PurposeDespite the prevalence and cost of traumatic brain injury related disabilities, there is paucity in the literature on modern approaches to pharmacotherapy. Medications may promote recovery by enhancing some neurological functions without impacting others. Herein we discussed the role of bromocriptine in neurorehabilitation for patients with traumatic brain injury.MethodsA cohort comprising of 36 selective nonsurgical cases of traumatic brain injury in minimally conscious state were enrolled in the study. After hemodynamic stability, bromocriptine was given at paediatric dose of 3.75 mg/d and adult dose of 7.5 mg/d. It was administered through a naso-gastric (NG) feeding tube in the patients with minimally conscious state, then changed to oral route after proper swallowing and good gag reflex were ensured in the patient. The drug was slowly reduced over three weeks after neurological improvement in the patients. Positive result was determined by improved GCS score of 2 and motor power by at least 1 British Medical Council (BMC) motor score. Improvement of deficits was evaluated in terms of fluency of speech for aphasia, task switching, digit span double tasking and trail-making test for cognition and attention, and functional independence measure score for motor functioning and self-independence.ResultsAccelerated arousal was seen in 47.0% of cases (8/17) in 4–40 days. In 41.2% of cases (7/17), Glasgow outcome score (GOS) was improved to 4/5 in 90 days. Improvement in hemiparesis by at least 1 BMC score was seen in 55.6% of cases (5/9) in 40 days. Aphasia was improved in 80% of cases (4/5) in 7–30 days. Moderate improvement in cognitive impairment was seen in 66.7% of cases (2/3) in 14–20 days. Improvement in memory was observed in 50% of cases (1/2) in over 30 days. No cases were withdrawn from the study because of adverse reactions of the drug. There was no mortality in the study group.ConclusionBromocriptine improves neurological sequelae of traumatic brain injury as well as the overall outcome in the patients. If medication is given to promote recovery and treat its associated disabilities, clinicians should thoroughly outline the goals and closely monitor adverse effects.
It is prudent to have early diagnosis and timely management of uncal herniation for better management of neurosurgical patients. There are several clinical and radiological armamentariums that aid in early recognition of the condition. Through this case report, we try to highlight a simple bedside clinical sign that can be a valuable adjunct in early recognition of the impending uncal herniation especially in scenarios wherein it is difficult to assess the pupillary size and reactivity correctly. The improvement in the sign also confirms the resolution of the mass effect in the postoperative period. This is especially helpful for doctors working in the periphery or in resource restrained areas, for a timely referral of the patient to tertiary centre.
Glasgow coma scale is the most cited paper in neurosurgery. It has vast implications in the fields of neurology and neurosurgery. But lack of proper understanding in the neuro-anatomical basis of the score is the Achilles heel in proper utilization of the same. Herein we review the anatomical aspects behind each variable in the score. We also discuss common limitations of the score and highlight future directives to limit the same.
It is prudent to have early diagnosis and timely management of uncal herniation for better management of neurosurgical patients. There are several clinical and radiological armamentariums that aid in early recognition of the condition. Through this case report, we try to highlight a simple bedside clinical sign that can be a valuable adjunct in early recognition of the impending uncal herniation especially in scenarios wherein it is difficult to assess the pupillary size and reactivity correctly. The improvement in the sign also confirms the resolution of the mass effect in the postoperative period. This is especially helpful for doctors working in the periphery or in resource restrained areas, for a timely referral of the patient to tertiary centre.
Socket preservation technique preserves the soft and the hard tissues after tooth extraction; hence minimizing the need for any augmentation procedures in the future. Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF) enhances the osteogenic differentiation and the healing process so can be utilised for socket preservation. This is a case report of utilizing PRF in combination with hydroxyapatite crystals in an extracted socket, to preserve the future implant site. The tooth was extracted atraumatically and the socket was thoroughly debrided. Venous blood was collected from the patient’s antecubital fossa and PRF was prepared immediately by centrifuging the collected blood at 3000 rpm for 10 minutes. A mixture of hydroxyapatite and PRF was placed in the socket; covered by a PRF membrane and sutured with 3-0 silk suture. The radiographic and clinical evaluation demonstrated satisfactory regeneration of bone and soft tissue. Socket preservation technique using PRF and hydroxyapatite is an effective method for achieving sound bone and tissue for implant placement.
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