Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery
Stereotactic neurosurgery is the surgery that is performed with minimally invasive technique
using 3D coordinate system to exactly locate the target area. In simple words it can be
described as the concept of using brain images to guide the surgeon. Computed tomography,
and magnetic resonance imaging can be used to guide the procedure. The surgery is also
called as neuro-navigation.
It can be performed on any part of the body but mostly its application is limited to brain and
spine surgery.
It can be used to perform procedures like:
- Ablation
- Biopsy
- Injection
- Stimulation
- Implantation
- Radiosurgery (SRS)
- id to conventional microscopic surgery
Functional neurosurgery is the newest trend in neurological science that is beneficial for patients suffering from neurological diseases. In fact the patients that have failed to attain results from other treatments are mainly suggested and get good results for functional neurosurgery.
Indications for Functional Neurosurgery
Patients with following disorders have best results through functional neurosurgery:
- Movement disorders
- Chronic pain
- Muscle spasm
- Epilepsy
- Essential tremors
- Other psychiatric disorders
Techniques of functional neurosurgery
Experts from multidisciplinary fields of neurology, psychology etc. include in the team for functional surgery. Functional neurosurgery is composed of various new techniques like:
- Neuromodulation
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Seizure surgery
- Deep brain stimulation
The main goal of these surgeries is to improve the quality of life of the patient. Although both these can be performed separately but stereotactic and functional neurosurgery procedures can also be done together in order to treat movement disorders, spasticity and intractable pain etc.