A Critical Analysis Of The Current State Of Neurosurgery Training In Pakistan,
2011
Aga Khan University
A Critical Analysis Of The Current State Of Neurosurgery Training In Pakistan, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Muhammad Zubair Tahir, Saniya Siraj Godil, Rajesh Kumar, Arshad Ali Siddiqui
Section of Neurosurgery
Objective: To observe interdepartmental variation in the availability of resources and academic activities within the various neurosurgery programs of Pakistan.
Methods: This was a proforma-based survey of neurosurgery trainees and young neurosurgeons of Pakistan, looking at the academic infrastructure and output of their programs. The proforma was filled by 36 respondents from 11 neurosurgery centers of the country. All these centers were accredited for neurosurgery training in Pakistan.
Results: Out of the 36 respondents, 30 were completing a Fellowship training (FCPS) and six were enrolled for a Master in Surgery (MS) program. About 80% of the participants used the Youman's …
Variations In Practice Patterns Among Neurosurgeons And Orthopaedic Surgeons In The Management Of Spinal Disorders,
2011
Aga Khan University
Variations In Practice Patterns Among Neurosurgeons And Orthopaedic Surgeons In The Management Of Spinal Disorders, Manzar Hussain, Sadaf Nasir, Amber Moed, Ghulam Murtaza
Section of Neurosurgery
Study design: This is a case series.
Purpose: We wanted to identify variations in the practice patterns among neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons for the management of spinal disorders.
Overview of literature: Spinal disorders are common in the clinical practice of both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. It has been observed that despite the availability of various guidelines, there is lack of consensus among surgeons about the management of various disorders.
Methods: A questionnaire was distributed, either directly or via e-mail, to the both the neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons who worked at 5 tertiary care centers within a single region of Korea. …
Non-Operative Management Is Superior To Surgical Stabilization In Spine Injury Patients With Complete Neurological Deficits: A Perspective Study From A Developing World Country, Pakistan,
2011
Aga Khan University
Non-Operative Management Is Superior To Surgical Stabilization In Spine Injury Patients With Complete Neurological Deficits: A Perspective Study From A Developing World Country, Pakistan, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Syed Faizan Ali, Ather Enam
Section of Neurosurgery
Background: Surgical stabilization of injured spine in Patients with complete spinal cord injury is a common practice despite the lack of strong evidence supporting it. The aim of this study is to compare clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of surgical stabilization versus conservative management of spinal injury in Patients with complete deficits, essentially from a developing country's point of view.
Methods: A detailed analysis of Patients with traumatic spine injury and complete deficits admitted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Pakistan, from January 2004 till January 2010 was carried out. All Patients presenting within 14 days of injury were divided in …
Endovascular Approach As Primary Treatment For Traumatic Carotid Cavernous Fistula: Local Experience From Pakistan,
2011
Aga Khan University
Endovascular Approach As Primary Treatment For Traumatic Carotid Cavernous Fistula: Local Experience From Pakistan, Rana Shoaib Hamid, Tanveer Ul Haq, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Syed Faraz Kazim, Basit Salam
Department of Radiology
Objective: To evaluate the technical success, complications and outcome of endovascular management of post traumatic carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) in patients presenting at a tertiary care hospital in Karahci.
Methods: Descriptive case series of 26 patients of post traumatic CCF treated by endovascular techniques was carried out at Radiology and Neurosurgery departments of Aga Khan University hospital between January 2010 to March 2010. Medical records and radiology reports were retrospectively reviewed from November 2000 to December 2009. The diagnosis was primarily clinical and was confirmed in all cases by CT or MRI. Endovascular procedures were performed under general anaesthesia through …
Cranioplasty After Decompressive Craniectomy: An Institutional Audit And Analysis Of Factors Related To Complications,
2011
Aga Khan University
Cranioplasty After Decompressive Craniectomy: An Institutional Audit And Analysis Of Factors Related To Complications, Zain A. Sobani, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Syed Nabeel Zafar, Mohsin Qadeer, Najiha Bilal, Syed Ghulam Murtaza, Ather Enam, Muhammad Ehsan Bari
Section of Neurosurgery
Background:Although a relatively simple procedure, cranioplasties have been associated with high complication rates. Keeping this in perspective, we aimed to determine the factors associated with immediate and long-term complications of cranioplasties at our institution.
