Brain and Neurosurgery

Brain and Neurosurgery is a medical specialization which requires 6 years of medical training followed by 5 years of surgery training. The focus of this medical specialization is the surgical diseases of the human nervous system. Nervous system is a signal transmission mechanism that is responsible for perceptual functions, organ activities, regional signals such as pain, sensory functions, muscle movement and many other functions. Nervous system is categorized in two parts; central and peripheral. The central nervous system consists of the brain and spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system consists of peripheral neurons and ganglia.

All surgical treatments and assessments of the problems the brain, the spinal cord or another part of the nervous system suffers from are performed by the medical branch of Brain and Neurosurgery. It is a highly specialized field requiring extensive training and skill, as the nervous system is a complex and delicate system that controls and coordinates all body functions.

 

Which Diseases Does Brain and Neurosurgery Treat?

The Brain and Neurosurgery medical branch focuses on the surgical treatment procedures of diseases in the nervous system. Neurology and psychiatry also deals with neurological illnesses limited to non-surgical treatments. All these branches usually cooperate in a multi-disciplinary approach in order to manage many patients' needs. Brain and Neurosurgery specialists treat and monitor patients of all ages and genders in nervous system diseases, which are quite common throughout the world. Some diseases which are treated by Brain and Neurosurgery units are as follows:

 

• Brain tumors
• Vascular diseases of the brain
• Traumas in the brain or nervous system
• Nervous system damages
• Herniated discs
• Cerebral hemorrhage
• Spine and spinal cord diseases and traumas
• Brain injuries
• Stroke and aneurysms
• Congenital disorders of brain and nervous system such as spina bifida (meningomyelocele)

 

Many disorders and conditions can affect the brain and the nervous system, such as brain tumor, stroke, aneurysm, and traumatic brain injury. In these cases, neurosurgery may be necessary to diagnose and start brain tumor treatment. Here are some surgery techniques by Brain and Neurosurgery units’ specialists as neurosurgery.

 

Craniotomy

A craniotomy is when a section of the skull is temporarily removed in order to access the brain.The bone flap, or portion of the skull that was removed during surgery, is generally restored. Cancer, intracranial hypertension, post-traumatic hematoma are some diseases that can be treated with craniotomy.

Spinal Surgery

Spinal neurosurgery is a neurosurgical procedure that deals with the surgical treatment of spine disorders. Herniated disc, spinal cord and nerve compression due to spinal canal stenosis, spinal deformities like spina bifida (meningomyelocele), tumors and cord diseases can be treated by spinal surgery. Spinal cord and nerve compression due to spinal canal stenosis, vertebral shifts, deformities, tumors, spinal cord diseases using modern surgical approaches.

Vascular Neurosurgery

Vascular neurosurgery is another neurosurgical procedure that focuses on the treatment of disorders of the brain and spinal cord blood vessels. Vascular neurosurgery may be performed using a variety of techniques and tools, such as scalpels, drills, and lasers. The specific procedure will depend on what the condition entails and also the individual patient.

Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CBS) Shunt System Placement

Cerebral Spinal Fluid shunt systems which help to transfer excess fluid from the brain to another region, can be used as a life-saving treatment for Hydrocephalus. In the shunt method, the chambers where the cerebrospinal fluid circulates and accumulates are entered through a small hole in the skull. Thus, the water accumulation in the brain is prevented, the pressure is balanced and the complications of hydrocephalus can be treated.

Stereotactic Surgery

Stereotactic surgery is a minimally invasive surgery that uses specialized equipment to guide the surgeon to a specific area of the brain or body. It is often used to treat brain tumors and other abnormalities and perform biopsies and other diagnostic procedures such as patients with symptoms of brain tumors.

The term "stereotactic" refers to using three-dimensional coordinates to guide the surgeon to the specific area being treated. This is typically done using a stereotactic frame, a device attached to the head or body that allows the surgeon to accurately locate the area being treated. The surgeon may also use imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRIs to guide them during the procedure.

Stereotactic surgery is often used as an alternative to traditional surgery, as it is less invasive and requires smaller incisions. This surgery can result in a faster recovery time and it can also create complications that bear lower risk.

 

How Do You Recover From a Neurosurgery Procedure?

Recovering from neurosurgery can vary based on the patient and the procedure. Here are some general steps that patients may go through during the recovery process:

 

• Some patients may need to stay in the hospital for a few days or weeks after their surgery, while others may be able to go home the same day. The kind of operation performed and the patient's general condition will determine how long they must stay in the hospital.
• After surgery, it's crucial for patients to rest and relax, so their bodies can recuperate.
• Patients may be prescribed medications to help manage pain and other symptoms during their recovery.
• Depending on the type of surgery and the patient's individual needs, physical therapy may be recommended to help patients regain strength and mobility.
• It is important for patients to attend follow-up appointments with their neurosurgeon to monitor their progress.

 

Today, advances in medical technology have greatly reduced the risks and improved the outcomes of neurosurgery, making it a safe and effective treatment option for many patients.

 

HealthTürkiye - Expert Care for Your Most Precious Organ

The nervous system is a complex and fascinating system in human body. For this reason, Brain and Neurosurgery is a demanding and challenging field of medicine that requires immense amounts of knowledge, skill, and experience. From diagnostics to surgery and everything in between, you need the right experts with high-tech equipment to get the best treatment for problems that fall under Brain and Neurosurgery expertise.

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