====== 2018 ======

[[2017]]-[[2019]]
----
Three [[neuromodulation]] therapies, all using implanted [[device]] and [[electrode]]s, have been approved to treat adults with drug-resistant [[focal epilepsy]], namely, the [[vagus nerve stimulation for drug-resistant epilepsy.]] in [[1995]], [[deep brain stimulation of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus]] (ANT-DBS) in [[2018]] (2010 in Europe), and [[responsive neurostimulation]] (RNS) in [[2014]].

----

The [[2018]] American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines for the early management of [[acute ischemic stroke]] recommended the use of retrievable stents for mechanical thrombectomy in patients with acute internal carotid artery or middle cerebral artery M1 occlusion that can be treated within 6 h from the onset. For cases of the carotid artery with ipsilateral middle cerebral artery tandem embolization, the operation is more complicated and challenging
((Powers WJ, Rabinstein AA, Ackerson T, et al. 2018 Guidelines for the Early Management of Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Guideline for Healthcare Professionals From the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke. 2018; 49:e46–e110)).
----
In 2018, the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Program (HTA 18/49)
called for a study aiming to determine the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of RFD in people with LBP. It is imperative that any such study delivers an optimal and consistent RFD technique.
----
Since 2018, a neurosurgery delegation has been actively engaged and consistently present at the World Health Assembly. Recognizing the growing impact of [[neurosurgical disease]]s, the neurosurgery delegation participated in the 76th World Health Assembly in May [[2023]], advocating for timely, safe, and affordable global [[neurosurgical care]]. The delegation focused on forging new [[collaboration]]s, strengthening the World Health Organization-World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies official relations, and actively supporting resolutions that impact the neurosurgical [[patient]]. However, there is a long advocacy journey ahead to address unmet neurosurgical needs. Patient-centered advocacy is an inherent task of our profession and the essence of the Global Neurosurgery Bogota Declaration of 2016. The highlight of the 76th World Health Assembly was the adoption of the first neurosurgery-driven resolution calling for micronutrient fortification to prevent spina bifida and other micronutrient deficiencies. For the last four years, the Global Alliance for Prevention of Spina Bifida, a group spearheaded by neurosurgeons, advocated for spina bifida prevention. This Alliance collaborated with many stakeholders, notably, the Colombian government to promote the resolution: "Accelerating efforts for preventing micronutrient deficiencies and their consequences, including spina bifida and other neural tube defects, through safe and effective food fortification." This is a proud milestone for the neurosurgical profession. There are many strategies available for neurosurgeons, when working together with elected leaders, other stakeholders, and allied professionals, to implement initiatives that can prevent future cases of spina bifida and other neurological disorders and reduce the burden of neurosurgical disease
((Gomez MG, Arynchyna-Smith A, Ghotme KA, Garcia R, Johnson WD, Boop FA, Park KB, Caceres A, Pardo Vargas RA, Ayala R, Ibbotson G, Sheneman N, Peterson DB, Öcal E, Nyalundja AD, La Fuente J, Khan T, Hobart-Porter L, Moser RP, Ahmed YS, El Abbadi N, Woodrow S, Roozen S, Sundell K, Osendarp SJM, Martinez H, Blount JP, Rosseau GL. Global Neurosurgery at the 76th World Health Assembly (2023): First Neurosurgery-driven Resolution Calls for Micronutrient Fortification to Prevent Spina Bifida. World Neurosurg. 2024 Jan 22:S1878-8750(24)00101-3. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2024.01.089. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38266995.))

===== March =====

Neurospine (ISO abbreviated journal name, Neurospine), the official journal of ASIA SPINE, the [[Neurospinal Society of Japan]], [[Taiwan Neurosurgical Spine Society]], and the [[Korean Spinal Neurosurgery Society]], is an international [[peer review]]ed open-access [[journal]] which published quarterly (last day of March, June, September, and December). It was first published in March 31, [[2004]] with Volume 1 and Number 1 with the name “Korean Journal of Spine,” and renamed as “Neurospine” in March issue, 2018.

===== April =====
[[Emeritus]] [[Professor]] [[Jonathan Clemence Peter]] passed away in Wynberg, [[Cape Town]], on April 02, [[2018]], after an illness confronted with quiet courage and dignity. A beloved father, husband, neurosurgeon, leader, teacher, mentor and friend, he is remembered with deep respect and affection throughout the world of [[pediatric neurosurgery]]
((Fieggen G, Figaji A, Padayachy L, Enslin N. A tribute to professor Jonathan C 
Peter. Childs Nerv Syst. 2018 Aug 18. doi: 10.1007/s00381-018-3921-8. [Epub ahead
of print] PubMed PMID: 30121830.
)).

===== December =====
[[Mazor Robotics]] was an Israeli medical device [[company]] and manufacturer of a robotic guidance system for spine surgery that was acquired by [[Medtronic]] in December [[2018]].