What is Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery, commonly known as brain and nerve surgery, is a branch of medicine that deals with diseases related to the brain and nerves. Specialists in this field are involved in the treatment of tumors that affect the brain and spinal cord tissues. Neurosurgery specialists also oversee and treat conditions such as herniated discs in the neck and back, head and spinal cord traumas, cerebral artery blockages, aneurysms, and brain hemorrhages.

Neurosurgeons are also referred to as neurosurgeons.

With the advancement of modern technology, surgical techniques have also evolved accordingly. Of course, these advancements have positively impacted the field of neurosurgery. Various surgical techniques, including microsurgery, are employed in this field.

What Are the Diseases of Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery addresses the diagnosis and treatment of diseases related to the brain, nerves, and spine. Here are the neurosurgical diseases in more detail:

Stroke:

This condition occurs in two different types: ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes. During a stroke, the blood vessels supplying the brain are blocked, depriving the brain of nourishment and oxygen. This lack of oxygen can result in brain damage and even death. Conditions such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, and smoking contribute to strokes.

Aneurysm:

Aneurysms are balloon-like enlargements of blood vessels in the brain. Due to the enlargement, there can be sudden bleeding from weakened vessel walls. Individuals can deteriorate rapidly, and in severe cases, the condition can be fatal. Aneurysms increase the risk of brain hemorrhage. Genetic predisposition, smoking, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and stress can increase the risk of aneurysms.

Brain Tumors:

This problem occurs when cells in the brain multiply uncontrollably. Brain tumors can also develop when tumors elsewhere in the body spread to the brain. Monitoring and treatment are necessary.

Brain Hemorrhage:

Bleeding into the brain membrane or brain tissue due to various reasons is termed as brain hemorrhage. This condition typically begins with complaints of headaches. Brain hemorrhage, in its severe form, can be fatal. If bleeding occurs within brain tissue, it’s called intracerebral hemorrhage. Bleeding in any part of the skull is termed intracranial hemorrhage. Blood leakage during a brain hemorrhage causes tissue damage, leading to symptoms such as slurred speech, vision problems, loss of balance, consciousness loss, difficulty swallowing, numbness, weakness, nausea, and vomiting. Factors that can cause brain hemorrhage include high blood pressure, aneurysms, brain tumors, trauma, and drug use.

What Diseases Does a Brain and Nerve Surgeon Treat?

• Brain and spinal cord tumors 
• Brain Aneurysms
• Arteriovenous Malformation 
• Cavernoma
• Brain hemorrhages
• Head and spine traumas
• Arnold-Chiari Syndrome (cerebellar descent) 
• Herniated disc
• Neck hernia
• Spinal stenosis (narrow canal)
• Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebrae)
• Scoliosis
• Hydrocephalus
• Tethered cord syndrome 
• Spinal cord closure defects (meningocoele, myelomeningocele)