Neurosurgery questions, answered
Clear answers to common questions about brain aneurysms, brain tumors, spine surgery and spina bifida.
· 6 min read
What is adjacent segment disease after spinal fusion?
Adjacent segment disease is wear at the spinal level next to a fusion that causes new symptoms. Learn the signs, how common it is and treatment.
· 7 min read
AI tools in neurosurgery: what's being used in 2026
From Viz.ai and RapidAI stroke detection to AI that reads brain tumor tissue in surgery and brain-computer interfaces like Neuralink: neurosurgery's AI tools.
· 6 min read
Brain aneurysm symptoms: what a rupture feels like
Most brain aneurysms cause no symptoms until they rupture. A rupture brings a sudden, severe headache, often called the worst of one's life. Call 911 now.
· 6 min read
Brain shift meaning: what is a midline shift on a scan?
A brain shift, or midline shift, means pressure from bleeding, swelling or a tumor has pushed the brain toward one side. It is often a medical emergency.
· 6 min read
Coiling vs clipping: which aneurysm treatment is better?
Neither is better for everyone. Coiling is less invasive with a faster recovery, while clipping is more durable. The right choice depends on the aneurysm.
· 6 min read
Diabetes insipidus after pituitary surgery: what to expect
Diabetes insipidus after pituitary surgery is common and usually temporary, lasting days. Learn the symptoms, how it is treated and when to call for help.
· 8 min read
History of neurosurgery: from trepanation to AI
A timeline of neurosurgery from 7,000-year-old skull surgery to Harvey Cushing, CT scans and microsurgery, and what AI can and cannot do in the field today.
· 6 min read
Is craniopharyngioma cancer? Symptoms, treatment, outlook
Craniopharyngioma is a benign (WHO grade 1) brain tumor, not cancer, but it can press on vital structures near the pituitary and often grows back.
· 6 min read
Meningioma: what is considered large, growth and treatment
Most meningiomas are slow-growing, benign grade 1 tumors. Whether one counts as large depends on its location and symptoms, not a single size cutoff.
· 6 min read
Spina bifida life expectancy: how long do people live?
Most children with spina bifida now reach adulthood in high-income countries. Learn the types, what affects long-term health, causes and prevention.
· 5 min read
What happens after aneurysm coiling? Recovery and results
After coiling, the coils stay in for life and blood clots around them to seal the aneurysm. Most stay sealed, but some refill, so follow-up scans matter.