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The Sixth Annual National Neurosurgery Awareness Week (NNAW) kicks off this year on May 3 during the 77th Annual Meeting of the AANS in San Diego. Neurosurgeons treat children and adults for sports-related traumatic brain and spine injuries all too often. By using your head and wearing an approved, properly-fitting helmet for all wheeled sports and powered recreational vehicles "“ 100 percent of the time "“ you can help prevent potentially tragic or fatal injuries.

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Journalists -- register to attend the nation's largest annual scientific meeting for neurosurgeons, neurosurgical residents in training, neuroscience nurses, clinical specialists, nurse/physician assistants, and other allied health professionals. Learn about groundbreaking advances in neurosurgical research.

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Every year, an estimated 1.5 million people are treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for head injuries and nearly 12,000 are treated for neck fractures. Thousands of these injuries are tied to sports and recreational activities. Not so obvious, however, is that common and often seemingly harmless products found in backyards, gardens, garages, and home workshops also contribute to these injuries.

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In 2007, there were over 6 million motor vehicle accidents in the United States, and of those, 2.5 million were injured and more than 41,000 lost their lives. Spine fractures are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality. This research provides evidence that the combination of air bags and seat belts affords the best protection against spinal fractures sustained in motor vehicle crashes.

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Every winter there are tragic stories about children and adults who suffer life-altering and even fatal sports-related accidents. The AANS offers this advice: Don't risk your neck for that fleeting moment of fun, because it takes only one moment for a life to change forever. Wear a helmet and follow other safety precautions to help put a freeze on winter sports injuries.

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Neurosurgeons, worried about resident fatigue, embraced the current ACGME rules that were implemented in 2003, substantially modifying the way residents are trained. However, reacting to the IOM Resident Work Hour Report, organized neurosurgery raised concerns that further restrictions in duty hours have the potential to significantly harm patients and increase healthcare costs.

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Injury from blunt trauma by common household objects carries the potential for significant morbidity and mortality. Fashion hair accessories present a hidden and often overlooked health risk in children who have suffered blunt head trauma, significant enough to cause skull fractures and complicate diagnosis and treatment.

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There has been much speculation over the last few years about whether cell phones increase the risk of developing a brain tumor. While the cell phone/brain tumor connection remains inconclusive, the AANS cautions that cell phones present plenty of other risks to people's neurological health.

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According to the AANS, Chiari malformation can be difficult to diagnose because the symptoms mimic several other conditions, and as a result, patients are often told that there is no physical problem. Chiari malformation is indeed a physical condition and getting a proper diagnosis is the first step on the path to finding treatment that may provide hope and relief.

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The nation's most influential voices in health care are in Florida to tackle one of the most critical issues facing Americans "” finding a cure for the nation's ailing health care system. James R. Bean, MD, president of the AANS, is among the distinguished speakers presenting today. He will speak about medical liability and Medicare "” two crucial issues affecting patient access to care.

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A compelling paper, published in the September 2008 issue of Journal of Neurosurgery, offers insight into the predominately male world of neurosurgery. In 2007, the AANS recognized the need to take bold steps to recruit and retain more women in neurosurgery and requested that Women in Neurosurgery (WINS) author a white paper. AANS President James R. Bean, MD, is author of an accompanying editorial.

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The term cerebrovascular disease includes all disorders in which an area of the brain is temporarily or permanently affected by ischemia or bleeding and one or more of the cerebral blood vessels are involved in the pathological process. The number of people affected by cerebrovascular disease every year could fill one of the nation's largest sports stadiums, the Rose Bowl, 10 times over. In an effort to further raise awareness, the AANS is focusing on cerebrovascular disease during Neurosurgery Outreach Month.

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The National Neurosurgical Procedural Statistics 2006 Survey from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) includes the most comprehensive representation of caseloads for board-certified neurosurgeons in the United States currently available. With inclusion of the CPT codes and new procedures, it is more comprehensive than a similar 1999 AANS survey.

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Glioma, the brain tumor Sen. Edward M. Kennedy was diagnosed with, is the most prevalent type of adult brain tumor, affecting an estimated 9,000 people a year. Gliomas arise from the supporting cells of the brain, called the glia. Over the last 20 years, new and sophisticated techniques have led to advances in the treatment of brain tumors that were previously considered inoperable.

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According to the AANS, the most recent statistics indicate that there were an estimated 319,000 sports-related head injuries treated in US hospital emergency rooms in 2006, an increase of 10,000 injuries from the year before. The growing popularity of powered recreational vehicles, such as ATVs, has contributed to many injuries, especially in children, who are often riding unattended by an adult and not wearing helmets.

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Spinal cord injury (SCI) is one of the most significant forms of neurotrauma with major economic and social impact. Every year, nearly 12,000 individuals in the United States and Canada, mostly young adults, sustain a SCI. Researchers conducted a prospective multicenter study to evaluate the role and timing of decompressive surgery in patients with cervical SCIs.

