Conditions Affecting the Brain

Brain Tumors

When you have a brain tumor, your Neurologist is often the first to diagnose the problem with diagnostic tests such as an MRI. Your Neurologist will then work with your medical team to determine the best form of treatment. Treatment may include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling. The goal of treatment is to reduce or prevent brain damage by improving the flow of CSF. Surgery may be done to remove a blockage, if possible. If not, a flexible tube called a shunt may be placed in the brain to reroute the flow of CSF. The shunt sends CSF to another part of the body, such as the belly area, where it can be absorbed.

Other treatments may include:

• A procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), which relieves pressure without replacing the shunt.
• Removing or burning away (cauterizing) the parts of the brain that produce CSF.

Intracranial Hematomas

An intracranial hematoma is a collection of blood in the skull. It is often caused by trauma or a rupture of a blood vessel inside the brain.

Hematoma treatment often involves surgery:

• Surgical drainage: If the blood is localized and isn’t clotting a lot, your doctor might create a burr hole through your skull and use suction to remove the liquid.
• Craniotomy: Large hematomas may require your surgeon to open the skull to remove the blood.

Huntington’s disease

Huntington’s disease is an inherited disease causing the degeneration of nerve cells in the brain. Huntington’s has a big impact on patient’s abilities and often results in cognitive, psychiatric and movement disorders.

Treatments can’t prevent the physical, mental and behavioral decline that results from this condition, but your MMG Neurologist can prescribe medications to help manage the symptoms of Huntington’s disease.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive nervous system disorder affecting movement. Symptoms start gradually. Oftentimes, it begins as a barely noticeable tremor in one hand. Although tremors is the symptom many associate with the disease, stiffness or slowing of movement is also common.

Although your Neurologist cannot cure your Parkinson’s, medications sometimes greatly improve symptoms. Sometimes your MMG Neurosurgeon may recommend surgery to improve your symptoms and regulate certain regions of your brain.

Seizures

A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. It may cause changes in behavior, movements or feelings, and in levels of consciousness.

Most seizure disorders can be controlled with medication. Your MMG Neurologist will work with you to balance seizure control and medication side effects. He or she will order tests to rule out other conditions that cause seizures or similar symptoms.

Strokes

When blood flow to a part of the brain stops, a stroke occurs. If blood flow is cut off for longer than a few seconds, the brain cannot get nutrients and oxygen. Brain cells can die, causing lasting damage. Stroke care varies from patient to patient depending on the areas of the body affected. Your Neurologist can work with you to help prevent future strokes through medication and various tests to determine the cause of your stroke.

Dementia

There are many types of dementia. It is a disease that affects memory, social abilities and thinking severely enough to interfere with daily activities. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of a progressive dementia in elderly patients, but there are a number of causes of dementia. Your MMG Neurologist is trained to diagnose and assess dementia to ensure you receive the best care possible.

Headaches

Pain or discomfort in the face or head is often the result of a headache. Headaches vary greatly from patient to patient. Pain intensity, location, and how frequently they occur is different for each individual.

After assessing your medical history, your MMG Neurologist will work to discover triggers to your headaches. He or she may recommend certain lifestyle changes to avoid headaches as well as medications.

Sometimes headaches require immediate medical attention. A patient may undergo observation in the hospital, diagnostic tests, or even surgery. Treatment varies based on the underlying condition causing the headache.

Neuropathy

Neuropathy (also called peripheral neuropathy) is a condition that affects the normal activity of the nerves of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system is made of the nerves that connect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) to the rest of the body. Neuropathy occurs as a result of nerve cells receiving damage or being destroyed. The way the neurons communicate with each other and with the brain is affected resulting in a variety of symptoms including tingling, numbness, weakened muscles and others.

Your MMG Neurologist begins by identifying and treating any underlying medical problem causing your neuropathy such as diabetes or infections. Your treatment plan may include therapy, medication, mechanical aids such as braces or specially designed shoes, and healthy habits such as proper nutrition and maintaining a healthy weight.