Our brain has fluid in pockets called ventricles. This fluid helps to carry nutrients to the brain and remove wastes as well. Sometimes, there is an accumulation of fluid in the ventricles which puts pressure on the brain tissues. This is a dangerous condition called hydrocephalus.

To remove the excess fluid, a device called Ventriculoperitoneal shunt is used. This device diverts the fluid from the brain and restores normal flow.

Many children are born with hydrocephalus. Some of the reasons for the build-up of the fluid are:

• Excess production of the fluid

• Blockages in the brain preventing proper flow of the fluid or

• Improper absorption of the fluid by the blood vessels

There are many symptoms that point to hydrocephalus. The most obvious ones are:

• Seizures

• Memory loss

• Head which is large in size

• Headaches

• Problems in coordination

Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT scans and MRIs are used to diagnose hydrocephalus.

Currently, the most widely used procedure to treat hydrocephalus is using a ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

In this procedure, two catheters are placed to drain excess fluid from the ventricles. The entire procedure takes a short time to complete.

Flow of the procedure:

• Patient is given general anaesthesia for the procedure

• A small incision is made near the ear and a hole is drilled in the skull

• Two catheters are placed at each of these openings

• The catheter placed at the ear drains the fluid into the abdominal cavity which is absorbed

• The incisions and the hole in the skull are closed

Unfortunately, no. The only treatment that has been working so far is VP shunt surgery.

The excess fluid in the brain can put pressure on the brain tissue. This pressure can turn out to be fatal. Moreover, in children the excess fluid hinders the development of the brain as well as formation of facial features.

Premature birth may lead to hydrocephalus. So, pregnant women taking proper care to ensure premature labour does not happen and taking the right prenatal vitamins at the right time may be helpful in avoiding hydrocephalus in infants.

Not really. You might feel tenderness in your neck and belly. The doctor will give you pain medication to take care of any pain.

You will be home within a week of the surgery. You will still have some discomfort and complete recovery will take about 6 weeks’ time.

No, the doctor will only shave a small portion of your head where he will make an incision.

Yes, you will be able to move around. In fact, it is advisable that you move around as this reduces the possibility of having blood clots. Moving around also stimulates bowel movement. If you are unable to move, nurses will help you to get up and move around.

There are no restrictions on diet as such. However, you will start having liquid food first and then, slowly move on to having solid food. Eating a nutritious, well-balanced diet is important for a quicker recovery.

You will have 3 incisions- one on the head, one near the neck and one in the abdomen. You need to take care not to wet the incisions before they are completely healed. So, its best to avoid showering, swimming until the doctor tells you. You should also not use any hair products like creams, ointments, oil etc before the doctor tells you that it’s okay.

You should make sure your incisions are not infected. Some of the signs of an infection are: Swelling or redness, Pus or any other foul-smelling fluid draining from the incision

Exercising the brain both by doing physical therapy and cognitive therapy is important for a faster recovery. Eating a nutritious and well-balanced diet is also extremely important.

Carpal tunnel syndrome is a rather uncomplicated medical condition. People having this condition experience numbness, pain or tingling sensation in the hand and arm. This happens when a major nerve called the median nerve in the hand is compressed.

Carpal tunnel usually happens due to overuse of the hand using similar movements. For example, it is more common among musicians, carpenters etc. It is more common amongst women.

Yes, this is true. The symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome like pain, numbness and tingling in the hand worsen at night.

Usually, a simple physical examination of your hands and comparing the strengths of both hands is enough to diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome.To understand the problem further, the doctor might suggest imaging tests such as ultrasound, Xray or even MRI.

Carpal tunnel syndrome in the early stages can be treated by simple remedies like taking more rest, applying ice compression.Using a splint or taking anti-inflammatory medication also helps in relieving the symptoms.However, if the symptoms are very severe, it is best to undergo a simple surgery.

In this procedure, an endoscope which is a thin tube with a camera is used to perform the surgery. The surgery is performed referring to the image that the camera shows on a screen.

Flow of the procedure:

• Patient is given general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia for the procedure

• A small incision is made to insert the endoscope

• Observing the image on the screen from the camera, a ligament is cut to release pressure from the median nerve

• The incision is stitched after the procedure is done

There are very less complications through this treatment. Some of the risks may be:

• Anaesthesia risks

• Bleeding

• Nerve injury

• Injury to nearby blood vessels

• Infection

This procedure involves opening up the wrist to expose the ligaments and median nerve. Due to the large incision, the healing time is longer.

Flow of the procedure:

• Patient is given general anaesthesia for the procedure

• A large 2-inch incision is made at the wrist

• The ligament putting pressure on the median nerve is cut

• The incision is stitched up and thick bandages are put on the wrist

It takes 1- 2 weeks to recover from open surgery for carpal tunnel syndrome.

