Dr. Sharan Srinivas

Although surgery is considered to be the first step of treatment in any form of tumor but its feasibility depends upon the type, size and location of the tumor. It is not necessary that every kind of brain tumor might require surgery.

Indications of Brain Tumor Surgery

• Diagnosis of the type of tumor by taking a sample of the tumor for laboratory examination
• Complete resection of tumor
• Removal of the tumor as much as possible to slow down its growth and improve the symptoms.
• Remove the tumor in order to help other treatment
• Provide direct access for other forms of treatment like chemotherapy, radiotherapy etc.
• To relieve pressure caused by tumor on surrounding structures

Types of Brain Tumor Surgery

The different types of surgery that are performed in cases of brain tumor include the following:

Craniotomy: Craniotomy is the most commonly performed procedure to remove brain tumor along with a piece of bone. The removed bone is replaced and the tumor is sent for histopathology (biopsy). The surgery is performed using a high end microscope by any of the following techniques:

• Extended bifrontal craniotomy
• "Eyebrow" craniotomy (supra-orbital craniotomy)
• "Keyhole" craniotomy (retro-sigmoid craniotomy)
• Orbitozygomatic craniotomy
• Translabyrinthine craniotomy

Shunt: A narrow piece of flexible tube with a pressure regulated valve in between is called a shunt. This is used to relieve the intracranial pressure caused by obstruction of the natural brain fluid (CSF) pathway by tumor mass. The procedure involves insertion of a drainage system into the brain to remove or drain excess of blocked fluid into the peritoneal cavity.

Stereotactic surgery: This surgery is done by creating a three-dimensional image called stereotaxy using computers. It aims to find out the location and position of the tumor. In fact it can also be done to aid tumor removal, implant radiation pellets or for other treatments.

Embolization: It is a procedure used to reduce the amount of blood supply to a tumor by blocking the blood flow in the selected arteries. It is generally performed before the main surgery.

Endoscopy and endoscope assisted surgery: Endoscope is the tool which helps to closely visualize the tissue through small openings in difficult to reach areas. This tool can be used in various brain surgeries to precisely reach the target location without damaging the adjacent structures.

Adjuvant modalities to improve outcome: In addition to above mentioned surgeries, following surgeries may also be performed in relation to brain tumor treatment:

• Laser surgery
• Photodynamic laser surgery
• Ultrasonic aspiration
• Fluorescent-guided surgery
• Electrophysiological monitoring 

  If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a neurosurgeon.

Are you looking for an ideal treatment and management for various kinds of headaches? Do you suffer from migraine headaches? You should opt for Ayurvedic treatment, which is considered to be very effective in dealing with headaches of various types.

Migraine headaches

Migraine is a form of headache that is known as Sooryavata according to Ayurvedic principles. Such headaches worsen during sunrise, peak during the afternoon and tend to reduce during evening. Migraine occurs because of an excessive stimulation of blood vessels in the brain. A person affected with migraine is likely to experience nausea and vomiting, along with a throbbing headache on one side of the head. Migraine headaches can be caused due to hormonal changes, allergy from certain food items or excess stress. Apart from regular exercises and a proper diet, the most effective Ayurvedic remedies for dealing with migraine headaches are as follows:

• Shirolepa or the applications of herbal pastes on the head is effective for pacifying pitta dosha. Camphor, jatasmansi, and sandalwood are also effective.
• Shiro Dhara, an Ayurvedic therapy, where a thin stream of liquid is poured over your scalp is helpful.
• Taila dhara is effective for migraine headaches as well, in which oils such as chandanadi taila and ksheerabala taila are used for treatment.

Cluster headaches
Cluster headaches refer to headaches on one side of the head. It is known as Suryavartham according to Ayurveda. These consist of a series of short, but painful headaches, stretched over weeks or months together. Such headaches occur because of disruptions in the nervous system. Usually, the pain starts early in the morning in the eyes. There are several Ayurvedic remedies for the management of cluster headaches. Some of them are as follows:

• Use an ointment or paste made of dried ginger and Kermpferia.
• Use a paste of Indian aloe vera, asafoetida and coriander for pain relief.
• Grind cumin seeds and mix it with lemon juice. Keep the mixture on the painful area of your head for quick relief.
• Have coconut water.

Recurrent headaches
Any form of headache, which tends to reoccur after some time instead of ending is referred to as recurrent headache. There are several Ayurvedic remedies for the effective management of recurrent headaches. They as are as follows:

• Boil one teaspoon of haritaki powder in water and drink it.
• Massage your neck gently using warm calamus root oil.
• Lie down with your nostrils parallel to the ceiling, and apply sesame oil in your nostrils. This is known as nasal therapy.

There are several other Ayurvedic remedies that are effective in dealing with all forms of headaches. You should consult an Ayurvedic practitioner for getting the most ideal remedy for your problem.