Sentara combines experienced surgeons, technology and support teams that patients and their families seek when needing guidance about brain surgery. We're here to treat patients with a variety of concerns, including:
Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs): These complex tangles of abnormal arteries lead to a weakening of the arteries over time. A hemorrhage, also known as a stroke, can happen when the arteries weaken and allow blood to leak into the brain. This can possibly cause brain damage.
Blood clots on the brain (hemorrhagic stroke): Two types of hemorrhagic stroke can occur - intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. A weakened blood vessel collapses and allows blood to flow into the brain and compress tissue.
Brain aneurysm: A brain aneurysm is a weak area on your blood vessel's wall. The weakened area bulges over time and can rupture, causing bleeding. If an unruptured aneurysm grows, it may push against blood vessels or other structures in your brain.Head trauma: Head trauma can be misleading, sometimes appearing to be mild because of the lack of signs of impact and subtle symptoms. Yet no matter the impact causing the trauma, any injury to the head must be fully evaluated and treated based on testing results to minimize potential lifelong concerns.
Hydrocephalus: This condition involves pressure on your brain, due to cerebrospinal fluid that has abnormally accumulated.
Metastatic brain tumor: A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells growing inside your brain. Brain tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A brain tumor that begins in your brain is called a primary brain tumor. If the tumor results from cancer that has spread from another part of the body, it is called a metastatic or secondary brain tumor.
Pituitary tumors: The pituitary gland produces several hormones and can be affected by tumors both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous.)
Recurring brain tumors: Some patients experience additional brain tumors after successfully being treated. Your physician and surgeon will evaluate new tumors and recommend additional treatments based on the size and location of new growths.
Trigeminal neuralgia: This condition involves a nerve on your face that develops a sensitivity to normal touch or movement and produces pain that grows into your brain.