| Neurosurgery
is a surgical specialty which focuses on disorders of the brain,
spinal cord, peripheral nerves, the skull and spine as well as
the arteries which feed the brain. The majority of neurosurgery
practiced in the USA treats degenerative diseases of the spine.
 In
the past 100 years surgery of the brain, spine and
peripheral nerves has become incredibly sophisticated. A century
ago the removal of acoustic neuromas involved "digital
extraction," i.e. the tumor was shelled out of the head
with an ungloved finger! Most patients died. Nowadays
microsurgical techniques can cure these tumors, while preserving
hearing, facial movement and sensation with practically no
mortality. Accurate brain imaging and powerful computer software
now allows the cure of acoustic neuromas non-invasively, on an
out-patient basis, in a single treatment with focused radiation
(Gamma Knife radiosurgery).
This
new century holds great promise for minimally invasive
techniques for tumors and blood vessel disease, novel treatments
of movement disorders by genetic manipulation and neuro-regeneration.
It will be the century of the brain!
This
section describes new methods of neurosurgery offered
by the Neurosurgical Medical Clinic. |
