Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery (brain and nerve surgery) is a medical specialty that encompasses the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nervous system. Diseases are diagnosed using MRI, CT, EEG, and other advanced imaging techniques. Treatment is carried out through a comprehensive approach that includes surgical interventions (such as removal of brain tumors, aneurysm repair, and spinal surgeries), deep brain stimulation, and medical therapies. Neurosurgery addresses a wide range of conditions arising from traumatic injuries (head trauma, intracranial hemorrhages) as well as chronic disorders (hydrocephalus, nerve compression syndromes, spinal diseases, epilepsy). The primary goals are to prevent neurological function loss, repair pressure or damage within the nervous system, reduce pain, and accelerate recovery. Technologies such as microsurgical techniques, navigation-assisted surgeries, and endoscopic methods are widely used, contributing to improvements in both individual patient outcomes and public health. Neurosurgery works in close collaboration with neurology, radiology, physical therapy, oncology, and other related medical specialties. ⸻ Main Functions of Neurosurgery Diagnosis: Identifies the source of disease using advanced imaging techniques (MRI, CT) and neurological tests. Treatment: Treats neurological diseases through surgical interventions or multidisciplinary approaches. Rehabilitation: Provides support to help patients return to daily life after surgical procedures. ⸻ Conditions Treated by Neurosurgery Brain and nerve surgery covers a broad spectrum, ranging from emergency interventions due to trauma to the management of chronic nervous system disorders. Conditions such as nerve compression syndromes, lumbar and cervical disc herniation, head trauma, brain hemorrhages, and hydrocephalus fall within the scope of neurosurgery. ⸻ Purpose of Brain and Nerve Surgery The main objectives of neurosurgery are: • To prevent loss of neurological function • To repair pressure or damage affecting the nervous system • To reduce pain and improve the patient’s quality of life • To accelerate recovery by minimizing the risk of complications ⸻ Diseases Treated by Neurosurgery Brain Tumors Brain tumors result from uncontrolled growth of brain cells and are commonly encountered by neurosurgeons. They may be benign or malignant. Depending on their location and type, tumors can cause neurological deficits, headaches, seizures, and visual disturbances. Surgical treatment aims to remove the tumor using microscopic techniques while preserving healthy brain tissue. Spinal Disorders Spinal conditions can cause compression or damage to the nerves of the spinal cord. Lumbar disc herniation, cervical disc herniation, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and spinal fractures are among the most common disorders treated by neurosurgery. These conditions may lead to restricted movement, chronic pain, and neurological complications. Spinal surgery plays a crucial role in restoring mobility and reducing pain. Brain Hemorrhages Bleeding caused by rupture or blockage of cerebral vessels can lead to loss of neurological function. Brain hemorrhages may result from trauma, hypertension, or aneurysms and require emergency intervention. Surgical control of bleeding can be life-saving and help prevent permanent damage. Hydrocephalus Hydrocephalus is a condition caused by excessive accumulation of fluid within the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure, headaches, visual problems, and neurological deficits. One of the most common treatments is the placement of a shunt to drain excess fluid from the brain. Nerve Compression Nerve compression occurs when nerves are subjected to pressure from surrounding tissues. Conditions such as lumbar and cervical disc herniation and carpal tunnel syndrome are common examples. Symptoms include pain, numbness, sensory loss, and muscle weakness. Surgical decompression can relieve pressure on the nerve and alleviate symptoms. Aneurysms and Vascular Disorders Ballooning (aneurysm) or blockage of cerebral blood vessels can be life-threatening. Ruptured aneurysms can cause severe brain hemorrhage. Neurosurgery treats these vascular conditions using surgical methods to prevent complications. Head Trauma Head injuries caused by falls, accidents, or impacts can lead to neurological damage and brain hemorrhages. These cases often require emergency surgical intervention. Treatment of skull fractures, brain edema, and hemorrhages falls within the expertise of neurosurgery. Epilepsy and Movement Disorders Epilepsy and movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease that do not respond to medical treatment may require surgical intervention. Innovative methods such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) provide effective solutions for controlling symptoms. Neurosurgery plays a vital role in the treatment of neurological disorders. Early diagnosis is critical in preventing complications and accelerating recovery. Surgical interventions not only alleviate symptoms but also significantly improve quality of life and help patients regain neurological function. ⸻ What Are Neurosurgical (Brain and Nerve Surgery) Procedures? Neurosurgery focuses on the surgical treatment of nervous system diseases. These procedures aim to improve quality of life, reduce pain, and restore neurological function. Neurosurgeons play a crucial role in treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Major Neurosurgical Procedures Brain Tumor Surgery: Performed to remove abnormal cell growths (benign or malignant tumors) in the brain. Microsurgical techniques are used to preserve healthy brain tissue. Hydrocephalus Surgery: Treated by placing a shunt to redirect excess cerebrospinal fluid and reduce intracranial pressure, particularly effective in pediatric patients and severe cases. Aneurysm and Brain Hemorrhage Surgery: Performed to stop bleeding or repair high-risk vessels. Both open surgical and endovascular techniques may be used. Early intervention is crucial for survival. Spine and Spinal Cord Surgery: Includes procedures for lumbar and cervical disc herniation, scoliosis, spinal stenosis, and spinal fractures. The goal is to relieve nerve compression and restore mobility. Epilepsy Surgery: For drug-resistant epilepsy, the epileptic focus is surgically removed following detailed preoperative evaluation. Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorder Surgery: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is used to alleviate symptoms and improve motor function in patients unresponsive to medication. Trigeminal Neuralgia Surgery: Microvascular decompression relieves pressure on the trigeminal nerve, providing long-lasting pain relief. Head and Brain Trauma Surgery: Emergency surgical treatment of skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhages, and brain edema. Functional Neurosurgery: Surgical treatments for chronic pain, spasticity, and other neurological conditions using implanted devices to regulate nervous system activity. Cerebral Vascular Occlusion Surgery: Performed to restore normal blood flow and prevent complications such as stroke. Neurosurgical operations are vital in treating neurological diseases, improving quality of life, reducing pain, and restoring neurological function. Careful evaluation before and after surgery ensures the most appropriate treatment plan. The expertise of neurosurgeons directly influences surgical success rates. ⸻ Surgical Procedures Performed at Our Hospital • Microsurgical lumbar and cervical disc herniation surgeries • Spinal stenosis surgery (with or without implants) • Treatment of spinal fractures (vertebroplasty, kyphoplasty, spinal instrumentation) • Brain hemorrhage surgeries • Navigation-assisted brain tumor surgeries • Spinal tumor surgeries with neuromonitoring • Hydrocephalus shunt surgeries • Emergency trauma surgeries (epidural hematoma, subdural hematoma, intracerebral hematoma, skull base fractures, spinal fractures, CSF fistula repair) • Entrapment neuropathies (carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, tarsal tunnel syndrome, peroneal nerve entrapment) • Non-surgical pain interventions (facet joint blocks, foraminal epidural blocks under fluoroscopic guidance) • Non-surgical lumbar disc herniation treatment (nucleoplasty) • Pituitary tumor surgeries (cranial or transsphenoidal approach) • Spondylolisthesis surgery • Microsurgical procedures for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm