Neurosurgery & Other Neurological Procedures
Neurologic disorders and conditions affect the brain, spine, and nervous system. Neurological procedures and neurosurgery help diagnose and treat disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system.
With expertise and personal care, Dignity Health offers these procedures, including neurosurgery, in the Bay Area:
Find a Doctor to learn more about these services.
Why Neurosurgery & Procedures are Performed
If you’re experiencing signs and symptoms that could indicate a neurological disorder, your Dignity Health doctor may recommend a neurological procedure to confirm a diagnosis. If your results are positive, you might need neurosurgery or another procedure to treat the condition.
Neurological procedures and neurosurgery are performed for many reasons, including to:
- Diagnose conditions affecting the spinal fluid, such as infection or bleeding, with a spinal tap (lumbar puncture)
- Diagnose disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using a sleep study
- Diagnose neuromuscular disorders by measuring a muscle’s response to electrical impulses with an electromyogram (EMG) test
- Repair spinal fractures or other abnormalities with minimally invasive or open back surgery
- Treat brain aneurysms or tumors with a craniotomy
- Treat nerve conditions, including trigeminal neuralgia, using minimally invasive neurosurgery
What to Expect at Dignity Health
Neurosurgery and related procedures may be minimally invasive or extensive. Your Dignity Health neurologist will discuss the details of the procedure with you so you know what to expect. Some neurological procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, while others require a hospital stay.
Each type of neurological surgery or procedure carries specific risks. For example, the risks of a spinal tap include bleeding into the spinal canal. Your Bay Area neurosurgeon will discuss all of the risks with you and give you information on how to reduce them by stopping certain medications, adopting lifestyle changes, or taking other steps.
Recovery After Neurosurgery & Other Procedures
Some neurological procedures, such as EMG, do not require any special post-procedure care or precautions. Major neurosurgery, such as repairing a brain aneurysm, requires specific recovery instructions to avoid complications.
You will receive detailed information related to recovery after your neurosurgery or procedure.
Ask questions in advance and at follow-up appointments with your doctor. That way, you’ll be as prepared and comfortable as possible.
Undergoing neurosurgery or a diagnostic procedure can help diagnose and treat neurological disorders early, which might allow you to avoid serious complications and enjoy a higher quality of life. Talk to an expert at Dignity Health if one of our neurological procedures is right for you.
For neurosurgery in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, and Redwood City, visit a Dignity Health Bay Area hospital.
