Skip to main content
"By creating we think, by living we learn" Patrick Geddes
Main University menu
 

Templates Top-Level Menu

Research

The University is one of the leading research institutions in basic neurosciences. The University of Dundee offers a number of post-graduate degrees based upon research; MCh, MD, PhD, if you are interested please contact us.

We welcome post-graduate students, who wish to pursue research activities in the department.

The department has links with the University of St Andrews as well as the University of Dundee. The department participates in multicentre trials and promotes research activity. There is an ample opportunity to carry out both clinical and basic science research. Currently the following areas are being researched: Robotics in neurosurgery, PDT, IORT, Stereotactic Neurosurgery, deep brain stimulation, vagus nerve stimulation, and Image guidance & neuronavigation. It has collaborated in several multi-centre trials in head injuries, subarachnoid haemorrhage, gliomas, epilepsy and stroke.

Audit Program

Audit is an integral part of the routine working schedule of the department. The audit is well advanced at the department as the hospital designates a 1/2 day monthly for audit activities and supports audit projects. The department also participates in the National Audit Schemes, such as the national audit of SASM, cerebral gliomas and peroperative mortality. There are several prospective audit projects carried out in the Department. Audit meetings are organized at regular intervals and attended by all health care professionals. Foundations doctors in year one carry out bimonthly medical records audit, FY2 and ST1 carry out bimonthly the UK-Adverse event trigger tool and ST3/4 carry out the monthly M&M meetings.

Clinical Trials

We participated in the following trails:

  1. The Surgical Trial in lobar Intracerebral Haemorrhage II (STICHII) Trial Multicentre prospective international trial MRC funded - 2006-ongoing.
    CI Prof David Mendelow, Newcastle, PI Prof Sam Eljamel.
  2. The role of Photodynamic therapy in the management of invasive intracranial tumours - 2001-2012.
    - CI Prof Sam Eljamel.
  3. The role of Intra-operative radiosurgery in the management of invasive intracranial tumours - 2001-2005.
    - CI Prof Sam Eljamel.
  4. PDSurg Trial, multicentre prospective controlled trial of Deep Brain Stimulation in Parkinson's disease - MRC funded - deep brain stimulation vs best medical therapy for 12 months, prospective randomised trial.
    CI Prof K Wheatley, PI Prof Sam Eljamel. 2000-2006.
  5. The Surgical Treatment of Spontaneous Intracerebral Haemorrhage (STICH) Trial and the STICHES (STICH Economics) Multicentre prospective international trial MRC funded - 1996-2003.
    CI Prof David Mendelow, PI Prof Sam Eljamel.
  6. The CRASH trial in head injuries - Multicentre international MRC funded trial 2002 to 2005.
    Local PI Prof Sam Eljamel.
  7. Phase I, International multicentre trial of CCI-779 (2002/3) Safety and tolerability and pharmacokinetics of weekly intravenous administration of CCI-779 in patients with advanced solid cerebral tumours.
  8. D-03 Prospective multicentre evaluation of vagus nerve stimulation in treatment refractory depression 2005-2006.
  9. Functional neurosurgery for PD; effects on motor and neuropsychological performance, social function and quality of life 2000-2003.
  10. Cognitive function after deep brain stimulation (1999-03)
  11. A prospective randomised evaluation of three neurosurgical treatments for chronic treatment refractory depression: ant cing, ant cap and VNS.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss multi centre trials. To make initial contact email m.s.eljamel@dundee.ac.uk

Recent Publications

Stereotaxy, Image Guidance and Robotics

  1. Eljamel MS. Robotic Neurosurgical Applications: Accuracy and Consistency or Pure Fantasy? Stereotact Funct Neurosurg. 2009; 87:88-93.
  2. Eljamel MS. Validation of a neurosurgical robot using a phantom. Int J Med Robotics Comput Assist Surg 2007; ;3(4):372-7.
  3. Eljamel MS, Tulley M, Spillane K. A simple stereotactic method for frameless deep brain stimulation. Stereot Funct Neurosurg 2007; 85: 6-10 (EARLY publication on line from October 2006).
  4. Eljamel MS, Robotic applications in epilepsy surgery. Int J Med Robot. 2006; 2(3): 233-237.
  5. Eljamel MS, Hofer M. From Letterbox to Keyhole Approach for Resecting Intracranial Lesions, Stereot Funct Neurosurg, 2004; 81: 30- 36.
  6. Eljamel MS. Frameless Stereotactic Neurosurgery: Two Steps towards the holy Grail of surgical navigation. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg; 1999; 72(2-4): 125-128.
  7. Eljamel MS, Developments in image-guided neurosurgery. Hospital Medicine 1999: 60(9), 686 (letter).
  8. Eljamel MS. Accuracy, efficacy and clinical applications of the Radionics Operating Arm System. Comput Aided Surg 1997; 2(5): 292- 297. (full paper) http://www.dundee.ac.uk/wtclinicalphd/

