Comprehensive Care for Neurosurgical Disorders and Conditions

Neurosurgical Diseases and Conditions

At PACE Hospitals, we provide expert care for a wide range of neurology conditions involving the brain, spine, and nervous system. Our conditions are categorized by specialty to help patients quickly find the right information. 

Brain Disorders

These conditions affect the structure and function of the brain, leading to neurological, cognitive, and physical impairments

Brain Tumors

A brain tumour is an abnormal or uncontrollable growth of cells in the brain leading to symptoms that depend on the part of the brain affected, such as headaches, seizures, vomiting, drowsiness, memory or personality changes, and vision or speech problems. The cause is usually unknown, but risk factors include age, family history, and genetic conditions; radiation may increase the risk of developing brain tumours. Treatment depends on the type of tumour, size, and location, including surgery, which aims to remove the tumour as much as possible, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or medications to manage symptoms.

Pituitary tumors

Pituitary tumor are abnormal growths arising from the pituitary gland. Most are benign adenomas but can cause significant problems by either secreting excess hormones (functional tumors) or compressing nearby structures (non-functional tumors). Common symptoms include hormonal imbalance (prolactin excess), headaches, and visual disturbances due to compression of the optic.

Cerebral Aneurysms

A cerebral aneurysm, called a brain aneurysm, is a weak or thin spot on an artery that balloons or bulges out in the brain and fills with blood. In most cases, they do not cause any symptoms; however, in some cases, symptoms like headaches, vision issues, and nervous system function problems, such as weakness, numbness, and difficulty speaking, appear when they grow large or rupture. It is diagnosed by using CT scans, MRI, or angiography. Treatment is based on the type, location, size, and risk of rupture, which includes observation, surgical clipping, or endovascular coiling.

Arteriovenous malformation (AVM)

An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) occurs when there is a tangle (twisted) of blood vessels that causes problems with the connections between the arteries and veins, bypassing the normal capillary system. It most often occurs in the spinal cord and in the brain, but it can develop anywhere in the body, leading to symptoms such as headaches, seizures, and neurological deficits; in some cases, they lead to haemorrhage or stroke. The diagnosis involves imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scans, or angiography. Treatment includes surgery, endovascular embolization, or radiation therapy.

Brain hemorrhage

A brain haemorrhage is a serious neurological condition in which there is bleeding within the brain tissue or surrounding spaces. It commonly occurs due to rupture of a blood vessel, often caused by high blood pressure, trauma, aneurysm, or vascular malformations. There are three main types: intracerebral hemorrhage, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and subdural hematoma. When bleeding occurs, it raises pressure inside the skull, which may damage brain cells and disrupt normal brain function. Patients may present with sudden severe headache, vomiting, weakness on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, loss of consciousness, or seizures. Brain hemorrhage is a medical emergency, and early treatment is crucial to reduce the risk of permanent brain damage or death.

Cavernous Angioma

A cavernous angioma is a cluster of abnormal blood vessels in the brain or spinal cord, sometimes known as cavernous angiomas, cavernous haemangiomas, or cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM). It forms a spongy bubble-like structure, and it rarely causes symptoms like headaches, seizures, or other neurological problems, but in some rare cases, these blood vessel clusters can bleed, leading to more serious issues like stroke or brain damage. It is diagnosed through an MRI scan, which shows their appearance. Treatment involves surgery or monitoring the condition.

Capillary Telangectasias

Capillary telangiectasias occur when there is a small abnormal cluster of tiny blood vessels called capillaries in the brain, which are red or purple and appear as small threads or spider-like marks. Generally, it is asymptomatic and usually found during brain MRI, but in some rare cases, if the blood vessels rupture, it causes symptoms such as headaches or mild weakness. These malformations are congenital (present at birth) and may not require treatment unless they cause symptoms; most people live without major health issues.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a condition in which the brain gets damaged due to a sudden hit, blow, or jolt to the head, or when an object penetrates the skull. It can range from mild (like a concussion) to severe, depending on the extent of damage to the brain. TBIs are commonly caused by road accidents, falls, sports injuries, physical fights, or being struck by heavy objects, and in some cases by explosions or violent shaking. The symptoms may vary based on its severity; mild cases may include headache, dizziness, confusion, nausea, or loss of consciousness, while severe cases can lead to repeated vomiting, seizures, severe headache, difficulty speaking, memory loss, weakness in parts of the body, long periods of unconsciousness, and even changes in mood or behavior such as irritability.

