Neurosurgery Basics - Fact Sheet

A neurosurgeon specialises in treatment and surgery of the nervous system and surrounding structures.

They operate on the brain, skull, scalp and spinal column. Because of advances in technology (i.e.. MRI and CAT Scans), brain injury, in general, is more likely to have a positive outcome than a few years ago. One of the most important roles the neurosurgeon performs is in the prevention of further damage to the brain. This is accomplished in several ways.

When the brain is injured, the brain will swell.

This swelling will cause parts of the brain to compress within the skill. This compression decreases the blood flow and oxygen to parts of the brain which causes more swelling.

One of the goals of the neurosurgeon is to break or diminish this cycle.

This can be done by removing any blood clots which are pressing on the brain and surgically repairing damaged blood vessels to stop any further bleeding. This gives the brain more room, increased blood flow and helps stem the cycle of compression and swelling. In severe cases, portions of the brain damaged beyond recovery may be removed to increase chances of recovery for the healthy areas.

The neurosurgeon is also responsible for the insertion of Intracranial Pressure monitoring devices which measure the pressure and alert the medical team allowing them to intervene when dangerous levels are reached. A ventricular drain may be used to drain off excess fluids or surgical intervention may be called for.

The overall goal of the neurosurgeon is to maintain blood flow and oxygen to all parts of the brain, thus minimising the damage and increasing the prospect of survival and recovery.