Have you been diagnosed with a brain condition? Are you or someone you love facing brain surgery?
It may comfort you to know that brain surgery dates all the way back to the 19th century and has made incredible advances since that time. Facing brain surgery is scary and life-changing, so it’s best to get all the information you can beforehand.
Keep reading this guide to learn everything you need to know about brain surgery procedures as well as the risks involved.
What Is Neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery is a medical specialty that not only treats disorders of the brain but also spine, spinal column, and peripheral nerve disorders.
Neurosurgeons perform brain surgery and also treat and manage conditions that affect blood flow to the brain.
Neurosurgeons can also perform surgery to treat neck and back pain. They perform spinal decompression surgeries and spinal fusions. They also treat complex conditions like epilepsy, spinal bifida, and cerebral palsy.
If you’re looking for a neurosurgeon, you can start your search today and get the best neurosurgeon here.
What Is Brain Surgery?
Brain surgery is a common neurosurgery procedure that treats problems or abnormalities in the brain. Depending on your condition, there are different types of brain surgery you can have.
Common types of brain surgery include:
Types of Brain Surgery
A craniotomy is a type of open brain surgery. During this procedure, a surgeon removes a piece of your skull to access parts of your brain. The skull piece is then replaced after surgery. You’ll typically need open brain surgery to remove large blood clots or brain tumors.
A biopsy is when a small piece of brain tissue or fluid sample is removed from your brain to test for conditions like cancer. This is done using a small needle and doesn’t require any cuts or incisions.
Endovascular surgery is usually done to remove smaller blood clots in your brain. Your surgeon will make a small cut in your groin and thread a catheter into your brain which removes any blood clots.
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) treats neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease. A surgeon places electrodes inside your brain to deliver electrical impulses which regulate abnormal brain activity.
What Conditions Require Brain Surgery?
Brain surgery is done to correct any abnormalities in your brain. These abnormalities can be due to an injury or disease. Conditions that require brain surgery include:
- Bleeding in the brain
- Blood clots
- Epilepsy
- A brain aneurysm
- Brain tumors
- Fluid in the brain
- Pressure in the brain after a head injury
Brain Surgery Risks
Brain surgery is a major medical surgery that involves extra risks. You’ll first have surgical risks like bleeding, infection, or anesthesia reactions.
Other side effects that can occur right away after surgery include brain swelling, difficulty speaking, and balance problems. You also might experience dizziness and headaches.
There are also long-term risks associated with brain surgery that include:
- Brain damage
- Memory loss
- Behavior changes
- Difficulty walking
Brain Surgery Support
Facing brain surgery is incredibly difficult, so it’s important to do your research and talk with your surgeon about the risks and benefits.
Your surgeon can also direct you to different support systems you’ll need both before and after surgery. It’s important to remember that you don’t have to face it alone.
If you’re ready to learn more, then check out our blog for helpful health and lifestyle tips that will improve your life!
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