There are roughly only 3,500 neurosurgeons in the U.S. These talented surgeons perform thousands of surgeries per year. What is alarming is that these surgeons are responsible for the entire U.S population.
Neurosurgery is a complex field and requires years of intensive training. With its consistent evolution, neurosurgery not only saves lives but helps people thrive.
What is neurosurgery? What are the most common types? Continue to read to learn more.
Neurosurgery Defined
Neurosurgery is commonly referred to as “brain surgery,” and this is an accurate statement. However, neurosurgery refers to far more. It encompasses the entire nervous system. Neurosurgeons operate on the brain, the spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the spinal column.
Depending on the type of neurosurgery, there can be a great risk. Surgeries relating to the brain and nervous system are some of the most complicated procedures a surgeon can perform. The results can be life-changing, and this is what drives each of our neurosurgery Nashville TN doctors every day.
Types of Neurosurgery
There are a few core types of procedures performed. Below we briefly highlight each one.
Craniotomy
A craniotomy is a common neurosurgery in which a surgeon removes a section of the bone on one’s skull to gain access to the brain. Often, neurosurgeons use state-of-the-art computers to aid in performing a craniotomy. These systems will help neurosurgeons drill into the skull in the right area.
Recovering from a craniotomy will be dependent on multiple factors. Craniotomies are performed to treat a variety of different conditions.
The specific condition a patient has will have a greater influence on the recovery process. In many cases, it will take one to two months to recover or more.
Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery
Endoscopic endonasal surgery is another common neurosurgery. This type is minimally invasive and will have a quicker recovery time.
Surgeons perform endoscopic endonasal surgery by accessing the brain through the nose. To help perform the surgery, surgeons use a miniature camera that guides them. Endoscopic endonasal surgery can also be performed on areas of the spin.
After receiving endoscopic endonasal surgery, one will spend at least 2 days in the hospital recovering. Surgeons recommend minimal activity for at least a month after the procedure.
Epilepsy Surgery
There are multiple kinds of surgery that are performed to treat epilepsy. Surgeries are usually the last resort if medication is not sufficient. Many of these procedures carry a great risk.
Resective surgery is a frequent epilepsy surgery performed on patients. In this type of procedure, neurosurgeons access the brain and remove a little part of the affected area.
When surgeons remove the damaged brain cells that cause epilepsy, this will decrease the number of seizures or even eliminate them. There are certain qualifications to have a resective surgery performed.
Recovering from resective surgery can be quite extensive. Often it takes months to fully recover.
Howell Allen Clinic’s Commitment to You
Neurosurgery can be scary. At Howell Allen Clinic, we want to be a partner in your health story. Our team of neurosurgeons will guide you through the whole process step by step.
With the incredible technologies that are available, neurosurgery has advanced and saves more lives every year.
Our neurosurgeons are dedicated to providing the care you deserve. We are proud to serve the Nashville community. To learn more about Howard Allen Clinic and our neurosurgery department, please contact us today.
