History Of Neurosurgery Research Articles

A brief history of neurosurgery in Bosnia and Herzegovina: historical vignette.

The modern period of neurosurgery in Bosnia and Herzegovina began with the first neurosurgical procedure performed by Dr. Karl Bayer in 1891 on 3 patients with depressed skull fractures and epilepsy. In 1956 the Department of Surgery in Sarajevo designated several beds specifically for a neurosurgical unit. A significant milestone in the history of neurosurgery in Bosnia and Herzegovina was the establishment of the Division of Neurosurgery at the Clinical Center University of Sarajevo in 1970. The first neurosurgeon to complete his training in Bosnia and Herzegovina was Dr. Faruk Konjhodžić. The first female neurosurgeon was Dr. Nermina Iblizović. Presently, there are 7 neurosurgical departments in the country, located in Sarajevo, Tuzla, Zenica, Mostar, Banja Luka, Bihać, and Foča. The Association of Neurosurgeons in Bosnia and Herzegovina, founded in 2003, is a member of the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies and the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. The aim of this historical paper is to provide a concise chronology of important events and mention key individuals who have contributed to the development of modern neurosurgery in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Neurosurgical landscape in Pakistan: Past, present and future perspectives

Intricate fields have always posed a challenge for the healthcare department all over the world, particularly in developing countries. This article elaborates on the history of neurosurgery in a developing country like Pakistan. In addition, it provides a summary of a roadmap that a young healthcare practitioner, who inspires to become a respectable neurosurgeon may need. After Pakistan gained its independence, Dr. Omer Wali Jooma became the first healthcare practitioner who planted the seed of an official department of Neurosurgery in Jinnah hospital, Karachi. Various challenges include the absence of a non-standardized curriculum, a non-updated syllabus, severe deficiency of neurosurgeons in a country facing massive growth spurt, lack of facilities for a young trainee etc. These factors contribute to the bleeding of the department from various sites and the wounds needs to be addressed and stitched as soon as possible to make the department successful.

To the origins of surgery for acoustic neuromas

Acoustic neuroma is one of the most common tumors of the posterior cranial fossa. Its removal is always a challenge for the neurosurgeon and the patient. The history of surgery for acoustic neuromas is inextricably linked with the history of neurosurgery in general. The modern surgical community must know history and be able to use it. Only then will the development of surgery lead to the preservation of the quality of life of patients. In the history of surgery for acoustic neuromas, the stages of its development are clearly visible from the description of the clinical picture through the study of the anatomy of the cerebellopontine angle to modern microsurgical removal.

History of neurosurgery at Howard University: the nation's only historically black academic institution that practices neurological surgery.

Howard University Hospital has been a pillar for healthcare delivery in the Black community, an underserved sector of Washington, DC, since its founding in 1862. Neurological surgery, one of the many areas of service provided, was established by trailblazer Dr. Clarence Greene Sr., who was appointed the division's first chief in 1949. Because of the color of his skin, Dr. Greene had to complete his neurosurgical training at the Montreal Neurological Institute, as he was refused the opportunity to train in the United States. He went on to become the first African American to be board certified in neurological surgery in 1953. Drs. Jesse Barber, Gary Dennis, and Damirez Fossett, the subsequent division chiefs, have all continued Dr. Greene's legacy of providing academic enrichment and subserving a disparate population. Many patients who may not have received treatment otherwise have been able to receive exemplary neurosurgical care from them. Under their tutelage, numerous African American medical students have gone on to train in neurological surgery. Future directions include developing a residency program, collaborating with other neurosurgery programs in continental Africa and the Caribbean, and establishing a fellowship for training international students.

Treatise of Jacopo Berengario da Carpi “De fractura calve”

This article describes the treatise “De fractura calve” (“About skull fractures”) of the famous Italian Renaissance physician and anatomist Jacopo Berengario da Carpi, published in 1518. In this work, rightly considered a milestone in the history of neurosurgery and neurotraumatology, the author not only described the symptoms of head injuries, but also offered their classification, basics of differential diagnosis, surgical tactics, and the necessary instruments.

