If you have a problem or injury of your nervous system (comprises of the central nervous system – brain, spinal cord, spinal column – and peripheral nervous system) which is not responding to nonsurgical neurological care, the odds are very high that your neurosurgeon will recommend a neurosurgical procedure.
Since neurosurgical procedures are very delicate and complex procedures, you may find them scary. However, knowing what will happen before, during, and after your procedure can give you a sense of relief.
Let’s talk about what you can expect from a neurosurgical procedure and where you can go in Aurora, Colorado Springs, Denver, and throughout Central Colorado for outstanding neurological care.
Selection of Neurosurgical Procedure
There are many types of neurosurgical procedures that your neurosurgeon performs. The selection of a particular procedure is made based on the following:
- The location of your neurological problem (can be in the brain, spinal cord, or any part of the peripheral nervous system)
- Your specific complaint/ symptoms
- Your age
- Your overall health
There is no “typical” neurosurgical procedure because each case of a neurological problem is handled differently.
However, the following are a few things that you can expect when you are recommended a neurosurgical procedure.
Preoperative Phase
The circumstances of admission of a patient greatly influence the preoperative phase. For instance, if you had unplanned admission after a sudden life-threatening event, such as an aneurysmal rupture, surgery is performed immediately as a life-saving measure with no preoperative phase. On the other hand, during elective surgery, there is time for the preoperative phase.
Your preoperative phase for elective or delayed surgery involves many things, including:
- Filling out a consent form (where the purpose, risks, and outcomes of the neurosurgical procedure are discussed)
- Checking you for nothing by mouth (NPO) status
- Obtaining intravenous (IV) access
- Additional preparations, such as cleaning and securing your hair for intracranial surgeries and skin preparation
During Neurosurgical Procedure
During the procedure, you are sedated depending on the surgery requirement. You may be kept awake if needed.
You are positioned in an optimal position. For example, you may be positioned in the supine, prone, lateral, or sitting position for a cranial procedure.
Since neurosurgical procedure involves an inherent risk of ischemia (restricted oxygen supply) or direct injury to the central nervous system, you are continuously monitored during the procedure via different devices.
Your particular neurosurgical procedure is performed according to guidelines.
Postoperative Phase
Pain is common after the procedure, which is managed with medicines. Your vital signs will be monitored, and any sign of post-op infection will be checked. Depending on your procedure, you may be advised to work with a physical therapist, speech therapist, or occupational therapist.
Recovery time depends on your problem and the neurosurgical procedure you had. On average, brain surgery may take several months to heal, while some spine conditions take four to six weeks to heal after surgery.
Your activities will be restricted post-op to avoid injury.
Neurosurgeon in Aurora, CO
The success of neurological procedures greatly depends on the skills of neurosurgeons and the availability of advanced tools. At Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, we have a team of board-certified neurosurgeons that can give your comprehensive and compassionate care for your neurological condition or injury. We use advanced techniques that ensure the success of the procedure while minimizing harm to surrounding tissues.
Call our friendly staff at (303) 790-1800 and use our secure online appointment request form to book a consultation with our outstanding neurosurgeons.
