Atlantic Brain & Spine treats a broad range of neurosurgical problems. We have provided an informative list of the most common disorders and treatments that may help you better understand your diagnosis; however, this list is not all-inclusive. If you have a disorder that is not listed on this page and you would like to know if it is a condition that we treat, please contact us.
Patients who are informed that they need surgery may become overwhelmed in the doctor’s office by the amount of information given about the procedure. As a patient, you may understand the procedure as described by the doctor, but have difficulty properly relaying that information to your family members.
Additionally, neurosurgical procedures may seem intimidating to patients and to their loved ones. At Atlantic Brain & Spine, we believe that providing the patient and his or her family with easy-to-understand information will help relieve any anxiety they may be experiencing. We want you to understand exactly what will be done, the risks involved, pre- and post-operative care, and average recovery time.
We also have pamphlets in our office that can assist you and, as always, we welcome phone calls should you have questions.
Atlantic Brain & Spine, as well as its employees, physicians and affiliates, are not liable for the content or accuracy of information provided in these links. Our intent is to provide you with a basic understanding of common disorders. However, it is crucial for patients to be properly diagnosed by a physician. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any additional questions.
SPINE CONDITIONS
Slipped Disc/Sciatica
Sometimes called a slipped or ruptured disc, a herniated disc can occur anywhere along the spine. Often people who experience a herniated disc already have spinal stenosis, a condition that causes narrowing of the space around the spinal cord and spinal nerves.
Cervical Disc Herniation
This condition causes nerve root impingement or spinal cord compression with resulting pain, weakness, coordination difficulties or imbalance.
Stenosis
The spinal column contains open spaces that create passageways for the spinal cord and the spinal nerves. Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of (or an intrusion into) these openings. This can cause a compression of the nerves. Spinal stenosis most commonly affects the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine.
Spondylolisthesis
Simply means an actual slip between vertebral bodies that may or may not move when you move, pinching the nerves and causing pain.
Adult Deformity
Adult spinal deformity refers to problems with spinal alignment. Typical conditions include Scoliosis, Kyphosis, also known as Scheuermann’s disease, Dowager’s hump or hunchback, and Fixed Sagittal Imbalance (FSI).
Kyphosis
This condition is a deformity of the spine. With it, your vertebrae change from a cylindrical shape to a wedge shape. Your spine may begin to curve forward. Eventually, this gives your upper back a rounded appearance.
Spinal Column/Cord Tumors
Neoplasms, also known as spinal tumors, are abnormal growths of tissue found inside the spinal column or the spinal cord itself.
Spinal Column/Cord Injuries
Injuries to the spinal column and/or spinal cord are often caused by trauma (including car accident, gunshot and falls).
BRAIN CONDITIONS
Brain Tumor
Occasionally abnormal tissue will grow within the brain. Tumors of this region can be either primary or metastatic, i.e. originating from another area of the body. These can cause headaches, seizures and weakness among other symptoms.
Metastatic Brain Tumor
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.
Pituitary Tumors
These unique lesions affect hormone function and vision, and are commonly removed by minimally invasive endoscopic surgery.
Hydrocephalus
Known as “water on the brain,” hydrocephalus is a medical condition in which there is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in and around the brain.
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
This condition, which usually occurs in adults 55 and older, is an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the ventricles of the brain. The ventricles are a system of large, fluid-filled open spaces inside the brain. Too much CSF in the ventricles can distort the brain’s shape. It can make the brain susceptible to injury.
Chiari Malformation
This brain condition can contribute to many different symptoms, including dizziness, muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems, headache, problems with balance and coordination.
Brain Hemorrhage
Multiple hemorrhagic conditions of the brain, including chronic subdural hematomas and AVMs (arteriovenous malformations)
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.
Trigeminal Neuralgia/Face Pain
Trigeminal neuralgia (TN), also called tic douloureux, is a painful condition that causes severe, sporadic, sudden shock like face pain.