Functional Neuro Surgery

a surgical specialty that treats a range of conditions by modifying the electrical and chemical activity in the brain or spinal cord.

What is Functional Neuro Surgery?

Functional Neurosurgery is a type of surgery that focuses on treating neurological disorders through interventions that alter brain and spinal cord function. Unlike traditional neurosurgery, which focuses on structural problems (such as tumors, injuries, or malformations), functional neurosurgery aims to improve symptoms related to neurological conditions by modifying how the brain and nervous system work. It involves procedures that stimulate or modify specific brain areas to restore function or alleviate symptoms. These procedures are usually done when other treatments, such as medication, are ineffective.

Symptoms

• Parkinson’s Disease: A neurodegenerative disorder that causes motor symptoms such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).
• Essential Tremor: A condition that causes rhythmic shaking, typically in the hands or arms.
• Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures.
• Dystonia: A movement disorder involving muscle spasms and abnormal postures.
• Chronic Pain: In some cases, certain types of chronic pain, like intractable pain syndromes, can be treated with functional neurosurgery.
• Obesity: For patients with severe obesity, neurosurgical techniques like deep brain stimulation (DBS) may be explored.
• Tourette Syndrome: A neurological disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements and vocalizations (tics).

What is Epilepsy Surgery?

Epilepsy Surgery is a treatment option for people with epilepsy who do not respond well to medications. The goal of the surgery is to reduce or eliminate seizures, improve quality of life, and prevent the long-term complications associated with uncontrolled seizures. It involves removing or altering part of the brain that is causing the seizures, or using devices to regulate brain activity.

Symptoms

• Resective Surgery
• Laser Ablation (LITT)
• Corpus Callosotomy
• Hemispherectomy
• Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
• Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

What is DBS for Parkinson’s Disease?

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson’s Disease is a surgical treatment that involves implanting a device (a brain pacemaker) to send electrical impulses to specific areas of the brain, helping control abnormal movements and symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease. It is typically used for patients who do not respond well to medication or whose symptoms are difficult to manage with drugs alone.

Symptoms

• Tremors
• Bradykinesia (slowness of movement)
• Rigidity (muscle stiffness)
• Postural instability
• Dyskinesia (involuntary movements)
• Freezing of gait

What is VNS for Epilepsy?

Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) for Epilepsy is a treatment option for people with epilepsy whose seizures are not well-controlled by medications. VNS involves the implantation of a device that sends regular, mild electrical pulses to the vagus nerve, which then transmits signals to the brain. This electrical stimulation helps reduce the frequency and intensity of seizures.

Symptoms

Here are the symptoms of epilepsy that VNS can help treat:

1. Frequent Seizures
2. Uncontrolled Seizures
3. Aura (a sensation or warning sign before a seizure)
4. Loss of consciousness
5. Muscle spasms or jerking
6. Staring spells

What is Neuromodulation ?