Neurosurgery (Brain & Nerves) - Overview

What is neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery, or neurological surgery, is the medical discipline concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, surgical treatment and rehabilitation of disorders that affect the nervous system.

The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial blood vessels inside and around the brain.

Neurosurgeons coordinate teams of nurses and surgeons in the operating theatre. They are responsible for complex procedures that take great skill and dexterity.

Types of neurosurgery

Depending on your condition or needs, your neurosurgeon may recommend one or more of the following procedures:

• Biopsy: This procedure uses a small incision and a needle to extract a small amount of tissue so that it can be examined under a microscope for abnormalities.
• Craniotomy: This procedure removes a piece of the skull (called the bone flap) to gain access to the brain.
• Deep brain stimulation: In this procedure, electrodes are implanted in the brain to deliver electrical stimulation to certain areas in the brain. The surgery is usually performed to treat patients with advanced Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders.
• Neuroendoscopy: In this minimally invasive surgery, a thin tube called an endoscope is threaded through the mouth, nose, or small incisions in the skull to access or remove brain tissue.
• Stereotactic radiosurgery: A non-invasive treatment for brain tumours, radiosurgery is a form of external radiation treatment that does not involve an incision.
  
  

What is the difference between neurosurgery and neurology?

Neurosurgery and neurology both treat the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord. The key difference between these medical specialties lies in their approach to neurological disorders:

• Neurosurgeons use neurological and spine surgery to treat a wide range of brain, spine, and nervous system conditions. They may also provide non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation for neuro disorders.
• Neurologists use non-surgical approaches, such as medications and electrical stimulation to treat and provide long-term management for neurological patients. They do not perform surgery.

Neurology and neurosurgery are complementary disciplines. Patients usually meet with a neurologist first for a diagnosis and to decide on a treatment plan.

Our approach

At Mount Elizabeth Hospitals, you are assured of receiving personalised care and treatment from neurosurgeons respected in the region for their expertise in this field.

We have an established track record of utilising effective diagnostic tools such as the PET-MRI and sophisticated surgical techniques like awake craniotomy to treat complex neurological conditions and achieve positive clinical outcomes.

Our neurologists and neurosurgeons are supported by a medical rehabilitation team of nurses and therapists dedicated to guiding you on your journey to recovery and back to good health.

Why choose Mount Elizabeth Hospitals?

Situated in the heart of Singapore with easy access to Orchard Road and other central areas, Mount Elizabeth Hospitals is the preferred medical destination for many patients in this region.

We bring specialists reputed in their fields together in a clinical setting equipped with modern medical facilities and offering professional care.

Patients who require complex care for neurological issues can look forward to customised treatment from our team of neurosurgeons. Our focus is on delivering quality outcomes for every patient in an environment designed expressly for personal comfort and healing.