Brain Issues and Procedures

Below is a list of brain conditions and treatment options provided by our experienced neurosurgery team.

Common issues we treat

Brain tumors

A tumor is an abnormal growth of tissues. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). There are several types of brain tumors:

• Glioma/glioblastoma: Gliomas are tumors that grow in the brain and affect neuroglial cells. Neuroglial cells support the nervous system.
• Meningioma: There are three layers of membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. These are called meninges, and meningiomas are tumors that grow on these membranes.
• Pituitary tumor: The pituitary gland is a small gland located at the base of the brain that produces hormones that regulate important bodily functions. A pituitary tumor is one that develops on this gland.

Concussion

A concussion is a disturbance of brain function caused by a violent jarring or shaking of the head. A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Chiari malformation type 1

When part of the skull is too small or abnormally shaped, brain tissue can settle into the spinal canal. This is called a Chiari malformation, and there are four types. Type one is the adult version.

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)

The ventricles are a communicating network of cavities in the brain filled with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). NPH is a condition where an excess of CSF fluid builds up in the ventricles.

Stroke

A stroke happens when blood flow is blocked from the brain. Often, this is because of a blood clot. The faster a person can get emergency care after the initial signs of a stroke, the more options are available to minimize damage. Our experienced team of stroke and interventional neurologists offers advanced, immediate stroke care on-site 24/7.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Sudden trauma that causes damage to the brain and disrupts function is called a traumatic brain injury.

Procedures available at Aspirus St. Luke's

Burr hole placement for hematoma

A hematoma is a collection of blood in the body outside of blood vessels. This can create pressure around the brain. A burr hole helps to relieve this pressure.

Brain biopsy

During a biopsy, tissue is removed for examination. A brain biopsy is the removal of a small amount of brain tissue.

Chiari decompression

In this surgical procedure, part of the skull is removed to make more room for the brain tissues and relieve pressure.

Craniotomy

A craniotomy is the surgical removal of part of the bone from the skull to expose the brain for surgery.

Microvascular decompression

In this surgical procedure, a sponge is inserted between the cranial nerve and an artery that is causing pain. This relieves pressure in this area.

Radiosurgery

In this noninvasive procedure, focused beams of radiation are used to treat cancerous tissues without making any incisions.