Neuro-oncology and Photodynamic Therapy

  1. McLeay, T, L Allan, L Baker, J Dewar, S Eljamel, R M Grant, J G Houston, T McLeay, A J Munro and P Levack. Suspected malignant cord compression - improving time to diagnosis via a 'hotline': a prospective audit. advance online publication, 2009-05-26 00:00:00.000; doi:10.1038/sj.bjc.6605079
  2. Levack P, Allan L, Baker L, McLeay T, Houston G, Dewar J, Eljamel S, Grant R, Munro A, Coordination improves outcomes in malignant cord compression. BMJ. 2009 Jan 6;338:a3151.
  3. Eljamel M.S. Fluorescence image guided surgery of brain tumours: Explained step by step. Photodiag. Photodyn. Ther 2008; 5:260-263.
  4. Zilidis G, Aziz F, Telara S, Eljamel MS, Fluorescence image-guided surgery and repetitive photodynamic therapy in brain metastatic malignant melanoma. Photodiag. Photodyn. Ther 2008; 5:264-266.
  5. Cuthbertson DJ, Ritchie D, Crooks D, Main G, Smith C, Vora J, Eljamel MS, Leese GP. Lymphocytic hypophysitis occurring simultaneously with a functioning pituitary adenoma. Endocr J. 2008 ;55:729-735.
  6. Marchionni M, Smith C, Eljamel MS. Intracranial enterogenous cyst extending into both supratentorial and infratentorial compartments: case report and review of the literature. Skull Base. 2008;18:213-216.
  7. Eljamel MS, Good man C, Moseley H. ALA and Photofrin(R) Fluorescence-guided resection and repetitive PDT in glioblastoma multiforme: a single centre Phase III randomised controlled trial. Lasers Med Sci. 2008; 23:361-367.
  8. Moseley H, McLean C, Hockaday S, Eljamel S. In vitro light distributions from intracranial PDT balloons. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy 2007; 4: 213- 220.
  9. Armoogum K, Parry J, Mackay C, Thompson A, Vaidya J, Ackland C, Gardner J, Munro A, Eljamel S. Implementation and experiences of an intraoperative radiotherapy service. Clin Oncol (R Coll Radiol) 2007; 19(3): S8-9.
  10. Montague ML, Eljamel MS, Hussain SS. Facial nerve schwanoma presenting as conductive hearing loss. Otolaryng Head Neck Surg 2005; 132(3): 509- 510.
  11. Eljamel M Sam, Brain PDD and PDT unlocking the mystery of malignant gliomas. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic therapy 2005; 1: 303- 310.
  12. Eljamel M S, Photodynamic assisted surgical resection and treatment of malignant brain tumours technique, technology and clinical application. Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic therapy 2004; 1: 93- 98.
  13. Eljamel MS. New Light on the Brain: The Role of Photosensitising Agents and Laser Light in the Management of Invasive Intracranial Tumours. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2003; 2(4): 303- 309.
  14. Forbes RB, Eljamel MS. Meningeal Chondrosarcomas a review of 31 patients. Br J Neurosurg 1998; 12(5):461- 464.
  15. Eljamel MS. Surgery for cavernous sinus meningiomas. Surg Neurol 1996; 46(6): 604- 605.(letter)
  16. Are CK, Eljamel MS, McConachie N, Viani L, Rawluk D. Acoustic neuromas: a review of 58 patients and correlation of tumor-size to the outcome. Ir Med J. 1995; 88(3): 104-105 (full paper).
  17. Eljamel MS. Paragangliomas of the cauda equina. Br J Neurosurg 1992; 6(3): 279 (letter).
  18. Eljamel MS, Foy PM, Findlay GF, MacKenzie JM. Paragangliomas of the cauda equina and backache, the problem of diagnosis, Neuro-orthopaedics 1990; 8: 107 - 110 (review).
  19. Eljamel MS, Jeffreys RV. Mucus-Secreting Choroid Plexus adenoma- case report and review of the literature. Neuropaediatrics 1990; 21(1): 55 - 56 (review).
  20. Eljamel MS. Multiple meningiomas. J Neurosurg 1990; 72(5), 834 - 835 (letter).
  21. Eljamel MS. Foy PM. Multiple meningiomas and their relation to neurofibromatosis. Review of the literature and report of seven cases. Surg Neurol 1989; 32(2): 131- 136 (Review).