Great Hospitals: The History of Neurosurgery at the University of Vermont Medical Center–A Macroscopic Examination of Microscope-Savvy Pioneers

The University of Vermont's (UVM) Division of Neurosurgery is enshrined in a rich history of innovation and academic prowess, which have significantly contributed to making neurosurgery the field it is today. From humble beginnings, the department was started by one Raymond Madiford Peardon "Pete" Donaghy on a parenthetically watertight research budget amounting to $25 and shared space in a Quonset hut. Passion and commitment to progress, as well as an innate openness to collaboration, propelled Pete Donaghy, his colleagues, pupils, and successors to establish an exemplary center for treatment of neurosurgical disease, with multiple revolutionary accomplishments along the way. These accomplishments include the birth and promotion of microneurosurgery, the performance of the first extracranial to intracranial bypass, and the education of other neurosurgical giants. The New England Skull Base Course, held annually in UVM's "R.M. Peardon Donaghy Microvascular and Skull Base Laboratory," is a 3-day cadaver-based teaching course for neurosurgery and ear nose and throat residents throughout New England. The course bears testament to Donaghy's everlasting influence on the UVM Division of Neurosurgery and continues to positively affect the education of countless trainees. The purpose of this historical perspective is to outline the events and accomplishments that define the UVM Division of Neurosurgery's many contributions to the field at large and the ongoing efforts to honor Donaghy's example through maintaining a culture of humility, hard work, and commitment to neurosurgical innovation and education.

The life and legacy of William Beecher Scoville.

Dr. William Beecher Scoville (1906-1984) is a giant figure in the history of neurosurgery, well known by the public for his operation on Patient H.M. He developed dozens of neurosurgical instruments and techniques, with many tools named after him that are still widely used today. He founded numerous neurosurgical societies around the world. He led the movement in psychosurgery, developing the technique of selective orbital undercutting and performing hundreds of lobotomies throughout his career. However, his many contributions to the advancement of neurosurgery have not been well described in the medical literature. To bridge the knowledge gap, this article seeks to detail the life and career of William Beecher Scoville and bring to attention the enduring impact of his work.

Abstract TP170: Pediatric Acute Stroke Team Activation: Differentiating Stroke From Mimics

Acute pediatric stroke is a medical emergency requiring prompt recognition and treatment because quicker treatment improves neurologic outcomes and reduces excess resource usage on stroke mimics (non-stroke diagnoses). There is a clear need to better differentiate between strokes and their mimics. We performed a single center retrospective cohort study using data from March 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020. We included pediatric patients (> 1m to < 18y) evaluated in the tertiary children’s hospital ED for a stroke team activation. We compared clinical features for patients with stroke and those with a stroke mimic. Of 179 children included in the study (55% female, mean age 11.2y, SD 5.7y), 38 children (21% of total patients, 50% female, mean age 10.5 SD, 6.2 years) were diagnosed with stroke. Strokes included acute ischemic stroke (AIS) (73.7%), hemorrhagic stroke (HS) (18.4%), and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) (10.5%). The most common stroke mimics were seizure (14.5%), headache (10.5%), Bell's palsy (5.6%), and conversion disorder (2.7%). Compared to mimics, stroke patients were less likely to have a history of neurosurgery (16.3% mimic vs 2.6% stroke, p=0.028) and more likely to have altered level of alertness (7.7% vs 18.4%, p=0.001), abnormal coordination (15.7% vs 36.4%, p=0.036), abnormal muscle strength (33.1% vs 57.9%, p=0.005) and abnormal reflexes (18.9% vs 43.8%, p=0.018). Of note, there were no significant differences in stroke and mimics for: age, sex, race, ethnicity, basic metabolic panel or CBC, and time from last seen well. Differentiating between strokes and mimics remains difficult without comprehensive diagnostic testing. Our study found that stroke patients are more likely present with altered level of alertness as well as abnormal coordination, muscle strength, and reflexes.

History of Neurosurgery in Malaysia: The Past, Present and Future.

