The following provides information regarding common neurosurgical conditions. We provide expert care for these and other neurosurgical conditions.
The pages listed below are for patient information only. If you have any further questions regarding these conditions, please contact us at St Vincent’s Neuroscience on: (03) 9231 3045
Acute and Degenerative Spinal Conditions
Cervical Disc Prolapse - A disc prolapse occurs when there is a weakening in the outer membrane leading to a protrusion of the inner nucleus. Read More
Cervical Canal Stenosis - Cervical canal stenosis is a degenerative disease. A portion of the population have a congenitally small cervical canal which predisposes them to canal stenosis. Read More
Thoracic Disc Prolapse- The mid-portion of the spine is called the thoracic spine and allows rotation of the trunk. Read More
Lumbar Canal Stenosis - Lumbar canal stenosis occurs when the bony ring of the lumbar vertebra is affected by degenerative changes of osteoarthritis. Read More
Lumbar Disc Prolapse - The lower portion of the spine is called the lumbo-sacral spine and this bears the majority of weight when we are in the upright position. Read More
Lumbar Spondylolisthesis- Spondylolisthesis means there is a malalignment of the spinal column with slippage of one vertebra on another with resultant compromise of the spinal canal. Read More
Spinal Tumours - Tumours that arise from cells found normally in the spinal cord or its coverings are primary spine tumours while metastatic tumours are formed by cells originating from a tumour in another part of the body such as lung or breast cancer. Read More
Traumatic Spinal Conditions - Serious injury to the spine is a major problem and involves significant proportion of the public health budget. Read More
Brain Cysts
Colloid Cysts - A colloid cyst is a benign tumour located usually in the fluid-filled spaces of the brain (ventricles), most commonly in the third ventricle. Read More
Arachnoid Cysts - An arachnoid cyst is a congenital benign condition resulting from the splitting of arachnoid layer of the meninges. It is invariably slow growing and consists of clear fluid similar in composition to CSF. Read More
Brain Tumours
Brain Tumours - Brain tumours are made of cells growing and reproducing in an uncontrolled fashion. A benign brain tumour is formed from abnormal cells that form a distinct boundary from the surrounding normal brain. A malignant brain tumour is dangerous because it consists of cancerous cells growing into adjacent brain tissue so that it may no longer function normally. Read More
Acoustic Neuromas - An acoustic neuroma is a benign or non-cancerous growth that arises from the 8th or vestibulo-cochlear nerve. Read More
Pituitary Tumours - The pituitary gland is a small oval-shaped gland found at the base of the brain below the optic nerve, behind the bridge of the nose. It is responsible for the body’s growth and metabolism by producing hormones which control and regulate the other glands in the body. Read More
Congenital
Arnold-Chiari Malformation - Arnold-Chiari malformation is primarily a problem where the skull attaches onto the spine, medically termed the cranio-cervical junction. Read More
Epilepsy
Epilepsy - Epilepsy is disorder of the interconnections of the brain, which means people sometimes have seizures. Read More
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus - Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (fluid bathing the brain and spinal cord) within the fluid filled cavities called ventricles located deep within the brain. Read More
Neurovascular Conditions
Cerebral Aneurysm - A cerebral aneurysm, an abnormal dilation or ballooning of a brain artery, can be discovered in several ways. Read More
Cerebral Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) - A vascular malformation is an abnormal collection of blood vessels with direct blood flow from the arterial system to the venous system. Read More
Cavernous Angioma - A cavernous angioma (cavernoma) is a vascular abnormality found within the central nervous system. Read More
Neurosurgical Infections
Brain Abscess - A brain abscess is a localised infection within the brain substance containing bacteria or other microbes. Read More
Spinal Epidural Abscess - A spinal epidural abscess is an infection in the epidural space surround the spinal cord. Read More
Osteomyelitis - Infection of the bone as may occur in the skull or spine is called osteomyelitis. Read More
Pain
Trigeminal Neuralgia- The most common neurosurgical treated neuralgic pain is Trigeminal Neuralgia. The trigeminal nerve supplies sensation to the skin of the face. Read More
Peripheral Nerve Surgery
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by repetitive hand movements performed over a long period of time. Read More
Ulnar Nerve Neuropathy- Ulnar nerve neuropathy or ulnar nerve syndrome is where the ulnar nerve is compressed thus affecting the function of the nerve that supplies part of the arm and hand. Read More.
Common Peroneal Nerve Neuropathy - The common peroneal nerve is one of the three major nerves that supplies the muscle and feeling of the lower leg. This nerve is formed in the lower lumbar spine and is part of the sciatic nerve. Read More
Traumatic Head Injury
Extradural Haematoma - An extradural haematoma is a collection of blood between the skull and outer layer of dura. Read More
Subdural Haematoma - A subdural haematoma is a collection of blood beneath the dural layer of meninges. Read More
Skull Fracture - A tremendous amount of force is needed to fracture the strong skull bone. Read More