Things You'll Need:
- Neurosurgeon
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Step 1
Understand the benefits of brain mapping to identify areas of the brain which control specific functions. This is an advanced neurological procedure that utilizes the patient's responses during a portion of the surgery.
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Step 2
Realize that awake brain surgery uses brain mapping for marking the edges of brain tissue for removal, as necessitated by tumors or epilepsy. The patient is sedated during the initial part of the procedure. After a portion of the skull has been removed to give access to the brain, the patient is awakened to answer requests for verbal and physical responses.
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Step 3
Know that, as a result of the brain mapping process, the neurosurgeon can mark a distinct edge to retain the portion of the brain where speech, vision and some body movements are controlled.
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Step 4
Explore the possibility of stereotactic radio surgery as an option. This method uses radiation that is precisely focused through the use of computerized 3-D imaging of the brain to treat specific types of tumors. High doses of radiation can be delivered to the precise location of the tumor with minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
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Step 5
Volunteer for participation in clinical studies. Major teaching hospitals and research facilities are continually researching new alternatives for brain surgery. Clinical trials do not guarantee results, but they offer the opportunity to be a participant in researching and proving the efficacy of cutting-edge technology at no cost to the patient.
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Step 6
Explore the benefits of endoscopic neurosurgery as a minimally invasive surgery alternative. Neuroendoscopy is a technique that offers image-guided surgical navigation through a thin endoscope. Some cysts and tumors are accessible using this technique.
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Step 7
Understand that, in advanced tumor growth, radiation or chemotherapy may be the only alternatives to traditional brain surgery. While it may be possible to remove a portion of the tumor through minimally invasive surgical techniques, the bulk of the tumor may require treatment to reduce the pressure caused by the growth.
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Step 8
Consider laser microsurgery as an alternative form of brain surgery. This process uses high temperatures to literally vaporize the tumor cells.
