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Neurosurgery: It's More Than Brain Surgery

Physicians trained in Neurosurgery finish a seven year Residency program in all aspects of the nervous system. Additional Fellowship training is often added to this regimen. The focus areas of the body include the brain, the spinal column and the peripheral nerves of the body. A conservative approach is always followed to seek out the best treatment option for the patient as indicated by the severity of the problem. Many times this will lead to treatment with medications, physical therapy, rest, injections and other options before surgery is indicated. Professional radiological images, including Angiography, MRI and CT scans, always guide the physician in ascertaining the degree of the injury or problem. With the physicians of the Neuro Spine & Pain Center it is not surgery first; the treatment plan is designed around you.

If surgery is indicated her are some of the facets in which our physicians have expertise.

Cervical Disc Surgery

Getting rid of pain in your neck Treating pain and weakness in the Neck and Arms. If you suffer from nagging neck and arm pain or weakness, this may be caused by deterioration or injury to a disc in your neck. Simple turning of the neck may be impossible without great pain. Since your head is heavy, weighing 10 pounds or more, your neck needs to be strong. Your discs could be flattened, herniated or you could have bone spurs pressing on your nerve. Our surgical procedures can correct this relieving your pain with you being able to go home the same day as the procedure.

Lumbar Vertebral Disc Surgery

Getting rid of pain in your back. Surgery to reduce or eliminate low back pain could be your best option. You may have pain in your low back when you sit or stand or walk. Surgical procedures called laminotomy or laminectomy are likely to reduce or eliminate this pain. These procedures remove a small amount of bone from your spine, taking pressure off the nerves. You can be completely back to normal in a reasonably short time following surgery. Some of these procedures can be performed in our Ambulatory Surgery Center enabling you to go home the same day. Others are more complicated requiring an overnight stay in the hospital. 

Brain Tumors

Care options after the tumor is found. When the diagnosis is a brain tumor many times surgical procedures are the best option for your optimum outcome. Both benign and malignant tumors can be life threatening and require intensive treatment. Our physicians will evaluate your condition and discuss a treatment plan crafted for your best results. Only through an extensive neurologic exam and imaging scans the physician will be lead to determine what is best for you. Surgical procedures to remove the tumor may be the best option, but other less invasive treatments are options too.

Brain Aneurysms

Life saving procedures for your brain. You may be just fine one day and a sudden explosive headache comes on indicating that something has changed. This serious problem needs prompt attention. Bulges in the walls of an artery in the brain can become tears and bleeds damaging nearby brain cells. Prompt treatment can save the patient’s life and minimize long term disability. Surgical intervention can prevent more bleeding. Blood causing pressure on the brain will be removed. Multiple treatment options are available depending upon the patient’s condition.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Treatment for after the accident. Severe blows to the head from an accident happen quickly. When the brain strikes the skull or twists on the brain stem, brain tissue tears. This tearing can lead to bleeding and swelling. A Neurosurgeon will be part of the team who comes to the Emergency Department to assist in your care. In many instances shock to the brain from the trauma will cause swelling and pressure within the head which the physician must measure and manage to assure your recovery. The physician will participate in a team of health care professionals to chart your long term recovery.

Craniotomy

Taking the pressure off or opening access. For a variety of conditions it may be necessary to open a window in the skull to aid in the success of other treatments. This allows the physician to reduce pressure beneath the skull. Craniotomy may also be used to remove or repair abnormal structures in the brain, Once your physician reaches the brain, what is done next depends upon the problem to be resolved.

Carotid Artery Narrowing (Stenosis)

Saving you from a Stroke. When the carotid arteries fill with residue matter called plaque due to risk factors such a smoking, diabetes or high blood pressure, cholesterol and other particles stick to the walls of the arteries. Through a medical evaluation incorporating a number or test the physician will determine whether a surgical procedure to open these arteries would be best for you.

Functional Neurosurgery

Controlling conditions that affect your movement or bodily control. When you are affected by conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, Tremors or Epilepsy treatments using Stereotactic Radiosurgery can be helpful. Physicians employ sophisticated operative techniques involving radiation, neuro-imaging guidance and robotics to target the treatment to just the right place.

Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

Relieving the pain in your wrist. The nerves in your arm run through a narrow opening in the wrist. Carpel Tunnel Syndrome affects the wrist and hand resulting in pain. Simple tasks become hard to do. This condition may begin with tingling and numbness, often compounded by a weakened grip. The physician may suggest medication or a splint to relieve the condition. If your pain and weakness has become severe surgery is indicated. The procedure will open this ‘tunnel’ in the wrist to relieve the pressure on the nerve.