Neurosurgical conditions

Your brain is arguably the most complex organ in your body, and understanding its anatomy is important for comprehending various brain conditions.

This extraordinary structure controls all of your functions and provides you with life. Your brain enables you to breathe, move, think, imagine, create, communicate, feel sensations and experience emotions. It is also the blueprint of your unique personality. Just like fingerprints, no two brains are alike.

Your brain is a core part of your central nervous system. It comprises billions of cells called neurons and glial cells. Neurons transmit information to and from other parts of our bodies. Glial cells support and protect our neurons.

The largest component of your brain is the cerebrum. It is made up of the left and right hemispheres. The cerebrum generates conscious activity such as learning, thoughts and sensations.

Your cerebellum is at the back of your brain. It governs coordination and balance.

Your brain stem connects your brain to your spinal cord, providing a pathway for your brain to communicate with the rest of your body. The brain stem is responsible for vital functions. It keeps you breathing and swallowing and your heart beating.

What conditions affect the brain?

Various conditions can affect the brain’s structure and function. These include:

• Benign or malignant tumours
• Cerebral aneurysms
• Chiari malformations
• Hydrocephalus
• Traumatic brain injuries

Recognising symptoms and seeking early treatment can significantly improve outcomes. ​

How are brain conditions diagnosed and treated?

Diagnosing brain conditions typically involves a combination of neurological examinations, medical history and symptom assessment, imaging (such as MRI or CT scans) and laboratory tests. Treatment plans are customised based on the condition and how it affects a person, and may include:​

• Rehabilitation therapies: Including physical, occupational or speech therapy.
• Medications: To manage symptoms or address underlying causes.​
• Other non-surgical treatment: Like radiotherapy.
• Surgery: Such as relieving pressure, removing tumours or treating aneurysms.

If you notice any changes to your body, you should consult with your GP or other treating doctor. To work out the cause, your GP may refer you to a neurosurgeon, who can give specialised diagnoses and treatment.

Before your neurosurgical appointment, your GP may send you for medical imaging (such as x-rays and scans), tests and other clinical investigations. Once complete, take these reports with you to your neurosurgical appointment.

If you would like to see A/Prof Raj Reddy, make sure your GP provides you with a referral before you book an appointment.

How to prepare for your neurosurgical appointment.

Image by Injury Map under a Creative Commons license.