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Overview

Functional neurosurgery is a specialized area of neurosurgery that focuses on improving or restoring brain, spinal cord, and nervous system function in patients with neurological disorders. Instead of removing tumors or repairing trauma, functional neurosurgery aims to control abnormal electrical activity or repair nerve pathways to relieve symptoms such as tremors, seizures, or chronic pain.

What is functional neurosurgery?

Functional neurosurgery is a type of brain and nerve surgery designed to restore normal function in patients with disorders of movement, pain, or brain activity. It often involves implanting devices, stimulating brain regions, or performing precise procedures to reduce disabling symptoms.

Which conditions can be treated with functional neurosurgery?

Functional neurosurgery may be recommended for:

  • Parkinson’s disease and movement disorders (essential tremor, dystonia)
  • Epilepsy (drug-resistant seizures)
  • Chronic pain syndromes
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other psychiatric disorders (in selected cases)
  • Spinal cord injuries (emerging therapies)
What types of procedures are done in functional neurosurgery?

Some of the most common procedures include:

  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): Electrodes implanted in specific brain areas to control tremors and abnormal activity
  • Epilepsy surgery: Removing or altering brain tissue to stop seizures
  • Motor cortex stimulation and spinal cord stimulation: For managing chronic pain
  • Lesioning procedures (thalamotomy, pallidotomy): Creating tiny lesions in specific brain areas to reduce symptoms
Is functional neurosurgery safe?

Yes. Functional neurosurgery is performed with high precision using advanced imaging and navigation tools. Risks include infection, bleeding, device-related complications, or unintended neurological effects, but these are rare when done by experienced neurosurgeons.

What are the benefits of functional neurosurgery?
  • Significant reduction of symptoms such as tremors, seizures, or chronic pain
  • Improved quality of life and independence
  • Reduced reliance on long-term medications
  • Reversible or adjustable options (like DBS), allowing fine-tuning over time
What is recovery like after functional neurosurgery?

Recovery depends on the type of procedure. Minimally invasive surgeries like DBS implantation may require just a few days in the hospital, while epilepsy surgeries may take longer. Rehabilitation and follow-up visits are important to optimize outcomes.

Does functional neurosurgery cure neurological diseases?

In most cases, functional neurosurgery controls or reduces symptoms rather than providing a complete cure. For example, DBS does not cure Parkinson’s disease but greatly improves quality of life by controlling tremors and stiffness.

Call to Action

If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, chronic pain, or other neurological conditions, our Functional Neurosurgery Team provides advanced surgical solutions such as Deep Brain Stimulation, epilepsy surgery, and nerve stimulation therapies for better symptom control.

📞 Call us or book an Appointment Online to discuss functional neurosurgery options.

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