Gleolan (5-ALA) Gleolan, also called ALA HCI or 5-ALA, is one of the most groundbreaking and modern methods available for brain tumor surgery. Gleolan is a visual imaging contrast agent that is used to help map out and define high-grade primary brain tumors like Glioblastoma for surgical removal. This exciting new method allows neurosurgeons to…
Glioblastoma Multiforme is a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor type. Glioblastoma is also known as grade IV astrocytoma or glioma. These tumors begin in the brain and grow around the cells that help to support healthy neuron functioning in the brain. Healthy neuron functioning supports your nervous system and helps to carry out signals from…
Sometimes the very best technology that we have is not the newest one. Awake craniotomies, also known as awake brain surgery, have been performed safely for decades and maybe even centuries if you count trephinations, which is a hole saw. Awake craniotomy is a simple and elegant procedure performed on the brain while the patient…
A neurosurgeon specializes in surgery on the nervous system that includes the brain and spine. This surgeon has been trained in diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain, spinal column, spinal cord, nerves, and intervertebral discs. Neurosurgeons complete medical school followed by a neurosurgery residency where they learn the skills required for surgery on the…
A brain tumor, known as an intracranial tumor, is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in the brain. Not all brain tumors are cancerous. Still, any growth inside the rigid skull can lead to problems. When malignant or benign tumors grow, they can increase pressure inside the skull. This can cause brain damage and…