Methods: A retrospective review of Patient records was carried out for Patients having undergone reconstructive cranioplasties at our institution during the last 10 years (2001-2010). All case notes, records, and investigations were reviewed and the data were recorded in a predesigned questionnaire. Complications were recorded along with existing comorbids and measures taken for their prevention and management. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed …
B-Cell Lymphoma Of The Brainstem With Central Neurogenic Hyperventilation,
2011
Aga Khan University
B-Cell Lymphoma Of The Brainstem With Central Neurogenic Hyperventilation, S. Ather Enam, Rushna Ali
Section of Neurosurgery
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the brainstem is a rare entity. Central Neurogenic Hyperventilation (CNH), an associated manifestation of this disease, is an even rarer event. We report a case of an immunocompetent individual who presented to us with tachypnea and facial nerve palsy. Neuroimaging showed a Cerebellopontine angle tumour which on histopathology showed feature consistent with a Non-Hodgkin's B-Cell Lymphoma. The patient went on to develop severe respiratory alkalosis with findings consistent with CNH. Chemotherapy with Methotrexate was started and high dose Dexamethasone was added to the regimen a month later. Radiologically, the tumour size decreased by 50% but the patient's …
Non-Traumatic Coma In Paediatric Patients: Etiology And Predictors Of Outcome,
2011
Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi
Non-Traumatic Coma In Paediatric Patients: Etiology And Predictors Of Outcome, Saba Ahmed, Kiran Ejaz, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Maimoona Azhar Salim, Muhammad Umer Rais Khan
Department of Emergency Medicine
Objective: To determine the common etiological features of non-traumatic coma in children and evaluate possible predictors of morbidity and mortality in these patients.
Method: A cross sectional study was carried out at the Paediatric Department of Civil Hospital Karachi from February 2008 to February 2009. In total 100 children, up to 14 years of age having history of non-traumatic coma were included. At the time of enrolment demographic data, clinical features, laboratory parameters and radiological workup were recorded. Data was entered and analyzed with SPSS version 16. Descriptive statistics were generated for all variables. Relationships between categorical variables were evaluated …
Cranial Reconstruction After Decompressive Craniectomy: Prediction Of Complications Using Fuzzy Logic,
2011
Aga Khan University
Cranial Reconstruction After Decompressive Craniectomy: Prediction Of Complications Using Fuzzy Logic, Saniya Siraj Godil, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Ather Enam, Uvais Qidwai, Mohsin Qadeer, Zain A. Sobani
Section of Neurosurgery
Introduction: Cranial reconstruction after decompressive craniectomy (DC) has been shown to be associated with a relatively high complication rate (16.4%-34%) compared with standard neurosurgical procedures (2%-5%). Most studies that have previously attempted to formulate a multivariate model for identifying factors predictive of postoperative complications of cranioplasty either were unsuccessful or yielded conflicting results. Therefore, fuzzy logic-based fuzzy inference system (FIS), which has proven to be a useful tool for risk prediction in medical and surgical conditions, was used in this study to identify predictors of complications of cranioplasty.
Methods: A retrospective chart review of all the patients who underwent DC …
Management Of Penetrating Brain Injury,
2011
Aga Khan University
Management Of Penetrating Brain Injury, Syed Faraz Kazim, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Muhammad Zubair Tahir, Ather Enam, Shahan Waheed
Section of Neurosurgery
Penetrating brain injury (PBI), though less prevalent than closed head trauma, carries a worse prognosis. The publication of Guidelines for the Management of Penetrating Brain Injury in 2001, attempted to standardize the management of PBI. This paper provides a precise and updated account of the medical and surgical management of these unique injuries which still present a significant challenge to practicing neurosurgeons worldwide. The management algorithms presented in this document are based on Guidelines for the Management of Penetrating Brain Injury and the recommendations are from literature published after 2001. Optimum management of PBI requires adequate comprehension of mechanism and …
Traumatic Retroclival Epidural Hematoma In Pediatric Patient- Case Report And Review Of Literature,
2011
Aga Khan University
Traumatic Retroclival Epidural Hematoma In Pediatric Patient- Case Report And Review Of Literature, Muhammad Zubair Tahir, S. A. Quadri, Sonia Hanif, Gohar Javed
Section of Neurosurgery
Background: Retroclival epidural hematoma (REDH) is a very rare entity in the practical field of neurosurgery. Only a few cases have been reported in literature. The authors present to you case of a 12-year-old female, a victim of road traffic accident (RTA), who had presented to us with loss of consciousness and seizures.
