Functional vascular anastomoses at the base of the brain allow for temporary occlusion of the carotid or vertebral arteries. Six embolizations with temporary balloon occlusion of the internal carotid or vertebral artery are reported. Polyvinyl alcohol was the embolic material in all cases and all procedures were performed using digital angiography. The size of the embolic particles and the positioning of the balloon related to the branches of the occluded vessel is discussed.

We reviewed the CT findings of 387 patients with new-onset seizures after the age of 50. Seizures were generalized in 212 patients, focal in 160, and indeterminant in 15. CT scanning revealed cerebral atrophy in 113 cases, ischemic lesions in 75, cerebral neoplasms in 20, and no abnormality in 177 cases. Tumours were found in only three patients with generalized seizures, and all three had focal neurological deficits at the time of CT diagnosis, while 17 neoplasms were discovered in patients with a focal seizure disorder. The majority of patients with late-onset epilepsy have a normal CT scan with cerebral atrophy being the most common abnormality detected. Cerebral vascular disease appears to be the most frequently identified cause of late-onset epilepsy, while cerebral neoplasms are uncommon. RESUME: Constatations au CT scan dans Pepilepsie d'apparition tardive. Nous avons revu 387 CT scans de patients, age de 50 ans et plus, souffrant d'epilepsie de novo. Les crises etaient generalisees chez 212 patients, focales chez 160 et de nature indeterminee chez 15. Outre l'age et le caractere recent de l'6pilepsie, les patients retenus pour cette etude etaient exempts de tout antecedent neurologique ou neurochirurgical. Sur les 387 patients selectionn6s, 113 presentaient une atrophie cerebrale, 75 des lesions vasculaires, 20 des neoplasies et enfin 177 ne presentaient aucune anomalie. La presence de tumeur fut relevee seulement chez 3 patients souffrant d'epilepsie generalisee et tous 3 presentaient un deficit neurologique lors de l'etude par CT, alors que 17 neoplasies ont ete decouvertes chez les patients presentant une epilepsie focale. La majorite des patients souffrant d'epilepsie apres 50 ans ont un CT normal, l'atrophie cerebrale y etant l'anomalie la plus communement rencontree. Une maladie cerebrovasculaire apparait etre la cause la plus frequemment identified dans l'emergence de l'epilepsie tardive (50 ans et plus), alors que les neoplasies sont plutot rares.Can. J. Neurol. Sci. 1987; 14:286-289 Epilepsy beginning in late adult life is uncommon 1 but may be caused by a variety of disorders including cerebrovascular disease, brain tumours, degenerative and inflammatory cerebral processes or metabolic disturbances. However, only limited information is available concerning the clinical characteristics and causes of late-onset epilepsy. The importance of establishing an etiological diagnosis and excluding an expanding intracerebral lesion as the cause of the seizure is well accepted. In addition to clinical and electrophysiological data, computed tomography (CT) is commonly employed to investigate epilepsy in the elderly. We have reviewed the clinical and CT findings of 387 elderly patients (older than 50) with new-onset seizures in an attempt to establish clinical and radiological correlations in late-onset epilepsy and to examine the role of CT scanning in this condition. MATERIALS AND METHODSIn a review of the radiological files of the Montreal Neurological Hospital from 1978 to 1984, we found 38...

Five patients with spinal arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) supplied at least in part by the anterior spinal artery were treated by embolization. Complete occlusion of the malformations was obtained without complication in all patients. Improved endovascular treatment of spinal AVMs is now possible with the use of calibrated particles of polyvinyl alcohol, serial digital subtraction angiography, and temporary balloon occlusion of the vertebral artery in cervical AVMs supplied by a pedicle arising from the vertebral artery.

Purpose To describe in detail the technique used and results of disruption of ingrown epithelium via Nd:YAG laser (DIEYAG) after LASIK treatment and enhancement. Observations Epithelial ingrowth following laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) enhancement has the potential to cause significant refractive error and discomfort when allowed to progress. This retrospective case series following seven eyes after LASIK enhancement and one eye with flap trauma, assessed the effectiveness and safety of the disruption of ingrown epithelium via Nd:YAG laser. In all cases, we found that the progression of ingrown epithelium was eliminated. Using best spectacle corrected visual acuity and topography as our main outcome measures, we found that refractive error and visual disturbance caused by ingrowth stabilized or improved, with no subsequent complications identified. Conclusion and Importance The disruption of ingrown epithelium via Nd:YAG laser offers a safe and effective alternative to other treatments for epithelial ingrowth after LASIK treatment and enhancement.