Brain Care

Brain Tumor

Our world class surgeons treat brain tumors in adults and children with expert care. A brain tumor is a collection, or mass, of abnormal cells in your brain. Your skull, which encloses your brain, is very rigid. Any growth inside such a restricted space can cause problems. Brain tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign). When benign or malignant tumors grow, they can cause the pressure inside your skull to increase. This can cause brain damage, and it can be life-threatening.

Glioma, Astrocytoma

Astrocytomas are the most common type of primary brain tumor within the group of brain tumors called gliomas. Primary means they have originated from the brain instead of spreading from elsewhere. About one third of all brain tumors diagnosed are astrocytomas.

Glioblastoma

Glioblastoma is an aggressive type of cancer that can occur in the brain or spinal cord. Glioblastoma forms from cells called astrocytes that support nerve cells.

Glioblastoma can occur at any age, but tends to occur more often in older adults. It can cause worsening headaches, nausea, vomiting and seizures.

Meningioma

A meningioma is a tumor that arises from the meninges — the membranes that surround your brain and spinal cord.

Pituitary Tumors

Pituitary tumors are common and often they don’t cause health problems. Most people with pituitary tumors never even know they have them. The most common type of pituitary tumor produces hormones and disrupts the balance of hormones in your body. This can cause endocrine diseases such as Cushing’s syndrome and hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of pituitary tumors include headaches, vision problems, nausea and vomiting, problems caused by the production of too many hormones.

Pituitary adenomas are the fourth most common intracranial tumor after gliomas, meningiomas and schwannomas. A large majority of pituitary adenomas are benign and are relatively slow growing. Adenomas are by far the most common disease affecting the pituitary gland. These tumors most commonly affect people in their 30s or 40s, although they can be diagnosed in children as well. Most of these tumors can be successfully treated. Pituitary tumors can vary in size and behavior. Tumors that produce hormones are called functioning adenomas, while those that do not are called nonfunctioning adenomas.

Brain Aneurysm

A brain aneurysm is an abnormal focal dilation (a bulge) of an artery that results from a weakening of the inner muscular layer (the intima) of the blood vessel wall. Cerebral aneurysms can leak or rupture, leading to severe issues and possibly death.

Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM)

Vascular malformations, or arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are localized collections of abnormal blood vessels connecting arteries and veins that lead to altered blood flow in the brain.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain.

Subdural Hematoma

This is a buildup of clotted blood beneath the dura. That’s a membrane that covers your brain. The blood can press harmfully against your brain.

Brain Metastases

This is a cancer that began elsewhere in your body and then spread to your brain, forming one or more tumors. Many different cancers can spread this way. These tumors are actually more common than tumors that begin in the brain’s own tissues.

Hydrocephalus

This condition is caused by an increased amount of cerebrospinal fluid (commonly called CSF) in the brain’s ventricles. The ventricles are a system of large, fluid-filled open spaces inside the brain. Too much CSF in the ventricles can elevate pressure in the skull. It can damage delicate brain tissue.

Traumatic Brain Injury

This is an injury that damages your brain. It results in brain dysfunction. It can severely impact your life.

Stereotactic Brain Biopsy (Needle Biopsy Method)

This is a way for a surgeon to take a sample of abnormal tissue from inside your brain. It’s done with a needle that’s carefully guided into your brain.