Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery in India - Which Brain & Spine Conditions Can Be Treated?

This short explains some of the common conditions affecting the brain, spine, and nervous system that can be treated with surgery. Neurosurgery is a highly specialised field covering a wide range of disorders.

Conditions affecting the brain

• Brain tumours. Surgery may be an option for both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours. The goal can be to remove the tumour, reduce its size, or take a sample for diagnosis.
• Vascular issues. These include aneurysms, which are bulges in a blood vessel, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Surgery can help to prevent bleeding or rupture.
• Traumatic injuries. Head injuries may cause bleeding or swelling inside the skull. Emergency surgery is sometimes needed to relieve pressure on the brain.
• Other conditions. Surgery can also be used to treat hydrocephalus (excess fluid on the brain) and some forms of epilepsy that do not respond to medication.

Conditions affecting the spine and spinal cord

Many spinal problems can be managed without surgery, but an operation may be advised for certain conditions.

• Disc problems. A herniated or 'slipped' disc can press on nerves, causing pain. Surgery may be considered to remove the part of the disc causing the pressure.
• Spinal stenosis. This is a narrowing of the spinal canal, which can compress the spinal cord and nerves. An operation can create more space.
• Spinal tumours. Tumours can grow on the spinal cord or the surrounding bones. Surgery may be used to remove them and relieve pressure.
• Instability. Conditions like spondylolisthesis or fractures can make the spine unstable. Spinal fusion surgery can join vertebrae together to provide stability.

Conditions affecting peripheral nerves

These are the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, which control muscles and sensation.

• Nerve compression. Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome involve a trapped nerve. Surgery can release the pressure on the nerve to relieve symptoms.
• Nerve tumours. Benign tumours, such as schwannomas, can grow on nerves. An operation may be performed to remove the tumour while aiming to preserve nerve function.
• Nerve injuries. After a traumatic injury, a nerve may be cut or damaged. A specialist surgeon may be able to repair it using microsurgery.

Whether surgery is the right option for you depends on your specific condition, general health, and other factors. A final decision can only be made after a neurosurgeon has reviewed your medical reports and recent scans.