Brain surgery refers to various medical procedures that involve repairing structural or functional problems in the brain. Neurosurgeons perform different types of brain surgery for different conditions in the brain. The type of brain surgery performed is based on the area of the brain affected and condition being treated. Invasive brain surgery and minimally invasive/endoscopic brain surgery can be performed without any incisions (surgical cuts).
A brain aneurysm, for example, can be treated using a rubber tube introduced into an artery in the groin and guiding it to the brain. If the aneurysm ruptures and bleeds, an open surgery called craniotomy may be used. Moreover, the surgeon may approach the brain through the nose using an endoscope without any external scars. This may also be performed by ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons trained in endoscopic skull base surgery. Most types of brain surgery are critical and complicated processes that require expert surgical care. Each surgery is treated on a case-by-case basis because the outcome may vary in each case. Although surgeons are extremely careful and thorough while operating, brain surgery is associated with several risks. It can also take time to recover after brain surgery, especially if open surgery is being performed. Brain surgery is not always dangerous. All surgical procedures carry some amount of risk, whereas brain surgery carries a higher risk because it is a major medical event.
Risks of brain surgery
Risk may vary with the type of brain surgery and problem being treated. Possible risks associated with brain surgery include
- Bleeding inside the brain
- Infection in the brain
- Blood clots
- Inflammation and swelling of the brain
- Impaired or complete loss of speech, vision, coordination or balance
- Memory problems or loss of memory
- Stroke
- Seizures
- Coma
- Reaction to anesthesia
What are the types of brain surgery?
Several types of brain surgery are performed, and they depend on the problem being treated.
- Craniotomy: This involves making an incision in the scalp and creating a hole called a bone flap in the skull near the brain area being treated. Neurosurgeons may perform a craniotomy to remove tumors, drain fluid, blood, etc. They may sometimes leave the hole open in the case of tumors, infection or brain swelling to allow space for the swollen brain.
- Biopsy: It is a procedure to remove a small amount of the brain tissue or a tumor using a small incision or hole to be examined under a microscope.
- Minimally invasive endonasal endoscopic surgery: This type of surgery allows the surgeon to remove tumors or lesions through your nose and sinuses without making an external incision. This is used for skull base tumors such as pituitary gland tumors. This may be performed by ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons trained in endoscopic and skull base surgery.
- Minimally invasive neuroendoscopy: Similar to minimally invasive endonasal endoscopic surgery, neuroendoscopy uses endoscopes (camera-fitted scopes) to remove brain tumors. The surgeon makes small holes in the skull through which they insert an endoscope and surgical instruments to perform brain surgery.
- Deep brain stimulation: Neurosurgeons make a small hole in the skull. Instead of removing a piece of the tissue, they insert a small electrode into a deep portion of the brain. They connect the electrode to a battery at the chest like a pacemaker. Electrical signals will be transmitted to help treat symptoms of certain brain disorders such as Parkinson’s disease.
QUESTION
Medically speaking, the term "myalgia" refers to what type of pain? See AnswerHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
References
https://www.asahq.org/madeforthismoment/preparing-for-surgery/procedures/brain-surgery/
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/treating/surgery.html
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003018.htm
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/brain-spinal-cord-tumors-adults/treating/surgery.html
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003018.htm
Complete List
Top How Dangerous Is Brain Surgery? Related Articles
ataluren
Ataluren is an investigational drug used to delay disease progression in ambulatory patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a progressive and fatal neuromuscular disease. The medication is not yet approved by the FDA and is not available in the U.S. Common side effects of ataluren include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upper abdominal pain, gas (flatulence), abdominal discomfort, constipation, decrease in appetite, increase in cholesterol and triglyceride levels in blood, fever (pyrexia), ear infection, red rash (erythematous rash), feeling unwell (malaise), weight loss, high blood pressure (hypertension), and others.cryoprecipitate
Cryoprecipitate is a blood product containing specialized insoluble blood proteins known as coagulation factors that regulate the clotting and clot-dissolving processes. Cryoprecipitate is obtained from plasma, the fluid component of blood, and is used to treat patients with blood clotting (coagulation) disorders and to control hemorrhage during major surgery or during and after childbirth. Common side effects of cryoprecipitate include transfusion-related complications, allergic reactions, and post-transfusion bruising (purpura).Emflaza (deflazacort)
Emflaza (deflazacort) is a prescription medicine used to treat the symptoms of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Serious side effects of Emflaza include hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; mood changes, eye pain, excess thirst, increased appetite, increased urination, tiredness, blurry vision, and others.gentamicin
Gentamicin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic used to prevent and treat many types of bacterial infections, and is typically administered as an injection. Gentamicin is also used to prevent surgical infections, and to treat conditions such as cystic fibrosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and infective endocarditis. Common side effects of gentamicin may include reduced urine output, kidney damage, vertigo, dizziness, hearing loss, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), balance problems (vestibular), impaired coordination, balance and speech (ataxia), gait instability, skin reactions (swelling, rash, itching), and others.
