Conditions of the brain may be investigated and treated by either a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, or both. A neurologist is a medical doctor who will investigate and treat non-surgical conditions. This could range from chronic headaches to Parkinson's and epilepsy. However, there are situations where a brain condition may need treatment from a neurosurgeon. This is a surgeon with expertise in operating on the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Neurosurgery may be needed to treat a range of medical conditions including brain and spinal cord tumours, stroke, trauma to the brain or spine, aneurysms, and peripheral nerve damage.
Neurosurgery at Blackrock Health
Blackrock Health is renowned for excellent neurological care, particularly Hermitage Clinic which has the largest private neurosurgical unit in the country. Across Blackrock Health hospitals we host the largest group of neurosurgeons in Ireland.
Our team of Neurology experts includes neurosurgeons, neurologists, neurophysiologists, clinical nurse specialists, radiologists, and radiographers. Working together, we evaluate your condition and determine your treatment options.
We treat a wide range of conditions of the nervous system, from chronic headaches to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's and motor neuron disease.
When surgical intervention is required, your neurosurgeon can perform procedures on your brain, spinal cord, or nervous system. Despite being surgeons, they will however try non-surgical treatment methods first such as medications and injections for pain relief.
Blackrock Health offers fast access to critical diagnostic tests which provide the information needed to plan for your treatment. These include MRI, CT, and PET scans, as well as physical and neuropsychological exams to identify the cause of your symptoms.
Dealing with the symptoms or diagnosis of a neurological condition can be very challenging, and we're here to help.
Our specialist Neurosurgery team
Our team includes:
Consultant Neuroanaesthetists
Consultant Neuroradiologists
Consultant Neurosurgeons
Critical Care Specialists
Neurospecialist Physiotherapists
Neurosurgical Clinical Nurse Specialists
Many of our consultant Neurosurgeons are linked to the National Neurosurgical Unit in Beaumont Hospital.
Who we treat
Our consultants can help you manage pain and ease neurological disorders. We treat many kinds of neurological injuries and conditions including:
Aneurysm (weak artery wall)
Brain and spinal cord injuries
Brain and spine tumours
Epilepsy
Hydrocephalus (build-up of fluid in the brain)
Trigeminal neuralgia (pain in the face affecting the trigeminal nerve)
What to expect
At your first appointment, you'll meet your consultant to talk about your issue.
We will then carry out any diagnostic tests that you might need. This may happen on the same day as your consultation.
Your test results will assist your consultant in formulating a treatment plan.
Before any surgery, one of our specialist nurses will arrange a pre-admission assessment. This will make sure you're ready for your anaesthetic and procedure.
After your procedure, our team will care for you during your inpatient stay. Over 75% of our hospital rooms are single occupancy, which can help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We provide superior accommodation designed for your care and strive to make your recovery as comfortable as possible.
Our physiotherapists are experts in assessing and treating neurosurgery patients, on both an inpatient and outpatient basis.
Scans and diagnostics
A physical examination will always be your neurosurgeon’s first step to check sensation and movement. From there, the most appropriate tests and scans can be ordered. Diagnosing whether cranial or spinal surgery is the correct course often requires imaging methods, such as MRI, CT, and PET/CT scans. Tests like blood tests or genetic tests can also give information about a person's medical condition. Neuropsychological tests might be used to identify any issues arising from an injury or stroke.
All these techniques provide further detail to your medical team. This will help them find the cause of your neurological issues and devise the correct treatment plan.
Amyloid PET Scan
Amyloid PET Scan is a new technique, and Blackrock Health Blackrock Clinic is the first in Ireland to offer this service. This imaging test reveals deposition of amyloid in the brain, which is one of the features of Alzheimer's disease. There are specific criteria identifying those for whom this test is most useful. At present, this test is only available by referral from a Consultant Neurologist.
CT of the brain or spine
A CT scan (computed tomography) is an imaging technique used in medicine to create detailed, cross-sectional images of the body. It uses x-rays to take detailed images of different layers inside the human body. It works by rotating around the patient while taking a series of x-ray images at specific points along its path. These are then combined using computer software to create a 3D model of the target area. This makes it useful to diagnose neurological problems, as it can identify issues like tumours, swelling, and blood clots. It may also be used to detect changes caused by strokes or other conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.
MRI of the brain or spine
An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a diagnostic tool that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create detailed images. MRI can help spot abnormalities in brain or spine tissue. This includes injury, stroke, tumours, and other neurological disorders. It can help to diagnose conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or Multiple Sclerosis. It is also useful to assess if a therapy has been effective in treating a neurological issue.
