Conditions Affecting the Brain

The brain is the captain of all that happens within the human body. It is the organ that sends messages to enable movement, and it deciphers signals from nerves indicating pain. Traffic accidents, falls, tumors and even congenital defects can trigger a variety of neurologic conditions in varying degrees of severity, including headaches, difficulty in concentrating, walking or urinating and memory problems. Other issues are more serious and may require treatment from neurosurgeons, specially trained in the care of serious conditions affecting the nervous system.

When conditions affect the brain, normal functioning is compromised. A tumor on or near the brain, appearance of abnormal blood vessels, incidence of hydrocephalus, or build-up of fluid on the brain, all require treatment.

Tumors

Abnormal tissue masses, called tumors, may form on the brain and swell to unsafe sizes. Whether benign or cancerous, tumors more often than not need be removed. Neurosurgeons will biopsy the tumor, gaining a small piece of tissue for testing, and remove the full mass. Depending on size and location of the tumor, it is removed either through minimally invasive methods or through traditional surgery.

Neurosurgeons work in conjunction with experts at the HarborView Cancer Center at MedStar Harbor Hospital to coordinate oncology care including the administration of radiation therapy before, following or instead of surgery.

Blood Vessel Malformations

Vein and artery malformations; blood clots within and around the skull and brain; and hydrocephalus, which can lead to dangerous blood vessel ruptures within the brain, are all treated by neurosurgeons. Some conditions necessitate shunting, the insertion of a catheter into the brain to siphon fluid, while others are carefully treated through surgery of the skull.

Interested in a neurosurgical consult or a second opinion? Call 410-350-2563 for a physician referral to one of our experts.

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