Brain Tumors or Vascular Abnormalities Treated by CNSO Neurosurgeons in New Jersey

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s one of the most critical organs, the brain controls numerous daily functions, from the senses and nervous system to cognitive function, motor function, and personality. If certain diseases or injuries develop in the brain, the result can be brain abnormalities and disorders. Other causes of brain disorders and skull malformations include genetics, tumors, congenital disease, and more.

For those living with a brain disorder, many aspects of their daily lives are affected. Symptoms vary from individual to individual depending on the location, type, and size (if applicable) of the brain disorder. This is why patients need to trust the multi-specialty experts at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics (CNSO). Serving northern New Jersey through several office locations, CNSO diagnoses and treats a variety of structural neurological abnormalities including the brain, spine, neurovascular abnormalities, and musculoskeletal or orthopedic conditions. Learn more about the types of disorders treated by CNSO.

Types of Brain Disorders

CNSO diagnoses brain disorders using state-of-the-art technology, including angiograms, computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and positron emission tomography (PET) scans. With highly experienced neurosurgeons and nursing support staff, CNSO listens to patients to fully understand their conditions and determine the best way to treat them. With a comprehensive and collaborative approach, CNSO identifies and treats the following brain, skull, and structural disorders:

Chiari Malformation(CM)

Chiari malformation affects the cerebellum, the part of the brain responsible for controlling balance. This disorder begins when the cerebellum bulges through the normal opening in the base of the skull. The result is immense pressure placed on the spinal cord and brain. Ranging from mild to severe, symptoms of a Chiari malformation include:

• Abnormal light sensitivity or eye movements
• Adolescent scoliosis or adult scoliosis
• Blurred or double vision
• Burning sensation in the lips, toes, or fingers
• Chronic fatigue
• Difficulty with eating, drinking, swallowing, or speaking
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Headaches
• Hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Heart palpitations
• Insomnia
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Muscle weakness
• Numbness in the arms or legs
• Pain in the shoulders, neck, or back of the head, worsening after coughing or sneezing
• Sleep apnea (trouble breathing during sleep)
• Trouble with coordination or balance
• Vertigo
• Vomiting, drooling, or gagging when trying to swallow

CNSO treats chiari malformations as conservatively as possible. Depending on the patient’s unique case, they may be monitored with MRI scans and pain management. CNSO reserves brain surgery as a last resort for patients who do not experience success with non-surgical modalities.

Hydrocephalus

Referred to as “water on the brain,” hydrocephalus is classified as a congenital disorder, which is caused by obstructive brain malformations. These malformations obstruct cerebrospinal fluid from exiting the brain, building up fluid and leading to dangerous consequences if left untreated. Hydrocephalus causes varying symptoms depending on the patient’s age, including:

• Infants
  • Changes in eating habits
  • Irritability
  • Larger-than-normal head
  • Lethargy
  • Muscle tone and strength issues
  • Rapid growth of head size
  • Seizures
  • Sunsetting of the eyes (gaze fixed downward)
  • Tense or bulging soft spots at the top of the head
  • Vomiting and nausea
• Toddlers and older children
  • Abnormal eye movements
  • Balance and coordination problems
  • Changes in bladder control or urination frequency
  • Decreased appetite
  • Double or blurred vision
  • Head becoming enlarged
  • Headache
  • Irritability or personality changes
  • Issues or delays with walking, talking, and other skills learned earlier in life
  • Lethargy
  • Poor performance in school
  • Vomiting or nausea
• Younger and middle-aged adults
  • Decreased concentration, memory, or other thinking skills
  • Headache
  • Lethargy
  • Loss of balance, coordination, or bladder control
  • More frequent urination
  • Poor job performance
  • Problems with vision
• Adults 60 and older
  • Changes in bladder control, coordination, or balance
  • Difficulty with walking, shuffling, or feeling like the feet are stuck
  • Loss of memory, reasoning, or other thinking skills
  • Urinating more often

Due to the severe nature of the condition, surgical treatment is imperative for patients with hydrocephalus. CNSO’s brain surgeons drain the cerebrospinal fluid by placing a shunt, which is a hollow, tube-like device known as an external ventricular drain. This device is placed inside the brain to allow for the diversion of cerebrospinal fluid, going from the brain to an outside, sterilized chamber, which aids in reducing intracranial pressure.

