Patient Education
Cranial Treatment Options
An overview of surgical and non-surgical approaches available for treating conditions of the brain and skull.
Treatment Approaches for Cranial Conditions
Treatment for cranial conditions depends on multiple factors including the specific diagnosis, location, size, and severity of the condition, as well as the patient's overall health and personal preferences. Modern neurosurgery offers a range of options from conservative observation to complex surgical interventions.
Your neurosurgeon will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that balances the potential benefits of intervention against the risks. In many cases, multiple treatment options exist, and the decision is made collaboratively between the patient and the surgical team.
Surgical Treatment Options
Craniotomy
A surgical opening in the skull that provides access to the brain for tumor removal, aneurysm repair, or treatment of other intracranial conditions. The bone flap is replaced after the procedure.
Stereotactic Radiosurgery
A non-invasive treatment that delivers precisely focused radiation beams to target tumors or vascular malformations within the brain, often completed in a single session without incisions.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Implantation of electrodes in specific brain regions to deliver electrical impulses that modulate abnormal neural activity, commonly used for movement disorders and chronic pain.
Endoscopic Surgery
Minimally invasive procedures using small cameras and instruments inserted through natural openings or tiny incisions, reducing recovery time and complications.
Additional Cranial Procedures
Aneurysm Clipping & Coil Embolization
Two approaches for treating cerebral aneurysms. Clipping involves placing a small metal clip at the base of the aneurysm through a craniotomy, while coil embolization is a minimally invasive endovascular technique that fills the aneurysm with platinum coils to prevent rupture.
Microvascular Decompression
A surgical procedure used to relieve pressure on cranial nerves caused by blood vessels. Most commonly performed for trigeminal neuralgia (severe facial pain) and hemifacial spasm, this procedure repositions the offending vessel and places a protective cushion between it and the nerve.
Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunting
A procedure to treat hydrocephalus by diverting excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain's ventricles to the abdominal cavity through a thin tube with a programmable valve. This relieves dangerous pressure buildup within the skull.
Transsphenoidal Surgery
An endoscopic approach to remove pituitary tumors and other skull base lesions by accessing the surgical site through the nasal passages. This avoids the need for a craniotomy and typically results in faster recovery with no visible scarring.
Factors That Influence Your Treatment Plan
Type and location of the condition
Size and growth rate (for tumors)
Severity of symptoms
Your age and overall health
Previous treatments attempted
Personal goals and preferences
Ready to Find Relief?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Burton to discuss your condition and explore your treatment options.