Definition: Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by the accumulation of excessive cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, leading to increased pressure and potential damage to brain tissue. Procedure: Neurosurgical intervention for hydrocephalus typically involves the insertion of a shunt system. This system helps divert excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to another part of the body, such as the abdomen, where it can be reabsorbed.

Definition: Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. It results from abnormal electrical activity in the brain. Procedure: In some cases of drug-resistant epilepsy, surgical procedures such as a lobectomy, multiple subpial transections (MST), or corpus callosotomy may be considered. These procedures aim to remove or disconnect the brain regions responsible for generating seizures.

Definition: Movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor, involve abnormal movements or loss of control over voluntary movements. Procedure: Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical procedure commonly used to treat movement disorders. It involves implanting electrodes into specific areas of the brain to modulate abnormal neural activity and alleviate symptoms.

Definition: Chiari malformations are structural defects in the cerebellum, where the lower part of the brain extends into the spinal canal. This can cause compression and disruption of normal cerebrospinal fluid flow. Procedure: Neurosurgeons may perform a surgical procedure called a posterior fossa decompression. This involves removing a small section of the bone at the back of the skull to create more space and relieve pressure on the brain and spinal cord.

Definition: Arachnoid cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop within the arachnoid membrane, one of the protective layers covering the brain and spinal cord. (rarely requires surgery) Procedure: Surgical treatment may involve creating a small opening in the skull and draining the cyst or, in some cases, removing the cyst wall to prevent recurrence.

Definition: CTS is a condition characterized by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. Procedure: Neurosurgeons may perform carpal tunnel release surgery, which involves cutting the transverse carpal ligament to alleviate pressure on the median nerve. Restorative Services: By relieving the compression on the nerve, neurosurgeons can help restore normal sensation and function to the hand and fingers.

Definition: Ulnar nerve compression or cubital tunnel syndrome occurs when the ulnar nerve, which runs along the inner side of the elbow (the cubital tunnel), becomes compressed or irritated. This can lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers. Procedure: Neurosurgeons may perform ulnar nerve decompression surgery to alleviate pressure on the nerve. The specific procedure commonly employed is called cubital tunnel release. During this surgery, the neurosurgeon creates a larger space for the ulnar nerve by releasing or removing any constricting structures or tissue in the cubital tunnel. Restorative Services: By relieving the compression on the ulnar nerve, neurosurgeons aim to restore normal sensation and function to the affected hand and fingers. The surgery can alleviate pain, numbness, and tingling, and improve grip strength and dexterity. Following the procedure, patients may undergo rehabilitation and physical therapy to facilitate recovery, restore muscle strength, and enhance overall function.

Definition: Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition characterized by severe facial pain due to irritation or damage to the trigeminal nerve. Procedure: Neurosurgeons may perform microvascular decompression, where they place a cushioning material between the trigeminal nerve and nearby blood vessels to relieve compression. Restorative Services: By decompressing the trigeminal nerve, neurosurgeons can reduce pain signals, allowing for pain relief and improved quality of life.

Definition: A herniated disc occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through a weakened or damaged outer layer, often pressing against spinal nerves. Procedure: Neurosurgeons may perform a discectomy, where the herniated portion of the disc is surgically removed to relieve pressure on the affected nerve. Restorative Services: By removing the herniated disc, neurosurgeons can alleviate pain, numbness, and weakness caused by nerve compression, allowing for nerve healing and restoration of normal function.

Definition: Peripheral nerve tumors are abnormal growths that develop in the peripheral nerves, causing pain, weakness, and sensory changes. Procedure: Neurosurgeons may perform surgical excision of the tumor, aiming to remove it while preserving nerve function as much as possible. Restorative Services: By removing the tumor and potentially performing nerve reconstruction, neurosurgeons can restore nerve function, alleviate symptoms, and prevent tumor recurrence.

Definition: Cranioplasty is a surgical procedure performed to repair or reconstruct the skull after a traumatic injury, previous surgery, or congenital deformity. Procedure: Neurosurgeons use various techniques and materials, such as autografts (patient’s own bone), allografts (donor bone), or synthetic materials, to reconstruct the skull and restore its integrity.