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Understanding Neurosurgeries: What Are They And Their Indications?
Overview Of Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery is a subspeciality of neuro medicine that deals with the diagnosis, non-surgical, and medical management of neurological illnesses and their repercussions. Neurologists, who specialise in neuro medicine, sometimes work alongside neurosurgeons on patients.
Neurosurgeons perform operations on the nerves in the limbs or extremities, the brain, or the spine. They treat patients of all ages, from elderly people who may have had a stroke, for example, to babies with congenital neurological disorders (birth defects). Treatment for nerve damage, neuroblastoma, central nervous system infections, and neurodegenerative illnesses is also provided by neurosurgeons.
A neurosurgeon can specialise in several areas; some of these include spine surgery, neurovascular surgery, neuro-oncology, paediatric neurosurgery, interventional neuroradiology, pain treatment, and nerve trauma.
Peripheral Nerve Disorders– Carpal tunnel syndrome or other compressive neuropathies requiring decompression.Neurosurgery is required when there are conditions affecting the nervous system that cannot be treated effectively with non-surgical methods. Here are situations where neurosurgery may be necessary:
Brain Tumours – Removal or biopsy of tumours in the brain.
Spinal Cord Compression – Due to herniated discs, tumours, or trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – To relieve pressure or remove hematomas.
Cerebrovascular Disorders – Such as aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) to prevent or repair rupture.
Epilepsy – Surgery for patients with uncontrolled seizures that do not respond to medication.
Hydrocephalus – When there is a buildup of cerebrospinal fluid, requiring shunt placement.
Movement Disorders – Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for conditions like Parkinson’s disease.
Chronic Pain – For intractable pain, surgical interventions like nerve stimulation or rhizotomy may be necessary.
Nerve Injuries – Repair or decompression of damaged or compressed peripheral nerves.
Spinal Deformities – Correction of conditions like scoliosis or kyphosis.
Chiari Malformations– Surgery to relieve pressure at the base of the skull.
Brain Hemorrhages or Stroke– To relieve pressure or restore blood flow to the brain.
Infections in the Brain or Spine – Surgical drainage of abscesses or removal of infected tissue.
Congenital Defects – Repair of conditions like spina bifida or craniosynostosis.
Spinal Instability – Fusion surgery to stabilise the spine after injury or degeneration.
Why Is Neurosurgery Required?
Neurosurgery is needed when serious problems affect the brain, spine, or nerves, and cannot be treated with medicines or less invasive treatments. Conditions like brain tumours, serious head injuries, or problems with blood vessels in the brain can put a person’s life at risk or cause permanent damage if not treated with surgery. For example, a brain tumour might press on important parts of the brain, causing symptoms like headaches, seizures, or difficulty moving, which need surgery to remove or reduce the tumour.
Neurosurgery can also help improve a person’s quality of life. Conditions like epilepsy, which causes seizures, or spinal problems that cause pain or make it hard to move, may be treated through surgery when other treatments don’t work. Although neurosurgery is complex and comes with risks, it is often the best way to address serious problems and give patients a chance to live a healthier, better life.
When To Consult A Neurosurgeon?
In case of refractory neurological symptoms – the patient should be referred to a neurosurgeon in need of surgical treatment.
Chronic back or neck pain that is the following to both the arms and the legs, may be a sign of a spinal herniated disc or spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spondylolisthesis compressed nerves that require surgical intervention.
Intense headaches accompanied by visual, speech, or sensory disturbances could signal serious issues like tumours, aneurysms, or brain bleeding, needing urgent surgical intervention.
Sudden weakness or numbness in the arms or legs, unbalanced coordination, and unexplained seizures are symptoms that should prompt consultation with a neurosurgeon.
These symptoms may suggest central nervous system damage from conditions like nerve injuries, cranial trauma, or spinal diseases.
Individuals diagnosed with brain tumours, cerebrovascular diseases, or structural abnormalities of the nervous system should consult a neurosurgeon.
Benefits Of Neurosurgery
Neurosurgery can have many benefits, including:
Treating conditions: Neurosurgery can treat a wide range of conditions, including brain tumours, spinal cord injuries, aneurysms, and movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease.
Saving lives: Neurosurgery can save lives or prevent life-threatening complications.
Rehabilitative procedure: Neurosurgery can be an effective rehabilitative procedure for people with degenerative neurological conditions.
Removing tumours: Neurosurgery can remove tumours or cells that are causing inflammation or scarring.
Repairing brain abnormalities: Neurosurgery can repair brain abnormalities.
Reducing pressure on the brain: Neurosurgery can reduce pressure on the brain.
Pre-Surgery Preparations
Tests Before Surgery:
Blood tests (CBC, blood sugar levels)
Imaging (MRI, CT scans)
Cardiac evaluations (ECG, chest X-ray)
Neurological assessments
Pre-op consultation with an anesthesiologist
Precautions:
Avoid food and drink 8-12 hours before surgery.
