Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is the medical specialty concerned with treating disorders that affect the structures of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system.

Conditions Treated

Wise Health System has advanced technologies that allow our experienced physicians to treat a number of conditions that affect the head and the spine.

Head Disorders

Brain Tumor

Brain tumors occur when there is abnormal or uncontrolled cell growth in the brain tissue. These masses are classified as either primary tumors or metastatic tumors. Primary tumors start in the brain cells, and can be cancerous or noncancerous; whereas, metastatic tumors begin in a different part of the body and spread to the brain.

Treatment options for brain tumors depend on a variety of factors, including the size and location of the tumor and the condition of the patient. Treatments can include chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.

Meningiomas

Meningiomas are a specific type of primary tumor that grows in the layer of tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. Typically, meningiomas do not grow into the brain, but can push on the brain as they grow. Meningiomas can be classified as grade 1, grade 2 or grade 3. With grade 1 being the most common and least aggressive. Grade 3 meningiomas are most aggressive.

Depending on the severity of the meningioma, it may be treated with radiation therapy or surgery. Some meningiomas do not require treatment just close observation.

Metastatic Brain Tumors

Metastatic brain tumors spread to the brain via the body’s lymphatic system or blood stream, from other parts of the body, such as the lungs or colon. These tumors are more common in adults than children.

Treatment options vary from case to case, but typically include radiation therapy and/or surgery.

Myelopathy

Myelopathy is a condition that occurs when there is pressure placed on the spinal cord. Disc herniation, spinal stenosis, bone spurs or a thickening of the soft tissues that surround the spinal cord can cause this pressure. Patients with myelopathy typically experience nerve damage, which can cause a loss of nerve function in various parts of the body.

In some cases of myelopathy, the pressure can be relieved via surgery, preventing further nerve damage.

Spine Disorders

Cervical Radiculopathy

Conditions such as herniated discs, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis can cause irritation or compression of the nerve roots in the cervical spine (neck). This condition is known as cervical radiculopathy and can cause pain, numbness and other symptoms in the shoulders, arms and hands.

Surgery may be used to treat the root cause of the cervical radiculopathy.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Vertebral discs serve as cushioning between the vertebrae, sometimes aging or an injury can cause this cushioning to weaken or deteriorate. Damage to the vertebral discs can cause the surrounding vertebrae to slide closer together causing the bones to twists. The unnatural position of the vertebrae can also cause bone spurs.

Herniated Disc (Cervical)

The aging process or a traumatic injury can sometimes cause the outer wall of the vertebral disc to rupture. When the disc ruptures, material from inside the disc can escape from the inside of the disc, causing a bulge than can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots.

There are several non-surgical treatments for a herniated disc, including immobilization of the neck, injections and physical therapy. If these treatments are not successful, then surgery to remove the bulging portion of the disc may be necessary.

Kyphosis

Kyphosis occurs when the vertebrae in the cervical spine are damaged allowing the shoulders to take on a rounded appearance. This condition can be caused by bad posture, disease or physical damage to the bones of the spine.

Typically, the appearance of a slight hump in the upper back is the primary symptom of kyphosis. Generally, most patients with kyphosis don’t require treatment. Occasionally, spinal fusion surgery may be done to straighten and stabilize the spine.

Lumbar Radiculopathy (Sciatica)

Lumbar Radiculopathy is the condition that results from irritation or compression of the nerves in the lower back. These nerves travel to the hips and lower extremities, so pressure can cause symptoms in these areas. Lumbar Radiculopathy, or sciatica, can be caused by a herniated disc, degenerative disc disease or spinal stenosis.

Myelopathy

Myelopathy is a condition that occurs when there is pressure placed on the spinal cord. Disc herniation, spinal stenosis, bone spurs or a thickening of the soft tissues that surround the spinal cord can cause this pressure. Patients with myelopathy typically experience nerve damage, which can cause a loss of nerve function in various parts of the body.

In some cases of myelopathy, the pressure can be relieved via surgery, preventing further nerve damage.

Post Laminectomy Syndrome

Sometimes one or more lamina, the boney structure on the rear of the vertebra, is removed in a procedure known as a laminectomy to relieve pressure on the spinal cord. If painful scar tissue forms at the surgery site, patients can develop post laminectomy syndrome, also called failed back syndrome. This condition causes continuous and chronic pain.

This condition can be treated with medications, physical therapy, injections, and when necessary an additional surgery.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is a condition where the spine is curved, instead of straight. This condition affects about two percent of the population. Degenerative diseases, such as kyphosis or osteoporosis, can cause scoliosis, but in many instances the cause is unknown.

Identifying scoliosis early is important. Some patients are fitted for an orthopedic brace to prevent the spine from curving further. Spinal fusion surgery is also used in some cases to straighten and stabilize the spine.

Spinal Stenosis

There are large openings at the rear of each vertebra; these openings combine to form the spinal canal. The spinal cord and a bundle of nerve roots travel through this opening. When the opening narrows it can cause compression of the nerves. This condition is known as spinal stenosis. Spinal stenosis can be caused by the formation of bone spurs, the dislocation or fracture of the bone in the vertebra. Herniated discs, tumors or thickened spinal ligaments, can also cause spinal stenosis. Some people are born with a narrow spinal canal.

Treatment depends on the cause of the spinal stenosis. Some treatment options include anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and physical therapy. If needed, surgery can be used to eliminate pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis occurs when vertebrae slip forward and cause the spinal cord to distort. There are two kinds of Spondylolisthesis: degenerative and isthmic.

Degenerative Spondylolisthesis occurs when joints weaken over time allowing the vertebra to move forward. Isthmic Spondylolisthesis happens when the vertebra moves forward due to a fracture. Both types can result in nerve roots becoming pinched, causing pain in the legs and feet.

Spondylosis

Spondylosis is a degeneration of the spine most commonly associated with the normal wear and tear of aging. As we age, the vertebral discs wear out, allowing the vertebrae to move closer together. This process puts stress on the joints and ligaments along the spine. As the joints and ligaments stretch, the vertebrae can shift and grind together, which can cause excess bone growth. The combination of the discs collapsing and vertebrae shifting can result in compression of the spinal column and nerve roots.

Our Physicians

The following physicians specialize in neurosurgery at Wise Health System.