Seizures

Seizures are temporary electrical events with the brain that are due to abnormal synchronization of a group of nerve cells. They can last any where from seconds to minutes or even longer and can cause a variety of symptoms ranging from abnormal movements, sensations, emotions, behaviors and alterations of memory or speech. There are a variety of types and causes of seizures.

Shunt

A shunt is a device that diverts of the flow of excess fluid in and around the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) to another location in the body where it can be better absorbed. The most common shunt, a ventriculoperitoneal shunt, consists of a small, flexible tube that connects the ventricular system (the chambers that hold CSF in the brain) to the peritoneal (or abdominal cavity).

Spinal Drain

Spinal drains, also called lumbar drains, are soft, flexible tubes that are placed in the fluid-filled space around the spinal cord in the lumbar (lower back) region to divert cerebrospinal fluid when a spinal fluid leak is discovered. Such diversion is often required to facilitate wound healing by reducing the pressure from fluid around the spinal cord and brain that is causing the leakage of spinal fluid.

Stereotactic Biopsy

Stereotactic biopsy is a surgical procedure that removes a small amount of brain tissue for diagnosis using a small probe directed by a 3-dimensional computer navigation system designed for use in the brain. Frame-based stereotaxis is a method of navigation within and around the brain that utilizes a frame that is fixed to the patient's head prior to imaging and surgery. A computer system matches the MRI, CT and angiogram images to the patient using a stereotactic frame as the common 3-dimensional coordinate system. This system allows for a precise localization of intracranial abnormalities or tumors as well as critical neighboring structures within the brain. Additionally, it is designed to act as a holder to allow the surgeon to safely guide tools (like biopsy probes) to the desired location in the brain.

Tinel-Hoffman Sign

The Tinel-Hoffman sign is a valuable diagnostic tool that helps localize irritated nerves. It is performed by lightly tapping (percussing) over the irritated nerve to elicit tingling ('pins and needles' sensation) in the distribution of that nerve. It is most commonly used in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome by lightly tapping the median nerve in the wrist as it enters the carpal tunnel (where the nerve is being irritated or compressed) causing tingling in the hand and fingers.

Ventriculostomy

A ventriculostomy is a surgical procedure (often performed at the bedside) that it used to measure and treat increased pressure within the brain. It involves drilling a small hole in the patient's skull and passing a soft tube into the fluid-filled chambers of the brain (the ventricles) in order to remove excess fluid (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) from within the brain. In addition to relieving high pressure with the brain, it can be attached to a bedside monitor in order to continuously measure intracranial pressure. There are a variety of reasons for having increased pressure including hydrocephalus (build up of CSF in the brain), bleeding with the brain from aneurysms or vascular malformation, brain tumors, brain swelling from many causes and head trauma.

Vertebrectomy

Vertebrectomy is a surgical procedure of the spine that involves removing one or more of the vertebral bodies, the bones that compose the spinal column. It entails removing all or part of the damaged vertebral body, replacement of body by a bone graft or cage to restore the normal height and alignment and metal plating to ensure stability of the construct. Some causes of damaged vertebral bodies include fractures to due to trauma, tumors, infection and osteoporosis.