Functional, Psychsurgery, Epilepsy, Movement disorders

  1. Eljamel MS. Ablative neurosurgery for mental disorders: is there still a role in the 21st century? A personal perspective. Neurosurg Focus. 2008;25(1):E4.
  2. Haridas A, Mathewson C, Eljamel S. Long-term results of 405 refractory trigeminal neuralgia surgeries in 256 patients. Zentralbl Neurochir. 2008;69(4):170-174.
  3. Steele JD, Christmas D, Eljamel MS, Matthews K. Anterior Cingulotomy for major depression: clinical outcome and relationship to lesion characteristics. Biological Psychiatry 2007; 670-677.
  4. Ridout N, O’Carroll RE, Dritschel B, Christmas D, Eljamel M, Matthews K. Emotion recognition from dynamic emotional displays following anterior Cingulotomy and anterior Capsulotomy for chronic depression. Neuropsychologia 2007; 45: 1735-1745.
  5. Christmas D, Curran S, Matthews K, Eljamel MS. Neurosurgery for mental disorders: vagus nerve stimulation and deep brain stimulation. Psychiatry Psychiatric Treatment 2006; 5-6: 212- 216.
  6. Christmas D, Crombie I, Eljamel M, Neurosurgery for obsessive compulsive disorders (Protocol). The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2005; Issue 4: Art No.:CD005560. DOI: 10,1002/14651858,CD005560.
  7. Christmas D, Matthews K, Eljamel MS. Neurosurgery for mental disorder. Br J Psychiatry 2004; 185: 173- 174.
  8. Chrisrmas D, Morrison C, Eljamel MS, Mathews K, Neurosurgery for mental disorder. Advances in Psychiatric Treatment 2004; 10: 189- 199.
  9. Kumar A, Felderhof C, Eljamel M S. Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) in the treatment of Refractory Unilateral Limb Pain Syndrome (RULPS). Stereot Funct Neurosurg, 2004; 83: 70- 74.
  10. Mathews K, Eljamel MS. Vagus nerve stimulation and refractory depression please can you switch me on doctor?, Editorial. Br J Psychiatry 2003; 183: 181-183.
  11. Christmas D, Eljamel MS, Matthews K. Adverse events following neurosurgery. Br J Psychiatry 2003; 183: 366- 367.
  12. Forbes RB, Macdonald S, Eljamel MS, Roberts R. Cost-utility of vagus nerve stimulators for adults with medically refractory epilepsy. Seizure 2003; 12(5): 249- 256.
  13. Matthews K, Eljamel MS. Status of neurosurgery for mental disorder in Scotland. Selective literature review and overview of current clinical activity. Br J Psychiatry 2003; 182: 404- 411.
  14. Forster A, Eljamel MS, Varma TRK, Tulley M, Latimer M. Audit of Neurophysiological Recording during Movement Disorder Surgery, Stereotact Funct Neurosurg; 1999; 72(2-4): 154- 156.
  15. Eljamel MS, Forster A,, Tulley M, Matthews K. Staged functional neurosurgery using image fusion, electronic atlas and micro-electrode recording at Dundee. Stereotact Funct Neurosurg; 1999, 73(1-4); 140- 142.

