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Craniotomy
Craniotomy Procedure Overview What is a craniotomy? A craniotomy is the surgical removal of part of the bone from the skull to expose the brain. Specialized tools are used to remove the section of bone called the bone flap. The bone flap is temporarily removed, then replaced after the brain surgery has been performed. Some craniotomy procedures may utilize the guidance of computers and imaging (magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] or computerized tomography [CT] scans) to reach the precise location within t...
Endovascular Coiling
Endovascular Coiling (Coiling, Coil Embolization, Detachable Coil Embolization, Endovascular Embolization, Intracranial Aneurysm Repair) Procedure Overview What is endovascular coiling? Endovascular coiling, also called coiling or endovascular embolization, is a procedure performed to block blood flow into an aneurysm (a weakened area in the wall of an artery). An aneurysm in the brain may be called a cerebral aneurysm, a brain aneurysm, or an intracranial aneurysm. Click Image to Enlarge Preventing blo...
Gamma Knife
Gamma Knife (Stereotactic radiosurgery, Gamma Knife surgery) Procedure Overview What is Gamma Knife radiosurgery? Gamma Knife radiosurgery, also called stereotactic radiosurgery, is a very precise form of therapeutic radiology. Even though it is called surgery, a Gamma Knife procedure does not involve actual surgery, nor is the Gamma Knife really a knife at all. It uses beams of highly-focused gamma rays to treat small- to medium-size lesions, usually in the brain. Many beams of gamma radiation join to ...
Cerebral Arteriogram
Cerebral Arteriogram (Cerebral Angiography, Cerebral Angiogram) Procedure Overview What is a cerebral arteriogram? An arteriogram, also called an angiogram, is an x-ray image of the blood vessels. It is performed to evaluate various vascular conditions, such as an aneurysm (ballooning of a blood vessel), stenosis (narrowing of a blood vessel), or blockages. A cerebral arteriogram is an arteriogram of the blood vessels of the brain. How is an arteriogram performed? An arteriogram involves inserting an ar...
Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Brain
Computed Tomography (CT or CAT) Scan of the Brain (Head CT Scan, Intracranial CT Scan) Procedure Overview What is a CT or CAT scan of the brain? Computed tomography (CT or CAT scan) is a noninvasive diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are m...
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine and Brain
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine and Brain (MRI Scan of the Spine, MRI Scan of the Brain) Procedure Overview What is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)? Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a diagnostic procedure that uses a combination of a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body. How does an MRI scan work? The MRI machine is a large, cylindrical (tube-shaped) machine that creates a strong magnetic field around the pat...
X-rays of the Skull
X-rays of the Skull (Skull X-ray Studies) Procedure Overview What are x-rays of the skull? X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. Standard x-rays are performed for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries. X-rays are made by using external radiation to produce images of the body, its organs, and other internal structures for diagnostic purposes. X-rays pass through body tissues onto specially treated plates (s...
Anatomy of the Brain
Anatomy of the Brain What is the central nervous system (CNS)? The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. The brain is an important organ that controls thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, respirations, temperature, hunger, and every process that regulates our body. What are the different parts of the brain? Click Image to Enlarge The brain can be divided into the cerebrum, brainstem, and cerebellum: cerebrum The cerebrum (supratentorial or front of brain) ...
Neurological Surgery
Neurological Surgery What is neurological surgery? Neurological surgery, also called neurosurgery, is the branch of medicine that provides both operative and non-operative management of disorders that affect the central and peripheral nervous systems, including their supportive structures and vascular supply, and the operative and non-operative management of pain. Neurological surgery encompasses disorders of the brain, spine, and nerves, including the following: the extracranial and intracranial caroti...