Improving Quality of Life Through Functional Neurosurgery
Functional neurosurgery is a specialized field in neurological care that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for patients suffering from neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and chronic pain. Ideal candidates for these procedures typically include individuals with movement disorders. What sets functional neurosurgery apart from other neurosurgical disciplines is its emphasis on functional improvements and targeted treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.
Recent studies have shown promising recovery times and high patient satisfaction rates, with statistics indicating that more than 80% of patients report significant improvements post-surgery. Key factors that influence the efficacy of functional neurosurgery include the patient's overall health, the expertise of the surgical team, and the specific techniques employed.
Conditions Treated
These conditions can severely impact daily life, making surgical intervention a necessary option for many patients.
Movement Disorders
Functional neurosurgery can alleviate tremors and rigidity, greatly improving daily function.
Conditions Treated
- Parkinson’s disease
- Essential Tremor
- Dystonia
- Tourette’s / Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Treatments
- Deep brain stimulation (robotic, minimally invasive, asleep)
- Focused ultrasound
Epilepsy
Surgical interventions can reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, enhancing quality of life.
Conditions Treated
- Medically refractory epilepsy
- Temporal lobe epilepsy and mesial temporal sclerosis
- Frontal, parietal, or occipital lobe epilepsy
- Insular epilepsy
- Hypothalamic hamartoma
- Tuberous sclerosis
- Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
- Idiopathic generalized epilepsy
- Tumor-related epilepsy
- Post-stroke or post-traumatic brain injury epilepsy
Treatments
- Resection of seizure focus
- Temporal lobectomy
- Laser ablation
- Stereoelectroencephalography (sEEG)
- Responsive Neurostimulation (RNS)
- Deep brain stimulation (robotic, minimally invasive, asleep)
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
- Disconnection surgeries: Corpus Callosotomy, Hemispherotomy
Chronic Pain and Spasticity
Functional neurosurgery can significantly reduce pain and improve overall comfort.
Conditions Treated
- Chronic pain syndromes
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Failed back surgery syndrome
- Post-laminectomy syndrome
- Non-surgical back pain
- Spasticity
Treatments
- Spinal cord stimulation
- Dorsal root ganglion stimulation
- Peripheral nerve stimulation
- Intrathecal pump
Why Choose Cooper for Functional Neurosurgery?
Patients and families in the South Jersey community and beyond choose Cooper for functional neurosurgery services because of our:
Expertise: As South Jersey’s leading academic health system and only Level 1 Trauma Center, the board-certified neurosurgeons at Cooper are leaders in functional neurosurgery. Our surgeons have extensive experience in treating complex neurological conditions, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care.
Innovative Treatment Approaches: The Cooper Neurosurgery team employs forward-thinking techniques, including minimally invasive procedures that reduce recovery time and improve outcomes. Our functional neurosurgeons use advanced technologies such as computer-aided navigation and precision imaging, allowing for more targeted and effective interventions.
Comprehensive Surgical Options: Our functional neurosurgery team offers a wide range of advanced procedures tailored to meet individual patient needs. From deep brain stimulation to spinal cord stimulation, we provide both primary surgical options and innovative techniques for complex cases.
Patient-Centered Care: We prioritize patient-focused care in a supportive environment. After surgery, each patient is monitored in our specialized recovery units, with personalized pain management protocols designed to minimize discomfort and reduce reliance on narcotic medications.
Collaborative Team Approach: Our multidisciplinary team—including neurosurgeons, neurologists, physical therapists, and other specialists—works together to create personalized treatment plans. This collaboration ensures that all aspects of your care are coordinated, from the initial consultation through post-operative rehabilitation.
Dedicated Care Coordination: Every functional neurosurgery patient is connected with a pre-operative clinical nurse, who serves as your care coordinator throughout the surgical process. Your nurse navigator will assist in preparing for surgery, gathering necessary medical clearances, and ensuring that you are fully supported every step of the way.
Tailored Rehabilitation Plans: Our rehabilitation team is specially trained to support patients recovering from functional neurosurgery. We develop individualized rehabilitation plans focused on helping you regain your independence and return to your daily activities as swiftly and safely as possible.
Assessment and Diagnosis
The initial assessment for functional neurosurgery involves a thorough evaluation of the patient's condition. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools, including MRIs and EEGs, to accurately identify the underlying issues. This comprehensive assessment is crucial for developing a tailored treatment plan, ensuring that surgical options are well-informed and targeted.
Types of Functional Neurosurgery
The major types of functional neurosurgery procedures include:
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Involves implanting electrodes in specific brain areas to modulate abnormal signals.
- Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS): A device is implanted to send electrical impulses to the vagus nerve, helping to control seizures.
- Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS): Involves placing a device in the spinal cord to help manage chronic pain.
Emerging techniques and therapies are also being explored to enhance patient outcomes and overall recovery.
What to Expect
Before undergoing functional neurosurgery, patients will undergo pre-operative consultations. During this consultation, your surgical team will discuss the steps involved in your treatment and to make sure you are well prepared. Hospital stays may vary, with most patients returning home within a few days. Recovery timelines can differ based on the procedure, but follow-up care is essential for ensuring optimal recovery. Potential risks are carefully managed with the surgical team, providing clear guidance throughout the patient journey from consultation to recovery.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Ready to explore your options for functional neurosurgery? Reach out to Cooper Neurology today and take the first step toward a better quality of life. To schedule an appointment please call 855.30.NEURO (855.306.3876).