Types Of Neurological Disorders Treated by Neurosurgeons
It’s important to understand what types of conditions a neurosurgeon may treat. Schedule an appointment with us today if you have concerns about your health or that of a loved one.
Neurological Disorders Treated by Neurosurgeons
With the complexity of neurological conditions, it’s vital to understand the various types of disorders that can affect your brain, spine, and nervous system. From acoustic neuroma to vertebral tumors, the experienced neurosurgeons at Apex Spine & Neurosurgery have the expertise to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions.
Among the various types of neurological disorders, neurosurgeons specialize in treating conditions that affect the brain, spine, and nervous system. A neurosurgeon’s expertise is necessary in diagnosing and treating complex conditions that require surgical intervention. Here are some of the types of neurological disorders we treat:
- Brain disorders
- Spinal disorders
- Nerve disorders
- Movement disorders
You will find a comprehensive overview of these disorders below.
Brain Disorders
With advancements in medical technology, neurosurgeons can now treat a wide range of brain disorders, including aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, and brain tumors. These conditions can cause a range of symptoms, from headaches and seizures to paralysis and cognitive impairment.
Spinal Disorders
Arteriovenous malformations, spinal cord injuries, and spinal tumors are just a few examples of spinal disorders that neurosurgeons treat. These conditions can cause back pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the arms or legs. For instance, spinal cord injuries can result from traumatic accidents, falls, or sports injuries. Neurosurgeons work to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on the spinal cord to promote healing and prevent further damage.
Nerve Disorders
Brain-like structures in your nerves, called ganglia, can become damaged or compressed, leading to nerve disorders. Neurosurgeons treat conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, and trigeminal neuralgia. Spinal nerves can become compressed or damaged, causing pain, numbness, and weakness in the arms or legs. Neurosurgeons use surgical techniques to relieve pressure on the nerves and promote healing.
Movement Disorders
Injury or disease can affect the brain’s ability to control movement, leading to movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and necessary tremor. Neurosurgeons work with a team of specialists to develop a treatment plan that may include surgery, medication, and physical therapy. Spinal cord injuries can also cause movement disorders, such as paralysis or weakness in the arms or legs. Neurosurgeons use advanced surgical techniques to stabilize the spine and promote healing.
Cancer-Related Neurological Disorders
Once again, neurosurgeons play a vital role in treating various types of cancer-related neurological disorders. These disorders can be primary, originating in the brain or spine, or secondary, resulting from cancer that has spread from another part of the body.
As you navigate the complexities of cancer treatment, it’s vital to understand the different types of cancer-related neurological disorders that neurosurgeons can treat.
Brain Cancer
Carcinomatous meningitis, a type of brain cancer, occurs when cancer cells spread to the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Neurosurgeons can treat brain cancer using various surgical and non-surgical approaches, including tumor resection, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Spinal Cancer
On the other hand, spinal cancer can occur when cancer cells spread to the spine, causing compression of the spinal cord or nerves. This can lead to symptoms such as back pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
Glioma, a type of spinal tumor, can be treated with surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy, depending on the severity and location of the tumor. Neurosurgeons work closely with a team of doctors to develop a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
Bear in mind, early detection and treatment are crucial in managing cancer-related neurological disorders. If you’re experiencing symptoms or have concerns about your health, don’t hesitate to consult with a neurosurgeon or other medical professional.
Vascular Neurological Disorders
Now, let’s research into vascular neurological disorders, which affect the blood vessels that supply the brain and spinal cord. These conditions can have a significant impact on your quality of life, causing symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and even stroke.
Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformations
On the surface, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may seem like complex medical terms, but in essence, they refer to abnormal connections between blood vessels in the brain. Aneurysms are weakened areas in the blood vessel walls that can balloon out and potentially rupture, while AVMs are tangled networks of blood vessels that can disrupt normal blood flow. Neurosurgeons specialize in treating these conditions to prevent devastating consequences.
Stroke and Hemorrhage
Neurologically, a stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, depriving it of oxygen and nutrients. This can happen due to a blockage or rupture of blood vessels, leading to brain cell death and potential long-term damage. Hemorrhage, on the other hand, refers to bleeding in the brain, which can be caused by an aneurysm rupture, AVM, or other conditions. Timely medical intervention is crucial in preventing further damage and promoting optimal recovery.
Aneurysms, for instance, can be treated using endovascular coiling or surgical clipping to prevent rupture. In cases of stroke, neurosurgeons may perform thrombectomy to remove blood clots or administer tPA (tissue plasminogen activator) to dissolve them. For hemorrhages, surgery may be necessary to evacuate the blood and relieve pressure on the brain. By understanding the intricacies of these vascular neurological disorders, you can better appreciate the importance of seeking prompt medical attention if you or a loved one experiences symptoms.
