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The brain controls and coordinates conscious and unconscious body functions, as well as ‘higher’ functions such as memory, learning and thinking. Like any other part of the body, it is susceptible to bleeding, infection, trauma and other forms of damage. This damage or alteration in brain function sometimes requires brain surgery (neurosurgery) to diagnose or treat these problems.

The symptoms of conditions requiring brain surgery may vary, depending on the type and severity of the condition.

General symptoms include: Seizures

The main types of brain conditions that may require brain surgery include:

  • such as infection or hydrocephalus. Some of the different types of brain cancer that may require brain surgery include
  • glial cells make up the supportive tissue of the brain
  • don’t conduct electrical impulses. Glioma is a broad term used to describe brain tumours associated with the three types of glial cell
  • which include the astrocyte oligodendrocyte the ependymal cell

Some of the causes of altered blood flow in the brain include:

  • the build-up of blood beneath the thickest membrane (meninges) that covers the brain
  • called the dura mater. A subdural haematoma can be classified as acute
  • acute on chronic or chronic

The most common cause is head injury

Common causes include head injury and an increase in blood flow may cause the small blood vessels of the brain (periventricular capillary network) to burst.

Premature babies are at increased risk

Some of the causes of alteration in cerebrospinal fluid include:

  • the abnormal build-up of cerebrospinal fluid within the skull. In babies
  • this can cause the head to enlarge. various infections of the brain can cause alterations to cerebrospinal fluid

If left untreated, any condition requiring brain surgery can cause further damage to the brain. Pressure on the brain can be harmful as it forces the brain against the skull, causing damage to the brain and hampering the brain’s ability to function properly. This drop in function can lead to long-lasting brain damage and, if left untreated, death.

The range of diagnostic tests can include: is an operation to open the skull in order to access the brain for surgical repair.

The patient is put under general anaesthesia

The hair on the scalp is shaved

A neurosurgeon performs the craniotomy by first cutting through the scalp over the area where the brain injury is thought to lie. A hole is then cut into the skull in order to access the brain. This is needed to repair any ruptured blood vessels and to remove the blood clot or growth.

After the operation is finished, the piece of bone that was removed is replaced, the muscle and skin are stitched up and a drain is placed inside the brain to remove any excess blood left from the surgery. Some of the possible complications following craniotomy include allergic reaction to the anaesthetic, bleeding, infection, brain damage, brain swelling, stroke and seizures.

Conditions that require brain surgery include brain cancer, stroke and hydrocephalus.

If left untreated, any condition requiring brain surgery can cause further damage to the brain. A craniotomy is an operation to open the skull in order to access the brain for surgical repair. Symptoms of conditions needing brain surgery Headache Nausea Vomiting Drowsiness Brain conditions may require brain surgery Alterations of the brain tissue – such as brain cancer, infections and swelling (oedema) Alterations in brain blood flow – such as subdural haematoma, subarachnoid haemorrhage and intraventricular bleed Alteration in cerebrospinal fluid – Brain cancer Gliomas – Pituitary tumour – Acoustic neuroma or schwannoma – Medulloblastoma – Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumour (DNET) – Primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) – Lymphomas – Chordomas – Metastases or secondary tumours – Alterations in brain blood flow Subdural haematoma – Stroke – occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain either blocks or bursts.

A stroke Subarachnoid haemorrhage – aneurysms Intraventricular bleed – Alteration in cerebrospinal fluid Hydrocephalus – Infection – Urgent medical treatment is vital Diagnosis of conditions requiring brain surgery Physical examination Medical history CT scan MRI scan Craniotomy explained A craniotomy Where to get help Your GP (doctor) Neurologist Neurosurgeon Things to remember.

Key Points

  • symptoms of conditions requiring brain surgery may vary, depending on the type and severity of the condition
  • General symptoms include: Seizures
  • main types of brain conditions that may require brain surgery include: such as infection or hydrocephalus
  • most common cause is head injury
  • Premature babies are at increased risk