Neurosurgery

What Is Neurosurgery (Brain and Nerve Surgery)?

Neurosurgery is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Specialists in this field treat structural and functional disorders of the nervous system using surgical methods. Many conditions such as trauma, tumors, vascular diseases, spinal disorders, and nerve compressions fall within the scope of neurosurgery.

Advanced imaging techniques, neurological tests, and detailed clinical evaluations are used for diagnosis. Depending on the type of disease, surgeries may be performed using open surgery, microscopic surgery, or minimally invasive techniques. Rehabilitation and regular follow-up are crucial during the postoperative recovery process.

Which Diseases Are Treated by Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery covers a broad range of conditions involving the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Many of these diseases can be treated more successfully when diagnosed early.

Main conditions treated include:

• Brain tumors
• Brain hemorrhages
• Aneurysms
• Hydrocephalus
• Spinal cord and spinal disorders
• Lumbar and cervical disc herniations
• Nerve compressions (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)
• Spinal cord tumors
• Conditions requiring epilepsy surgery
• Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders

Brain Tumors

Brain tumors occur due to uncontrolled growth of cells in the brain. They may be benign or malignant and can cause symptoms such as headaches, vision loss, balance problems, and neurological deficits.

Treatment methods:

• Surgical removal of the tumor
• Radiotherapy and chemotherapy
• Microscopic and endoscopic surgical techniques
• Modern surgical technologies such as neuronavigation

Brain Hemorrhages

Brain hemorrhages may result from vascular rupture, high blood pressure, trauma, or aneurysms. Sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, and weakness are key symptoms.

Treatment methods:

• Surgical evacuation of the hemorrhage
• Drainage procedures
• Intensive care support
• Early intervention is critical due to life-threatening risk

Aneurysm

An aneurysm is a balloon-like dilation caused by weakening of the brain vessel wall. Rupture poses a serious life-threatening risk.

Treatment methods:

• Clipping (open surgery)
• Coil embolization (endovascular treatment)
• Angiographic evaluation

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus occurs due to accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the brain caused by impaired circulation.

Treatment methods:

• Shunt surgery
• Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy (ETV)

Spinal Cord and Spine Disorders

This group includes scoliosis, kyphosis, degenerative disc disease, spinal cord injuries, and nerve root compression.

Treatment options:

• Spinal surgery
• Minimally invasive techniques
• Decompression of compressed nerves

Lumbar and Cervical Disc Herniation

Herniated discs compressing nerves may cause pain, numbness, and weakness.

Surgical treatment:

• Microdiscectomy
• Minimally invasive disc surgery

Nerve Compression (Carpal Tunnel Syndrome)

This condition results from compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Advanced cases may require surgery.

Treatment:

• Open or minimally invasive surgical decompression of the nerve

Spinal Cord Tumors

Tumors located within or around the spinal cord may cause pain, numbness, and loss of movement.

Treatment:

• Surgical tumor removal
• Radiotherapy and/or chemotherapy if necessary

Epilepsy Surgery

In drug-resistant epilepsy cases, the brain region responsible for seizures may be surgically removed.

Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders

In advanced stages of Parkinson’s disease, when medications become less effective, surgical options may be considered.

Treatment method:

• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
  Electrodes implanted in the brain help control tremors and movement disorders.

When Should You Consult a Neurosurgeon?

You should seek medical attention from a neurosurgery specialist without delay if you experience:

• Sudden and severe headaches
• Weakness in the arms or legs
• Loss of consciousness or fainting
• Symptoms following trauma
• Chronic neck or lower back pain

Symptoms of Brain and Nervous System Disorders

Many neurological diseases may present with critical symptoms that should not be ignored:

• Severe headache and dizziness
• Loss of balance
• Numbness and tingling
• Speech and memory problems
• Loss of movement and muscle weakness

Diagnostic Methods

Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of effective treatment. Common diagnostic methods used in neurosurgery include:

Brain MRI

Provides detailed visualization of soft tissues; used to diagnose tumors, hydrocephalus, and spinal cord disorders.

Computed Tomography (CT)

Provides rapid results in emergency situations such as trauma and hemorrhage.

Angiography

Used to diagnose aneurysms and vascular occlusions.

EMG (Electromyography)

Evaluates nerve compression and neuromuscular disorders.

EEG (Electroencephalography)

Used to diagnose epilepsy and abnormalities in brain activity.

Common Neurosurgical Procedures

1. Brain Tumor Surgery

Performed using open, microscopic, or endoscopic techniques.

2. Aneurysm Surgery

Vascular repair through clipping or coil embolization.

3. Lumbar and Cervical Disc Surgery

Minimally invasive techniques including microdiscectomy.

4. Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Surgical release of pressure on the nerve.

5. Hydrocephalus (Shunt) Surgery

CSF flow is regulated using a shunt system or ETV.