Case description: Magnetic resonance imaging revealed retroclival hematoma. She was managed on conservative grounds and discharged with assurance of multiple follow-up visits.
Conclusion: Very few cases of REDH have been reported in pediatric population to date. It should be suspected in children with head and neck injuries …
Terrorist Bombings: Medical Response In A Developing Country,
2011
Aga Khan University
Terrorist Bombings: Medical Response In A Developing Country, Hasnain Zafar, Ahmed Jawad, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Ayaz Ahmed Memon, Aamir Hameed Khan, Muhammad Shahrukh Effendi, Saeed Qureshi
Section of General Surgery
Objective: To evaluate the process of transport and immediate Emergency Department (ER) management of mass casualties following the recent bomb blasts in Karachi and review in detail the medical response and management of victims undertaken in these two incidents.
Methods: Eyewitness accounts of the victims, medical personnel and newspaper clippings were used to understand and identify difficulties faced during the rescue process. Data regarding presenting injuries and their outcomes was also collected from all victims presenting to the emergency department at Aga Khan University Hospital.
Results: Seventy nine individuals died and over 250 victims were injured in the two incidents. …
Microsurgical Excisions Of Vestibular Schwannomas: A Tumor-Size-Based Analysis Of Neurological Outcomes And Surgical Complications,
2011
Aga Khan University
Microsurgical Excisions Of Vestibular Schwannomas: A Tumor-Size-Based Analysis Of Neurological Outcomes And Surgical Complications, Syed Faraz Kazim, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Ather Enam, Muhammad Ehsan Bari
Section of Neurosurgery
Introduction: Vestibular schwannomas (VS) are benign tumors originating from Schwann cells in vestibulocochlear nerve. This study aimed at evaluating outcomes of microsurgical resections of VS based on tumor sizes in a South Asian country.
Methods: The chart notes of 71 Patients who underwent microsurgical resections of VS at a single academic center over a 20-year period (1990-2009) were reviewed, and relevant information was extracted. For analyzing outcomes, Patients were divided into two groups based on tumor size at initial presentation: (1) Group A (tumor size ≤ 4 cm) and (2) Group B (tumor size > 4 cm). Pearson's chi-square and Fisher's …
Diagnostic Accuracy Of Clinical Examination In Cervical Spine Injuries In Awake And Alert Blunt Trauma Patients,
2011
Aga Khan University
Diagnostic Accuracy Of Clinical Examination In Cervical Spine Injuries In Awake And Alert Blunt Trauma Patients, Manzar Hussain, Gohar Javed
Section of Neurosurgery
Study design: Observational, case series.
Purpose: To determine the sensitivity and specificity of clinical judgment as compared to the use of X-ray images in detecting cervical spine injuries in trauma patients presenting in the emergency department of Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
Overview of literature: Cross-table cervical spine views are important in patients with signs and symptoms relating to cervical spine, but asymptomatic patients constitute a different subgroup. Accuracy of clinical examination in these patients has not been subjected to scrutiny.
Methods: All patients with blunt trauma who presented to the emergency department and underwent cross-table X-rays as part of …
Intracerebral Migration Of Stray Bullet Leading To Sudden And Fatal Worsening,
2011
Aga Khan University
Intracerebral Migration Of Stray Bullet Leading To Sudden And Fatal Worsening, Manzar Hussain, Muhammad Ehsan Bari
Section of Neurosurgery
Gunshot wounds to the cranium are one of the leading cause of death and disability in young adults. Stray bullets are also being increasingly seen in clinical setting. We report a case of a 14-year-old boy who sustained a stray bullet to the cranium during election festivities. He arrived at the health care facility institution nearly 24 hours after the event in good neurological condition. He remained neurologically stable for about 8 hours after his presentation and later on deteriorated due to intracranial bullet migration. This required immediate bifrontal decompressive craniotomy along with right frontal lobectomy. However, the patient could …
Fuzzy Logic: A “Simple” Solution For Complexities In Neurosciences?,
2011
Aga Khan University
Fuzzy Logic: A “Simple” Solution For Complexities In Neurosciences?, Saniya Siraj Godil, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim, Ather Enam, Uvais Qidwai
Medical College Documents
Background: Fuzzy logic is a multi-valued logic which is similar to human thinking and interpretation. It has the potential of combining human heuristics into computer-assisted decision making, which is applicable to individual patients as it takes into account all the factors and complexities of individuals. Fuzzy logic has been applied in all disciplines of medicine in some form and recently its applicability in neurosciences has also gained momentum.
