In simple terms, neurosurgery can be termed as Brain Surgery. Neurosurgeries are performed to correct any structural abnormalities in the brain. Some might have abnormalities in the brain right from their birth, which are otherwise known as birth defects. A few abnormalities are caused due to certain diseases like tumors, head injuries due to accidents, infections, and others.
Most of us know that neurosurgeries are quite complicated as brain is a part of our central nervous system. Neurosurgeons have to overcome the risk of conducting the brain surgeries without disturbing our functional abilities like speech, movement, thinking, etc.
Today, medical field has advanced in every aspect and neurosurgery is not an exception to it. Let’s try to explore more about the neurosurgery treatments and risks involved in performing them. We’ll also find out how fast one can recover from neurosurgery and get back to normal life.
When is a brain surgery recommended?
A brain surgery is performed by a neurosurgeon for various reasons. Tumor surgeries are very common. Some of the other conditions for which neurosurgeries are required include epilepsy or seizures, stroke, head injuries due to accidents, blood clots, Parkinson’s disease, etc.
Neurosurgery Treatments
The type of neurosurgery treatment depends on the problem faced by the concerned patient. A neurosurgeon performs a minimally invasive neurosurgery or an open brain surgery depending upon the requirement. The risk factor for minimally invasive neurosurgeries are lesser compared to the open brain surgeries.
In case of tumors and blood clots, craniotomy is performed. During this surgery, a hole is created in the skull to remove tumors and blood clots.
Certain kinds of tumors are required to be examined for their malignancy. In one of the articles in The Indian express, where the reasons for malignancy is described, it is stated that exposure to chemicals has a higher risk for brain cancer. In those cases, a biopsy, which is again a type of neurosurgery, is performed as a diagnostic procedure.
In case of abnormal brain activities due to Parkinson’s disease and tremors, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is performed. DBS helps in resolving the abnormal activities of the brain.
Endovascular surgeries and Neuro-endoscopies are performed to remove blood clots and tumors from the brain respectively. These surgeries are done without cutting into the skull, unlike open brain surgeries.
Laser ablation is a laser heat treatment which is used to treat blood clots and brain tumors.
Significance of Brain Surgeries
Though there are short-term risks like dizziness, headaches, confusions, etc. and long-term risks like memory loss, brain damage, etc. associated with brain surgeries, these are highly significant as they save lives.
Neurosurgeries are primarily used to treat strokes, tumors, blood clots, etc. Though there are complications associated in performing the neurosurgeries, medical advancements, international treatments and infrastructure, and medical excellence have made the surgeries to be safer.
Today Robotic Assisted Surgeries are encouraged for larger precision. “In the case of robotic-assisted surgery, physicians gain the ability to conduct minimally invasive procedures in a natural way that is efficient and direct, while also realizing additional benefits in instrument precision, range of motion, tremor filtration and extension of the surgeon’s physical abilities, ” says Rich Mahoney, leader of the futures R&D segment of Intuitive, a company that specializes in minimally invasive, robotic-assisted surgical platforms, in an article in Wall Street Journal.
As part of digitalization in healthcare, platforms like Medditour contribute towards connecting the patients with the internationally renowned treatments and facilitators, thereby helping the patients in getting the brain surgeries done safely without any waiting time.
Recovery after Neurosurgery
Hospitalization, rehabilitation, and support after neurosurgery entirely depend on the type of treatment done. Moreover, it also depends on the complication of the illness and condition of the patient.
Nowadays neurosurgery departments provide quality care as part of rehab support after surgery which includes exercises, medication, diet, etc. Counseling sessions are also being given depending upon the patient’s condition and requirement. Physical and occupational therapists are also kept as a part of the rehab programs framed by the renowned hospitals.
Companies like Medditour help the patients in connecting them to international hospitals and facilitators to obtain affordable treatments at international destinations like India, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Dubai, and Turkey. There is a possibility of combining vacation too during rehabilitation, which can help in the easy recovery.
All these facilities would add up the strength and boost up the energy of the patients after the brain surgery so that they can get back their independence.