More than three-fourths of US neurosurgeons practice some form of defensive medicine—performing additional tests and procedures out of fear of malpractice lawsuits. The rates and costs of defensive medicine by neurosurgeons are especially high in states with high-risk liability environments. "Although ordering extra laboratory tests, imaging studies, etc. was prevalent everywhere, it was even more so in high-risk states," according to the survey study by Dr. Timothy R. Smith of Northwestern University, Chicago, and colleagues.

The Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) holds its 2016 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, September 24–28. The meeting theme Advance, Adapt, Achieve affirms neurosurgery’s ability to succeed by advancing innovative ideas through research, adapting treatments through knowledge, and ultimately, achieving breakthrough in patient care. The five-day event attracts upwards of 4,000 visitors who attend to learn the latest state-of-the-art breakthroughs in neurosurgical science and technology