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Neurosurgeons incur some of the highest annual malpractice premiums of any specialty, averaging more than $100,000 and as high as $300,000 per year in some states. Research analyzes a correlation between numbers of practicing and retiring neurosurgeons and the malpractice environment of each state.

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Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) affects approximately 30,000 Americans every year, with 90 percent of all cases caused by cerebral aneurysms that have ruptured. Theoretically, two variables that might likely affect SAH outcome are the country and/or continent of treatment, given the different treatment modalities utilized in various areas around the world.

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Currently, the most common form of surgery for treating cervical degenerative disc disease is an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF). In July 2007, the PRESTIGE cervical disc, became the first and only artificial disc to date approved by the FDA for use in the cervical spine. Researchers compared the socioeconomic implications of ACDF surgery versus arthroplasty in a large patient group.

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The World Health Organization rates major depression as the top cause of disability worldwide. Patients who are most resistant to medications, psychotherapies, and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) have little hope of recovery. Long-term outcome research indicates that deep brain stimulation holds promise for the treatment of intractable major depression, as well as obsessive compulsive disorder.

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According to recent statistics, more than one-third of U.S. adults "“ over 72 million people were obese in 2005-2006. An estimated 75 to 85 percent of all Americans will experience back pain during their lifetime. Since little is known about the effect of obesity on lumbar spinal degeneration, researchers analyzed the outcome of obese patients with low back pain who underwent bariatric surgery.

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It is estimated that 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease (PD) are diagnosed each year, adding to the estimated one to 1.5 million Americans who currently have the disease. Despite therapeutic advances, there remain substantial limitations to currently approved therapies for the treatment of PD and new approaches are needed. Spheramine, a novel cell-based therapy has yielded positive long-term outcomes in patients with moderate to advanced PD.

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While nearly everyone experiences a headache on occasion, studies indicate that an estimated 45 million Americans suffer from chronic headaches annually. Chronic headaches can negatively impact personal and family life and may lead to considerable medical costs. Results of a two-year study indicate that cranial peripheral nerve stimulation holds promise for treatment of intractable headaches in select patients.

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The AANS Annual Meeting is the largest gathering of neurosurgeons in the nation. The meeting focuses on the latest research and technological advances in the field. The Scientific Program, which includes 41 practical clinics, 21 general scientific sessions, 78 breakfast seminars, 146 oral abstract presentations, nearly 500 poster presentations, and exhibit booths representing 230 companies, opens officially on Monday, April 28.

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In 2005, an estimated 43,800 new cases of primary nonmalignant and malignant brain and central nervous system (CNS) tumors were diagnosed in the United States. Of these, an estimated 3,410 cases were diagnosed in children. Research identifies the role of novel tumor biomarkers as a diagnostic and treatment tool.

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Psychiatric symptoms, including depression, often occur in patients with malignant brain tumors. Researchers analyze whether malignant glioma patients with a preoperative diagnosis of depression have a lower survival rate irrespective of treatment modality or degree of disability.

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Chiari malformation is considered a congenital condition, although acquired forms of the condition have been diagnosed. Patients with syringomyelia and Chiari Type 1 often present with an intense, burning-type nerve pain and/or headaches, among other symptoms. Researchers analyzed whether patients undergoing decompression surgery experienced pain reduction.

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James R. Bean, MD, will be named president of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) at the AANS Annual Meeting in Chicago, April 28-May 1, 2008.

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When people hear the word "neurosurgeon," most think brain surgeon. However, neurosurgeons are medical specialists who diagnose and treat disorders of the entire nervous system. This year, National Neurosurgery Awareness Week is highlighting the many back and neck conditions neurosurgeons treat, both nonsurgically and surgically.

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An estimated 2 million people in the United States are affected by carpal tunnel syndrome, according to the AANS. About half of all cases are work-related, and in fact, carpal tunnel syndrome accounts for the highest average number of days missed at work, when compared to all other work-related injuries or illnesses.

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The nation's largest annual scientific meeting for neurosurgeons, neurosurgical residents in training, neuroscience nurses, clinical specialists, nurse/physician assistants, and other allied health professionals.

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The AANS offers this advice for winter sports enthusiasts: Whether you are a novice or advanced, an average person or a celebrity "“ proceed with caution, and play it safe on the slopes and snow. Wearing a helmet and following other safety precautions may save your life or the life of your child.

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New parents should be aware of a fairly common condition affecting infants called positional plagiocephaly. Since infants' skulls are soft, it is not uncommon to have a misshapen head related to the rigors of childbirth, but this usually resolves itself within six weeks of birth.

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According to the AANS, 2006 national statistics indicate that there were an estimated 1.1 million people treated at U.S. hospital emergency rooms for head injuries related to common products found around the home. Many of these injuries are caused by falls, especially among older adults age 65 and older and children age 4 and younger. The AANS offers tips on how to help prevent falls and potentially life-threatening head injuries.

