Invasive brain stimulation technologies are allowing the improvement of multiple neurological diseases that were non-manageable in the past. Nowadays, this technology is widely used for movement disorders and is undergoing multiple clinical and basic science research for development of new applications. Epilepsy is one of the conditions that can benefit from these emerging technologies. The objective of this manuscript is to review literature about historical background, current principles and outcomes of available modalities of neuromodulation and deep brain stimulation in epilepsy patients.

Background: Surgical resection of lesions in the posterior incisural space presents a significant surgical challenge, which may result in postoperative visual complications and other neurological deficits. We, therefore, describe a retractorless interhemispheric transtentorial approach that avoids surrounding brain structures with positive outcomes and no complications or visual damage. Case Description: We present four cases of lesions in the posterior incisural space that was treated with a retractorless interhemispheric transtentorial approach. Two patients were previously seen at another institution for a falcotentorial meningioma. We resected the meningiomas with a parietal-occipital interhemispheric transtentorial approach with no neurological deficits. A third patient presented with a large superior vermian hemangioblastoma with a steep angle of the tentorium. The fourth patient had a large upper vermian metastatic lesion with progressive enlargement, which was refractory to radiation treatments and chemotherapy, and we achieved partial resection. Postoperative visual function was completely preserved in all patients. Conclusion: A carefully executed retractorless interhemispheric approach in select cases is an effective option to reduce morbidity and prevent visual complications when removing lesions in the posterior tentorial incisure.

Background: Choroid plexus papilloma represents 1–4% of pediatric brain tumors, mostly located in the ventricular atrium.[1] Intraventricular tumors represent a challenge due to the poor visualization of the surgical field and damage to surrounding structures.[2] Use of tubular retraction reduces cerebrovascular trauma to the surrounding parenchyma by distributing pressure uniformly, allowing less invasive corticotomy, and more stability on surgical corridors that allow the surgeon to use both hands and external visualization devices.[2-5] Case Description: We present the case of a 3-year-old boy with progressive headache, vomiting, and loss of control in the left hand for 3 months, with a history of ventricular shunt placement for acute obstructive hydrocephalus. The MRI revealed large lobulated lesion, which was hypointense on T1, hyperintense on T2, marked enhancement on T1 C+ (Gd) within the atrium of the right lateral ventricle, and spectroscopy with a peak of choline. Written consent for the use of photos and videos on this work was obtained from the patient’s mother. A high-definition two-dimensional exoscope (VITOM^® Karl Storz, Tuttlingen) was used during the surgical approach and throughout tumor removal, which was aided by ViewSite Brain Access System (VBAS^®; Vycor Medical Inc.).[3] We performed a transparietal minimally invasive transsulcal parafascicular approach through the Frazier point for direct access to the ventricular atrium. Histological examination confirmed atypical choroid plexus papilloma. Postoperative imaging shows no residual tumor. The postoperative course was satisfactory with improvement of the headache and control of the left hand, leading to discharge home 1 week after surgery. Conclusion: The tubular transparietal minimally invasive approach obviates the need for traditional approaches to the atrium. This technique is safe and effective for the treatment of intraventricular and periventricular lesions, thus making this challenging target in more accessible to neurosurgeons, avoiding structure damage and any associated morbidity or mortality.

The authors report a case in which a 38-year-old male who presented himself to the emergency department with a chief complaint of cervical neck pain and paresthesia radiating from the right pectoral region down his distal right arm following self-manipulation of the patient’s own cervical vertebrae. Initial emergency department imaging via cervical x-ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without contrast revealed no cervical fractures; however, there was evidence of an acute cervical disc herniation (C3–C7) with severe herniation and spinal stenosis located at C5–C6. Immediate discectomy at C5–C6 and anterior arthrodesis was conducted in order to decompress the cervical spinal cord. Acute traumatic cervical disc herniation is rare in comparison to disc herniation due to the chronic degradation of the posterior annulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus. Traumatic cervical hernias usually arise due to a very large external force causing hyperflexion or hyperextension of the cervical vertebrae. However, there have been reports of cervical injury arising from cervical spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) where a licensed professional applies a rotary force component. This can be concerning, considering that 12 million Americans receive SMT annually (Powell, F.C.; Hanigan, W.C.; Olivero, W.C. A risk/benefit analysis of spinal manipulation therapy for relief of lumbar or cervical pain. Neurosurgery 1993, 33, 73–79.). This case study involved an individual who was able to apply enough rotary force to his own cervical vertebrae, causing severe neurological damage requiring surgical intervention. Individuals with neck pain should be advised of the complications of SMT, and provided with alternative treatment methods, especially if one is willing to self manipulate.

Background: It is well known that intracranial aneurysms can be associated to fibromuscular dysplasia (FMD). Nevertheless, it is not clear the best treatment strategy when there is an association of giant symptomatic cavernous carotid aneurysm with extensive cervical internal carotid artery (ICA) FMD. Case Description: We present the case of 63 year-old right-handed female with hypothyroidism, 1 month history of right-sided pulsatile headache and visual disturbances with feeling of fullness sensation and blurry vision. Her neurological exam showed partial right oculomotor nerve palsy with mild ptosis, asymmetric pupils (right 5 mm and left 3mm, both reactive), and mild exotropia, normal visual acuity. Computed tomography angiogram and conventional angiogram showed 2.5 × 2.6 × 2.6 cm non-ruptured aneurysm arising from cavernous segment of the right ICA. She had right hypoplastic posterior communicant artery, and collateral flow through anterior communicant artery during balloon test occlusion and the presence of right cervical ICA FMD. The patient was started on aspirin. After lengthy discussion of treatment options in our neurovascular department, between observations, endovascular treatment with flow diverter device, or high flow bypass, recommendation was to perform high flow bypass and patient consented for the procedure. We performed right-sided pterional trans-sylvian microsurgical approach and right neck dissection at common carotid bifurcation under electrophysiology monitoring (somatosensory evoked potentials and electroencephalography); while vascular surgery department assisted with the radial artery graft harvesting. The radial artery graft was passed through preauricular tunnel, cranially was anastomosed at superior trunk of middle cerebral artery, and caudally at external carotid artery (Video). Intraoperative angiogram showed adequate bypass patency and lack of flow within aneurysm. The patient was extubated postoperatively and discharged home with aspirin in postoperative day 5. Improvement on oculomotor deficit was complete 3 weeks after surgery. Conclusion: Nowadays, endovascular therapy can manage small to large cavernous ICA aneurysms even if associated to FMD, although giant symptomatic cavernous carotid aneurysms impose a different challenge. Here, we present the management for the association of symptomatic giant cavernous ICA aneurysm and cervical ICA FMD with high flow bypass. We consider important to keep the skills in the cerebrovascular neurosurgeon armamentarium for the safe management of these lesions.