The procedure involves a large incision. So, some of the risks of this surgery may be:

• Anaesthesia risks

• Bleeding

• Nerve injury

• Injury to nearby blood vessels

• Infection

Applying a cold or warm compress to the affected hand usually relieves the symptoms. Wearing a hand splint also helps in most cases. If the pain is more, you can also take some anti-inflammatory medicines.

Overusing the hand for a few months after the surgery is not advisable. Applying ice pack to the hand also helps in faster recovery. Wearing a wrist brace or hand splint also helps.

You will have a heavy bandage from the surgery which will be removed after about 2 weeks. However, complete recovery will take about 6 weeks.

During the surgery, you will not feel any pain. But you might feel some pain or numbness at the incision in the wrist. If it’s too bad, the doctor might give you pain medication. If you’ve had an open surgery, it might be more painful as the incision is bigger in this case.

Ignoring symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome may lead to severe pain which extends up to the shoulder, numbness, losing control over the hand and even wasting of the hand after which you will not be able to move the hand.

You’ll be surprised to know that it’s a rather uncomplicated surgery and takes just 10 minutes to finish! You can even get it done as an outpatient procedure and be home on the same day.

No, the two are very different. Arthritis is caused by wear and tear of joints. Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve. You should seek help from a doctor if you have any of these two issues.

Acupuncture might provide temporary relief to carpal tunnel pain. However, if you want permanent relief, visiting a doctor and following his advice is recommended.

This is a possibility. It might happen or might not.

Symptoms can vary depending on type, size and location of tumor. Depending upon the location of a tumor in the brain, it will show an effect on the body function controlled by that specific part of the brain. Headaches are one of the more common symptoms, but having a headache does not always mean the presence of a tumor. Other symptoms include seizures, loss of balance, problems with vision or hearing, problems with memory, problems with walking, and personality changes.

Doctors diagnose tumors by first understanding the case history and asking if the patient has any symptoms. If there is suspicion of a tumor, a CT scan or an MRI might be recommended. In case the presence of a tumor is confirmed, a biopsy might need to be done too in order to determine if the tumor is cancerous.

As per WHO, there are over 130 types of brain tumors. These are broadly categorized into primary and secondary tumors. Primary tumors originate inside the brain while secondary tumors originate outside and then travel within the brain. Within adults, three types of brain tumors are the most common

• Meningiomas - They occur in meninges that are the lining of the brain and are the most common primary brain tumors in adults that fall in the age group of 70 and above. They are usually benign and grow slowly.

• Astrocytomas - These are the most common types of brain tumors and fall within the broader category known as Glioma. These tumors occur in the most significant part, cerebrum.

• Oligodendrogliomas - These tumors occur in the cells that protect the nerves by making a covering. They grow very slowly and don't spread to the surrounding areas.

No, not all brain tumors are cancerous. Brain tumors can either be malignant or benign. Malignant tumors have cancerous cells and are capable of spreading to health brain tissue nearby. Benign tumors, on the other hand, typically do not spread to other areas and issues created by them mostly result from these tumors pressing on certain areas of the brain.

There are 4 grades of brain tumor. Grade 1 tumors grow slowly and are rarely life threatening. As the grade goes up, rate of growth goes up and tumors start becoming deadlier.

Depending on the type and grade of tumor, your doctor will be able to advice whether the tumor is curable or not.

Brain tumors are critical disorders that should not be ignored. Malignant tumors can spread to other areas of the brain causing further damage. Benign tumors can also press on other areas and affect the bodily functions controlled by that specific area of the brain. With advances in medicine, doctors are able to treat most tumors these days. It’s advisable to visit a doctor as soon as you see any symptoms.

Treatment for brain tumor varies based on the type, grade and severity of the tumor. Doctors typically use either surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy to cure tumors. Surgery is usually the first option but if the location of the tumor prevents a surgical intervention, a combination of radiation and chemo might be needed. Sometimes, patients might be advised a combination of all three.

When an artery in the human body weakens, it leads to the formation of a large bulge or balloon-like shape, which the medical science refers to as an aneurysm.

Depending on the location and type of aneurysm, patients tend to suffer from different symptoms. Present in the brain or any other body part, aneurysms don’t show their signs and symptoms unless they rupture. Symptoms of a rupture aneurysm typically include:

• Swelling and pain on that specific surface of the body

• Bleeding

• Increased heart rate

• Numbness

• Lightheaded or feeling dizzy

• Fatigue

There are three types of aneurysms:

• Cerebral aneurysms - They tend to occur in the brain above the aorta when the vessels weaken and form a bulge.

• Thoracic aortic aneurysms - They tend to develop in the part of the aorta that passes through the chest.