Pain Management
Pain management and treatment can be simple or complex, according to its cause. There are two basic types of pain, nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain. Some causes of neuropathic pain include:- complex regional pain syndrome,
- interstitial cystitis,
- and irritable bowel syndrome.
All About CBD Oil
Cannabidiol oil: It's made from marijuana and everyone seems to be talking about it. But what is it, and what does it really do?
Pain Management: Why Does My Calf Muscle Hurt?
There's a group of muscles on the back of each lower leg that doctors call "calf muscles." They play a key role in helping you walk and run. Learn the things that can make them hurt, from a minor sprain to more serious problems like deep vein thrombosis.
Pain Management: Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain is chronic pain resulting from injury to the nervous system. The injury can be to the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) or the peripheral nervous system (nerves outside the brain and spinal cord).
Pain Management: Surprising Causes of Pain
What's causing your pain? Learn the common causes of lower back pain, as well as pain in the knee, stomach, kidney, shoulder, chest, gallbladder, heel, sciatic nerve, neck, hip, foot and other parts of the body. Find pain management tips that work to help lower pain triggers, as well as other pain treatments.propofol
Propofol is an intravenous anesthetic drug used for general anesthesia and sedation during surgical procedures. Common side effects of propofol include injection site burning, stinging or pain; low blood pressure (hypotension), reduced cardiac output, elevated blood pressure (hypertension), pause in breathing (apnea), lung impairment (respiratory acidosis), impaired movement, high level of emulsified fats in the blood (hyperlipidemia), and high triglyceride level in blood (hypertriglyceridemia). Abuse of propofol can cause death and other injuries.
15 Ways to Reduce Pain
Chronic pain can be a symptom of many conditions, including arthritis, headaches, and others. Comprehensive chronic pain management therapy may include physical therapy, lifestyle strategies such as exercise, diet changes, meditation, journaling, medications, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco use. Make helpful changes to manage your chronic condition.
What Is the Difference Between Sedation and General Anesthesia?
Sedation is medically induced temporary depression of consciousness prior to procedures that cause pain or discomfort to patients. Pain relieving medications (analgesics) are also usually administered as an adjunct to sedation. General anesthesia induces full unconsciousness with a breathing machine necessary.selumetinib (Koselugo)
Selumetinib (Koselugo) is a prescription medication used to treat children 2 years of age and older diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and have plexiform neurofibromas that cannot be completely removed by surgery. Serious side effects include heart problems, eye problems, severe diarrhea, skin rash, and muscle problems.succinylcholine
Succinylcholine is a skeletal muscle relaxant used for medical procedures done under general anesthesia, including tracheal intubation, mechanical ventilation, and surgeries. Common side effects of succinylcholine include postoperative muscle pain, jaw rigidity, muscle twitch (fasciculation), respiratory depression, cessation of breathing (apnea), low or high blood pressure (hypotension or hypertension), irregular heart rhythms (cardiac arrhythmias), slow or rapid heartbeat (bradycardia or tachycardia), cardiac arrest, increase in intraocular pressure (IOP), high blood potassium levels (hyperkalemia), severe life-threatening drug reaction with excessively high temperature (malignant hyperthermia), salivary gland enlargement, excessive salivation, rash, hypersensitivity reactions, and others.