Neurosurgery at the Richmond Brain and Spine Center

Neurosurgery is the process of treating brain and spinal cord-related conditions. These procedures must be performed by experienced, certified neurosurgeons. At Richmond University Medical Center, our team has access to the right tools and resources, allowing surgeries to be completed efficiently and safely. Learn more about neurosurgery and the procedures offered in Staten Island, New York.

What Is Neurosurgery?

When individuals hear the term “neurosurgery,” they typically think of procedures that are performed on the brain. However, neurosurgery also covers spinal and nervous system conditions. Neurosurgery can be completed non-invasively for cases that are mild and easy for surgeons to reach. However, if a patient’s condition is extensive and complex, more intense surgery methods may be required.

Because the brain is made up of many fragile parts, brain surgery requires a unique, specialized skill set. Richmond University Medical Center has a team of board-certified neurosurgeons with extensive experience operating on the brain and its systems. By using the most advanced technology available and the most modern surgical practices, neurosurgeons can perform a wide variety of surgeries to treat many different conditions.

Conditions We Treat

Richmond University Medical Center has the tools and resources to perform surgeries that reduce symptoms of neurological conditions. Some of these conditions include:

Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are any unusual mass or growth found in the brain. These tumors can arise for many different reasons and not all of them are cancerous. However, even if a tumor is benign, surgery may still be required. This is because the tumor can grow to affect essential brain parts, which can introduce many problematic symptoms.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a unique condition that affects the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve is a part of the brain that sends signals to the lower jaw, forehead, and cheek. It is essential for allowing patients to feel sensations on their faces. When the trigeminal nerve becomes compressed, it can cause painful symptoms to occur.

Those with the disease typically experience sharp pain when touching the face. Because this condition is caused by a compression of the trigeminal nerve, surgery may be performed to free the nerve of the blockage.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

When a patient experiences a traumatic brain injury, rapid treatment is essential to making a full recovery. If a patient’s injury is severe, surgery may be the best course of action. This way, surgeons can efficiently repair damage and the patient can begin healing at a faster rate. Richmond University Medical Center also offers emergency surgery if a patient requires intensive care.

Spine Disorders

Many spine disorders can be treated using neurosurgical methods. Herniated discs and spinal stenosis are two common spine conditions that neurosurgery can treat. Our surgeons remove the affected area and repair it to relieve patient symptoms.

Neurosurgery Procedures Offered

The board-certified surgeons at Richmond University Medical Center can perform a large variety of neurosurgical procedures, including:

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Minimally invasive surgery is a type of surgery that can treat mild, small, and easy-to-access tumors in the brain. For example, transsphenoidal surgery is a kind of minimally invasive procedure for pituitary tumors. During the surgery, surgeons remove tumors through an existing crevice of the body, like the nose. This prevents patients from having to heal from a surgical scar and can make the recovery process much smoother. Minimally invasive techniques can also be used to treat other conditions, like certain spine or brain disorders.

Discectomy

When a patient receives a discectomy, it is usually to treat symptoms of a herniated disc. Here, surgeons make an incision in the lower or upper back. This depends on the area in which the patient feels pain. Next, they work to remove the herniated disc and other affected parts. To finish surgery, surgeons typically complete a spinal fusion procedure to stabilize the backbone.

Craniotomy

A craniotomy is a more extensive type of brain surgery, as it requires that a surgeon completely open the skull to expose the brain. Craniotomies are performed only after other, less invasive methods have failed to treat the patient’s condition. However, this kind of procedure can be incredibly effective in removing tumors and other unusual masses from the brain. This is because surgeons can have full, efficient access to the brain.

Neurosurgery and Other Treatments at Richmond University Medical Center

The medical professionals at Richmond University Medical Center are here for patients on Staten Island seeking treatment for certain conditions. With an emphasis on patient-centered, compassionate care, patients receive a personalized treatment plan to address their concerns and alleviate symptoms. To learn more about neurosurgery and other surgeries we perform, contact us today.