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Biomarker levels are associated with ICP and CPP and reflect different aspects of brain injury as evaluated by CT-scan. The biomarkers might predict mortality. There are several pitfalls influencing the interpretation of biomarker data in respect to ICP, CPP, CT-findings and clinical outcome.

The pulsating mass proved to be a postoperative aneurysm of the superficial temporal artery (S.T.A.) and was successfully occluded with 500 units Thrombostat (thrombin glue) which was injected into the aneurysm sac using a 22-gauge needle guided by ultrasound. The permanency of the obliteration was verified by ultrasound examination.

A new method is described for protecting the brain after decompressive craniectomy in which a temporary methylmethacrylate flap is formed, somewhat larger than the original bone flap, thus gaining "extra" volume for the oedematous brain in which to expand. The present procedure was developed as a part of ordinary clinical practice particularly in response to demands from the NICU staff and our colleagues at other clinics who were responsible for the care of the patient in the post NICU period. They made us keenly aware that these patients frequently lack optimal co-ordination and balance and therefore run an increased risk of trauma to the unprotected brain when falling. This prompted us to develop a method for brain protection after decompressive craniectomy aiding in the care and rehabilitation until the final installation of the patient's own bone flap can be performed.

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Study Design.. We retrospectively analyzed Spinal Instability Neoplastic Score (SINS) in 110 patients with prostate cancer operated for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC). Objective.. We aimed to investigate the association between SINS and clinical outcomes after surgery for MSCC in patients with prostate cancer. Summary of Background Data.. The SINS is a useful tool for assessing tumor-related spinal instability, but its prognostic value regarding survival and neurological outcome is still controversial. Methods.. We analyzed 110 consecutive patients with prostate cancer who underwent surgery for MSCC. The patients were categorized according to their SINS. Patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC, n = 84) and those with hormone-naïve disease (n = 26) were analyzed separately. Results.. In total, 106 of 110 patients met the SINS criteria for potential instability or instability (scores 7–18). The median SINS was 10 (range 6–15) for patients with CRPC and 9 (7–16) for hormone-naïve patients. In the CRPC group, the SINS was classified as stable (score 0–6) in 4 patients, as potentially unstable (score 7–12) in 70 patients, and as unstable (score 13–18) in 10 patients. In the hormone-naïve group, 22 patients met the SINS criteria for potential instability and 4 patients for instability. There was no statistically significant difference in the overall risk for death between the SINS potentially unstable and unstable categories (adjusted hazard ratio 1.3, P = 0.4), or in the risk of loss of ambulation 1 month after surgery (adjusted odds ratio 1.4, P = 0.6). Conclusion.. The SINS is helpful in assessing spinal instability when selecting patients for surgery, but it does not predict survival or neurological outcomes. Patients with a potential spinal instability benefit equally from surgery for MSCC as do patients with spinal instability. Level of Evidence: 3

The Rotterdam classification seems to be appropriate for describing the evolution of the injuries on the CT scans and contributes in predicting of outcome in patients treated with an ICP-targeted therapy. The Morris-Marshall classification can also be used for prognostication of outcome but it describes only the impact of traumatic subarachnoid hemorrhage (tSAH).

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