Spinal Epidural Hematoma

This is a rare but serious condition in which blood accumulates in the epidural space between the vertebral canal and the dura mater of the spinal cord. It is caused by trauma, anticoagulant therapy, spinal procedures, or vascular malformations. The bleeding causes rapid compression of the spinal cord. This leads to sudden acute back pain, followed by neurological issues such as weakness, numbness, or even paralysis below the level of the lesion. Patients may also develop loss of bladder and bowel control. This condition is a neurosurgical emergency, and urgent surgical decompression is often required to prevent permanent spinal cord damage.

Spinal Subdural Hematoma

This is an even rarer condition in which blood collects between the dura mater and arachnoid mater around the spinal cord. It may occur due to trauma, bleeding disorders, anticoagulant use, or spontaneously without a clear cause. The accumulation of blood compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots, leading to symptoms such as back pain, radicular pain (shooting pain along nerves), weakness, sensory loss, and sometimes paralysis.

Brain contusion or brain bruising

Brain bruising, also called cerebral contusion, is a type of brain injury that occurs when the tiny blood vessels in the brain are damaged; this causes swelling and bleeding in the brain tissue. It is commonly caused by trauma to the head in some situations like falling or accidents, resulting in symptoms like headaches, dizziness, confusion and weakness. Treating mild cases requires rest and monitoring, whereas surgery is recommended in severe cases to reduce the pressure on the brain.

Skull fractures

A skull fracture is a break or crack in the bone of the skull. Based on the severity and location, the skull fracture ranges from minor to life-threatening. Common clinical manifestations include pain in the injured area, swelling, bleeding from the ears and nose, and bruising behind or around the ear. In some severe cases, it leads to loss of consciousness, confusion, seizures, and facial weakness. The goal of the treatment is to control pain, promote healing, and prevent complications, which include observations, surgery or medications to manage symptoms.

Spine Disorders

These conditions affect the vertebrae, discs, spinal cord, and surrounding structures, often leading to pain, nerve dysfunction, and impaired mobility.

Degenerative Spine Diseases

Herniated disc

A herniated disc is an injury of the spinal cord that happens when a disc between the vertebrae is forced out of position. It is also called a slipping, bulging, or ruptured disc. This can press on nearby nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness. Treatment typically includes rest, physical therapy, pain medications, and cold or heat therapy. In severe cases, epidural steroid injections or surgery may be necessary. Complications include chronic pain, nerve damage, and, occasionally, complications such as loss of bowel or bladder control may occur. Most people recover with appropriate treatment, though severe cases may require surgery.

Spinal stenosis

Spinal stenosis is the condition where the spine becomes narrow and exerts pressure on the spinal cord and nerve roots. The narrowing is seen in one or more areas, commonly in the cervical and lumbar spine. It might occur in any age or any gender. Symptoms of spinal stenosis are based on the location where the spine gets narrowed. Symptoms of the lower back include lower back pain, burning pain radiating to buttocks, weakness in feet and legs, numbness, etc. Upper back symptoms are generalised weakness in arms or hands, neck pain and numbness. Severe stenosis may interfere with sexual function, bladder, and bowel function. The causes of spinal stenosis are ageing, trauma or injury, genetic factors, and other diseases.

