Neurosurgery refers to a branch of surgery that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of disorders related to the brain, spine, and nervous system. Neurosurgeons perform operations to address conditions that affect the central nervous system (CNS), which includes the brain and spinal cord, as well as the peripheral nervous system (PNS), which involves nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.

​

Brain Surgery

​

Brain surgery, also known as cranial surgery, involves procedures that treat a variety of neurological conditions affecting the brain. These can include:

​

• Brain tumors: Removal of benign or malignant growths.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): Surgical treatment for skull fractures, bleeding, and swelling after head injuries.
• Aneurysms and AVMs (arteriovenous malformations): Repair of abnormal blood vessels or blood vessel bulges in the brain.
• Epilepsy surgery: Procedures aimed at controlling seizures in patients who do not respond to medication.
• Functional neurosurgery: Involves deep brain stimulation (DBS) for conditions like Parkinson’s disease or essential tremors.
• Hydrocephalus: Management of fluid build-up in the brain with shunt systems.

​

Spine Surgery

​

Spinal surgery, or spinal neurosurgery, deals with conditions affecting the spine and spinal cord. Some common procedures include:

​

• Spinal disc herniation: Removal or repair of a damaged disc pressing on the spinal nerves, often causing pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Spinal cord injuries: Surgical stabilization of the spine after traumatic injuries to prevent further damage and decompress nerves.
• Scoliosis and spinal deformities: Correction of abnormal curvatures of the spine, often through fusion or other techniques.
• Degenerative spinal disorders: Treatment for conditions like spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows, or spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebrae).
• Spinal tumors: Removal of tumors from the spine or spinal cord that may press on nerves or interfere with movement.
• Minimally invasive spinal surgery: Techniques that involve smaller incisions and faster recovery times.

​

Techniques in Neurosurgery

​

Neurosurgeons use a range of advanced techniques, including:

​

• Microsurgery: Involves using a microscope to perform intricate operations on delicate brain and spinal structures.
• Endoscopic surgery: Small incisions and the use of a camera (endoscope) to guide the surgeon.
• Robotic-assisted surgery: Provides greater precision and flexibility, improving the accuracy of spinal and brain surgeries.
• Stereotactic surgery: A highly precise method of guiding surgery using 3D imaging, often used in brain tumor removal or deep brain stimulation.

​