General Info
Neurosurgery, also known as brain and nerve diseases, is a branch of science that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases originating from or pressing on the brain and spinal cord tissues. These include tumors, lumbar and cervical hernias, brain and spinal cord injuries, brain vascular occlusions, brain hemorrhages, and aneurysms—balloon-like bulges in the blood vessels feeding the brain and spinal cord.
The department also surgically intervenes in diseases such as narrowing in the neck vessels, congenital nerve system disorders in newborns, epilepsy unresponsive to medication, and selected Parkinson's cases, which affect vital functions. Derived from the words "neuron" and "surgery," the term "neurosurgery" literally means "healing injuries of the nervous system."
The Brain and Nerve Diseases Clinic provides diagnosis and treatment for conditions seen in both adults and pediatric patients. Physicians specializing in this field use advanced technological devices during surgical and microsurgical procedures. After six years of medical school, neurosurgeons undergo an additional five or six years of specialization training. Neurosurgeons, also referred to as brain surgeons, work in collaboration with neurology, neuroradiology, and neuroanesthesia departments to implement necessary diagnostic and treatment methods.
The answer to the question, "Which doctor should I see for back pain?" is a brain and nerve surgery specialist. Neurosurgeons specialize in identifying the cause of back pain and applying appropriate treatment methods. They also handle spine issues and nerve compression. Therefore, patients experiencing severe or chronic back pain can consult neurosurgeons to initiate an effective treatment process.
Brain Vascular Diseases
Brain vascular diseases are common in the population, and their variety necessitates numerous diagnostic and treatment methods. Some frequently encountered conditions in neurosurgery include:
- Stroke and paralysis due to brain vascular occlusion.
- Life-threatening aneurysms, which appear as balloon-like bulges in brain vessels and may sometimes involve bleeding.
- Brain hemorrhages affecting the brain tissue and membrane.
- Carotid stenosis, also known as narrowing or blockage of the carotid artery.
- Tumors located in the brain and spinal cord.
- Traumatic conditions resulting from accidents and injuries.
- Lumbar and cervical hernias.
- Pediatric tumors and vascular diseases.
- Deep brain stimulation applications for Parkinson's and similar conditions.
Brain Tumors
Brain tumors are mostly masses that grow uncontrollably and rapidly within the limited space of the brain. They are classified into two subtypes: primary and secondary. Primary brain tumors originate from the cells and structures in the brain, posing a direct threat to the patient's life. Secondary brain tumors, on the other hand, are tumors that spread to the brain from other parts of the body, such as colon, lung, kidney, or pancreas cancers. Surgical treatment is necessary as these tumors grow within the skull, press on tissues, and disrupt blood circulation. Treatment varies depending on the patient’s condition, tumor location, and type.
Brain tumors are classified into four stages:
- Stage 1: Slow-growing tumors.
- Stage 2: Slow-growing tumors that contact nearby tissues.
- Stage 3: Tumors with an increase in abnormal cells that damage healthy tissues.
- Stage 4: Rapidly growing tumors that spread to nearby tissues and create new blood vessels for this spread.
Brain Hemorrhages
Brain hemorrhages occur when a balloon-like structure in an arterial wall bursts, causing blood to leak into brain tissue and damage it. This condition can develop spontaneously or as a result of trauma. Symptoms include sudden and severe headaches, numbness, weakness, drowsiness, nausea, vomiting, loss of consciousness, speech and swallowing difficulties, balance issues, and vision loss. Brain hemorrhages require early treatment, with oxygenation of the brain being critical. Most cases necessitate surgical intervention.
Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. When blood flow to the brain is blocked or stops, brain cell death begins, potentially causing brain damage and endangering life. Strokes are classified into ischemic and hemorrhagic types. Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots, while hemorrhagic strokes result from the rupture of a blood vessel due to high blood pressure. A transient ischemic attack is another type of stroke caused by a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain. Treatment options depend on the cause and include medication or surgery.
Spine Diseases
Spine diseases are often age-related, as the spine endures significant stress throughout life. These conditions can lead to muscle and joint pain, lumbar and cervical hernias, trauma-related lesions, tumors, congenital abnormalities, spinal infections, and deformities. Deformities include scoliosis (lateral curvature of the spine) and kyphosis (forward curvature of the spine). Diagnosis and treatment depend on the specific condition. If you have a spinal complaint, consult a specialist promptly.
Trauma
Trauma refers to tissue and organ damage caused by external factors. Spinal cord trauma occurs when the nervous tissue within the spine is injured, often due to sports injuries, traffic accidents, falls, or gunshot wounds. Spinal injuries may result in sensory and motor deficits. Diagnosis typically involves radiological imaging, and treatment often requires surgery. Similarly, head trauma, which is more common in individuals aged 15–24 and occurs more frequently in males, requires prompt diagnosis and treatment based on radiological evaluations.
Pediatric Brain and Nerve Diseases
Pediatric neurosurgery addresses brain and nerve disorders occurring from the prenatal stage to 18 years of age. Some of these include:
- Congenital brain hemorrhages.
- Congenital nervous system disorders.
- Increased cerebrospinal fluid.
- Spinal deformities.
- Head and spinal cord injuries.
- Spinal and vascular diseases.
- Skull deformities.
- Spinal closure defects.
- Brain and spinal cord tumors.
- Hydrocephalus.
- Epilepsy and other movement disorders.
The development of this content was supported by the Medical Park Editorial Board. The content of this page is for informational purposes only and does not include elements related to therapeutic health services. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