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Scoliosis is an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine. It is most often diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence, but can also be diagnosed in adults. In one 20-year study, about 40 percent of adult scoliosis patients experienced a progression. Of those, 10 percent showed a very significant progression, while the other 30 percent experienced a very mild progression, usually of less than one degree per year.

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Functional neurosurgery encompasses many neurosurgical interventions that can enhance the quality of life for patients with a wide range of neurological diseases and conditions. Some innovative technologies have recently been developed, which may offer new hope for select patients who have not achieved satisfactory results from other surgical or nonsurgical treatment methods.

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The American Association of Neurological Surgeons and Congress of Neurological Surgeons Commend the SPORT Study Results which Support the Benefit of Surgery in Treating Patients with Lumbar Degenerative Spondylolisthesis.

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Epilepsy and seizures affect 2.5 million Americans, and about 450,000 children develop epilepsy each year. Brain injury or infection can cause epilepsy at any age; however, the cause of epilepsy is unknown for about half of all individuals with the disorder. Advances in treatment have improved the quality of life for thousands of adults and children suffering from seizures.

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According to the AANS, an estimated 309,000 sports-related head injuries were treated in US hospital emergency rooms in 2005 (the latest statistics available). The prospect of summer is especially appealing to those living in cold-weather climates, but there also tends to be an increase in the number of head injuries with the onset of warm weather. The AANS offers tips which can help prevent many head injuries.

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Griffith R. Harsh IV, MD, has been named chair of the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) of the AANS, effective April 15. Since 1981, the NREF has been dedicated to providing private, non-governmental sources of funding for research training in the neurosciences, related to the field of neurological surgery.

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It is estimated that 60,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease (PD) are diagnosed each year, adding to the estimated one to 1.5 million Americans who currently have the disease. Existing therapies for PD treat only the symptoms, and are effective for a limited period of time. Results of this Phase I Trial utilizing AAV-Neurturin are encouraging for the many PD patients who do not respond to existing therapies.

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Severe psychiatric illness affects about 6 percent of the population. Since 2001, researchers have been using deep brain stimulation for treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder and more recently for treatment resistant depression, with promising results. This research suggests that DBS may also interface with memory circuits in the brain and result in improvements in memory function in patients with severe psychiatric disorders.

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In brain tumor surgery, the goal is always to maximize the resection while minimizing the loss of critical neurological functions. Surgically removing brain tumors adjacent to "eloquent" or functional regions of the brain poses significant risks for causing neurological impairments. This research analyzes neurological outcomes in 309 consecutive patients undergoing awake brain surgery with cortical mapping.

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Recent statistics indicate that one in five people worldwide suffer from moderate to severe chronic pain and that one in three are unable or less able to maintain an independent lifestyle due to their pain. Research into the brain function underlying a phenomenon known as stress-induced analgesia may help identify novel clinical treatments for severe pain, by targeting these brain pathways.

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Trigeminal neuralgia or tic douloureux is sometimes described as the most excruciating pain known to humanity. An estimated 45,000 people in the United States and an estimated one million people worldwide suffer from trigeminal neuralgia. Stereotactic radiosurgery offers an effective, noninvasive treatment option for patients with this painful disorder.

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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. About 475,000 children ages 0-14 suffer a TBI annually. A few studies have described the potential benefits of performing decompressive craniectomy in the pediatric population after trauma. However, these studies have been limited by small sample size, short follow-up, as well as variable criteria used for when to operate.

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An estimated 5,600 people in the United States are diagnosed every year with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, and as many as 30,000 Americans have the disease at any given time. This research shows that in appropriately selected ALS patients with spasticity (a common side effect of ALS), intrathecal baclofen implantation can offer a significant quality of life improvement for an incurable and often painful condition.

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An estimated 1.4 million new cases of all types of cancer will be diagnosed in 2007. Conservative estimates indicate that at least 30 percent of patients with cancer will experience spread of the cancer to their spine, and without treatment, the tumor will continue to grow. This can lead to compression of the spinal cord, chronic pain, loss of leg function, and ultimately "“ paraplegia and incontinence.

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An estimated 197 million people worldwide suffer from some form of hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating), many of whom do not receive proper diagnosis or treatment. Hyperhidrosis is a medical condition in which the body sweats three to four times the normal amount. This research analyzes outcomes on 300 patients treated with a minimally invasive procedure called thoracoscopic sympathectomy.

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Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) affects approximately 30,000 Americans every year, with 90 percent of all cases caused by cerebral aneurysms. The most appropriate treatment of cerebral aneurysms, both ruptured and unruptured, is currently under debate. This research compares efficacy and outcomes in surgical therapy/clipping and endovascular therapy/coiling.