Neurosurgical Procedures

Neurosurgical procedures of the brain are procedures that involve gaining access to the cranial vault, or skull, in order to perform a procedure on the brain itself. When a flap of bone is removed to access the brain, it’s called a craniotomy. When the bone is not replaced at the end of the procedure, it’s called a craniectomy. If the brain is accessed via a small hole, usually by a drill, it’s called a burr hole. Generally, these procedures involve shaving a small amount of hair from the scalp, and making an incision over the desired sight of access on the scalp. Once the scalp is incised, the bone of the skull is exposed and a craniotomy, craniectomy or burr hole is performed. Depending on the procedure, the layer of tissue covering the brain, the dura, may or may not be incised. Neurosurgical procedures may involve operating on the surface of the brain, deep within the brain or at the base of the brain.

Los Angeles Brain and Spine Institute neurological surgeons are board certified and available to treat the array of neurological conditions of the brain, whether elective or an emergency, complex or routine. Our neurosurgeons are available for consultation in clinic and in the multiple hospital wards, intensive care units and emergency rooms of affiliated hospitals.