Normal-Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH)

This brain disorder differs from hydrocephalus because it develops slowly, resulting in ventricles that enlarge gradually. Normal-pressure hydrocephalus is when cerebrospinal fluid accumulates inside the skull, placing pressure on the brain. NPH is most common in patients aged 65 and older, causing symptoms such as:

• Balance problems
• Dementia
• Difficulty walking
• Falling more frequently
• Feeling like the feet are stuck to the ground
• Impaired bladder control
• Loss of bladder control
• Loss of interest in hobbies
• Shuffling or taking short steps when walking
• Trouble performing daily tasks
• Abnormally frequent urination

NPH is one of the few brain disorders that brain surgery can reverse, allowing patients to regain the cognitive skills they thought they had lost.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

Most common in women ages 50 and older, trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is a chronic cranial nerve disorder. It is caused by conditions affecting the trigeminal nerve, which originates in the brain and is responsible for controlling sensations in the face. TN is marked by the sudden onset of stabbing, shock-like facial pain, which can be excruciating and last anywhere from a few seconds to minutes at a time. While it feels like the entire face is in pain for some people, TN only affects the same side of the lower face and jaw, though pain can alternate from one side of the face to the other. Other symptoms may include:

• Constant burning or aching sensation that lingers after painful episodes
• Intense facial pain when touched, even with mild pressure
• Painful episodes triggered by normal activities, such as brushing the teeth, shaving, or applying makeup
• Throbbing pain along the lower face or anywhere else on the face

At CNSO, pain management physicians can help patients control their symptoms with non-invasive modalities, including injections and medications. If the symptoms are not resolved conservatively, the patient will be evaluated for a minimally invasive surgical solution called a microvascular decompression which is performed by a neurosurgeon.

Arachnoid Cysts

A common type of brain cyst, arachnoid cysts are fluid-filled sacs that typically do not grow. While many people with arachnoid cysts are diagnosed with them at birth, others may develop them after a serious head injury or trauma. Most arachnoid cysts do not produce symptoms, but when they occur, they vary in severity depending on the location and size of the cyst, whether it is pressing on the spinal cord, nerves, or brain, and other factors. Symptoms are also more likely to be present in people under the age of 20. Possible symptoms include:

• Back pain and scoliosis
• Developmental delays or behavior changes in children
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Hydrocephalus
• Issues with balance, hearing, vision, and movement
• Muscle spasms
• Nausea
• Paralysis or movement problems
• Seizures
• Tingling and numbness in the hands and feet
• Uncontrollable head bobbing
• Urinary tract infections
• Vertigo
• Vomiting
• Weakness

Smaller arachnoid cysts with no symptoms usually do not require treatment. However, for patients with larger cysts that cause headaches, seizures, nausea, or other troublesome symptoms, brain surgery may be recommended. CNSO neurosurgeons can drain arachnoid cysts to relieve pressure on the brain or spinal cord. These cysts may also appear in the spine and may require spine surgery.

Colloid Cysts

Colloid cysts are benign and usually are found near the center of the brain, known as the third ventricle. These fluid-filled sacs most often develop before birth and slowly increase in size over time. Their growth can block cerebrospinal fluid from circulating throughout the body, causing strain and pressure on vital nervous structures. Symptoms include:

• Changes in personality
• Difficulty with memory and concentration
• Headaches that are worse in the morning
• Nausea
• Vision problems
• Vomiting

For those with asymptomatic colloid cysts, CNSO regularly monitors their condition to determine when surgical intervention is necessary. For those with symptoms and larger colloid cysts, CNSO brain surgeons can perform a variety of procedures, such as minimally invasive brain surgery, craniotomy, or a cerebrovascular fluid shunt.

Clival Tumors

Rare growths forming at the clivus, a bone at the base of the skull, clival tumors can damage nearby structures, such as the brain stem or cranial nerves, as they increase in size. The cause of clival tumors is unknown, although they are more prevalent in men and middle-aged and older adults. Symptoms may include:

• Coordination problems
• Difficulty swallowing
• Facial numbness and tingling
• Frequent or severe headaches
• Headaches
• Inability to speak clearly
• Motor weakness
• Nasal congestion
• Vision or hearing changes

To remove a clival tumor, CNSO neurosurgeons may use brain surgery, radiation, or other treatments to provide a better quality of life to patients.

Hemangioblastomas

Hemangioblastomas are noncancerous, slow-growing tumors that form in the blood vessel lining of the spine or brain stem. They can grow larger over time, which can affect the flow of cerebrovascular fluid and other areas of the brain. As tumors get bigger, they can place pressure on the spine and brain, specifically the brain stem and cerebellum. Common symptoms include:

• Headaches
• Imbalance
• Loss of coordination
• Muscle weakness
• Nausea
• Vomiting

Surgical intervention is the preferred treatment for symptomatic brain and spinal cord hemangioblastomas. Patients can explore their options with one of the qualifying brain surgeons at CNSO.

Get a Second Opinion from CNSO

CNSO understands the importance of receiving a second medical opinion for patients who have received a diagnosis from other specialists. CNSO’s expertise is trusted for second opinions thanks to a multidisciplinary approach, assuring comprehensive and appropriate care by involving neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine specialists, interventional pain management physicians, physiatrists, rehabilitation specialists, and certified physical therapists.

H2: Learn More About Brain Disorder Care in New Jersey

Taking a conservative approach to pain management and treatment throughout the patient’s journey, CNSO’s comprehensive care team has expertise at all stages, from pain management to physical therapy to surgery if necessary. Those seeking treatment for brain disorders in northern New Jersey should request an appointment today at Centers for Neurosurgery, Spine & Orthopedics, offering several convenient office locations.