There is a paucity in the literature regarding the characteristics and attitudes of social media (SM) utilization in a professional manner by neurosurgical oncologists. MethodsA 34-question electronic survey was created using Google Forms and disseminated via email to members of the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Tumors. Demographic data were compared amongst those who utilize social media versus those who do not. Factors associated with positive outcomes of professional SM use and with having more followers on SM were analyzed. ResultsThe survey received 94 responses, of which 64.9% reported that they currently use SM in a professional manner. Age < 50 years was found to be associated with SM use (p = 0.038). Facebook (54.1%), Twitter (60.7%), Instagram (41%), and LinkedIn (60.7%) were the most used SM platforms. Having a higher number of followers was associated with practicing in academics (p = 0.005), using Twitter (p = 0.013), posting about their own research publications (p = 0.018), posting interesting cases (p = 0.022), and posting about upcoming events (p = 0.001). Having a higher number of followers on SM was also associated with positive outcomes, speci cally new patient referrals (p = 0.04). ConclusionsNeurosurgical oncologists can bene t by using social media professionally for increased patient engagement and networking within the medical community. Practicing in academics, making use of Twitter, and posting about interesting cases, upcoming academic events, and one's own research publications can help gain followers. In addition, having a large following on social media could lead to positive outcomes such as new patient referrals.

Background: Dercum’s Disease (DD) is a rare chronic pain syndrome in which patients experience extreme burning pain associated with subcutaneous lipomatous tissue deposits. These patients may also present with; weakness, psychiatric symptoms, metabolic derangements, sleep disturbance, impaired memory, and easy bruising. Common risk factors for DD include: obesity, Caucasian race, and female sex. The etiology of DD remains under debate while it has proven highly resistant to treatment (i.e., requiring high doses of opioids for adequate pain management). Case Description: A 48-year-old female with DD and a prior spinal cord stimulator (SCS) placed for chronic back pain, presented with recurrent back pain, and increased falling. Surgery to replace her SCS resulted in improvement in her back pain and a decreased incidence of falls. Furthermore, she noticed significant improvement in the burning pain attributed to her subcutaneous nodules; this most markedly occurred at and below the level of stimulator placement. Conclusion: A 48-year-old female with the extremely rare condition, DD experienced dramatic reduction in her pain following the successful revision of her SCS.

Purpose There is a paucity in the literature regarding the characteristics and attitudes of social media (SM) utilization in a professional manner by neurosurgical oncologists. Methods A 34-question electronic survey was created using Google Forms and disseminated via email to members of the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Tumors. Demographic data were compared amongst those who utilize social media versus those who do not. Factors associated with positive outcomes of professional SM use and with having more followers on SM were analyzed. Results The survey received 94 responses, of which 64.9% reported that they currently use SM in a professional manner. Age < 50 years was found to be associated with SM use (p = 0.038). Facebook (54.1%), Twitter (60.7%), Instagram (41%), and LinkedIn (60.7%) were the most used SM platforms. Having a higher number of followers was associated with practicing in academics (p = 0.005), using Twitter (p = 0.013), posting about their own research publications (p = 0.018), posting interesting cases (p = 0.022), and posting about upcoming events (p = 0.001). Having a higher number of followers on SM was also associated with positive outcomes, specifically new patient referrals (p = 0.04). Conclusions Neurosurgical oncologists can benefit by using social media professionally for increased patient engagement and networking within the medical community. Practicing in academics, making use of Twitter, and posting about interesting cases, upcoming academic events, and one’s own research publications can help gain followers. In addition, having a large following on social media could lead to positive outcomes such as new patient referrals.