The history of neurosurgery in Malaysia traces back to 1962 and is filled with stories of vibrant and humble neurosurgeons who have dedicated their life to patients and professions. The early development of neurological and neurosurgical services begins from the establishment of the neurosurgery unit at Hospital Kuala Lumpur (HKL), followed by the foundation of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Neuroscience Institute (IKTAR). Due to the exponentially increased demand for the care of neurosurgical patients, many universities and government hospitals have opened their neurosurgical units. In 2001, the formal residency training programme (USM Masters in Neurosurgery) started and since then has produced qualified neurosurgeons that empowered and shaped the present generation. The formation of the Neurosurgical Association of Malaysia (NAM) is another turning point towards bidirectional collaboration with the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (WFNS). Many opportunities were created for educational activities and the expansion of subspecialties in neurosurgery. This article describes the impact of the past neurosurgeons and the endeavors that they had gone through; the present neurosurgeons who pioneered the current neurosurgical services in Malaysia, and the future neurosurgeons that will continue the legacy and bring neurosurgery further ahead in this country.

Neurosurgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center: 1956-2020.

The history of neurosurgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, is reviewed. Kemp Clark, MD, started the academic neurosurgical practice at Parkland Hospital in 1956. Clark developed a robust training program that required the resident to operate early. In 1972, the Dallas Veterans Affairs Hospital was added to the training program. Duke Samson, MD, became chair in 1988. He emphasized technical excellence and honest reporting of surgical outcomes. In 1989, Zale Lipshy University Hospital opened and became a center for neurosurgical care, and Hunt Batjer, MD, became chair in 2012. The program expanded significantly. Along with principles established by his predecessors, Batjer emphasized the need for all neurosurgeons to engage the community and to be active in policy leadership through local and national organizations. During his tenure, the pediatric neurosurgery group at Children's Medical Center Dallas was integrated with the department, and a multidisciplinary spine service was developed. In 2014, the Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute was established, and the William P. Clements Jr. University Hospital opened. For 64 years, UT Southwestern Medical Center has been fertile ground for academic neurosurgery, with a strong emphasis on excellence in patient care.

Traumatic brain injury and the fall of the Aztec empire: 500 years of head injury diagnosis.

Background: The Aztec civilization has been one of the most powerful and organized cultures in the pre-Columbian era in America. Its fall was due to many factors, including the incursion of Spanish colonization and its violent transculturation, associated with the strong influence of its theological traditions and beliefs, which generated a new configuration in its social structure.Methods: Through a qualitative analysis and a systematic review based on the keywords Montezuma and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), we found 70 texts of interest, of which 32 were selected for their anthropological and medical content and their relationship with the history of neurosurgery.Results: The traumatic brain injury (TBI) controversy and its consequences on this leader’s decision-making capacity and personal and social repercussions is evident. There are basically two versions of the story. That of the TBI was caused by his own people, and the other is the death due to injuries caused by the Spaniards. Historical texts that confirm these findings are presented.Conclusion: There is documentary evidence of TBI in the Aztec emperor, which partly explains his decision making behavior in the face of the invading Europeans. However, there is no forensic evidence to determine the causes of his death,

The history of neurosurgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

The Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center has grown considerably from one neurosurgeon in 1923 into a first-class department with diverse subspecialty care and innovative faculty. Founding neurosurgeon Dr. J. Jay Keegan, a student of Harvey Cushing, instituted a legacy of clinical and research excellence that he passed on to his successors. The department created a lecture series to honor Keegan's pioneering techniques and impact in the field, featuring prominent neurosurgeons from across the country. Keegan's successors, such as Dr. Lyal Leibrock, grew the department through a unique partnership with private practice. The current faculty has continued the tradition of exceptional resident training and innovative patient care.

The history of neurosurgery at Baylor College of Medicine.

The development of neurosurgery at Baylor College of Medicine began with the medical school's relocation to the new Texas Medical Center in Houston in 1943. An academic service was organized in 1949 as a section of neurosurgery within Baylor's Department of Surgery. Soon the practice, led by Dr. George Ehni, evolved to include clinical services at Methodist, Jefferson Davis (forerunner of Ben Taub), Texas Children's, the Veterans Affairs, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center hospitals. A neurosurgery residency program was established in 1954. As the clinical practice expanded, neurosurgery was upgraded from a section to a division and then to a department. It has been led by four chiefs/chairs over the past 60 years-Dr. George Ehni (1959-1979), Dr. Robert Grossman (1980-2004), Dr. Raymond Sawaya (2005-2014), and Dr. Daniel Yoshor (2015-2020). Since the 1950s, the department has drawn strength from its robust residency program, its research base in the medical school, and its five major hospital affiliates, which have largely remained unchanged (with the exception of Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center replacing Methodist in 2004). The recent expansion of the residency program to 25 accredited positions and the growing strength of relationships with the "Baylor five" hospitals affiliated with Baylor College of Medicine portend a bright future.