Discontinue blood-thinning medications (if prescribed by the doctor).
Inform the doctor about allergies and medical history.
Post-Surgery Care
Tests After Surgery:
Post-op MRI or CT scans
Neurological exams
Blood tests for infection or complications
Precautions:
Rest and limited physical activity.
Pain management (prescribed medications).
Wound care and hygiene to prevent infection.
Follow-up appointments for monitoring recovery
Side Effects Surgery
Pain and Discomfort: Pain is common in post-surgery and is usually managed with medications.
Swelling and Bruising: Localised swelling or bruising around the surgical site.
Infection: There is a risk of infection at the incision site.
Bleeding: Minor bleeding is common; excessive bleeding may require medical attention.
Blood Clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism are potential risks.
Scarring: Scar formation at the incision site is normal but may vary in severity.
Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak post-surgery is common due to anaesthesia and healing.
Nausea and Vomiting: These can occur as side effects of anaesthesia or pain medications.
Delayed Healing: Some patients, especially those with conditions like diabetes, may experience slower wound healing.
Nerve Damage: Rare, but surgery near nerves can sometimes cause temporary or permanent nerve damage, leading to numbness or weakness.
Reaction to Anesthesia: Drowsiness, confusion, or allergic reactions may occur in response to anaesthesia.
Conditions Treated By Neurosurgeons
Brain tumours.
Carpal tunnel syndrome.
Brainstem fluid (CSF) leakage.
Persistent neck or back pain.
Spina bifida and tethered spinal cord are examples of congenital spinal column disorders.
Essential tremor.
Herniated disks.
Hydrocephalus.
Intracranial aneurysms.
Multiple sclerosis (MS).
Parkinson’s disease.
Pinched nerves.
Sciatica.
Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy.
Spinal bone spurs (osteophytes).
Spinal stenosis.
Spinal fractures.
Spinal tumours.
Spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and spondylolisthesis.
Traumatic head, brain, neck or spine injuries.
The Role Of Neurosurgeons In Treating Patients
Neurosurgeons are doctors who specialise in diagnosing and treating problems related to the brain, spine, and nerves. Their role is to help patients with serious conditions like brain tumours, spinal cord injuries, and nerve damage. While many people think neurosurgeons only perform surgeries, they also assess whether surgery is necessary or if a non-surgical treatment can work better.
Generally, neurosurgeons treat patients of all ages, including infants with congenital neurological problems, as well as the elderly with disorders such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease. Such surgeons carry out procedures to excise brain tumours, correct spinal deformities, or decompress pinched nerves. Their primary focus, however, is working towards alleviating conditions affecting the nervous system so that the sufferer can lead a better life.
Conclusion
Neurosurgery plays a critical role in diagnosing and treating complex conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nerves. From brain tumours and spinal deformities to nerve damage and movement disorders, neurosurgeons offer life-saving and quality-enhancing interventions when non-surgical methods are insufficient. With the right diagnosis and timely treatment, neurosurgery can greatly improve a patient’s overall well-being and long-term health outcomes. Seeking consultation with a neurosurgeon when experiencing persistent neurological symptoms ensures proper care and can prevent serious complications. Hospitals like Sahyadri offer advanced neurosurgical treatments, helping patients regain control over their health and life.
Why Sahyadri Hospital?
Sahyadri is a well-known hospital that provides advanced care for patients with chronic back pain and other nerve-related conditions. If patients don’t get better after trying non-surgical treatments, it’s important to see a specialist.
For example, people with long-lasting lower back or neck pain that is spreading to the arms or legs may have conditions like slipped discs or pinched nerves that may require surgery. Headaches that cause blurred vision, speech problems, or numbness could be signs of serious issues like brain tumours or aneurysms, which need immediate attention from a neurosurgeon.
You should also visit a neurosurgeon at Sahyadri Hospital if you experience unexplained weakness or numbness in your arms or legs, trouble with balance, or frequent seizures. These symptoms may point to problems in the brain or spinal cord, needing detailed tests and treatment. The neurosurgery department at Sahyadri is trained to handle all nerve and brain-related conditions and ensure comprehensive patient care.
FAQ’s
What conditions do neurosurgeons treat? Neurosurgeons treat a variety of conditions, including brain tumours, spinal disorders, traumatic brain injuries, and epilepsy, using both surgical and non-surgical methods.
When should I consult a neurosurgeon? Consult a neurosurgeon if you experience persistent neurological symptoms such as severe headaches, unexplained weakness, numbness, or difficulty with coordination.
What are the risks of neurosurgery? Risks of neurosurgery can include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and complications related to anaesthesia, but these are generally outweighed by the potential benefits of treatment.
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