PET Scan
A PET scan is a shortened name for Positron Emission Tomography. This imaging technique is used to visualise brain function - to look for diseases and other medical conditions. It is especially useful for diagnosing neurological issues as it can identify healthy and damaged areas of the brain. The scan can help doctors diagnose a variety of complex conditions that affect the brain. This includes dementia, seizures, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and Huntington’s disease. Doctors may use a PET scan along with other tests such as MRI or CT scans to assess the severity of a condition before determining a course of treatment.
Procedures
Our neurosurgeons perform complex brain, spinal cord and nerve surgeries in our advanced operating rooms. Our surgical theatres are equipped with the most modern navigation and robotic surgical platforms.
Cranial procedures include:
Aneurism repair
Blood clot removal
Brain bleed stoppage
Brain tumours
Shunt insertion
Trauma repair
Spinal procedures include:
Discectomy
Spinal bone spurs (osteophytes)
Spinal deformities, such as scoliosis and spondylolisthesis
Spinal fractures
Spinal fusion
Spinal stenosis
Spinal tumours
Traumatic spine injuries
Peripheral nerve procedures include:
Carpal tunnel release
Ulnar nerve release
Vagus nerve release
Rehabilitation and recovery
After neurosurgery, the rehabilitation process will depend on the type of operation and neurological issue. Often, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech-language therapists can be part of the recovery team.
Physiotherapy is used to build strength and improve movement.
Occupational therapy can help people do tasks that are difficult due to their condition. Speech-language therapy can help for language, speech, or swallowing issues.
Cognitive retraining may be needed if any processes like memory were affected by surgery.
Counselling services can also provide support to manage stress and mental health issues. This kind of response to the trauma of major surgery is not unexpected and can be helped
FAQ's about neurosurgery
At Blackrock Health Private Hospitals in Dublin and Galway, we understand that a visit to see a neurosurgeon can be a stressful experience, filled with uncertainty for you and your loved ones.
To help ease your concerns and provide clear information, we've compiled a list of frequently asked questions specific to our neurosurgery services. Our goal is to care for our patients and to make your visit as smooth and reassuring as possible, ensuring you receive the support you require, both promptly and efficiently.
What is neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery is a medical specialty focused on the surgical treatment of disorders affecting the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Neurosurgeons are trained to diagnose and treat conditions such as brain tumours, spinal cord injuries, stroke, epilepsy, and degenerative spine disorders.
When is neurosurgery recommended?
Neurosurgery may be recommended when conservative treatments, such as medications or physiotherapy, have not provided sufficient relief for neurological conditions or when urgent intervention is needed to address life-threatening conditions such as brain tumours, traumatic brain injuries, or haemorrhagic strokes.
What conditions does a neurosurgeon treat?
Neurosurgeons treat a wide range of conditions, including brain tumours, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), spinal cord injuries, herniated discs, degenerative spine disorders (such as spinal stenosis or degenerative disc disease), hydrocephalus, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, and trigeminal neuralgia.
What are the different types of neurosurgery procedures?
Neurosurgery procedures vary depending on the condition being treated but may include craniotomy (surgical opening of the skull), tumour resection, spinal fusion or decompression, discectomy (removal of a herniated disc), laminectomy (removal of part of the vertebral bone), deep brain stimulation (DBS), and cerebrovascular surgery.
How should I prepare for neurosurgery?
Preparation for neurosurgery may include preoperative evaluations, imaging studies (such as MRI or CT scans), blood tests, medication adjustments, and lifestyle modifications. Your neurosurgeon will provide specific instructions based on the type of surgery and your individual health needs.
What are the risks associated with neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery carries inherent risks, including bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, neurological deficits (such as weakness, numbness, or speech problems), and complications specific to the procedure being performed. Your neurosurgeon will discuss potential risks and benefits with you before surgery.
What is the recovery process like after neurosurgery?
Recovery after neurosurgery varies depending on the type of procedure and the individual patient's health and condition. Some patients may require a hospital stay for monitoring and rehabilitation, while others may recover at home with outpatient follow-up care, physical therapy, and pain management.
When can I return to normal activities after neurosurgery?
The timing of returning to normal activities after neurosurgery depends on the type of procedure performed, the extent of surgery, and individual healing. Your neurosurgeon will provide guidance on activity restrictions, rehabilitation exercises, and when it's safe to resume activities such as driving, working, and exercising.
Accessing our services
You can access Blackrock Health neurology services easily with a referral from your GP and can then expect world-class clinical care and comfort. Over 75% of our hospital rooms are single occupancy, which can help you make a quicker recovery in a safe environment. We aim to provide you with the best possible outcome, and to restore your quality of life.
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment. Please see our Request Appointment Form here.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance Cover Check page here, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page here. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.