Degenerative disc disease

Degenerative disc disease is a common condition in which the intervertebral discs of the spine gradually lose their structure and function as a person gets older. These discs normally act as cushions between the vertebrae, but with ageing, repeated stress, or injury, they begin to dehydrate, shrink, and weaken. This leads to reduced disc height and decreased shock-absorbing ability, which can cause instability in the spine and irritation of nearby nerves. Patients commonly present with chronic back or neck pain, which may worsen with movement, sitting, or lifting. In some cases, the damaged disc can bulge or herniate, pressing on spinal nerves and causing symptoms such as radiating pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or legs. The condition is most commonly seen in the lumbar (lower back) and cervical (neck) regions. In severe cases where nerve compression is significant, surgical options such as discectomy or spinal fusion may be considered. 

Cervical spondylosis

Cervical spondylosis is an age-related degenerative condition affecting the cervical (neck) spine. It occurs due to progressive wear and tear of the intervertebral discs, vertebral bodies, and joints, leading to disc degeneration, formation of osteophytes (bone spurs), and narrowing of the spinal canal or neural foramina. This can compress the spinal cord or nerve roots. Patients commonly present with neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, along with neurological symptoms such as radiating arm pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness.

Lumbar spondylosis

Lumbar spondylosis refers to similar degenerative changes in the lower back spine. It involves disc degeneration, osteophyte formation, and facet joint arthritis, which may lead to narrowing of the spinal canal (spinal stenosis) or nerve root compression. Patients typically complain of chronic lower back pain, stiffness, and pain that may radiate to the legs (sciatica).

Spinal Tumors

Spondylolisthesis

Spondylolisthesis is a disorder in which one vertebra in the spine slips over the vertebra below it, often due to a fracture, degeneration, or congenital defect. This misalignment can cause back pain, muscle spasms, numbness, tingling, and weakness in the legs. It commonly occurs in the lumbar spine (lower back) and can worsen with age or repetitive stress. Treatment typically involves pain management, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Surgery severe cases, surgery may be necessary to stabilize the spine. Complications can include chronic pain, nerve damage, and limited mobility, though many manage symptoms with non-surgical approaches.

Scoliosis

Scoliosis is the sideway spine curvature in which the curve may occur on the left or right side. If the angle of curvature is diagnosed with more than 10° on the X-ray, then the condition is considered scoliosis. Usually, doctors describe this condition as 'C' or 'S'. There are three types of scoliosis: congenital, neuromuscular, and degenerative. Symptoms of scoliosis include curves on the back, uneven shoulders or hips, lower back pain, stiffness, ribs postured on the sides of the body, dyspnoea (breathing difficulties), fatigue, etc. The causes of scoliosis are ageing, genetic factors, neuromuscular conditions, uneven leg length, and osteoporosis. In addition to these factors, poor posture, spinal curvatures, connective tissue disorders, and some injuries may also cause scoliosis.

Cervical myelopathy

Cervical myelopathy is a condition caused by compression of the spinal cord in the cervical region, most commonly due to degenerative changes such as cervical spondylosis, disc herniation, or ligament thickening. This compression leads to progressive neurological deficits. Patients generally present with neck stiffness, hand clumsiness, numbness, weakness, and difficulty in walking.

Tethered cord syndrome

This is a neurological disorder in which the spinal cord is abnormally attached to surrounding tissues, restricting its movement within the spinal canal. This leads to stretching of the spinal cord as the child grows. It is often associated with congenital conditions like spina bifida. Patients may present with back pain, weakness in the legs, sensory loss, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and deformities of the feet or spine. Symptoms may worsen over time. 

Spinal Injuries

Spinal Fractures

Spinal fracture refers to a break or disruption in one or more vertebrae of the spine, usually caused by high-impact trauma such as road traffic accidents, falls, or sports injuries. These fractures can vary in severity from stable fractures (without spinal cord involvement) to unstable fractures that may damage the spinal cord or nerves. Types are wedge fractures, burst fractures, and chance fractures. Patients are presented with severe back pain, soreness, and restricted movement, and in severe cases may have neurological deficits like weakness or paralysis. 

