Brain surgery
Brain surgery treats lesions of the brain and its surrounding structures through an opening (craniotomy) in the skull (cranium). The hair on part of the scalp is shaved. The scalp is cleansed and prepared for surgery. An incision is made through the scalp and a hole is drilled through the skull. A piece of the skull is removed (usually temporarily) and the surgery is performed, after which the bone is replaced and secured in place. Brain surgery may be needed to treat: brain tumors; bleeding (hemorrhage) or blood clots (hematomas) from injuries; weaknesses in blood vessels (cerebral aneurysms); arteriovenous malformations; damage to tissues covering the brain (dura); pockets of infection in the brain; severe nerve or facial pain; or trauma to the skull and repair of skull fractures.

The results depend greatly on the underlying disease being treated, the general health of the patient, the extent of the procedure and the surgical techniques employed.

Cerebral Angiography
The arteries are not normally seen in an x-ray, so a contrast dye is injected into one or more arteries to make them visible. For the cerebral angiography, the contrast dye is injected into one or both of the carotid or vertebral arteries in the neck.

This test is done in the hospital. On a x-ray table, head is positioned and immobilized by using a strap, tape, or sandbags. Electrocardiogram (ECG) leads are taped to arms and legs to monitor heart during the test. A catheter (a long, narrow, flexible tube) is inserted through a needle into the artery. It is then threaded through the main vessels of the abdomen and chest until it is properly placed in the arteries of the neck. This procedure is monitored by a fluoroscope (a special x-ray that projects the images on a TV monitor). The contrast dye is then injected into the neck area through the catheter, and the x-ray pictures are taken. The catheter is kept open by flushing it periodically with a saline solution containing heparin, which will keep the blood in the catheter from clotting. After the x-rays are taken, the needle and catheter are withdrawn.

Digital subtraction angiography (DSI) uses a computer to "subtract" out the bones and tissues in the region viewed such that only the vessels filled with contrast are seen. The test is most frequently used to confirm cases of stroke, tumor, bulging of the artery walls, a clot, a narrowing of the arteries, and to evaluate the arteries of the head and neck before a corrective surgery. It is used to get more exact information after something abnormal has been detected by an MRI or CT scan of the head such as bleeding within the brain.

Migraine
A migraine is a type of primary headache that some people get repeatedly over time. Migraines are different from other headaches because they occur with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light. In most people, a throbbing pain is felt only on one side of the head. Migraines are classified as either "with aura" or "without aura." An aura is a group of neurological symptoms, usually vision disturbances that serve as warning sign. Patients who get auras typically see a flash of brightly colored or blinking lights shortly before the headache pain begins. However, most people with migraines do not have such warning signs.

A lot of people get migraines -- about 11 out of 100. The headaches tend to start between the ages of 10 and 46 and may run in families. Migraines occur more often in women than men. Pregnancy may reduce the number of migraines attacks. At least 60 percent of women with a history of migraines have fewer such headaches during the last two trimesters of pregnancy. Until the 1980s, scientists believed that migraines were due to changes in blood vessels within the brain. Today, most believe the attack actually begins in the brain itself, and involves various nerve pathways and chemicals in the brain. A migraine attack can be triggered by stress, food, environmental changes, or some other factor. However, the exact chain of events remains unclear.

Migraine attacks may be triggered by: Allergic reactions; Bright lights, loud noises, and certain odors or perfumes; Physical or emotional stress; Changes in sleep patterns; Smoking or exposure to smoke; Skipping meals; Alcohol or caffeine; Menstrual cycle fluctuations, birth control pills; Tension headaches; Foods containing tyramine (red wine, aged cheese, smoked fish, chicken livers, figs, and some beans), monosodium glutamate (MSG), or nitrates (like bacon, hot dogs, and salami); or Other foods such as chocolate, nuts, peanut butter, avocado, banana, citrus, onions, dairy products, and fermented or pickled foods.

There is no specific cure for migraine headaches. The goal is to prevent symptoms by avoiding or altering triggers. When you do get migraine symptoms, try to treat them right away. The headache may be less severe. A good way to identify triggers is to keep a headache diary. When migraine symptoms begin: Rest in a quiet, darkened room; Drink fluids to avoid dehydration (especially if you have vomited); and Try placing a cool cloth on your head. Over-the-counter pain medications like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or aspirin are often helpful, especially when your migraine is mild. Many of the prescription medications for migraines narrow your blood vessels. Therefore, these drugs should not be used if you have heart disease, unless specifically instructed by your doctor.

If you wish to consider an alternative, feverfew is a popular herb for migraines. Several studies, but not all, support using feverfew for treating migraines. If you are interested in trying feverfew, make sure your doctor approves. Also, know that herbal remedies sold in drugstores and health food stores are not regulated. Work with a trained herbalist when selecting herbs.

Stroke
A stroke is an interruption of the blood supply to any part of the brain. A stroke is sometimes called a "brain attack." A stroke can happen when a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. This is called an ischemic stroke. Stroke can also happen if a blood vessel breaks open, causing blood to leak into the brain. This is a hemmorhagic stroke. If blood flow is stopped for longer than a few seconds, the brain cannot get blood and oxygen. Brain cells can die, causing permanent damage.

Ischaemic stroke is the most common type. Usually this type of stroke results from clogged arteries, a condition called atherosclerosis. Fatty deposits and blood platelets collect on the wall of the arteries, forming a sticky substance called plaque. Over time, the plaque builds up. Often, the plaque causes the blood to flow abnormally, which can cause the blood to clot. There are two types of clots. A clot that stays in place in the brain is called a cerebral thrombus. A clot that breaks loose and moves through the bloodstream to the brain is called an cerebral embolism. Another important cause of cerebral embolisms is a type of arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation.

Haemorrhagic stroke is the second major cause of stroke. This can occur when small blood vessels in the brain become weak and burst. Some people have defects in the blood vessels of the brain that make this more likely. The flow of blood after the blood vessel ruptures damages brain cells.

High blood pressure is the number one reason to have a stroke. The risk of stroke is also increased by age, family history of stroke, smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Certain medications increase the chances of clot formation, and therefore chances for a stroke. Birth control pills can cause blood clots, especially in woman who smoke and who are older than 35. Men have more strokes than women. But, women have a risk of stroke during pregnancy and the weeks immediately after pregnancy. Cocaine use, alcohol abuse, head injury, and bleeding disorders increase the risk of bleeding into the brain.

A stroke is a medical emergency. Physicians have begun to call it a "brain attack" to stress that getting treatment immediately can save lives and reduce disability. Treatment varies, depending on the severity and cause of the stroke. For virtually all strokes, hospitalization is required, possibly including intensive care and life support. Treatments should be started immediately.

The goal of long-term treatment is to recover as much function as possible and prevent future strokes. Depending on the symptoms, rehabilitation includes speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. The recovery time differs from person to person.

Certain therapies, such as repositioning and range-of-motion exercises, are intended to prevent complications related to stroke, like infections and bed sores. People should stay active within their physical limitations. Sometimes, urinary catheterization or bladder/bowel control programs may be necessary to control incontinence.

The long-term outcome from a stroke depends on the extent of damage to the brain, the presence of any associated medical problems, and the likelihood of recurring strokes.

We recommend Ayurvedic massage to help in recovery. Such patients should however, ensure that there is no active disease which may result in recurrence of stroke. Our excellent facilities would help in faster and better recovery under guidance of specialists.

(Information given here has been abridged from authentic sources like NIH, USA)