The spectrum of neurosurgery includes both cranial and spinal disorders related to vascular disease, tumors, pain, movement and behavioral disorders, epilepsy and trauma. Clinical challenges in both adults and children are managed by neurosurgeons together with partners in neuroimaging, neurology, oncology, otolaryngology, orthopedic surgery, rehabilitation medicine, radiation oncology and neuroscience. This one-day program will address significant clinical problems for which there may be clinical equipoise on available options, or for which current science does not provide solutions based on high-level medical evidence. This course will focus on brain and spinal neurosurgery related to aneurysm management, spinal surgery, pain management, skull base tumor management, oncology care for brain tumors, hydrocephalus, use of stereotactic radiosurgery, new imaging techniques, and translational neuroscience research. Attendees will be encouraged to present their own challenging cases during the course. At the close of the program, participants should be able to discuss those issues relevant to neurosurgical management for selected complex problems.
Educational Objectives
After participating in this activity, clinicians should be able to:
Evaluate the roles of resection, radiosurgery, laser ablation, and drug-based approaches for different brain tumors and make appropriate treatment decisions for their patients
Discuss the roles and develop treatment algorithms involving surgical intervention, diagnostic anesthetic blocks, neuromodulation, spinal instrumentation, and fixation for degenerative and oncologic diseases of the spine
Define the roles for surgical resection, laser ablation, medical management, and neuromodulation in the management of epileptic disorder
Describe how primary and adjuvant radiosurgery can be used to control tumors and other brain disorders and avoid new neurological deficits
Discuss how patient selection and medical evidence helps decision-making for neurovascular disorders
Describe treatment options for hydrocephalus, depending on the etiology and patient age
Develop decision-making algorithms for diagnosis and management of brain trauma and elevated intracranial pressure