Multicenter Research Data of Epilepsy Management in Patients With Sturge-Weber Syndrome

BackgroundEpilepsy in typical Sturge-Weber syndrome (SWS) is common, and many questions remain regarding the treatment outcomes. We analyzed a large multicenter database with focus on neurological drug treatment in different demographic and SWS characteristic groups. MethodsA total of 268 patients with brain involvement and a history of seizures were selected from a research data registry generated from a multicenter cross-sectional questionnaire. We examined associations between medication use and binary variables such as sex, ethnicity, and brain, skin, and eye involvement laterality. We analyzed group differences in mean number of antiseizure medications and age at diagnosis, enrollment, and seizure onset and examined differences in median SWS neurological scores in groups of interest. ResultsThe most frequently used medications were levetiracetam (48.1%), low-dose aspirin (44.8%), oxcarbazepine (39.9%), and phenobarbital (14.9%). Lamotrigine was more frequently used in adults than in children (P = 0.001). History of neurosurgery was associated with no current antiseizure medication use (P = 0.001), whereas bilateral brain involvement and family history of seizures were associated with using a higher number of antiseizure medications (P = 0.002, P = 0.027, respectively). Subjects with bilateral brain involvement and early seizure onset were associated with using a higher number of antiseizure medications (P = 0.002) and phenobarbital use (0.003). ConclusionsLevetiracetam, low-dose aspirin, and oxcarbazepine were the most frequently used medications. More severely affected patients were frequently on a greater number of antiseizure medications. Surgery for epilepsy was associated with the ability to discontinue antiseizure medication. Longitudinal studies are needed to further investigate medication use in patients with SWS.

Historical High Complexity Neurosurgery Development of One of the Poorest Brazilian Regions

AbstractHuman development rates in the Vale do Jequitinhonha, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, called “Misery Valley,” are among the lowest in the country, not to mention the often precarious psychosocial realities that daily contact with these families reveals. The history of neurosurgery at the Neurosurgical Reference Center at the Vale do Jequitinhonha e Mucuri dates from 2004, when the first neurosurgical procedures were performed in the recently organized Section of Neurosurgery. The historical surgical series shows the positive impact of the service. In 2007, the average was 3 neurosurgeries/month. In the last year, 2018, service growth boosted the record to 34.83 neurosurgeries/month. In addition to performing elective surgery, the neurosurgery team supports the emergency team by performing some neurosurgical procedures. The service number of patients operated since the development of the service is nearly 3,000. Neurosurgery at the Santa Casa de Caridade from Diamantina has been made comparable to the best national neurosurgery services.

The History of Neurosurgery at Houston Methodist Hospital

The history of neurosurgery in Texas is linked with the development over the past century of the Houston Methodist Hospital (HMH) from a 30-bed hospital in downtown Houston to an academic medical center with 900 beds in the Texas Medical Center. Neurosurgery at HMH has developed to meet the needs of the Houston Metropolitan Area, which has grown from 130,000 people in 1919 to 7 million people today. Neurosurgery at HMH has had steady growth and stable leadership with Dr. James Greenwood Jr. 1936-1980, Dr.Robert Grossman 1980-2013, and Dr. Gavin Britz 2013-present, as Chiefs of the Neurosurgical Service. HMH has been affiliated with 2 medical schools: Baylor College of Medicine 1950-2003 and Weill College of Medicine Cornell University 2004-present. Neurosurgical training began at HMH with the establishment of the Baylor College of Medicine Neurosurgery Residency Program with Dr. George Ehni as Program Director 1959-1979 and Dr. Robert Grossman as Program Director 1980-2006. Training has continued in the HMH residency program from 2006 to present with Dr. David Baskin as Program Director. As of 2019, 138 neurosurgical residents have been trained at HMH. The goals of delivering responsible patient care, advancing neurosurgical knowledge, and training the next generation of practitioners and teachers of neurosurgery have remained constant and have been met and remain the mission of the department.

Characterization of Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease and History of Neurosurgery to Identify Potential Iatrogenic Cases.

