Neurosurgery Commons^™

Dual Burden: Analyzing The Co-Occurrence Of Spinal Cord And Traumatic Brain Injuries In Texas, Blake C. Martin, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Daniel Salinas, Paul Bonilla, Victoria Elizondo, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: An estimated 60% of people that suffer a spinal cord injury (SCI) have a co-occurring traumatic brain injury (TBI), with cervical level injuries having the greatest comorbidity. Following an accident, diagnosis of TBI may be missed as emergency responders prioritize the spinal injury. Early recognition of brain involvement in a patient with a traumatic SCI is crucial, as delayed treatment may cause irreversible neurological impairment such as deficits in concentration, memory, and learning. In this study, we analyzed the comorbidity of TBI and SCI in Texas, and the related demographics and injury characteristics. We aimed to increase awareness of …

The Influence Of The Covid-19 Pandemic On Spinal Cord Injury Prevalence And Cause Of Injury In Texas: A Four-Year Retrospective Analysis, Blake C. Martin, Daniel Salinas, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: COVID-19 was the most significant medical issue since the Spanish Flu and was declared a pandemic on March 11, 2020. Current literature states that during the COVID-19 pandemic, in which about 10% of the global population was affected, there was a decrease in the frequency of trauma injuries observed in the clinic. Of note, spinal cord injury (SCI) has been suggested to show changing epidemiology from the COVID-19 pandemic. For example, a study in Scotland has suggested that the cause of SCI was significantly influenced during the pandemic, with an increase in self-harm. Such epidemiological changes may influence economic …

Comprehensive Management Of A High-Risk Pregnant Woman With A Meningoendothelial Meningioma: A Case Report, Blake C. Martin, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Anesu Karen Murambadoro, Tirath Patel, Bharathi S. Gadad, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Background: Meningiomas are the most common CNS tumors and are associated with complications including localized neurological impairments, seizures, and reduced quality of life. These tumors have an incidence twice as high in women as in men, increasing with age and peaking in the seventh and eighth decades of life. The main risk factor for developing meningiomas is exposure to ionizing radiation, although research suggests hormones also contribute. The higher incidence in women, presence of hormone receptors in some tumors, and changes during pregnancy, the menstrual cycle, and menopause, suggest a hormonal link. While pregnancy does not increase meningioma incidence, symptoms …

Spine Surgery In South Texas: The Impact Of Rurality On Surgeon Demographics And Access To Care, Anesu K. Murambadoro, Kevin Garcia Valdez, Patrick De La Torre Schutz, Allison J. Mcadams, Anjali Rose Binoy, Kelsey Baker

Research Symposium

Introduction: Female representation in spine surgery remains low, with only 4% of orthopedic spine surgeons and 9% of neurosurgeons identifying as female. Studies have shown that factors such as societal perceptions, limited support for family planning, and a lack of mentorship deter women from pursuing surgical careers. We hypothesize that representation may be further impacted in US-Border regions. Specifically, over 90% of Texas' 32 border counties lack sufficient primary care services, including specialty care such as orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery, leading residents to seek care outside the region. Here, we sought to evaluate the demographics of spine surgeons (orthopedic and …

A Case Report Of A Primary Cerebral Abscess Due To Nocardia Asteroides In An Immunocompetent Patient, Ileana Elita Mendez, Nicole Marie Barreto, Alan Lanurias, Luis Alberto Rosas

Research Symposium

Background: Brain abscesses caused by Nocardia are rarely reported and have high mortality. It usually affects patients who are immunocompromised and initiates as a lung infection that disseminates hematogenously, though it can also affect those immunocompetent. Cerebral nocardiosis imitates brain tumors, which can delay the initiation of the appropriate antibiotic therapy.

Case Description: We present a case of a 64-year-old immunocompetent male with multiple cerebral abscesses who presented with headaches, left-sided weakness, and ataxia. Upon imaging, multiple brain lesions were revealed. The patient underwent craniotomy and drainage of the mass. He was initially empirically treated, though cultures later grew Nocardia …