Neurologists and neurosurgeons handle extremely delicate and complex medical procedures to evaluate and treat a wide selection of neurological conditions. Many conditions they encounter are highly complex and rare disorders.
These highly trained practitioners work closely with a team of physicians specializing in related areas. By collaborating in a multi-disciplinary team, these professionals ensure positive patient outcomes.
Philip Henkin, a Florida-based certified neurosurgeon, says there are wide-ranging procedures that practitioners handle throughout their careers, but some are more common than others. These procedures focus on the spinal cord, brain, and nerves.
He emphasized that some procedures are non-surgical treatments. Before a neurosurgeon opts for surgery, they exhaust other treatment options like physical therapy and medication. They tap into in-depth knowledge of the nervous system to make critical decisions about the correct procedure.
Here are examples of surgical procedures used to treat neurological conditions.
- Microsurgery
- Radiosurgery
- Open surgery
- Endovascular surgery
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Endoscopic surgery
Some conditions require computed tomography scans or electroencephalogram (EEG) scans to ensure proper diagnosis. Once a practitioner has identified the source of the problem, they can choose the best treatment.
Procedures
Here are the most common neurological procedures listed by Philip Henkin.
Epilepsy surgery
Individuals with epilepsy require considerable medical intervention to alleviate or treat the condition. Before a doctor decides to employ invasive procedures, they give a patient medication. If the results aren’t satisfactory, then they recommend a surgical procedure to remove minuscule tissue from the brain. The targeted part of the brain triggers the debilitating seizures.
Chiari decompression
This procedure is critical in correcting a brain disorder that affects balance. Known as Arnold-Chiari distortion, this condition can undermine an individual’s coordination and equilibrium. When handled correctly, Chiari’s decompression improves coordination. This procedure involves removing the rear bits of the skull.
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt
A neurosurgeon may perform this complex procedure to reduce the amount of liquid accumulating in a patient’s brain. The presence of an excessive amount of liquid in the brain can trigger serious complications. Because of this, it’s super-important for a neurosurgeon to remove the structure of liquid in the brain.
Spinal fusion
Another common procedure is spinal fusion, used to correct complications triggered by traumatic injuries or degenerative spine conditions. By performing this procedure, a neurosurgeon helps ensure the spinal stability of the patient.
Craniotomy
Brain injury or stroke patients may undergo craniotomy as a critical intervention. Henkin highlighted the importance of this procedure in treating life-threatening injuries or brain disorders. Craniotomy involves creating additional space for the cerebrum to relieve pressure. The failure to relieve pressure can be deadly.
Laminectomy
Neurosurgeons perform a laminectomy to remove a troublesome part of the vertebral bone or lamina. Doing so helps treat patients suffering from severe back pain. It’s a low-invasive procedure.
About Dr.Philip Henkin
Henkin boasts over 20 years of experience as a neurosurgeon. He has focused on neurological practice since graduating from university. It’s no surprise that he has made a name for himself as a leading spine surgery specialist in Hillsborough County. Doctors and patients recommend him for spine-related conditions.
