- Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)
An acoustic neuroma is a tumor that grows from the nerves responsible for balance and hearing (vestibulocochlear nerve). They are not cancerous and usually grow slowly. Over time the tumor can cause gradual hearing loss, ringing in the ear, and dizziness. Because of their slow growth, not all acoustic neuromas need to be treated. Treatment options include observation, surgery, and radiation.
- Acoustic neuroma surgery: suboccipital
A suboccipital craniotomy is a surgery performed to remove an acoustic neuroma growing from the nerve responsible for balance and hearing. During surgery, a section of the skull is removed behind the ear to access the tumor and nerves. The goals of surgery are: first, the maintenance of facial nerve function; second, the preservation of socially useful hearing; and third, tumor removal.
- Anatomy of the Brain
The brain is an amazing three-pound organ that controls all functions of the body, interprets information from the outside world, and embodies the essence of the mind and soul. Intelligence, creativity, emotion, and memory are a few of the many things governed by the brain. Protected within the skull, the brain is composed of the cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem.
- Brain biopsy
A brain biopsy is a procedure to remove a sample of abnormal tissue for examination under a microscope. The tissue cells taken during the biopsy can show what kind of brain lesion (abscess, tumor) is present and whether it is benign (not cancerous) or cancerous (malignant). Knowing the specific cell type helps doctors recommend a treatment plan.
- Brain tumors: an introduction
A tumor is abnormal tissue that grows by uncontrolled cell division. Normal cells grow in a controlled manner as new cells replace old or damaged ones. For reasons not fully understood, tumor cells reproduce uncontrollably. Brain tumors are named after the cell type from which they grow. They may be primary (starting in the brain) or secondary (spreading to the brain from another area). Treatment options vary depending on the tumor type, size and location; whether the tumor has spread; and the […]
- Chiari I malformation & syringomyelia
Chiari I malformation is a condition in which the lower part of the brain, called the cerebellar tonsil, herniates down through the skull and into the spinal canal. The herniated tissue presses against the brainstem and blocks the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Depending on the extent of herniation, these malformations cause a variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe.
- Chiari decompression surgery
Chiari decompression surgery removes bone at the back of the skull to widen the foramen magnum and create space for the brain. The dura overlying the tonsils is opened and a patch is sewn to expand the space, similar to letting out the waistband on a pair of pants. The goals of surgery are to control the progression of symptoms, relieve compression, and restore the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
- Coping with Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the way you move. Treatment focuses on reducing the symptoms to enable a normal, active lifestyle. While medication is necessary, you can do your part to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet and staying physically active in order to contribute to your overall health and well-being.
- Craniotomy
Craniotomy is a surgery to cut a bony opening in the skull. A section of the skull, called a bone flap, is removed to access the brain underneath. A craniotomy may be small or large depending on the problem. It may be performed to treat tumors, hematomas, aneurysms, AVMs, skull fractures, foreign objects, swelling of the brain, or infection. The bone flap is usually replaced with tiny plates and screws.
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgery to implant a device that sends electrical signals to brain areas responsible for body movement. Electrodes are placed deep in the brain and are connected to a stimulator device. Similar to a heart pacemaker, a neurostimulator uses electric pulses to regulate brain activity. DBS can help reduce the symptoms of tremor, slowness, stiffness, and walking problems caused by Parkinson's, dystonia, or essential tremor.
- Essential tremor
Essential tremor (ET) is a disorder of the brain that causes a rhythmic trembling of the hands, arms, head, voice, legs, or trunk. It is not related to Parkinson's disease. Treatments focus on reducing symptoms and maximizing quality of life. Treatments for this progressive disorder include medication, physical therapy, deep brain stimulation, and radiosurgery.
- Glioma brain tumor
A glioma is a type of brain tumor that grows from glial cells. Glial cells support neurons with energy and nutrients and help maintain the blood-brain barrier. Glioma is an umbrella term used to describe the different types of glial tumors: astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, and glioblastoma. Treatment options vary depending on the cell type and aggressiveness (grade I-IV).
- Glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia is an irritation of the ninth cranial nerve causing extreme pain in the back of the throat, tongue and ear. Attacks of intense, electric shock-like pain can occur without warning or be triggered by swallowing. Although the exact cause is not known, a blood vessel is often found compressing the nerve. It can also occur in people with throat or neck cancer. Medications may initially relieve the pain, but surgery is often needed for long-term relief.