Spinal Cord Injury

This is a serious condition resulting from damage to the spinal cord due to trauma (such as accidents or falls) or disease. It leads to partial or complete loss of motor, sensory, and autonomic functions below the level of injury. Depending on the level, it may cause paraplegia (lower limbs affected) or quadriplegia (all four limbs affected). Patients may present with loss of movement, sensation, reflexes, and bladder or bowel control. It is a medical emergency requiring rapid stabilization, imaging, and sometimes surgical decompression. 

Vertebral Compression Fractures

This is a specific type of spinal fracture in which the vertebral body collapses, most commonly due to osteoporosis (weak bones), especially in elderly individuals. It may also occur due to trauma or tumors. The collapse leads to a wedge-shaped deformity of the vertebra, resulting in back pain, reduced height, and sometimes spinal deformities like kyphosis (which is also called hunched back). Pain is usually acute and worsens with movement. Neurological symptoms are less common but may occur if there is nerve compression. 

Nerve Disorders

These conditions that affect the peripheral nerves, leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that develops when the median nerve becomes compressed or pinched and runs from the forearm into the palm, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, and pain in the fingers, especially in the thumb, middle fingers and index in the hand. It is caused by repetitive movements that put pressure on the wrist. It is also linked to conditions such as diabetes, arthritis, or pregnancy. Diagnosis involves physical examination and nerve tests. Treatment options include rest, wrist splints, anti-inflammatory medications, corticosteroids and surgeries.

Ulnar nerve entrapment

This is a condition in which the ulnar nerve becomes compressed, most commonly at the elbow (cubital tunnel syndrome) or sometimes at the wrist. The ulnar nerve supplies sensation to the little finger and part of the ring finger and controls some hand muscles. Compression can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling sensations, weakness of hand grip, and difficulty in finger coordination. In advanced cases, it may cause a characteristic claw hand deformity. It is mainly caused by repetitive elbow bending, prolonged pressure, trauma, or anatomical narrowing. 

Sciatica

Sciatica is considered pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. It is not a disease itself but a symptom of an underlying problem, most commonly a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or nerve root compression in the lumbar spine. Patients experience sharp, shooting pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness that typically affects one side of the body. The pain often worsens with sitting, coughing, or bending. 

Peripheral nerve tumors

These are abnormal growths that develop from or around peripheral nerves. These tumors can be benign (such as schwannomas and neurofibromas) or malignant (malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors). They may occur sporadically or be associated with genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis. Patients present with localised swelling, pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness depending on the nerve involved. Some tumours may be painless initially but grow slowly over time.

Trigeminal neuralgia

Brachial plexus injury

This injury refers to damage to the brachial plexus, a network of nerves that originates from the cervical spinal cord and supplies the shoulder, arm, and hand. It commonly occurs due to trauma (road accidents, falls) or during difficult childbirth (birth injury). Depending on the level of injury, patients may present with weakness or paralysis of the arm, loss of sensation, and reduced reflexes. 

Functional & Movement Disorders

A group of neurological conditions involving abnormal control of movement, either excessive or reduced, caused by dysfunction of motor circuits.

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson's disease is a progressive brain (neurological) condition caused by the loss of nerve cells, leading to a decrease in dopamine, a neurotransmitter which regulates the movement of the body, resulting in symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slow movements, balancing issues, problems sleeping, loss of smell and memory problems. This condition usually starts in people over 50 years old, but some individuals may have symptoms earlier, even before 40 years. Men are more likely to develop PD than women. Currently, there is no cure, but various treatments are available to reduce the symptoms and maintain the quality of life for as long as possible.

Essential tremor

Essential tremor is a common neurological movement disorder associated with involuntary rhythmic shaking, usually affecting the hands, but it can also involve the head, voice, or other parts of the body. The exact cause is not fully understood, but it often runs in families. Symptoms gradually worsen over time and may interfere with daily activities such as writing, eating, or drinking. Unlike Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor does not usually cause rigidity or slowness of movement.

