Brain Treatments and Procedures
Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery seeks to provide clear, understandable, non-technical information about the medical conditions that usually require brain surgery. We firmly believe in patient education so that you are well informed about the techniques and skills needed for successful surgery on the brain. We desire for you to understand you or your loved one’s medical condition and also help you ask the most appropriate questions of the brain surgeon(s) and other healthcare professionals involved in your care. Below is a list of treatments and procedures for the brain. This list is not meant to be a complete list but rather cover the most common types for brain treatments and procedures.
Posterior fossa decompression for Chiari malformation
Chiari malformation is a condition in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. Occurring when part of the skull is small or misshapen, it forces the brain downward.
Framed and Frameless Stereotactic Surgery
The concept of stereotactic brain surgery is simple. This technique uses images of the brain to guide the surgeon to a target within the brain.
Decompressive Craniectomy
A stroke is damage to the brain that occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is cut off. This deprives brain cells of oxygen and they begin to die.
Transsphenoidal Pituitary Surgery
Pituitary adenomas are benign tumors which arise from the pituitary gland itself. They are almost never malignant. Pituitary tumors can be either secretory or nonsecretory, referring to whether they overproduce pituitary hormones.
CSF Shunts
A cerebrospinal fluid shunt is a type of cerebral shunt used to alleviate the buildup of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) on the brain.
Traumatic Brain Injury
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a brain dysfunction caused by an outside force, usually a violent blow to the head. A concussion is a mild form of traumatic brain injury, but severe cases of TBI may permanently change a patient’s life.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
While it may sound like a serious procedure, stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is actually a form of radiology treatment.
Brain Tumor Resection and Biopsy
A biopsy simply means the removal of a sample of tumor tissue, which can be sent off for various tests to help determine further course of action. At Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery, also known as Athens Brain & Spine, we use stereotactic navigation to aid the biopsy process.
Concussion Evaluation and Management
A concussion is the most common type of traumatic brain injury caused by a blow to the head or violent shaking of the head and body.