• Abdominal aortic aneurysms - They are the most common aneurysms of aorta known as “Triple-A”. When the blood pressure increases against the aorta’s wall, resulting in its rupture.

For diagnosing a cerebral aneurysm, your doctor might suggest a CT scan or an angiogram. An angiogram involves inserting a dye through an arm or leg. Once the dye reaches the brain, pictures of the brain are taken which enable the doctor to see if there are any problems. An MRI of the brain is also an option that your doctor might choose to go with.

Aneurysms in areas like the brain can be quite dangerous to ignore, as rupture or bursting can cause a stroke or bleeding, which can be life-threatening.

The treatment of an aneurysm depends on the size, type and location of the aneurysm. Doctors can choose to repair the aneurysm through a surgery or an endovascular procedure.

Our spine is made of discs that are made of outer and inner rings. When an outer ring gets torn or weak, the inner ring slips out of it. This condition is called a slip disc or herniated disc.

There are various reasons for someone to develop a slip disc. Some of the common reasons are:

• Sedentary lifestyle

• Incorrect posture

• Ageing

• Lifting heavy weights

• Obesity

Slip disc causes pain and numbness in the lower back. You should visit a doctor if you experience:

• Pain that becomes severe with certain movements and activities

• Tingling or numbness

• Inability to hold things due to weakness in muscles

Absolutely! Exercising, maintaining a healthy weight and leading an active lifestyle goes a long way in keeping back problems away. Having a correct posture while sitting, walking and especially while lifting weights is also important. These simple things can keep you away from a slip disc.

If you have mild pain which does not bother you, you can ignore it. However, if the symptoms worsen, its best to take doctor’s advice. Ignoring symptoms can lead to complications such as severe pain, incontinence or even complete loss of sensation in the lower body.

Slip disc is diagnosed by:

• Physical examination

• Imaging tests like MRI, CT scan, X ray

• Nerve tests

If patient experience worsening symptoms of pain and numbness, the doctor might suggest surgery.A simple slip disc can be treated using:

• Medication

• Physiotherapy

• Corticosteroids Injections

In this procedure, a portion of the entire lamina (a part of the spinal cord) is removed. This procedure relieves the pressure on the nerves, resolving pain and other slip disc-related symptoms.

Flow of the procedure:

• Patient is given spinal or general anaesthesia for the procedure

• A small incision is made in the back or neck

• A tiny camera is inserted into the incision

• The camera footage is visible on a screen that guides the doctor to perform the surgery

• The lamina is partially or completely removed

• The incisions are closed and the patient is taken to the recovery area.

Depending on which disc in the spine is damaged, the doctor will recommend if patient can undergo spinal fusion surgery. In this procedure, two bones in the spine are joined by screws to stabilise the spine and relieve pain.

Flow of the procedure:

• Patient is given general anaesthesia for the procedure

• The doctor performs the surgery from the front or from the back depending on the location of the disc

• So, the doctor makes an incision in the front or back and reaches into the spine

• A screw, rod or a piece of bone is placed to fuse the damaged part of the spine

• The incisions are closed and the patient is taken to the recovery room

Through this procedure, the pressure on the nerves is reduced, thereby reducing pain and numbness caused by a slip disc. This surgery works when the outer ring of the disc is undamaged.

Flow of the procedure:

• Patient is given general anaesthesia for the procedure

• The doctor makes an incision and reaches into the spine

• The herniated part of the disc is removed

• The incision is closed and the patient is taken to the recovery room

This procedure is used when there is a problem with a single disc.

Flow of the procedure:

• Patient is given general anaesthesia for the procedure

• The doctor approaches the damaged disc by making an incision in the abdomen

• The damaged disc is replaced with an artificial disc

• The incision is closed and then patient is shifted to the recovery room

Some of the risks associated with this procedure are:

• Infection

• Bleeding

• Nerve injury

• Risks of anaesthesia

• Spinal injury

Not really. Most slip disc issues can be resolved by taking pain medications and injections. Physiotherapy is also recommended for some patients. Yoga and acupuncture also help to alleviate the slip disc symptoms. If none of this works and the symptoms worsen, only then, the doctor would recommend surgery.

There is some pain associated with every surgery. You will have some mild discomfort in the initial days. Pain medication will be suggested by the doctor which will help you overcome it.

The recovery period depends on the extent of damage in the spine and the type of surgery that the doctor recommends. Each of the procedures have different recovery times. However, after the surgery, you can recover completely within 3-6 months with proper physiotherapy.

There is a possibility that the slip disc symptoms don’t go away even after surgery. This happens especially in cases where the patient does not take adequate care after surgery. Exercising, physiotherapy and avoiding overuse, lifting weights and maintaining right posture after the surgery are all very important. Not taking care of these might result in recurrence of the problem.