Publications by authors named "Pooja Venkatesh"

Objectives: Cochlear implant (CI) surgery may alter middle ear structure and function, potentially affecting the measurement of the electrically evoked stapedius reflex threshold (eSRT). This study aimed to investigate such alterations using multi-component and multi-frequency tympanometry. Specific objectives were to compare tympanometric findings, multi-component tympanogram patterns, and frequency-dependent changes in admittance (ΔY), susceptance (ΔB), conductance (ΔG), and phase angle (Δθ) between implanted and contralateral non-implanted ears.

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 Dizziness is one of the most prevalent and debilitating symptoms associated with vestibular schwannoma (VS), and there are little data on contributing or alleviating factors in the perioperative setting. In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether vestibular nerve sectioning or labyrinthectomy concomitant with surgical resection would improve dizziness in the postoperative period.  This is a retrospective study of a consecutive series of VS patients who underwent resection at a large tertiary care center between 2009 and 2023.

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Objective: Pediatric Cerebral Cavernous Malformations (CCM) are focal neuro-vascular lesions with highly variable symptomatic presentations and natural history. In this study, we explored clinical features, management decisions, and outcomes in specific pediatric CCM populations.

Methods: In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, an exhaustive review of the literature was conducted using search strings on PubMed, SCOPUS, Google Scholar, Ovid Embase, and Cochrane databases to assess differences in patient demographics, treatment strategies and clinical outcomes specifically between National Institute of Health (NIH) and American Academic of Pediatrics (AAP)-defined age groups: infants (0-1 year), children (1-12 years), adolescents (12-17 years).

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Objective: Telemedicine use for patient care in spine surgery drastically increased after the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. The authors aimed to examine factors influencing telemedicine utilization during this period by comparing perspectives from patients and spine surgeons to better guide the use of telehealth beyond the pandemic.

Methods: Between June 2021 and December 2021, a survey was administered to spine care patients receiving virtual visits at a single multidisciplinary spine center to assess their telemedicine experience, including visit quality, overall communication, and technical challenges.

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Introduction: Limited treatments for Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) highlight the need to explore innovations including Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), with patient perspectives key to ethical protocol development.

Methods: Seven MCI patients and four care partners were interviewed (Feb 2023-Jan 2024) about daily MCI challenges, desired treatment outcomes, and views on DBS. Thematic analysis following COREQ guidelines identified key themes.

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Ranked lists are a highly praised method of assessment in America. Whether it's a list of the top national sports teams, the best restaurants in New York City, or as in this case, the strongest educational institutions, we look to rankings to scrutinize, evaluate, and compare. Unfortunately, not all rankings offer insightful and valuable information.

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Article Synopsis
  • This study investigates the prevalence and treatment of pediatric hydrocephalus in Africa, highlighting under-researched aspects in this region.
  • A systematic review included 74 studies covering over 12,000 pediatric patients, revealing key demographics such as a majority being male (53.8%) and commonly presenting with macrocephaly (80.2%).
  • The findings show that ventriculoperitoneal shunting (83.1%) and endoscopic third ventriculostomy (54.1%) are prevalent surgical interventions, with notable postoperative complications like infections and a revision rate of 9% for shunt patients.
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Background: Gender disparities remain a significant issue, particularly impacting African women in the field of neurosurgery.

Methods: Databases, articles, and perspectives were reviewed to identify challenges faced by African Women in Neurosurgery (AWIN), and explore solutions for recruitment, retention, and career advancement of AWIN.

Results: In 1982, Africa saw its first female neurosurgeon, with the first female president of the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies appointed 4 null decades later.

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Purpose: Stereotactic EEG (SEEG) is gaining increasing popularity in the United States. Patients undergoing SEEG have unique challenges, and their needs are different compared with noninvasive cases. We aim to describe the medical, nursing, and other institutional practices of SEEG evaluations among tertiary referral (level IV) epilepsy centers accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers.

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Article Synopsis
  • This study examined factors that influence whether patients go to post-acute rehabilitation (PAR) or go home after spinal surgery, analyzing data from 241 patients who underwent multi-level spinal decompression and fusion between 2016 and 2022.
  • Results showed that 63% of patients went to PAR, with a higher percentage of females and those with mood disorders being discharged to PAR compared to their counterparts.
  • Key findings indicate that females are 2.43 times more likely and patients with mood disorders are 2.81 times more likely to be sent to PAR, suggesting these factors influence discharge outcomes.
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Introduction: This study examines the usability and comfort of a behind-the-ear seizure detection device called brain seizure detection (BrainSD) that captures ictal electroencephalogram (EEG) data using four scalp electrodes.

Methods: This is a feasibility study. Thirty-two patients admitted to a level 4 Epilepsy Monitoring Unit were enrolled.

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The role of thalamocortical circuits in memory has driven a recent burst of scholarship, especially in animal models. Investigating this circuitry in humans is more challenging. And yet, the development of new recording and stimulation technologies deployed for clinical indications has created novel opportunities for data collection to elucidate the cognitive roles of thalamic structures.

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Background: This historical account reviews the course and lasting impact of Madeline Earle Stanton (1898-1980) in neurosurgery.

Methods: The writing of this project was sparked by the discovery of original scientific and bibliographical information about Stanton. It is a thorough review of literature on Stanton and reflects the scope and depth of these prior works.

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Background: This historical account reviews the course and lasting impact of Dr. Alexa Irene Canady in neurosurgery.

Methods: The writing of this project was sparked by the discovery of original scientific and bibliographical information about Alexa Canady, the first female African-American neurosurgeon in the nation.

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Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common skin condition and is undertreated in children under 2 years, whom there are no specific guidelines for. We sought to understand barriers to AD treatment and primary care pediatricians' (PCPs) suggested solutions. We conducted semi-structured focus groups (n = 5) with PCPs (n = 17) on how the undertreatment of AD can be addressed.

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Introduction: Elective surgical procedures were suspended during the coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19) in New York City (NYC) between March 16 and June 15, 2020. This study characterizes the impact of the ban on surgical delays for patients scheduled for surgery during this first wave of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Methods: Patients who were scheduled for surgical treatment of malignant or pre-invasive disease by gynecologic oncologists at three NYC hospitals during NYC's ban on elective surgery were included.

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Background/objective: SARS-CoV-2 continues to spread widely in the US and worldwide. Pregnant women are more likely to develop severe or critical illness than their non-pregnant counterparts. Known risk factors for severe and critical disease outside of pregnancy, such as asthma, diabetes, and obesity have not been well-studied in pregnancy.

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