Brain Issues and Procedures

Below is a list of brain conditions and treatment options provided by our experienced neurosurgery team.

Common issues we treat

Brain tumors: A tumor is an abnormal growth of tissues. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). There are several types of brain tumors:

• Glioma/glioblastoma: Gliomas are tumors that grow in the brain and affect neuroglial cells. Neuroglial cells support the nervous system.
• Meningioma: There are three layers of membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. These are called meninges, and meningiomas are tumors that grow on these membranes.
• Pituitary tumor: The pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the brain that produces hormones that regulate important bodily functions. A pituitary tumor is one that develops on this gland.

Concussion: A concussion is a disturbance of brain function caused by a violent jarring or shaking of the head. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Chiari malformation type 1: When part of the skull is too small or abnormally shaped, brain tissue can settle into the spinal canal. This is called a Chiari malformation, and there are four types. Type one is the adult version.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH): The ventricles are a communicating network of cavities in the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). NPH is a condition where an excess of CSF fluid builds up in the ventricles.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI): Sudden trauma that causes damage to the brain and disrupts function is called a traumatic brain injury.

Procedures available at St. Luke’s

Burr hole placement for hematoma: A hematoma is a collection of blood in the body outside of blood vessels. This can create pressure around the brain. A burr hole helps to relieve this pressure.

Brain biopsy: During a biopsy, tissue is removed for examination. A brain biopsy is the removal of a small amount of brain tissue.

Chiari decompression: In this surgical procedure, part of the skull is removed to make more room for the brain tissues and relieve pressure.

Craniotomy: A craniotomy is the surgical removal of part of the bone from the skull to expose the brain for surgery.

Microvascular decompression: In this surgical procedure, a sponge is inserted between the cranial nerve and an artery that is causing pain. This relieves pressure in this area.

Radiosurgery: In this noninvasive procedure, focused beams of radiation are used to treat cancerous tissues without making any incisions.