What type of condition would require surgery of the skull base?

Verified by Dr. Sunil Kutty, Consultant Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai

Skull base surgery is a complex and specialized type of neurosurgery that is used to treat a variety of conditions that affect the base of the skull. The skull base is the area where the brain meets the spine, and it is home to a number of important structures, including nerves, blood vessels, and glands. As a result, skull base surgery can be a risky procedure, but it is often the only way to treat some of these conditions.

Common conditions that require skull base surgery

• Pituitary tumors: Pituitary tumors are the most common type of tumor that affects the skull base. They can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches, vision problems, and hormonal imbalances.
• Meningiomas: Meningiomas are non-cancerous tumors that grow from the meninges, the tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. They can cause a variety of symptoms, depending on their location.
• Chordoma: Chordomas are rare, slow-growing tumors that develop from the bones of the skull base. They can be difficult to treat, and they often recur.
• Acoustic neuroma: Acoustic neuromas are benign tumors that grow on the eighth cranial nerve, which is responsible for hearing and balance. They can cause hearing loss, ringing in the ears, and balance problems.
• Trigeminal neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the face. It is characterized by episodes of severe, stabbing pain in the face.

In addition to these conditions, skull base surgery may also be used to treat:

• Craniofacial abnormalities: Skull base surgery can be used to correct birth defects or injuries that affect the skull base.
• Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks: CSF leaks occur when there is a tear in the lining of the brain that allows CSF to leak out. Skull base surgery can be used to repair CSF leaks.
• Infections: Skull base infections can be serious and life-threatening. Skull base surgery may be used to remove infected tissue and to drain abscesses.

Skull base surgery is a complex and risky procedure, but it can be life saving for patients with certain conditions. If you are considering skull base surgery, it is important to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

Connect with our specialist, Dr. Sunil Kutty, Consultant Neurosurgery, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai for a detailed overview on skull base surgery.

Call 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.