Neurosurgery is a special branch of medicine, involving the finest work, and manipulations with the most vulnerable and, at the same time, the most important organ of the human body - the brain. Accordingly, unusual techniques are also used here. For example, during an operation to remove a brain tumor, surgeons specifically awaken the patient in order to chat with him.

Let's discuss frequently asked question-related about brain surgery here: Q1. What does the term brain surgery mean? Brain Surgery is performed to treat/correct/repair the structural or physical abnormalities of the brain. Q2. When is brain surgery required? Typically, an experienced neurosurgeon will recommend the surgery following cases:

Brain Tumor
Brain hemorrhage
Blood clot formation in the brain
Aneurysm
Damage to the protective brain tissue
Damage to the nerves
Infections (brain abscess)
Weak/damaged blood vessels in the brain
To treat epilepsy
Fracture of the skull
Injury causing pressure on the brain
Severe pain in the nerves of the brain as in trigeminal neuralgia
In the case of an implantable device placed in the brain as in Parkinson's disease

Q3. Which medical terms are typically used for brain surgery? It may be called a craniotomy, neurosurgery, craniectomy, minimally invasive endonasal endoscopic surgery, or minimally invasive neuro endoscopy. Q4. Do all conditions require a similar surgery? No. The type of surgery required will depend on the condition to be treated and the area of the brain affected. Some cases will require conventional open surgery while others can be treated by minimally invasive endoscopic surgeries. Q5. What measures are taken before the procedure? Certain laboratory and radiological investigations will be done. Radiological investigations like CT scans, MRIs, magnetoencephalography (MEG), and positron emission tomography (PET) play a vital role in the diagnosis as well as the operative phases of the surgery. Typically, the neurosurgeon will suggest temporarily stopping taking medications like aspirin that cause an increased risk of bleeding. Fasting 8-12 hours prior to the surgery will also be advised. Q6. How are craniotomy and craniectomy carried out? The hair on the part of the scalp where the incision will be made is shaved off and the area is cleaned. In conventional craniotomy, an incision is made on the part of the scalp depending upon the part of the brain to be treated. A hole is made in the skull and the bone flap is removed. The bone flap is usually placed back after the surgery is performed and is secured using wires, sutures, or metal plates. Craniectomy: In some cases like when swelling is expected post-surgery or when there is trauma to the bone itself, the bone may not be replaced or may be replaced later. When it is to be replaced later, it is protected and preserved in the patient's body at another location. In case the bone flap is damaged and cannot be replaced, reconstruction with an artificial bone is done later. It is done to remove tumors, treat an aneurysm, drain blood and fluid from an infectious site, or remove damaged brain tissue. Q7. What are minimally invasive brain surgeries? More recently, endoscopy is being done for brain surgery. An endoscope is inserted and surgery is performed with tools inserted through the endoscope. MRI or CT scanning guides the surgeon during the procedure. In Endonasal endoscopy, the tumor is accessed through the nose and the sinuses. This surgery is used for removing tumors of the pituitary gland and those in the base of the skull. In neuro endoscopy, an endoscope is inserted through a small opening in the skull. Q8. What is epilepsy surgery? For the treatment of epilepsy that does not respond to/is ineffective to medications, brain surgery may be done to control seizures. Surgical procedures may be performed to remove the area of the brain that produces seizures, to interrupt the seizure impulses along the nerve pathway, or to implant a neurostimulator device. Q9. What can be expected after the procedure? A9. After recovery from anesthesia, simple questions are asked to ensure that the brain is functioning properly. There is usually swelling of the head and face after the surgery. To reduce this head will be kept elevated. Medicines for relieving pain will be given. Physical therapy will be started in a couple of days. A hospital stay of up to 7 days or even more may be required. Q10. What are the potential risks and complications of neurosurgery? Although a relatively safe procedure if performed by an experienced neurosurgeon, typically following risks are associated with neurosurgery -

The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and thus there is a risk of reaction to anesthetic medications and there may be breathing problems.
There may be problems with speech, vision, memory, balance, coordination, etc.
There is a risk of bleeding or blood clot formation. Infection may also occur. Brain swelling may be caused.
There is also the risk of seizures, stroke, and coma.

Q11. What is the recovery period after neurosurgery? Recovery will depend on several factors:

The overall health of the patient
Age of the patient
Type of surgery performed
The condition being treated
Part of the brain affected

[caption align="alignleft" width="170"] Credihealth - India's No.1 Medical Assistance company[/caption] This write-up was contributed by Credihealth content team:Credihealth is a medical assistance company that gives guidance to a patient from the first consultation through the entire hospitalization process. A team of in-house Credihealth doctors helps the patient find the right doctor, book appointment, request cost estimate for procedures and manage admission & discharge processes. Share your comments and queries below and we will be happy to guide you through. Suggested neurosurgery? Find the right neurosurgeon for Second Opinion. Check our list of doctors for brain surgeryt and get priority appointment slots. Also, you can get estimated cost of Brain Surgery in India from our top Hospital - FREE