Brain surgery can treat various conditions like blood clots, tumors, Parkinson’s disease, and epilepsy. It can be either invasive and non-invasive and is conducted by a neurologist. Brain surgery is among those procedures that requires careful planning for the individual’s health and rehabilitation.
That is why it is also necessary to understand its types, procedures, and treatment types to ensure you have sufficient knowledge before proceeding with the surgery. In this guide, we will also try to understand how a brain surgery is performed and how you can prepare for the same.
How Does Brain Surgery Work?
Brain surgery is a procedure used by neurologists to treat various issues and abnormalities related to your brain, which is also a significant part of the central nervous system. The good part about brain surgeries is that they can be done successfully without disrupting the functions of the other parts of your body.
A neurologist in Mumbai conducts brain surgeries, along with a team of highly trained medical professionals who help them during the process. In most cases, an anesthesiologist also joins the team of experts to give anesthesia to the patient, so that they do not undergo any pain during the surgery.
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What Are the Most Common Brain Surgery Types?
Brain surgeries can be of multiple types and depend on the condition you are diagnosed with. However, most neurologists will give you a list of the following types:
Brain Biopsy
The process involves removing a small tissue or some amount of fluid from the brain as a sample. The same sample is examined by a pathologist to determine if the brain has a cancerous tumor inside it. Nowadays, healthcare professionals also go for needle biopsy which involves inserting a needle into your brain for getting the samples.
Craniotomy
It’s also called an open brain surgery which involves removing a piece of skull from your brain. This piece is usually replaced by the neurologist after the surgery is successful. Craniotomy helps get rid of tumors, blood clots, or epileptic tissues.
Craniectomy
This procedure is exactly the same as craniotomy, except that the surgeon will not be putting the piece back together inside your brain after the surgery. It’s mainly done to avoid putting any pressure on the brain.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
This brain surgery is suggested for people diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, tremors, and other related neurological conditions. Electrodes are inserted into the brain as a part of this important procedure. Later, a small device is used to control the same electrodes that deliver electric impulses to a specific area of the brain that is the most affected.
Endovascular Surgery
This brain surgery is conducted by a neurologist for brain surgery in Mumbai by cutting into the groin and inserting a long tube into the blood vessel. Then, the same tube is connected to the brain without cutting into the patient’s skull. Endovascular surgeries generally help repair aneurysm or remove blood clots from the brain.
Neuroendoscopy
This is a non-invasive brain surgery where the neurosurgeon gains access to your brain either through the nose or mouth. Again, a thin tube called the endoscope is inserted into your nose or mouth after which the surgeon will use some surgical tools to remove tumors.
Laser Ablation
This procedure makes use of a laser probe to pass through a tiny hole into the patient’s skull. The procedure is generally used by a neurosurgeon to remove an epileptic tissue or tumor from the brain.
Why is Brain Surgery Needed?
A neurologist in Mumbai suggests brain surgery only when the specific condition cannot be treated by any other medication or procedure. The most common reasons for performing these neurological procedures are:
- Prevent any kind of bleeding inside the brain because of aneurysm
- Operate on or remove a tumor completely
- Free a pinched nerve inside the brain
- Remove excess blood due to an injury that always puts some kind of pressure on the brain
When Does a Person Need Brain Surgery?
There are specific neurological conditions that can be treated only with a successful brain surgery. Some of these include:
Spine Disorder
A tingling sensation, pain, or numbness are the signs of an underlying spine damage. A neurologist may suggest undergoing a brain surgery after testing for the disorder and analyzing the issues that caused the concerns.
Recurrent Headache
Some people may get chronic and recurrent headaches which are quite different from migraines. There is always a higher chance of the person facing deeper issues as a result of these constant headaches. That is why neurologists often suggest undergoing tests to see if a brain surgery is needed to overcome these concerns.
Trauma Due to Accident
A major accident or fall from a higher surface can result in brain damage due to a head injury which may also need a brain surgery. It is always recommended to get tested for any injuries on the head immediately after someone is admitted due to an accident. This also helps prevent the risk of getting brain edema or haemorrhage.
Stroke
A stroke is quite dangerous because in most cases, it leaves a portion of the brain damaged. That is why aneurologist for brain surgery in Mumbai might recommend surgery to restore the functions of the brain. Sometimes, brain surgery is also suggested to prevent stroke that happens as a result of clots in the major artery vessels.
Preparing Well for a Brain Surgery
A person needs to undergo multiple tests and physical examinations before undergoing a brain surgery. A neurologist in Mumbai gives all the information you need to know before such tests. They may ask you to stop smoking a few weeks before the surgery, if you have this regular habit. You may also have to stop certain medications, such as antibiotics or blood-thinning medicines ahead of the surgery.
There may or may not be a long recovery period after you undergo a brain surgery. In most cases, you get all your questions answered accordingly by consulting an experienced neurologist.
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