Expert Intracranial Neurosurgery at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican Hospitals
Intracranial neurosurgery means surgery on the brain or spine “within the skull.” It is necessary to treat life-threatening brain diseases and disorders and those at risk of causing permanent brain damage.
While certain situations allow for less-invasive methods, intracranial neurosurgery is the required and preferred approach in many situations.
Intracranial neurosurgery can:
- Repair damage from traumatic brain injury
- Drain abscesses from a brain infection
- Ease or eliminate seizures by disrupting specific areas within the brain
- Stop bleeding in the brain and remove blood clots as treatment for stroke
- Implant deep brain stimulation devices for Parkinson’s disease tremors and other neurological conditions
- Implant biodegradable wafers that locally deliver chemotherapy
- Repair brain aneurysms (weaknesses or bulging in blood vessel walls in the brain)
- Remove brain tumors (both cancerous and benign tumors)
Neurosurgeons use X-rays and brain imaging to plan the procedure. They also may use X-ray equipment during surgery to locate and visualize the surgical area.
The neurology team at Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals can help you navigate your surgical options, including intracranial surgery in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV — find a neurologist or neurosurgeon near you today.
Performing Intracranial Neurosurgery
Intracranial neurosurgery is usually done under general anesthesia, meaning the patient is asleep and will not feel any pain. However, there are procedures when you needs to be awake, especially if the surgery is close to parts of the brain that control function like speech. Brain tissue does not have pain receptors, which is why this is possible. If you are awake during the procedure, you may be asked to do certain tasks from time to time, such as speak or move your arm or leg.
Your surgeon may need to perform a craniotomy, which involves creating an opening in your skull and removing a small part of it to access your brain. The surgeon reattaches the removed piece of skull with small plates and screws. Microcraniotomy with small burr holes is an option in some cases. The surgeon inserts instruments through the holes to perform surgery.
Following surgery, your care team will monitor you as the anesthetic or sedative wears off. A hospital stay of a few nights to a week is often necessary.
Intracranial Neurosurgery Recovery in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV
How quickly you recover from intracranial neurosurgery depends on the type of surgery and your condition. A dedicated staff of doctors and nurses will continuously monitor your neurological status, including how well you move your arms and legs and your overall awareness.
The staff will explain any activity restrictions you may have after you go home, including limits on driving. You will need a follow-up appointment to have the staples or sutures removed and to discuss any further treatment. Neurological rehabilitation may be part of your recovery.
Dignity Health - St. Rose Dominican hospitals provides comprehensive care for intracranial neurosurgery in Las Vegas and Henderson, NV.