Conditions
Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery offers many procedures and treatments to patients. Treatments for cranial and spinal conditions are as varied as the conditions themselves. We may provide either surgical or non-surgical care, depending upon the nature of the injury or illness. Taking a moment to familiarize yourself with the procedure or treatment you’ll be undergoing can only help in the long run. Even cursory knowledge will help you feel more comfortable and confident in your choices and the choices of your physician.
The team at 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.
Peripheral Nerve Injury
Your peripheral nerves link your brain and spinal cord to the other parts of your body, such as your muscles and skin. Peripheral nerves are fragile and easily damaged. A nerve injury can interfere with your brain's ability to communicate with your muscles and organs.
Peripheral Nerve Tumors
Tumors of almost any type can form along peripheral nerves. Most commonly, these are entirely benign tumors that do not metastasize to other parts of the body. Generally slow growing, these tumors can form within the substance of the nerve itself, and cause the nerve to gradually expand.
Neoplastic Processes
What is a neoplasm? In short, it’s another term for cancer. The term neoplasm refers to an abnormal growth of tissue caused by the rapid division of cells that have undergone some form of mutation. The body is made up of trillions of cells that grow, divide, and die in an orderly fashion.
Degenerative Disease of the Spine
Spinal discs are soft, compressible discs that separate the interlocking bones (vertebrae) that make up the spine. The discs act as shock absorbers for the spine, allowing it to flex, bend, and twist.
Vascular Diseases of the Nervous System
Vascular diseases affect the veins and arteries that carry blood around the body. Many different conditions can affect the veins and arteries that deliver blood to the brain and spinal cord. This includes diseases such as a stroke, an aneurysm, or vascular dementia.
Intervertebral Disc Disorder
An intervertebral disc disorder is a protrusion of one of the gel-like cushions called discs that separate the vertebrae of the spine. It is more commonly referred to as a herniated disc. This can be a frequent source of back pain as the discs deteriorate and become unable to absorb shock correctly.
Central Nervous System Tumors
The central nervous system (CNS) is composed of the brain, the spinal cord, and the spinal fluid which coats the brain and spinal column. There are many different types of CNS tumors. Some are cancerous and very likely to grow and spread.