OTHER NEUROSURGICAL CONDITIONS:
Peripheral nerve disorders
Neurosurgeons see many patients who have problems with the nerves in their arm or less commonly their leg. This is usually due to simple pressure which can be readily relieved, the most common being carpal tunnel syndrome in the hand. Less commonly we treat tumours on the nerves and sometimes nerve injuries that require grafting. Many neurosurgeons are involved in research into nerve grafting and nerve growth and this research is closely linked with similar work in the spinal cord injury field.
Infections
Abscesses in the brain from ear infections used to be quite common but decreased markedly with the introduction of antibiotics. We are now seeing an increase in infection in the central nervous system related to immune deficiency, either from AIDS or as a consequence of the treatment of some malignancies. CNS infection is also a major problem in our indigenous population where a resurgence in tuberculosis is causing major concerns.
Functional neurosurgery
Functional neurosurgery allows the placement of needles and electrodes at precise locations in the brain to produce lesions that can alleviate tremors and other movement disorders and in some cases can benefit psychiatric conditions and chronic pain disorders. Surgery can also help epilepsy by dividing connections in the brain or removing areas that initiate seizures.
PO Box 698, North Adelaide SA 5006, Australia
Telephone: +61 8 8371 0771
nrfginta@bigpond.com
