Neurological Conditions and Surgery : An Introduction

The human nervous system is a wonderful and intricate entity.

There are however many conditions that can affect the way this complicated system functions.

The following pages provide you with some basic information concerning some of the more common conditions that a Neurosurgeon such as Dr Pope may be able to ameliorate or cure.

The information should not be viewed as a substitute for a bona fide consultation concerning a potential Neurosurgical problem. Nothing compares more favourably than a face to face consultation with Dr Pope regarding a Neurosurgical condition to fully understand the recommended Investigations and Treatment options.

Topics include:

  1. Spinal Anatomy Information regarding the normal components of the human spine, including the bones, nervesdiscs, muscles and ligaments. It includes not only form, but also function of the spine.

  2. Abnormal Spinal Anatomy Covers common conditions that affect the spine that a Spine Surgeon such as Dr Pope may be able to help you with. Conditions such as osteoarthritis, spine vertebrae slippage, disc disease, and spine curvature problems are covered. Posted throughout the pages are icons linked to surgical procedure treatment options. Just click on the icon to be linked to videos and handouts regarding these operative procedures.

  3. Back Pain This encompasses the common condition of back pain which often has associated leg pain and/or other symptoms such as numbness or tingling. Various conditions such as MechanicalInflammatory and InfectiousTumoursTrauma, and Osteoporosis may cause the back and leg symptoms. Posted throughout the pages are icons linked to surgical procedure treatment options. Just click on the icon to be linked to videos and handouts regarding these operative procedures.

  4. Neck Pain This encompasses the common condition of neck pain which often has associated arm pain and/or other symptoms such as numbness or tingling. Legs may also be affected too such as walking difficulty or numbness. Various conditions such as MechanicalInflammatory and InfectiousTumoursTrauma, and Osteoporosis may cause the Neck and/or arm/leg symptoms. Posted throughout the pages are icons linked to surgical procedure treatment options. Just click on the icon to be linked to videos and handouts regarding these operative procedures.

  5. Peripheral Nerves This describes the anatomy, function, entrapment syndromes that can cause symptoms of various conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, ulna nerve palsy, common peroneal nerve palsy and other less common ones. There are clickable links to patient information handouts, and also links via the icons to an operative video on carpal tunnel decompression.

  6. Cranial Anatomy Clear information regarding the skull, facial bones, nervous system including neurons and nerves, and finally the majestic brain itself.

  7. Brain Disorders These pages contain basic information concerning various common Cranial Conditions that may be amenable to treatment by Dr Pope. These include but are not limited to: Brain TumoursHydrocephalusPituitary SurgeryTrigeminal Neuralgia. Cerebrovascular conditions are not covered here as Dr Pope does not specialize in this area of Cranial surgery, but can refer you to other Neurosurgeons who specialize in this specific sub-specialty.