Brain and Nerve Surgery

Brain and nerve surgery, as can be understood from its name, deals with brain and nerve diseases. It can be defined as a medical specialty concerned with the treatment of tumors originating from the brain and spinal cord tissue or tumors that put pressure on these tissues.

Brain and nerve surgery deals with the diagnosis and treatment of conditions experienced by both adults and children. Those who want to work in this field must complete medical school, which lasts six years. Afterwards, they need five or six years of specialist training.

Which Diseases Does Brain and Nerve Surgery Deal With?

Brain and nerve surgery deals with cerebrovascular diseases, which are frequently seen in almost every segment of society. However, there are multiple types of this disease. The diagnosis and treatment of each one are different. At this point, it is necessary to state that brain and nerve surgery particularly examines the following diseases:

• Paralysis and stroke caused by blockage in brain vessels
• Brain hemorrhage
• Life-threatening aneurysms occurring in brain vessels
• Carotid artery blockage or narrowing, medically referred to as carotid stenosis
• Brain and spinal cord tumors
• Certain traumatic conditions resulting from accidents and injuries
• Vascular and tumor disorders seen in children
• Herniated discs in the lower back and neck

What Are the Characteristics of Brain Tumors?

One of the conditions most frequently encountered in brain and nerve surgery is brain tumors. Brain tumors can be defined as masses that grow and spread rapidly and uncontrollably within the area where they are located. In medicine, two different types of brain tumors are encountered: primary and secondary. Primary tumors directly threaten a person’s life and arise due to both genetic and environmental factors. A secondary brain tumor is a tumor that develops in another part of the body and later spreads to the brain. Tumors that cause kidney, pancreatic, and lung cancers may spread through the bloodstream and lead to brain tumors.

A brain tumor may cause people to exhibit different behaviors. Personality changes are especially observed in individuals suffering from secondary brain tumors. A brain tumor must be treated surgically by brain and nerve surgery specialists. Otherwise, it may continue to grow inside the skull and put pressure on tissues. These tumors, which disrupt blood circulation, directly threaten people’s lives.

What Is a Brain Hemorrhage?

Brain hemorrhage is among the conditions related to brain and nerve surgery. Due to the weakening of an arterial wall within the brain for various reasons, a balloon-like structure forms. The rupture of this structure causes a brain hemorrhage. A brain hemorrhage can occur suddenly and spontaneously. In addition, it may also develop as a result of certain traumas.

A brain hemorrhage presents with certain symptoms. It is essential for people to be aware of these symptoms. Symptoms of brain hemorrhage include severe headache, weakness, numbness, nausea, drowsiness, vomiting, loss of consciousness, loss of balance and vision, and difficulty speaking and swallowing. In addition, there are different causes that lead to brain hemorrhage. High blood pressure in particular, aneurysm formation, head trauma, vascular abnormalities, blood disorders, kidney failure, brain tumor, drug and alcohol use can be listed among the causes of brain hemorrhage. It is essential to intervene as soon as possible in a brain hemorrhage. The brain must receive sufficient oxygen. Surgical interventions are needed to eliminate the brain hemorrhage. Brain and nerve surgery also deals with stroke, traumas, and spinal diseases in addition to brain hemorrhage and tumors. It carries out the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.