and Pediatric Trauma Score (PTS), we divided the 378 patients into 4 group: under 1 year, 1 to 4 years, 5 to 9 years, and 10 to 15 years. Results: The mean (${\pm}SD$) age of the study group was 5.1 (${\pm}4.4$) years. Two year olds formed the largest group of injured children, with 77 cases (20.4% of the total). The most common cause of injury in childhood was being hit by an object (26.2%). Falls were frequent in the under-1-year group (22.2%) and slip downs (30.1%) were more frequent in 1-to-4-year group. More than half (53.4%) of the injuries occurred in the home, and the most common places of home-related injuries were the living room (41.1%) and the bedroom (31.2%). The mean (${\pm}SD$) NISS was 1.5 (${\pm}1.8$), and traffic accidents had the highest NISS ($2.8{\pm}5.1$). Injuries occurred most frequently during the evening. The peak period was 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM (33.7%). Conclusion: Patterns of childhood injury by age group were considerably different, and less severe and nonhospitalized injuries were common. Thus, need to improve surveillance of a variety of injuries, promote intersectional collaboration, build institutional capacities and mobilize community support and policy as an investment in prevention.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.1
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• pp.7-10
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• 2010

Objective: In this study, we present a simple closed head injury model as a two-stage experiment. The height of the weight drop enables gradation of head trauma severity. Methods: The head injury device consists of three parts and there are three adjustable parameters-weight (100-600 g). height of fall (5-100 cm) and elasticity of the springs. Thirty male Wistar rats underwent monitoring of intracranial pressure with and without induction of the head injury. Results: The weight drop from 45 to 100 cm led to immediate seizure activity and early death of the experimental animals. Severe head injury was induced from 40 cm weight drop. There was 50% mortality and all surviving rats had behavioral deterioration. Intracranial pressure was 9.3${\pm}$3.76 mmHg. Moderate head injury was induced from 35 cm, mortality decreased to 20-40%, only half of the animals showed behavioral pathology and intracranial pressure was 7.6${\pm}$3.54 mmHg. Weight drop from 30 cm caused mild head injury without mortality and neurological deterioration. Intracranial pressure was slightly higher compared to sham group- 5.5${\pm}$0.74 mmHg and 2.9${\pm}$0.81 mmHg respectively. Conclusion: This model is an eligible tool to create graded brain injury with stepwise intracranial pressure elevation.