CSF leaks and other topics

  1. Couper GW, Boddie DE, Eljamel MS, Kaar GF. Unguarded electric plugs cause penetrating head injuries in children. J Accid Emerg Med 2000; 17(1): 55.
  2. Delgaldo M, Doig C, Eljamel MS. The use of spring-eye needles in Neurosurgery. A survey of neurosurgical theatres in the United Kingdom. Br J Neurosurg 1998; 12(5): 438- 439.
  3. Eljamel MS. Antibiotic Prophylaxis in the management of CSF fistula. Surg. Neurol 1998; 50(4): 387 (letter).
  4. Eljamel MS. Bupivacaine in lumbar spine surgery. Surg Neurol 1998; 49(6): 671 (letter).
  5. Eljamel MS. Neurosurgical manpower. Eljamel MS. Surgical Neurology 1998; 49(2): 234- 235. (letter)
  6. Eljamel MS. MRI for CSF Rhinorrhoea. Surg Neurol 1997; 48(5): 533-4. (letter)
  7. McConachie NS, Joseph BV, Eljamel MS, Stafford-Johnson DB. Magnetic resonance cisternography of cerebrospinal fluid otorhinorrhea. International Journal of Neuroradiology 1995; 1(2): 177- 181.(full paper)
  8. Eljamel MS, Sharif S, Pidgeon CN. Total intraventricular migration of unisystem ventriculo-peritoneal shunt. Acta Neurochir (Wien) 1995; 136(3-4): 217- 218. (case report)
  9. Eljamel MS, Ruptured Intracranial Aneurysms, Br J Neurosurg. 1995; 9(1): 107. (letter)
  10. Eljamel M.S, Pidgeon C.N. Localization of Inactive cerebrospinal fluid fitulas. J Neurosurg,1995; 83(5): 795-798 (full paper).
  11. Eljamel M.S.. Posttraumatic myelopathy, Br J Neurosurg. 1994; 8(6): 765-767 (Letter ).
  12. Eljamel MS. CSF diversion in CSF fistulae. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1995; 58(5): 645 (letter).
  13. Eljamel M.S. Anticonvulsant and Antibiotic prophylaxis in head injuries. Ann R Coll Surg Eng 1994; 76(5): 353- 354 (letter).
  14. Carroll M, Eljamel MS, Cuningham A.J. Ferrous distortion during MRI. Br.J. Anaesh, 1994; 72(6): 727- 728.(letter).
  15. Eljamel MS. Fractures of the middle third of the face and CSF fistulae. Br J Neurosurg 1994; 8(7): 289- 294 (full paper).
  16. Eljamel MS, Pidgeon CN, Toland J, Phillips JB, O'Dwyer A. MRI-Cisternography in CSF Fistulae localisation. Br J Neurosurg 1994; 8(4): 433- 437 (full paper)
  17. Eljamel MS. The human genome theory, The Science. May/June 1994 (letter).
  18. Eljamel MS. Antibiotic prophylaxis in CSF fistulae. Br J Neurosurg 1993; 7(5): 501- 506 (full paper).
  19. Eljamel MS, Waring DJ. The Paragon Immunofixation for CSF identification. Biomed SCI 1993; 4 (2): 43- 45 (full paper).
  20. Eljamel MS, Nixon T. The use of a computer-based image link system to assist tnter-hospital referrals. Br J Neurosurg 1992; 6(6): 559-562 (full paper).
  21. Eljamel MS, Foy PM, Swift A, McFarlane I. Rhinorrhoea complicating Bromocriptine therapy. Surg Neurol 1992; 38(4): 321 (letter).
  22. Eljamel MS, Foy PM. Non-traumatic CSF fistulae: clinical history and management. Br J Neurosurg 1991; 5(3): 275 – 79 (full paper).
  23. Eljamel MS. The role of Surgery and B2-Transferrin in the management of CSF Fistulae. MD. Thesis, Eljamel MS. Liverpool University, 1991 (THESIS).
  24. Eljamel MS. Foy PM. Acute Cerebrospinal fluid fistulae, the risk of intra-cranial infections. Br J Neurosurg 1990; 4(5): 381- 385 (full paper).
  25. Eljamel MS. Foy PM. Post-traumatic CSF Fistulae, the case for surgical repair. Br J Neurosurg 1990; 4(6): 479 – 483 (full paper).
  26. Eljamel MS, Humphrey PRD, Shaw MDM. Dissection of the cervical internal carotid artery. The role of Doppler/duplex studies and conservative management. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1989; 53(5): 379 – 83 (full paper).
  27. Eljamel MS, Rugman FP. Extradural haematoma associated with essential thrombocythaemia in a child after a relatively minor head injury. Injury 1989; 20(4): 236-244, (case report).
  28. Eljamel MS. Liquid extradural haematomas on CT scan. Surg Neurol 1989; 32(1): 81 - 82 (letter).
Edit