Dr. André de Mendonça

Intracranial neurosurgery

What is intracranial neurosurgery?

Intracranial neurosurgery is one of the most complex and sensitive areas of medicine. It involves the diagnosis and surgical treatment of lesions located inside the skull, which can compromise brain function, putting both the patient’s health and life at risk.

My main goal as a neurosurgeon is to treat diseases with the lowest possible risk, using modern techniques and individualized approaches.

Main intracranial conditions that require attention

Intracranial diseases can have a variety of causes, from vascular issues to tumors. The most common include:

  • Cerebral aneurysms: dilations in brain arteries that can rupture and cause severe bleeding.

  • Brain tumors: whether primary (originating in the brain) or metastatic (from other organs).

  • Intracranial hematomas: blood accumulations within the skull caused by trauma.

  • Hydrocephalus: abnormal buildup of fluid in the brain.

  • Vascular and cavernous malformations: changes in the flow and structure of brain vessels.

Early diagnosis and monitoring by an experienced neurosurgeon are essential for the best outcomes.

Warning signs

Neurological changes should always be taken seriously. Many intracranial conditions develop silently, and symptoms may appear suddenly or gradually.

Stay alert to the following signs:

  • Frequent or progressive headaches

  • Seizures or changes in seizure patterns (for patients with a history)

  • Vision changes

  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

  • Balance or coordination problems

  • Weakness on one side of the body

  • Behavioral or memory changes

  • Nausea and vomiting associated with other symptoms listed

These symptoms require immediate evaluation by a medical specialist in brain surgery.

Available treatments

The treatment of conditions affecting intracranial structures depends on the type and location of the lesion, as well as the patient’s condition. Options include:

  • Surgical resection of brain tumors

  • Clipping or embolization of aneurysms

  • Hematoma drainage

  • Shunt surgery for hydrocephalus

  • Minimally invasive image-guided procedures

Whenever possible, minimally invasive techniques are used for quicker recovery. Treatment is tailored with support from imaging and, when needed, a multidisciplinary team.

Brain health requires specialized care. If you’re experiencing neurological symptoms or have been diagnosed and want a second opinion, schedule a consultation.

Stay informed and follow our content to learn more about how the brain works and advances in neurosurgery.

Frequently Asked Questions about Intracranial Neurosurgery

You should see a neurosurgeon if you have constant headaches that don’t improve with painkillers or are associated with symptoms like nausea, vision changes, dizziness, or seizures. These signs may indicate intracranial conditions such as tumors or aneurysms.

A neurologist treats specific diseases of the central nervous system that, in most cases, do not require surgical intervention. A neurosurgeon, on the other hand, is also a medical specialist but focuses on the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, such as tumors, aneurysms, and structural lesions.

A brain surgeon performs procedures to treat brain tumors, aneurysms, hemorrhages, vascular malformations, hydrocephalus, and other conditions that affect the inside of the skull. The approach is personalized and depends on the location and severity of the lesion.

 

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Dr. André de Mendonça – Doctoralia.com.br