Tumours may be divided into those that are benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumours include:
- meningiomas, that arise from the lining of the brain (the dura),
- pituitary tumours, that arise from the pituitary gland
- acoustic neuromas, that develop on the nerve involved in hearing and balance
Malignant tumours will either spread (metastasise) to the brain from a primary cancer elsewhere, or develop in the brain itself, which is known as a primary tumour. There are many types of primary brain tumours, but the most common called an astrocytoma. A neuropathologist (a doctor who specialises in the diagnosis of diseases of the nervous system) will be able to provide an accurate diagnosis.
Haemorrhage into the brain is a common neurosurgical emergency, usually due to a rupture of a blood vessel in patients who suffer from either high blood pressure, or following a blood clot dislodged from the heart or blood vessels in the neck.
Abnormalities of blood vessels themselves, called aneurysms – which are little balloon dilatations, or arteriovenous malformations – may rupture. Whereas in the past these lesions may have required an open neurosurgical operation, the majority may be treated by either inserting metal coils into a blood vessel, filling them with glue, or treating the lesion with radiotherapy (stereotactic radiosurgery).
Congenital conditions are those present from birth. When the skull develops abnormally, it can lead to deformities that affect skull and brain growth called craniosynostosis. It can also affect the flow of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, leading to hydrocephalus – often known as ‘water on the brain’.
Cranial surgery may be used to treat functional movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and pain disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia. The aim is often to reduce or eliminate symptoms and improve quality of life.
This is the major cause of death in adults less than 40 years of age; over 50% will have suffered a major head injury.
Patients will often present with neck or lower back pain, with or without symptoms, due to pressure on nerves (e.g. causing sciatica) or the spinal cord. Removal of the lumbar disc (microdiscectomy) and nerve decompression (laminectomy) are some of the most frequently undertaken procedures.
There are many different types of benign and malignant tumours which can cause destruction of the spine or pressure on the spinal cord.
Inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, can contribute to spinal conditions.
Tuberculosis and, less commonly, bacterial infection can cause an abscess to form, causing pain and symptoms due to pressure on the spinal cord.
Conditions which are present from birth, such as spina bifida.
Road traffic accidents, sports injuries, and falls at home often result in a spinal fracture.
Consultant neurosurgeons in London
Our neurosurgeons have trained at London's top teaching hospitals. Leaders in the field, they work together to provide optimum care for our patients.
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Miss Sophie Camp
Consultant Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgery, Brain tumours
Mr Ciaran Hill
Consultant Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgery, Brain tumours, Neuro-oncology
Mr Jonathan Hyam
Consultant Brain & Spinal Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgery, Brain tumours, Spine
Miss Vivian Elwell
Consultant Neurosurgeon and Spinal Surgeon
Neurosurgery, Complex spinal surgery
Mrs Anne Mitchener
Consultant Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgery, Spine
Mr Nigel Mendoza
Consultant Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgery, Brain tumours
