Brain Surgery

"The term “brain surgery” refers to various medical procedures that involve repairing structural problems in the brain.

There are numerous types of brain surgery. The type used is based on the area of the brain and the condition being treated. Advances in medical technology have enabled surgeons to operate on portions of the brain without a single incision in or near the head.

Brain surgery is a critical and complicated process. The type of brain surgery done depends highly on the condition being treated. For example, a brain aneurysm can be repaired using a catheter that’s introduced into an artery in the groin. If the aneurysm has ruptured, an open surgery called craniotomy may be used. Surgeons, while being as careful and thorough as possible, treat each surgery on a case-by-case basis.

Why brain surgery is done

Brain surgery is done to correct physical abnormalities in the brain. These can be due to birth defect, disease, injury, or other problems.

You may need brain surgery if you have any of the following conditions in or around the brain:

abnormal blood vessels

an aneurysm

bleeding

blood clots

damage to the protective tissue called the “dura”

epilepsy

abscesses

nerve damage or nerve irritation

Parkinson’s disease

pressure after head injury

skull fracture

a stroke

brain tumors

fluid building up in the brain

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