We previously reported a phenotype of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), CJD-MMiK, that could help identify iatrogenic CJD. To find cases mimicking CJD-MMiK, we investigated clinical features and pathology of 1,155 patients with diagnosed sporadic CJD or unclassified CJD with and without history of neurosurgery. Patients with history of neurosurgery more frequently had an absence of periodic sharp-wave complexes on electroencephalogram than patients without a history of neurosurgery. Among 27 patients with history of neurosurgery, 5 had no periodic sharp-wave complexes on electroencephalogram. We confirmed 1 case of CJD-MMiK and suspected another. Both had methionine homozygosity at codon 129 of the prion protein gene and hyperintensity lesions in the thalamus on magnetic resonance images of the brain, which might be a clinical marker of CJD-MMiK. A subgroup with a history of neurosurgery and clinical features mimicking dura mater graft-associated CJD might have been infected during neurosurgery and had symptoms develop after many years.

Detección de trastornos neurocognitivos en pacientes infectados por HIV mediante pruebas rápidas de cribado

Introducción: Los trastornos neurocognitivos asociados con el HIV (HAND, por sus siglas en inglés) son altamente prevalentes entre las personas que viven con el virus. Existen tres categorías: demencia asociada a HIV, deterioro neurocognitivo leve y trastorno cognitivo asintomático. Diferentes pruebas de cribado son utilizadas para detectarlos: HIV Dementia Scale (HDS), International Dementia Scale (IHDS) y Mini Mental Test (MMSE).
 Objetivo: Identificar mediante tres pruebas la presencia de trastornos cognitivos en pacientes infectados con HIV y su relación con diferentes factores de riesgo.
 Métodos: Estudio prospectivo analítico. Criterios de exclusión: neuroinfecciones, patologías psiquiátricas, uso de drogas de abuso, alcoholismo, TCE y antecedentes de neurocirugía.
 Resultados: Se incluyeron 51 pacientes entre 18 y 67 años. La prevalencia de HAND fue 25,5%. Presentaban deterioro neurocognitivo: el 66% HDS, 14% IHDS y 29% MMSE; y demencia el 73% HDS, 29% IHDS y 7% MMSE. Se encontró asociación entre HAND y diferentes factores de riego, como edad, desnutrición, nivel instructivo bajo, ≥ tiempo desde el diagnóstico de la infección, bajo recuento de LTCD4+, carga viral detectable y tiempo de inicio de TARV. El 100% de los pacientes tenía al menos un antirretroviral con alta penetración de la barrera hematoencefálica.
 Conclusiones: Los diferentes grados de deterioro neurocognitivo variaron según la prueba utilizada. Todos los pacientes tratados tenían en su esquema al menos un antirretroviral que atraviesa la barrera hematoencefálica. Factores de riesgo como edad, bajo nivel educativo, bajo peso, carga viral detectable, menor recuento de LTCD4 y tiempo de inicio TARV se asociaron a diferentes grados de deterioro neurocognitivo.

The history of neurosurgery at the House Clinic in Los Angeles

Although most widely known as the birthplace of neuro-otology, the House Clinic in Los Angeles has been the site of several major contributions to the field of neurosurgery. From the beginning of the formation of the Otologic Medical Group in 1958 (later renamed the House Ear Clinic), these contributions have been largely due to the innovative and collaborative work of neurosurgeon William E. Hitselberger, MD, and neuro-otologist William F. House, MD, DDS. Together they were responsible for the development and widespread adoption of the team approach to skull-base surgery. Specific neurosurgical advances accomplished at the House Clinic have included the first application of the operative microscope to neurosurgery, the application of middle fossa and translabyrinthine approaches for vestibular schwannoma, and the development of combined petrosal, retrolabyrinthine, and other alternative petrosal approaches and of hearing preservation surgery for vestibular schwannoma. The auditory brainstem implant, invented at the House Clinic in 1979, was the first ever successful application of central nervous system neuromodulation for restoration of function. Technological innovations at the House Clinic have also advanced neurosurgery. These include the first video transmission of microsurgery, the first suction irrigator, the first debulking instrument for tumors, and the House-Urban retractor for middle fossa surgery.

Commentary: The History of Neurosurgery at Albany Medical College and Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany, New York.

Commentary: The History of Neurosurgery at Albany Medical College and Albany Medical Center Hospital, Albany, New York.