Spotlight

Neurosurgery involves the surgical treatment of the nervous system (the brain and spinal cord) and its coverings (the scalp, skull and spine), as well as the peripheral nerves. Neurosurgeons at UC Irvine Medical Center provide diagnostic, consultative and therapeutic services to patients with all types of neurological problems for which surgery is indicated.

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Conditions treated

Our neurosurgeons are skilled in procedures that can treat a range of neurological disorders and problems, including:

• Epilepsy
• Movement disorders, including Parkinson's disease
• Pain
• Stroke
• Normal pressure hydrocephalus
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• Tumors affecting the brain and spinal cord
• Trauma
• Intracranial aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and other vascular abnormalities
• Spinal disorders
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Trigeminal neuralgia
• Pediatric injuries, malformations, anomalies and tumors
• Carpal tunnel syndrome and other peripheral nerve disorders

Advanced procedures

As a university-based organization, UC Irvine Medical Center is home to some of the most advanced surgical technologies and procedures, such as:

• Cyberknife™ and Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery.  High doses of radiation are precisely targeted to destroy tumors and other problematic structures with minimal damage to surrounding tissues.  No surgical incision is needed.
• Minimally invasive spinal surgery.  Thin flexible endoscopes (tubes) are passed through the skin via tiny incisions.  These tubes accommodate imaging devices and surgical tools used to correct a variety of spinal problems with less pain and faster recovery time.
• Microsurgery and endovascular surgery for arteriovenous malformations. Several techniques are used to seal off dangerous vascular tangles in the brain.  These include traditional operations in which the surgeon is aided by a microscope, and minimally invasive procedures performed through a blood vessel.
• Intraoperative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (iMRI). This state-of-the-art technology gives surgeons detailed, three-dimensional images of the brain in real time during an operation.  Because the brain shifts once the skull is opened, tumors and other target structures can move during surgery, compromising accuracy.  iMRI increases surgical precision, minimizes complications and potentially shortens recovery time.
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS).  Effective in treating the tremors and other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, DBS involves implanting an electrode into the brain and a control unit into the chest.  DBS surgery can improve movement and reduce the need for medication.
• Epilepsy surgeries.  A range of highly precise procedures can be used to remove or disconnect areas of the brain that cause seizures.

Trauma surgery

Injuries caused by falls, car accidents and other sudden impacts can cause trauma to the brain and spinal cord. Blood clots, dangerous increases in intracranial pressure and tearing or severe compression of the spinal cord can result.   Trauma victims who are brought to UC Irvine Medical Center with these kinds of injuries receive immediate attention from our skilled neurosurgeons. In many cases, swift treatment can minimize damage and even restore function. Having a sophisticated neurosurgical service team available for emergency cases provides our local community with a valuable, often life-saving resource.

Leading-edge research

Neurosurgeons at UC Irvine Medical Center actively participate in clinical trials in conjunction with other prestigious medical research organizations.  Through participation in these trials, our patients can access new therapies long before they are available elsewhere.

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