Operating Hospital

Pituitary tumours are abnormal growths in the pituitary gland. Most are not cancerous, but their size or the extra hormones they produce can cause health problems.

Paediatric brain tumours are abnormal growths in a child's brain or nearby tissues and structures. There are different types, some non-cancerous and others cancerous.

A peripheral nerve sheath tumour develops in the protective lining around a nerve. It may appear as a growing lump and cause pain or tingling.

Spondylosis describes degenerative changes in the spine. Spondylolysis is a defect or stress fracture in part of a vertebra. Spondylolisthesis means that one vertebra has slipped relative to another; it can have several causes, including spondylolysis. Symptoms and treatment depend on the findings and any nerve involvement.

A herniated disc occurs when material from the centre of a spinal disc pushes through a tear in its outer layer. Discs cushion the vertebrae, or spinal bones. Herniation can occur anywhere in the spine and may irritate a nearby nerve, causing pain, numbness or weakness in an arm or leg.

A lumbar facet joint block injects local anaesthetic into one or more small joints along the lower spine. It may be considered when a clinician suspects facet-related pain, including focal joint tenderness, low back pain with normal imaging, or pain after laminectomy without evidence of arachnoiditis or recurrent disc disease.

Epidural injections may reduce pain and inflammation in selected patients with conditions such as a herniated disc, sciatica or spinal stenosis. Benefits vary, and injections have risks. A clinician should assess suitability and explain alternatives.

Keyhole and endoscopic approaches may be suitable for selected brain and skull base tumours. Smaller openings can reduce disruption to surrounding tissues, but suitability and risks depend on the tumour location, size and the patient’s condition.

Endoscopic spine surgery uses small tubes passed through small skin incisions and a camera called an endoscope to view the operating area. It is a minimally invasive approach to selected back and neck conditions.

A cerebral aneurysm is a weak area in a brain artery that bulges and fills with blood. It can press on nerves or brain tissue. If it ruptures, bleeding may cause a haemorrhagic stroke, brain damage, coma or death.

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) is a tangle of abnormal connections between arteries and veins that disrupts blood flow. It can occur anywhere but is most often found in the brain or spine. The cause is unclear; most are present from birth, although some form later.

Thrombolytic medicines are used in emergency treatment for selected strokes and heart attacks. Tissue plasminogen activator is a commonly used medicine in this group.

Cerebrovascular conditions include stroke, carotid, vertebral and intracranial stenosis, aneurysms and vascular malformations. Blood flow can be affected by narrowed vessels, clots, blockages or a ruptured vessel.

Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a clot in a vein that drains blood from the brain. Blood can build up and lead to bleeding into brain tissue or severe swelling.

A traumatic brain injury may follow a forceful blow to the head or an object entering brain tissue. Mild injuries may briefly affect awareness or mental state; severe injuries can cause prolonged unconsciousness, coma or death. Some people with moderate or severe injuries need emergency surgery to remove a haematoma or contusion that compresses the brain or raises pressure inside the skull.

A spinal cord injury can temporarily or permanently affect function. Symptoms may include loss of movement, sensation or automatic body functions below the level of the injury.

Epilepsy causes recurring seizures. Treatment may include medicines; selected patients whose seizures are not controlled may need specialist evaluation for surgery. The appropriate plan depends on the seizure type, investigations and individual circumstances.

Hydrocephalus is a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain's ventricular system. It can raise pressure inside the head and cause damage. Most affected children are born with the condition.

Split spinal cord malformation (SSCM) is a rare condition present from birth in which the spinal cord divides partly or completely into two sections, sometimes called hemicords.

Craniosynostosis occurs when bones in a baby's skull join too early, before the brain has finished forming. As the brain grows, the shape of the skull may change.