Methods: This review focuses on the use of this concept in various branches of neurosciences including basic neuroscience, neurology, neurosurgery, psychiatry and psychology.
Results: The applicability of fuzzy logic is not limited …
Intradiploic Epidermoid Cyst Overlying The Torcula: A Surgical Challenge,
2011
Aga Khan University
Intradiploic Epidermoid Cyst Overlying The Torcula: A Surgical Challenge, Amad Naseer Khan, Salema Khalid, Ather Enam
Medical College Documents
Intradiploic tumours are rare, slow growing tumours that can present in many different ways, including a painless lump, tenderness, headache and rarely with focal neurological signs. The authors present the case of a gentleman in whom the tumour presented in an unusual location and presented a surgical challenge. The major take home message from this case report is that an epidermoid cyst overlying the torcula is to be approached with great caution and care and is without doubt a surgical challenge.
Thoracolumbar Tuberculosis: Implications For Appropriate Management Based On Disease Location And Proposal Of A Novel Scoring System,
2011
Aga Khan University
Thoracolumbar Tuberculosis: Implications For Appropriate Management Based On Disease Location And Proposal Of A Novel Scoring System, Shahryar Noordin, Salim Allana, Tashfeen Ahmad, Zafar Sajjad, Khabir Ahmad, Ather Enam, Riaz Hussain Lakdawala
Section of Orthopaedic Surgery
Objective: To identify factors indicating disease severity in patients with thoracolumbar tuberculosis requiring surgical intervention.
Design: Medical charts of patients who underwent surgery for thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis from 1990-2005 were reviewed. Patients with different levels of disease were compared in terms of neurological deficits, duration of symptoms, previous antituberculous therapy, nutritional status and associated co-morbids.
Results: Ninety-three patients aged 7-77 years (mean age 40 years) were included. Thoracic spine was involved in 80% of operated patients, and lumbar spine in 20%. Severe neurological impairment (Frankel A to C) was present in 68% of patients with thoracic disease, as …
Disability, Depression And Disc Surgery: Lets Be Careful With The Evidence,
2011
Aga Khan University
Disability, Depression And Disc Surgery: Lets Be Careful With The Evidence, Muhammad Shahzad Shamim
Section of Neurosurgery
No abstract provided.
Toward Personalized Cell Therapies: Autologous Menstrual Blood Cells For Stroke,
2011
University of South Florida
Toward Personalized Cell Therapies: Autologous Menstrual Blood Cells For Stroke, Maria Carolina O. Rodrigues, Loren E. Glover, Nathan Weinbren, Jessica A. Rizzi, Kazutaka Shinozuka, Naoki Tajiri, Yuji Kaneko, Paul R. Sanberg, Julie G. Allickson, Nicole Kuzmin-Nichols, Svitlana Garbuzova-Davis, Julio Cesar Voltarelli, Eduardo Cruz, Cesar V. Borlongan
Neurosurgery and Brain Repair Faculty Publications
Cell therapy has been established as an important field of research with considerable progress in the last years. At the same time, the progressive aging of the population has highlighted the importance of discovering therapeutic alternatives for diseases of high incidence and disability, such as stroke. Menstrual blood is a recently discovered source of stem cells with potential relevance for the treatment of stroke. Migration to the infarct site, modulation of the inflammatory reaction, secretion of neurotrophic factors, and possible differentiation warrant these cells as therapeutic tools. We here propose the use of autologous menstrual blood cells in the restorative …
Stem Cells For Spinal Cord Regeneration: Current Status,
2010
Aga Khan University
Stem Cells For Spinal Cord Regeneration: Current Status, Zain A. Sobani, Syed A. Quadri, Ather Enam
Section of Neurosurgery
Background: Nearly 11,000 cases of spinal cord injury (SCI) are reported in the United States annually. Current management options give a median survival time of 38 years, however, no rehabilitative measures are available. Stem cells have been under constant research given their ability to differentiate into neural cell lines replacing non functional tissue. Efforts have been made to establish new synapses and provide a conducive environment, by grafting cells from autologous and fetal sources, including embryonic or adult stem cells, Schwann cells, genetically modified fibroblasts, bone stromal cells, and olfactory ensheathing cells and combinations/ variants thereof.
Methods: In order to …
