A brain tumor may be the scary conclusion a panicked person jumps to when experiencing constant headaches. While headaches can be a symptom of a tumor, it doesn’t always indicate cancer. Headaches can occur if you need glasses or are dehydrated as well. If you are experiencing any symptoms that you suspect are due to
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Preparing for a Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Lumbar spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that causes affected or damaged vertebrae in the lower back to grow together as a single unit, by removing the cushioning discs between them. This prevents spinal movement between the vertebrae and reduces pressure on the nerves, helping to reduce pain, stop the formation of bone spurs and
Read MoreThe Neurosurgery Dictionary for Patients
The central nervous system is a complex structure consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that act as the control center for the human body. Movement, speech, breathing, eating, learning, feeling, and thinking all depend on an efficient central nervous system. Neurosurgery is the branch of surgery that involves the nervous system. It encompasses
Read MoreWho Should I See for a Concussion?
A concussion, otherwise called a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), is commonly described as a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the function of the brain. A concussion can result from a sports injury, a car crash, fall or other accident. It can also occur from a violent shaking of the head or
Read MoreLumbar Fusion for Back Pain
A lumbar spine fusion is a type of back surgery designed to treat lower back pain and leg pain as a result of degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, stenosis, or other spinal injuries. The fusion of vertebrae in the spine is performed to strengthen and stabilize the fused segment of the spine, thus decreasing or eliminating the
Read MoreWhat is a Kyphoplasty?
Kyphoplasty is an augmentation or strengthening of vertebrae that have suffered compression fractures. This minimally invasive procedure alleviates pain, stabilizes the bone, and restores some or all vertebral height that was impacted by the fracture. A catheter with a balloon-like device creates space in the vertebra, and a special cement-like substance is injected to fill
Read MoreWhat Does a Neurosurgeon Treat?
Many people hear the word neurosurgeon and think it refers to a doctor who works on your brain. While this can be true, a neurosurgeon does a lot more than just brain surgery. A lot of a neurosurgeon’s time is dedicated to studying the spine, treating neck and back pain, herniated discs, degenerative disc disease,
Read MoreWho Should I Go to for My Sciatica?
Sciatica is not a disease or a diagnosis. It is a symptom of an underlying medical condition. The term is used to describe nerve pain, tingling, numbness and weakness that travels from the lower back, across the buttocks, down the back of the thighs to the calves and feet. It occurs when the sciatic nerve – the longest
Read MoreI’ve Been Diagnosed with a Hemangioblastoma: What Now?
You’re sitting in a doctor’s office and have just been informed about a growth of cells that may be the cause of your constant headaches and lack of balance. You’ve feared the worst, but the diagnosis is not a common one: hemangioblastoma. While it is not a household name the way some types of cancer
Read MoreCan Birth Control Cause Strokes?
Oral contraceptives, more commonly known as birth control pills are associated with making your life easier, not necessarily more stressful. Sure, you do have to stay on top of taking your dose every single day like clockwork or you could risk an unwanted pregnancy, but it does make life easier for those that follow the
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