Brain Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital

Brain Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital provides specialized neurosurgical treatment for selected conditions affecting the brain, blood vessels and surrounding structures. Depending on the diagnosis, procedures may include tumor surgery, vascular neurosurgery, epilepsy surgery, minimally invasive procedures and complex brain operations supported by advanced imaging and surgical planning.

Price

Price on Request

Why Price on Request?

The cost depends on the type and complexity of surgery, diagnosis, surgical approach, anesthesia, hospitalization, intensive care, diagnostic testing and postoperative rehabilitation required. A personalized estimate is provided according to the surgical plan.

Complete Description

What Is Brain Surgery?

Brain surgery involves surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain or structures surrounding it.

Depending on the condition, surgery may be performed to:

• Remove a tumor

• Treat abnormal blood vessels

• Control certain types of epilepsy

• Relieve pressure

• Repair or treat structural abnormalities

• Address other complex neurological conditions

Who May Need Brain Surgery?

Neurosurgical evaluation may be appropriate for selected patients with:

• Brain tumors

• Brain aneurysms

• Arteriovenous malformations

• Medication-resistant epilepsy

• Hydrocephalus

• Certain skull-base conditions

• Other structural brain disorders

Neurosurgical Consultation

Before surgery, specialists may review:

• Diagnosis

• Neurological symptoms

• MRI/CT scans

• Previous treatments

• Medical history

• Medication use

• Surgical risks and expected benefits

Preoperative Brain Imaging

Advanced imaging may be used to understand:

• Tumor location

• Blood-vessel anatomy

• Brain structures

• Surgical access routes

• Relationship to functional brain regions

Brain Tumor Surgery

For selected tumors, surgery may aim to:

• Remove as much tumor as safely possible

• Obtain tissue for diagnosis

• Relieve pressure

• Reduce symptoms

The surgical approach depends on tumor type, location and size.

Craniotomy

A craniotomy involves temporarily removing a section of the skull to provide surgical access to the brain.

It may be used for selected:

• Brain tumors

• Vascular conditions

• Epilepsy procedures

• Other neurosurgical conditions

Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery

Selected conditions may be treated using minimally invasive techniques designed to reach the target while minimizing disruption to surrounding tissue.

The appropriate approach depends on the diagnosis.

Functional Brain Mapping

For surgery near areas controlling important functions, specialized mapping may help identify regions involved in:

• Speech

• Movement

• Sensation

• Vision

• Other neurological functions

This information can help surgeons plan the safest possible approach.

Epilepsy Brain Surgery

Selected patients with medication-resistant epilepsy may undergo surgical evaluation.

Evaluation may include:

• Video EEG

• MRI

• Neuropsychological testing

• Functional mapping

• Other specialized testing

Surgery is considered only when appropriate after comprehensive evaluation.

Brain Aneurysm Surgery

Certain brain aneurysms may require surgical or endovascular treatment.

Possible approaches can include:

• Surgical clipping

• Endovascular procedures

• Other specialized vascular techniques

Treatment depends on aneurysm characteristics and patient-specific factors.

Arteriovenous Malformation Treatment

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may require specialized evaluation.

Treatment options can include:

• Microsurgery

• Endovascular treatment

• Radiation-based treatment

• Combination approaches

Hydrocephalus Surgery

Selected patients with hydrocephalus may require procedures designed to improve the flow or drainage of cerebrospinal fluid.

The specific procedure depends on the cause and type of hydrocephalus.

Skull-Base Surgery

Skull-base surgery may be used for selected tumors and other conditions located near:

• Major nerves

• Blood vessels

• Brain structures

• The base of the skull

These procedures often require multidisciplinary planning.

Intraoperative Monitoring

For certain complex procedures, specialized monitoring may be used during surgery to help assess neurological functions and important structures.

Postoperative Neurological Care

After surgery, patients may require monitoring of:

• Neurological function

• Vital signs

• Brain imaging

• Pain

• Surgical-site healing

• Potential complications

Rehabilitation After Brain Surgery

Depending on the condition and neurological status, rehabilitation may involve:

• Physical therapy

• Occupational therapy

• Speech therapy

• Cognitive rehabilitation

Brain Surgery Second Opinion

Patients may seek a neurosurgical second opinion regarding:

• Whether surgery is necessary

• Surgical approach

• Operative risks

• Tumor surgery

• Epilepsy surgery

• Vascular procedures

• Alternative treatments

International Patients

International patients should provide available medical records, including:

• MRI/CT scans

• Angiography when applicable

• Pathology reports

• Neurology reports

• Previous surgical records

• Medication list

• Laboratory results

Benefits of Specialized Brain Surgery

Specialized neurosurgical care may provide:

• Detailed preoperative evaluation

• Advanced surgical planning

• Multidisciplinary consultation

• Specialized microsurgery

• Minimally invasive approaches when appropriate

• Intraoperative monitoring

• Postoperative neurological care

• Rehabilitation coordination

Why Choose Massachusetts General Hospital for Brain Surgery?

Massachusetts General Hospital provides specialized neurosurgical care for complex brain and neurological conditions, supported by multidisciplinary collaboration among neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, neuro-oncology specialists and other experts.

Cost & Price on Request

Price: Price on Request

Potential costs may include:

• Neurosurgical consultation

• MRI/CT

• Preoperative testing

• Anesthesia

• Brain surgery

• Hospitalization

• Intensive monitoring

• Medications

• Postoperative imaging

• Rehabilitation

• Follow-up care

A personalized cost estimate should be requested according to the patient's diagnosis and surgical requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What conditions can require brain surgery?

Selected patients with brain tumors, aneurysms, AVMs, epilepsy, hydrocephalus and other structural neurological conditions may require surgery.

2. Is brain surgery always performed through a craniotomy?

No. The surgical approach depends on the condition. Some procedures may use minimally invasive or endovascular techniques.

3. Is brain surgery risky?

All brain surgery carries potential risks. The risks depend on the type and location of the condition and the specific surgical procedure.

4. How long is recovery after brain surgery?

Recovery varies significantly depending on the operation, diagnosis and patient's overall condition. Some patients require rehabilitation and longer-term follow-up.

5. How much does brain surgery cost?

Price is available on request. The final cost depends on the procedure, hospitalization, anesthesia, testing, postoperative care and rehabilitation.

Product Details

Product Name: Brain Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital

Hospital: Massachusetts General Hospital

Brand: Massachusetts General Hospital

Country: United States

Specialty: Neurology & Neurosurgery

Service Type: Brain Surgery

Customer-Facing Price: Price on Request

International Patients: Available

Location: Boston, Massachusetts, USA