While many of us were attracted to the field of neurological surgery for a myriad of reasons, we have all been exposed to neurosurgical trauma early in our education — whether as a medical student, intern or junior resident. Most neurosurgeons may remember their first burr hole, ventriculostomy or craniotomy for hematoma. Alternatively, we may remember our first patient who presented with a spinal fracture/dislocation who required decompression, realignment and internal stabilization. Traumatic conditions affect both the central and peripheral nervous system, leaving no shortage of work for the average neurosurgeon. Yet trauma remains the non-glamorous sibling to other neurosurgical subspecialties, such as tumor, vascular, functional and spine. Nevertheless, the national and international incidence of traumatic conditions of the nervous system are staggering; the need for neurosurgeons to be competent and conversant in the latest treatments for trauma remains. For this issue of AANS Neurosurgeon, Guest Editor Dr. Eve Tsai has brought us contributions from our colleagues on the latest efforts in neurosurgical trauma. In addition, this month, AANS Neurosurgeon premiers a monthly column from the AANS Practice Management Committee; this month’s tip for the practicing neurosurgeon, Efficiencies in Running Clinic: One Neurosurgeon’s Approach is authored by Committee Chair Luis Tumialán, MD FAANS.
While we all benefitted from the rapid conversion of August’s AANS meeting to a virtual format that could be experienced in a safe manner, we are all eager to reconnect in person as soon as possible, stronger than before!
Looking forward to future articles in this trauma series, if you are struggling with the COVID-19 weight gain, get back in shape with the timely tips from Chris Neal, MD, FAANS and Jill Washecka, CPT NASM. Authors will also bring the international perspective to the table, as well as ways to manage spine trauma.