Dystonia

Dystonia is a neurological disorder characterised by sustained or intermittent muscle contractions that cause abnormal, often repetitive movements or postures. These contractions may be painful and can affect a single part of the body (focal dystonia, such as cervical dystonia or writer’s cramp) or multiple areas (generalised dystonia). The condition is caused by dysfunction in the brain regions that control movement, particularly the basal ganglia. Symptoms may worsen with voluntary movement or stress. 

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain (neurological) disorder that causes seizures, which are sudden abnormal changes in brain activity. These can be due to various medical conditions such as strokes, brain infections like brain abscess, meningitis, encephalitis, head injuries or for unknown reasons (idiopathic). The symptoms of epilepsy differ from person to person and also depend on the type of seizures. These Epileptic seizures can occur at any age, but they are more common in young children and older adults, and a family history of epilepsy may increase the risk. Treatment includes anticonvulsant medications, lifestyle changes, and sometimes respective surgeries, such as anterior temporal lobectomy or laminectomy.

Pediatric Neurosurgical Disorders

These conditions affect children’s brain, spine, or nervous system, which require surgical intervention

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is a condition characterized by the abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the ventricles of the brain, leading to increased intracranial pressure. It may occur due to obstruction of CSF flow, impaired absorption, or overproduction. In infants, it presents with enlarged head size, bulging fontanelle, vomiting, irritability, and delayed development, while older children may present with headache, vision problems, and altered consciousness. It is commonly associated with congenital conditions like spina bifida or infections.

Spina bifida

Spina bifida is a congenital defect caused by the incomplete closure of the neural tube during early embryonic development, resulting in a gap in the vertebral arches. It ranges from mild spina bifida occulta (often asymptomatic) to severe forms like myelomeningocele, where the spinal cord and meninges protrude outside the body. Affected children may present with a visible swelling on the back, weakness or paralysis of the lower limbs, sensory loss, and bladder or bowel dysfunction.

Chiari malformation

Chiari malformation occurs when the lower part of the brain (cerebellum) pushes down into the spinal canal. This is because the opening at the base of the skull is smaller, causing pressure on the spinal cord and the brain, leading to symptoms such as neck pain, balance problems, headaches, dizziness, and difficulty swallowing. If it is not treated, it can lead to complications such as spinal fluid buildup or nerve damage. Treatment aims to relieve pressure on the brain and spinal cord, including medications, physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery.

Neurological Infections

These are the disorders caused by infectious agents affecting the brain, spinal cord, or surrounding structures, leading to inflammation and neurological dysfunction. 

Brain abscess

Brain abscess is a pus-filled swelling in the brain usually caused when bacteria or fungi infect the brain tissue after a head injury or infection. The symptoms develop quickly or slowly, including headache, changes in vision, seizures, high temperature, stiff neck, confusion and problems with nerve function, such as slurred speech and paralysis on one side of the body. It is a medical emergency treated with antibiotics, antifungals, and surgery, including simple aspiration or craniotomy. It is left untreated, leading to severe complications such as reoccurring abscesses, brain damage, epilepsy and meningitis.

Subdural empyema

Subdural empyema is a serious intracranial infection in which pus accumulates in the subdural space between the dura mater and arachnoid mater. It usually arises as a complication of infections like sinusitis, otitis media, meningitis, or after head trauma or neurosurgery. The infection spreads rapidly and can lead to increased intracranial pressure and brain compression. Patients typically present with fever, severe headache, vomiting, altered consciousness, seizures, and focal neurological deficits. It is a life-threatening emergency that requires urgent diagnosis and treatment.

Spinal epidural abscess

Spinal epidural abscess is a rare but dangerous infection in which pus collects in the epidural space of the spinal canal, leading to compression of the spinal cord. It is commonly caused by bacterial infection spreading from the bloodstream, nearby tissues, or following spinal procedures. Patients typically present with the classic triad of back pain, fever, and neurological deficits (such as weakness, numbness, or paralysis). If untreated, it can rapidly progress to permanent spinal cord damage.

Why choose PACE Hospitals?