Brain Surgery

Brain surgery is employed to diagnose, treat, and manage various conditions affecting the brain and its associated structures. Some common reasons for brain surgery include:

  1. Tumour Removal: Surgery may be performed to remove brain tumours, which can be cancerous (malignant) or non-cancerous (benign). The goal is to extract as much of the tumour as possible while minimizing damage to healthy brain tissue.
  2. Brain Aneurysm Repair: An aneurysm is a bulging or weakened area in the wall of a blood vessel in the brain. Surgical procedures can be performed to repair the aneurysm, preventing its rupture and potential bleeding into the brain.
  3. Epilepsy Treatment: In cases where medication fails to control seizures, surgery may be considered to remove the part of the brain that is causing the seizures.
  4. Haemorrhage Evacuation: When bleeding occurs within the brain due to trauma, aneurysm rupture, or other causes, surgery may be required to remove the blood and relieve pressure on the brain.
  5. Chiari Malformation Surgery: Chiari malformation is a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. Surgery can help create more space in the area and relieve associated symptoms.
  6. Hydrocephalus: Hydrocephalus is a condition where there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain, causing an increase in pressure within the skull. Surgery can help to restore normal CSF circulation and relieve symptoms.
  7. Trigeminal neuralgia: Trigeminal neuralgia is a condition that causes sudden, severe facial pain that can be triggered by simple activities such as talking, eating, or even a light breeze. Treatment options for trigeminal neuralgia include medications, nerve blocks, and surgery.

During brain surgery, the patient is generally placed under general anaesthesia, and the surgeon makes an incision in the scalp. They then use specialized instruments to access the brain or perform procedures through small openings in the skull. Advanced imaging techniques, such as MRI or CT scans, are often used to guide the surgeon and monitor the progress during the procedure.

It’s important to note that brain surgery carries inherent risks due to the sensitivity and complexity of the brain. Surgeons take utmost care to minimize potential complications, and patients are closely monitored during and after the surgery for any signs of complications or changes in neurological function.