Apollo Cancer Centers Blog

Blogs

Breast Cancer

Common Brain Disorders Requiring Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide

The human brain, a complex organ, is susceptible to various disorders that may necessitate surgical intervention. Neurosurgery, a specialized field focusing on the central and peripheral nervous system, plays a crucial role in treating various brain disorders.

Why Brain Surgery is Performed

Tumor Removal: Brain tumors, both malignant and benign, necessitate surgery to alleviate pressure on surrounding tissues and prevent further complications

Aneurysm Repair: Surgery becomes vital in treating aneurysms, abnormal bulges in blood vessels, to prevent rupture and potential life-threatening consequences.

Epilepsy Treatment: Certain cases of epilepsy that do not respond to medications may require surgical intervention to control seizures.

Common brain disorders that often require surgery

Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM): Glioblastoma is an aggressive form of brain cancer, and surgery is a primary treatment to remove as much tumor tissue as possible. This is often combined with other therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation.

Meningioma: Meningiomas are usually benign tumors that grow on the brain’s surface. Surgical removal is the standard approach, especially when the tumor causes symptoms or poses a risk of becoming malignant.

Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): AVM is a condition where blood vessels in the brain form abnormally. Surgery may be required to remove the AVM and prevent potential complications, such as bleeding.

Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus occurs when there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, leading to increased pressure. Surgery involves the insertion of a shunt to redirect the fluid, alleviating pressure and preventing damage.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Severe cases of TBI may require surgical intervention to address bleeding, swelling, or skull fractures. Timely surgery can significantly impact recovery outcomes.

Epilepsy: In some cases, surgery may be considered for epilepsy patients who do not respond to medications. Procedures like temporal lobectomy aim to remove brain tissue triggering seizures.

Pituitary Tumor: Pituitary tumors can affect hormonal balance. Surgery is often necessary to remove these tumors and restore normal pituitary function.

What Happens During Brain Surgery?

Incision and Skull Opening: In many cases, a surgeon makes an incision and opens a hole in the skull to access the brain.

Tumor Resection: The removal of tumors involves precise techniques to minimize damage to healthy brain tissue.

Aneurysm Clipping or Coiling: Aneurysms may be addressed by clipping or coiling, depending on the specific case.

Follow-Up Care Required Post Brain Surgery

Monitoring and Medications: Patients undergo careful monitoring post-surgery, with prescribed medications to manage pain and prevent infections.

Rehabilitation: Depending on the surgery’s nature, rehabilitation may be necessary to regain cognitive and physical functions.

Follow-Up Imaging and Consultations: Regular imaging and follow-up appointments with the neurosurgeon are essential to monitor recovery and address any emerging issues.

Conclusion

Surgical intervention plays a crucial role in treating various brain disorders. Each case is unique, requiring a personalized approach to ensure the best possible outcome for the patient. Understanding common brain disorders requiring surgery, the intricacies of the surgical process, and the necessary post-operative care is crucial for patients and their families.

Recent Oncological Imaging

Dr Vignesh Sayeerajan
Consultant – Neurosurgery-
Apollo Cancer Centre, Chennai


Recent Blogs

Grid Therapy Lattice Therapy

Endoscopic Transcanal Excision – A Breakthrough Treatment for Facial Nerve Schwannoma.

Dr Shankar Vangipuram | Nov 25, 2022

Schwannomas are benign tumours that develop in the Schwann cells, which are the protective covering for the n.

Read More
Grid Therapy Lattice Therapy

First Time in the World, Apollo Cancer Centre performs Endoscopic Transcanal Excision of Facial Nerve Schwannoma.

Dr Shankar Vangipuram | Nov 24, 2022

Dr Satish Nair, Head and Neck Surgeon, explains the use of 3 unique techniques to retain the entire functiona.

Read More
Grid Therapy Lattice Therapy

Apollo cancer centres launches “ArtCan” to raise awareness about breast cancer

Dr Shankar Vangipuram | Oct 31, 2022

For the first time in the country, artists and survivors join hands to win over cancer The Apollo Cancer Ce.

Read More

Categories

(14)
(04)
(11)
(09)