Infections and Inflammatory Neurological Disorders
Your brain and nervous system are susceptible to various infections and inflammatory conditions that can cause significant damage if left untreated. Neurosurgeons play a crucial role in diagnosing and treating these conditions to prevent long-term damage and improve patient outcomes.
Infections of the brain, spine, and nervous system can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. These infections can lead to inflammation, swelling, and damage to brain tissue, which can result in severe symptoms and even death if not treated promptly.
Bacterial Infections
Infections caused by bacteria, such as meningitis and brain abscesses, can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Neurosurgeons work closely with infectious disease specialists to diagnose and treat bacterial infections using antibiotics and surgical interventions when necessary.
Viral Infections
Inflammatory responses triggered by viral infections, such as encephalitis and meningitis, can cause significant damage to brain tissue. Viral infections can be particularly challenging to treat, and neurosurgeons often work with a team of specialists to develop a comprehensive treatment plan.
Infections caused by viruses, such as herpes simplex and West Nile virus, can cause severe inflammation and damage to brain tissue. In some cases, antiviral medications may be effective in treating viral infections, while in other cases, supportive care and management of symptoms may be necessary.
Fungal Infections
Fungal infections, such as cryptococcal meningitis, can be particularly challenging to treat, especially in patients with compromised immune systems. Neurosurgeons work closely with infectious disease specialists to diagnose and treat fungal infections using antifungal medications and surgical interventions when necessary.
Fungal infections can cause significant damage to brain tissue and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. In some cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to drain abscesses or remove infected tissue.
Inflammatory Disorders
Inflammatory disorders, such as meningitis and encephalitis, can cause significant damage to brain tissue if left untreated. Neurosurgeons work closely with a team of specialists to diagnose and treat inflammatory disorders using a combination of medications and surgical interventions.
To effectively treat inflammatory disorders, neurosurgeons must identify the underlying cause of the inflammation and develop a comprehensive treatment plan to reduce inflammation and prevent long-term damage. In some cases, surgical interventions may be necessary to drain abscesses or remove infected tissue.
Congenital and Developmental Neurological Disorders
After birth, you or your child may experience neurological disorders that affect the brain or spinal cord, which can impact development and daily life. Congenital and developmental neurological disorders are conditions that occur during fetal development or early childhood, affecting the structure and function of the nervous system.
Brain Developmental Disorders
Developmental disorders of the brain, such as cerebral palsy, Chiari malformation, and craniosynostosis, can affect brain structure and function, leading to issues with movement, balance, and cognitive development. These conditions often require multidisciplinary care, involving neurosurgeons, neurologists, and other specialists to manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Spinal Developmental Disorders
Hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and spinal cord tumors are examples of spinal developmental disorders that can impact spinal cord function and overall health. These conditions may require surgical interventions, such as shunt placement or tumor removal, to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage.
Developmental spinal disorders can have a significant impact on daily life, affecting mobility, sensation, and bladder and bowel function. Neurosurgeons work closely with other healthcare professionals to develop personalized treatment plans, addressing the unique needs of each patient and promoting optimal outcomes.
Other Neurological Disorders
Not all neurological disorders fit neatly into categories, and some may require specialized care from neurosurgeons. Here are a few examples:
Other conditions that neurosurgeons may treat include:
Headaches and Pain
Other than migraines, neurosurgeons may treat various types of headaches, such as cluster headaches, and pain disorders like trigeminal neuralgia.
These conditions can significantly impact your quality of life, and neurosurgeons work to develop personalized treatment plans to alleviate your symptoms.
Sleep Disorders
With sleep disorders, neurosurgeons may treat conditions like delayed sleep phase, where your sleep-wake cycle is disrupted.
Headaches and sleep disturbances often go hand-in-hand, and neurosurgeons consider the interconnectedness of these symptoms when developing treatment strategies.
Neurocutaneous Disorders
Cluster disorders like neurofibromatosis, which affect the development and growth of nerve tissue, may also be treated by neurosurgeons.
This group of disorders can lead to a range of symptoms, from skin lesions to neurological problems, and neurosurgeons work to address these complex issues.
Be mindful of, each person’s experience with neurological disorders is unique, and neurosurgeons take a comprehensive approach to diagnose and treat these conditions.
Ultimately, you now have a comprehensive understanding of the various types of neurological disorders that neurosurgeons treat. From acoustic neuroma to vertebral tumors, Apex’s team of expert neurosurgeons and neurologists work together to provide personalized care for a wide range of conditions. By understanding the different types of neurological disorders, you can make informed decisions about your care and take the first step towards seeking treatment.
Contact Us
Columbus, GA Location
- (678) 250-0880
- 2000 10th Avenue, Suite 310, Columbus, GA 31901
Bethlehem, GA Location
- (678) 250-0880
- 426 Exchange Boulevard, Suite 500, Bethlehem, GA 30620