• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.48 no.3
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• pp.301-304
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• 2010

Metronidazole is commonly used for brain abscess but is not well known for its neurotoxic complications. Metronidazole-induced encephalopathy (MIEP) is toxic encephalopathy associated with the use of metronidazole. We experienced a case of brain abscess which developed reversible severe MIEP during treatment period. Although MIEP occurs in typical locations, it is not easy to differentiate from other conditions such as cerebral infarction, demyelinating diseases and metabolic diseases. Neurosurgeons should be aware that severe MIEP can occur during the use of metronidazole though it is not common.

• Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
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• v.40 no.3
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• pp.147-151
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• 2014

In this report, we describe a case of brain abscess due to odontogenic infection. A 53-year-old female who had been suffering from headache and trismus for two weeks visited the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at the Sun Dental Hospital (Daejeon, Korea). Even after several routine tests, we still could not make a diagnosis. However, after the combined multidisciplinary efforts of oral surgeons and neurosurgeons, the patient was treated for odontogenic infection and made an uneventful recovery. Therefore, patients with infections in the head and neck region showing symptoms such as headache, changes in mental state, nausea, vomiting, seizures, hemiplegia, speech disturbance, and visual disturbance, a brain abscess should be included in the list of differential diagnoses.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.37 no.1
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• pp.63-66
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• 2005

The authors report a case of Currarino triad which had a congenital anorectal stenosis associated with a sacral defect and a presacral mass. A 1-year-old female presented with constipation since birth. Neurological deficits were not found on admission. She had had a diverting colostomy due to anorectal stenosis at another hospital before admission. Lumbar X-ray films showed bony defect caudal to the third sacral vertebra. Magnetic resonance image demonstrated a round cystic pelvic mass which was connected with a dural sac via anterior sacral defect. Posterior approach with Intradural removal of the presacral cystic mass was performed and followed by anoplasty by a pediatric surgeon. The cystic mass was verified histologically as mature teratoma with cystic change. Postoperatively, the urinary function and bowel movement remained intact. Currarino triad should be suspected and evaluated physically and radiographically in a case of congenital anorectal stenosis. Prompt recognition and close cooperation between pediatric surgeons and neurosurgeons is advisable to ensure adequate surgical treatment.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.54 no.2
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• pp.142-144
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• 2013

A 49-year-old female with a history of several neurosurgical and otolaryngologic procedures for occipital meningioma and cerebrospinal fluid leaks was diagnosed with pneumocephalus after a one hour flight on a domestic jet airliner. Despite multiple operations, the air appeared to enter the cranium through a weak portion of the skull base due to the low atmospheric pressure in the cabin. The intracranial air was absorbed with conservative management. The patient was recommended not to fly before a definite diagnostic work up and a sealing procedure for the cerebrospinal fluid leak site had been performed. Recent advances in aviation technology have enabled many people to travel by air, including individuals with medical conditions. Low cabin pressure is not dangerous to healthy individuals; however, practicing consultant neurosurgeons should understand the cabin environment and prepare high risk patients for safe air travel.

• Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
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• v.51 no.12
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• pp.1282-1289
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• 2008

Recently, accumulated clinical experience and advanced neuroradiological techniques have led to a better understanding of pediatric cerebrovascular disease (CVD), which was once considered rare. Approximately 10% of pediatric neurosurgical patients have CVD; therefore, it is no longer uncommon to pediatricians and pediatric neurosurgeons. Furthermore, children with CVD tend to recover better than adults after stroke because the immature brain is more plastic than the mature one. Therefore, active treatment often proves more rewarding in pediatric medicine than in adult medicine.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.44 no.5
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• pp.341-344
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• 2008

The authors present a case of 68-year-old woman who underwent resection of a metastatic adenocarcinoma in the left parietooccipital area. The intraoperative course was uneventful; however, after closure of the scalp incision, increased bleeding from the suture line was noted. A computerized tomography scan that was performed immediately after operation revealed acute epidural hemorrhage with mass effect under the bone flap. The patient developed disseminated intravascular coagulation and immediate re-exploration was performed. This patient was successfully treated owing to early recognition of the condition and immediate treatment with transfusion. Neurosurgeons should be alert that hypercoagulabe state is common in cancer patients and consumptive coagulopathy can occur after resection of metastatic brain tumor.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.111-113
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• 2008

Recently, Harms and Melcher modified Goel's approach, the C1 lateral mass and C2 pedicle screw fixation, and the new technique is currently in favor among neurosurgeons. Comparing to the advantages of Harms construct, the disadvantages were not extensively investigated. We experienced a patient with severe occipital pain developed after the C1 lateral mass screw placement for the traumatic atlantoaxial instability. We reviewed literatures about Harms construct with focus on the occipital neuralgia as a postoperative complication and suggest here technical tips to avoid the troublesome pain.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.64 no.3
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• pp.340-345
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• 2021

Humans do not have tails; however, a congenital anomaly named "human tail" has been recognized since old times. In contrast with its impactful name, the anomaly itself is not fatal, and thus it has not been considered as a clinically serious symptom. However, many case reports suggested that retention of "the tail" is closely associated with spinal cord malformation and should be treated with care by neurosurgeons. Therefore, this review summarizes our knowledge regarding the anatomy, function, and development of the tail as a general structure in mammals. Learning the basic knowledge regarding tail anatomy and development would help clinicians to understand the "human tail" more concisely and to select more appropriate examinations or treatments in relation to this congenital anomaly.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.3
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• pp.302-312
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• 2019

Stereoelectroencephalography (SEEG) is an invasive technique used during the surgical management of medically refractory epilepsy. The utility of SEEG rests in its ability to survey the three-dimensional organization of the epileptogenic zone as well as nearby eloquent cortices. Once concentrated to specialized centers in Europe and Canada, the SEEG methodology has gained worldwide popularity due to its favorable morbidity profile, superior coverage of deep structures, and ability to perform multi-lobar explorations without the need for craniotomy. This rapid shift in practice represents both a challenge and an opportunity for pediatric neurosurgeons familiar with the subdural grid approach. The purpose of this review is to discuss the indications, technique, and safety of long-term SEEG monitoring in children. In addition to reviewing the conceptual and technical points of the diagnostic evaluation, attention will also be given to SEEG-based interventions (e.g., radiofrequency thermo-coagulation).

• Journal of Trauma and Injury
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.256-259
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• 2020

Although traumatic posterior fossa subdural hematoma (TPFSH) in neonates immediately after birth is extremely rare, it can pose a serious clinical problem in the neonatal period. Here, the author presents the case of a 3-day-old male infant who underwent emergency surgical treatment of TPFSH with a favorable outcome. Debate continues about surgical versus conservative treatment of TPFSH in neonates. The clinical symptoms, extent of hemorrhage, early diagnosis, and prompt and appropriate surgery are the most important factors in the treatment of TPFSH in neonates. Therefore, neurosurgeons should establish treatment strategies based on the newborn's clinical condition, the size and location of the TPFSH, and the potential of the hematoma to cause long-term complications.