- Hemifacial spasm
Hemifacial spasm (HFS) is an involuntary twitching or contraction of the facial muscles on one side of the face. Medication, surgery, and Botox injections are treatment options to stop the spasms and relieve the discomfort. Each treatment offers benefits, but each has limitations. You and your doctor should determine which treatment is best.
- Meningioma brain tumor
A meningioma is a tumor that grows from the protective membranes, called meninges, which surround the brain and spinal cord. Most meningiomas are benign (not cancer) and slow growing; however, some can be malignant. Symptoms typically appear gradually and vary depending on the tumor location. Because of their slow growth, not all meningiomas need to be treated immediately.
- Metastatic brain tumors
Metastatic brain tumors begin as cancer in another part of the body and spread to the brain via blood or nearby tissue. There can be one (metastasis) or multiple (metastases) tumors. The most common cancers that spread to the brain are lung, breast, skin, kidney and colon. Treatment options vary depending on the location and number of brain lesions along with the location and severity of the primary cancer.
- Microvascular decompression (MVD)
Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a surgery to relieve abnormal compression of a cranial nerve. It is performed to treat trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, and hemifacial spasm. MVD involves opening the skull (craniotomy) and inserting a sponge between the nerve and offending artery or vein causing the pain signals. Medications often provide relief to patients, but when medications become ineffective or cause serious side effects, MVD is an option.
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)
NPH, despite its name, is an abnormal condition. It occurs in older adults when cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) builds up inside the brain's ventricles. The enlarged areas stretch and damage the brain, causing symptoms of mild dementia, walking difficulties, and urinary problems. NPH may be treated with a shunt device that drains fluid from the ventricles.
- Parkinson's disease
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects cells in the brain responsible for body movement. When dopamine-producing neurons die, symptoms such as tremor, slowness, stiffness, and balance problems occur. Treatments focus on reducing symptoms to enable a more active lifestyle and include medication, diet, exercise, and deep brain stimulation surgery.
- Percutaneous stereotactic radiofrequency rhizotomy (PSR)
Percutaneous stereotactic radiofrequency rhizotomy (PSR) is a minimally invasive procedure performed to relieve pain caused by: trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia and cluster headaches. Medications often provide initial pain relief, but may become ineffective or cause serious side effects. PSR uses a heating current to destroy some of the nerve fibers carrying pain signals to the brain. The patient will now feel some numbness in the area rather than pain.
- Pituitary surgery: endoscopic
Endoscopic surgery is performed through the nose to remove tumors from the pituitary gland and skull base. In this minimally invasive surgery, the surgeon works through the nostrils with a tiny endoscope camera and light to remove tumors with long instruments. Pituitary tumors can cause hormone problems and vision loss. Tumor removal often reverses vision problems and restores hormone balance.
- Pituitary tumors
Tumors that grow from the pituitary gland can affect the whole body by interfering with normal hormone levels. They can also cause vision problems. There are various kinds of pituitary tumors: adenomas, craniopharyngiomas, and Rathke's cleft cysts. Most are benign (not cancer) and are often curable. Treatment options aim to remove the tumor or control its growth and restore normal hormone function.
- Radiosurgery of the brain: stereotactic
Radiosurgery uses high-energy rays to destroy tumors and other diseases. Beams of radiation are aimed at the brain by a machine outside your body. Radiosurgery uses very high dose beams meant to kill all the cells in the target area. The beams are tightly focused and accurate to avoid damaging healthy cells. It is often given in a one-time therapy in a single day or it can be broken into 2 to 5 treatments given over a week. Radiosurgery may be an alternative to open brain surgery.
- Radiotherapy of the brain: fractionated
Radiotherapy uses high-energy rays to destroy tumors and other diseases. Beams of radiation are aimed at the brain by a machine outside your body. Radiotherapy uses low dose beams to treat the tumor and a margin of normal cells surrounding the target area to prevent recurrence. A fraction of the radiation dose is given every day for several weeks. Over time, the abnormal cells die and the tumor may shrink.
- Traumatic brain injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is sudden damage to the brain caused by a blow to the head. Common causes include car or motorcycle crashes, falls, sports, and assaults. Injuries can range from mild concussions to severe permanent brain damage. While treatment for mild TBI may include rest and medication, severe TBI requires intensive care and/or life-saving surgery.
- Trigeminal neuralgia
Trigeminal neuralgia is extreme pain and muscle spasms in the face. Attacks of intense, electric shock-like facial pain can occur without warning or be triggered by touching specific areas of the face. Although the exact cause of trigeminal neuralgia is not fully understood, a blood vessel is often found compressing the nerve. Medication, injections, surgery, and radiation may be used to treat the pain.