About the Department
Brain and nerve surgery (neurosurgery) is the medical branch that performs surgical treatment of brain, spinal cord, and nervous system diseases. The Brain and Nerve Surgery Department at Istanbul Cerrahi Hospital performs diagnosis and treatment of various diseases such as brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, aneurysms, nerve compressions, and traumatic brain injuries with its advanced technological infrastructure and experienced specialist staff.
While advanced technology tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and electroencephalography (EEG) are used for diagnosis, modern techniques such as craniotomy, endoscopic surgery, and radiosurgery are among the surgical treatments. In emergency cases, rapid intervention is provided to protect the patient’s vital functions in conditions such as brain hemorrhages and spinal cord injuries. Physical therapy and rehabilitation are of great importance in the post-operative recovery process.
What Conditions Does Brain and Nerve Surgery Treat?
The brain and nerve surgery department conducts surgical treatment of diseases occurring in the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. Brain tumors, spinal disorders, nerve compressions, head traumas, conditions requiring epilepsy surgery, and cerebrovascular diseases are treated in this department.
Common Neurosurgical Diseases:
- Brain hemorrhages (subarachnoid hemorrhage, intracerebral hemorrhage)
- Brain and spine tumors
- Aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation (AVM)
- Epilepsy surgery
- Lumbar and cervical hernias
- Spinal stenosis
- Traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries
- Peripheral nerve compressions (carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.)
- Chiari malformation and syringomyelia
- Surgery for movement disorders such as Parkinson’s and dystonia
- Spinal deformity (scoliosis and kyphosis)
- Nervous system infections
Diagnostic Methods
Advanced imaging and testing methods are used to make definitive diagnoses in the field of brain and nerve surgery:
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve conduction studies
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Lumbar Puncture (Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis)
- Neurological Examination
Brain and Nerve Surgery Operations
Operations performed in brain and nerve surgery are selected based on the type of disease and the patient’s general health condition. Some of the surgical methods performed at Istanbul Cerrahi Hospital include:
- Craniotomy (Applied for brain tumors and hemorrhages)
- Endoscopic Transnazal Transsphenoidal Surgery (Used for pituitary gland tumors)
- Awake Craniotomy (Preferred for removal of tumors in critically located brain regions)
- Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife, CyberKnife) (Used in the treatment of tumors and vascular anomalies)
- Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (Applied in the treatment of hernias, spinal stenosis, and spinal tumors)
Rehabilitation After Brain and Nerve Surgery
Physical therapy and rehabilitation are of great importance in the post-operative recovery process. Professional physical therapy programs are applied to restore muscle strength, balance, and movement ability of patients.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Difference Between Brain and Nerve Surgery and Neurology?
While neurology conducts medical treatment of brain and nerve diseases, brain and nerve surgery treats diseases through surgical interventions.
What Emergency Cases Does Brain and Nerve Surgery Handle?
Rapid intervention is provided for emergency situations such as traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries, brain hemorrhages, head traumas, and spinal fractures.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Brain Surgery?
Complete recovery of the patient can take weeks to months depending on the type of surgery.
