Brain Metastasis
Overview:
Brain metastases are tumors that spread to the brain from cancers elsewhere in the body, such as the lungs, breasts, or skin. They are the most common brain tumors in adults.
Common Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Nausea or vomiting
- Vision problems
- Seizures
- Trouble speaking or moving
Treatments & Procedures:
- Surgery to remove tumors
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
- Whole-brain radiation
- Targeted or immune therapy
Glioblastoma
Overview:
Glioblastoma is a fast-growing type of brain tumor. It starts in the brain cells that support and protect nerves. This tumor can press on parts of the brain and affect how you think, move, or feel. Glioblastoma can happen in adults of any age, but it is more common in older adults. The exact cause is not known. It is not usually something that runs in families or spreads from person to person.
Common Symptoms:
- Severe headaches
- Seizures
- Memory or personality changes
- Weakness or speech problems
Treatments & Procedures:
- Surgery to remove as much tumor as possible
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy, often with temozolomide
- Tumor treating fields (electrical therapy to slow growth)
Glioma
Overview:
Gliomas are brain tumors that grow from the glial cells, which support nerve cells. They can occur at any age but are more common in adults. The cause is often unknown, but genetic changes may play a role.
Common Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Weakness or numbness
- Speech or vision changes
Treatments & Procedures:
- Surgery to remove the tumor
- Radiation therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Targeted therapy
Pituitary Tumors
Overview:
Pituitary tumors grow in the small gland at the base of the brain that controls hormones. Most are benign (not cancerous), but they can affect hormone balance and nearby structures.
Common Symptoms:
- Vision changes
- Headaches
- Hormone problems (weight, growth, menstrual, or sexual changes)
Treatments & Procedures:
- Endoscopic endonasal surgery (through the nose)
- Medication to balance hormones
- Radiation therapy
Skull Base Tumors
Overview:
Skull base tumors form at the bottom of the skull where the brain meets the spine. They may be benign or malignant and often require complex care because of their location.
Common Symptoms:
- Headaches
- Vision or hearing loss
- Balance problems
- Facial pain or numbness
Treatments & Procedures:
- Skull base surgery
- Endoscopic endonasal surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Medication (if related to hormones)
We've highlighted some of the most common services—please explore the conditions list for treatments by condition.
Brain Biopsy
Overview:
A brain biopsy is a procedure where a very small piece of brain tissue is removed so doctors can study it under a microscope. This helps find out the cause of symptoms like seizures, changes in behavior, or abnormal spots seen on imaging. A brain biopsy can help diagnose tumors, infections, swelling, or other brain diseases. This information guides the safest and most effective treatment plan.
Conditions Treated:
- Brain tumors
- Infections of the brain
- Inflammation or swelling
- Abnormal tissue seen on MRI or CT
- Conditions that affect the brain but do not have a clear cause
Before the Procedure:
Your care team will explain the plan and review your medical history. Imaging tests like MRI or CT are used to guide the exact spot for the biopsy. You may need to stop certain medicines before the procedure. Most biopsies are done with general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and pain-free during the procedure. You will need a ride home and should plan to rest afterward.
After the Procedure:
You will go to a recovery area where nurses will check your comfort and monitor your brain function. It is common to feel tired or have a mild headache for a short time. A small bandage will cover the incision. Most patients stay one night in the hospital so the care team can make sure recovery is going well. Your doctor will share the biopsy results once the lab review is complete and discuss the next steps in your care.
Brain Mapping & Awake Craniotomy
Brain Mapping & Awake Craniotomy
Overview:
Brain mapping and awake craniotomy are specialized neurosurgery techniques used to safely remove brain tumors or treat certain brain disorders while protecting important functions like speech, movement, and memory. These tools help surgeons identify which areas of the brain control key abilities so they can avoid those areas during surgery.
Conditions Treated:
- Brain tumors near areas that control speech, movement, or memory
- Low-grade and high-grade gliomas
- Epilepsy caused by brain lesions
- Vascular malformations located in critical brain regions
- Brain areas causing seizures or functional problems
- Certain cases of recurrent tumors or tumors in eloquent cortex
Before the Procedure:
You will have imaging tests like MRI or CT scans to locate the tumor and plan the surgery. Some patients have special functional MRI or language testing to map important brain areas before the operation. Your care team will explain how the awake part of the surgery works and will walk you through every step so you feel prepared. You will receive medicine to stay relaxed and comfortable. Most patients are surprised by how well they tolerate the procedure, since the brain itself does not feel pain.
After the Procedure:
You will stay in the hospital for monitoring. Some swelling or fatigue is normal in the first few days. The care team will check your speech, strength, and movement to make sure you are recovering well. Imaging may be done to confirm how much of the tumor or targeted tissue was removed. You may work with speech, occupational, or physical therapy if needed. Most patients return to daily activities as healing continues over the next several weeks. Your surgeon will schedule follow-up visits to review results and discuss any additional treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy, if needed.
Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery
Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery
Overview:
Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a minimally invasive approach that allows surgeons to reach the base of the skull, sinuses, and parts of the brain through the nose. Instead of making an opening in the skull, the surgeon uses a thin camera and small surgical tools that pass through the nasal passages. This approach provides a clear view of the problem area while avoiding large incisions. As a result, many patients have less pain, fewer visible changes, and a shorter recovery time.
Conditions Treated:
- Pituitary tumors
- Skull base tumors (such as meningiomas and chordomas)
- Rathke’s cleft cysts
- Craniopharyngiomas
- CSF leaks at the skull base
- Infections or growths in the sinuses that affect the brain
- Certain types of sinus and nasal tumors
Before the Procedure:
You will have imaging tests such as MRI or CT to help the surgeon plan the safest path to the tumor or problem area. You may meet with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, since this surgery often involves a joint team. Your care team will review your medicines and explain how to prepare for surgery, including when to stop eating or drinking. Most patients receive general anesthesia, so you will be asleep and comfortable during the entire procedure.
After the Procedure:
This surgery typically involves staying in the hospital for a few days, and most patients return to daily activities within a few weeks. It is common to have some nasal congestion, drainage, or a headache for a short time. Your surgeon will give instructions on how to care for your nose and avoid straining or blowing your nose while it heals. Follow-up visits and imaging may be needed to confirm that the tumor or problem area has been fully treated.
MRI-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
MRI-Guided Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
Overview:
MRI-guided laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive brain procedure that uses laser energy to treat abnormal brain tissue. Guided by MRI imaging, a neurosurgeon carefully delivers heat to destroy targeted tissue while protecting healthy areas of the brain. This approach allows for precise treatment with smaller incisions and shorter recovery times than traditional brain surgery.
Conditions Treated:
- Brain tumors (primary or metastatic)
- Epilepsy that does not respond to medication
- Radiation necrosis (damaged brain tissue after radiation therapy)
- Certain abnormal brain lesions
Before the Procedure:
Before LITT, you will have imaging studies, such as an MRI, to help your care team plan the treatment. Your neurosurgeon will review your medical history, medications, and symptoms. You may be asked to stop certain medicines before the procedure. Most patients are admitted to the hospital on the day of surgery.
After the Procedure:
After LITT, you will be monitored in the hospital, often for one to two days. Some swelling or temporary symptoms can occur as the treated tissue heals. Most patients experience less pain and a faster recovery compared to open brain surgery. Your care team will schedule follow-up visits and imaging to track healing and results.
Skull Base Surgery
Overview:
Skull base surgery is a type of surgery used to treat problems located at the bottom of the skull, where the brain, major blood vessels, nerves, and sinuses meet.
Skull base surgery can be done through a small opening in the skull or through a minimally invasive approach, such as endoscopic endonasal surgery, which uses the natural passageways of the nose. The goal is to treat the condition while protecting important nerves and brain structures nearby.
Conditions Treated:
- Pituitary tumors
- Meningiomas
- Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas)
- Chordomas and other skull base tumors
- Rathke’s cleft cysts and craniopharyngiomas
- Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks
- Vascular abnormalities involving skull base arteries or veins
- Infections or growths affecting the sinuses and skull base
- Tumors located near the brainstem or major cranial nerves
Before the Procedure:
You’ll have detailed imaging and planning with a team of specialists.
After the Procedure:
Recovery depends on tumor size and location. Hospital stay may be longer, and follow-up care often includes rehabilitation.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
Overview:
Stereotactic radiosurgery is a precise, non-invasive treatment that uses focused beams of radiation to target and treat small areas in the brain or spine. Despite its name, it is not a traditional surgery. There is no incision and no hospital stay. The treatment works by destroying or shrinking abnormal tissue, such as tumors or blood vessel problems, while protecting nearby healthy tissue.
Conditions Treated:
- Brain tumors, both cancerous and non-cancerous
- Metastatic tumors (cancer that has spread to the brain)
- Meningiomas
- Acoustic neuromas (vestibular schwannomas)
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Certain spine tumors or lesions
- Tumors in areas that are difficult or risky to access with open surgery
Before the Procedure:
You will have imaging tests such as MRI or CT scans to map the exact area that needs treatment. A custom head frame or mask may be used to keep your head still during the procedure. Your care team will explain each step and answer questions. Most patients do not need to change their medicines or stop eating before treatment. No general anesthesia is needed.
After the Procedure:
You can usually go home the same day. Some people have mild headaches or tiredness for a short time. Most patients return to normal activities within a day or two. The treatment works slowly, so improvement happens over weeks to months as the targeted tissue shrinks. Your doctor will schedule follow-up visits and imaging to check your progress.
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