Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) happen when a group of blood vessels in your body forms incorrectly. Here's what you need to know.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak occurs when there is a tear or hole in the membranes surrounding the brain or spinal cord, allowing the clear fluid that surrounds and cushions those organs to escape. Many CSF leaks heal on their own, but ...

A computed tomography (CT) scan is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. A CT scan shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.

A craniotomy is the surgical removal of part of the bone from the skull to expose the brain for surgery. The surgeon uses special tools to remove the section of bone (the bone flap). After the brain surgery, the surgeon replaces the bone...

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a type of therapy that uses electrical stimulation to treat neurological conditions such as Parkinson disease (PD), tremors, and dystonia. It can ease symptoms and decrease the amount of medicines you ...

Endoscopic endonasal surgery is a minimally invasive technique that allows a surgeon to go through the nose to operate on areas at the front of the brain and the top of the spine.

Endovascular coiling is used to block blood flow to an aneurysm.

Gamma Knife uses very precise beams of gamma rays to treat an area of disease (lesion) or growth (tumor). It's most often used in the brain.

A lumbar disk replacement involves replacing a worn or degenerated disk in the lower part of the spine with an artificial replacement made of metal or a combination of metal and plastic.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses a large magnet, radiofrequencies, and a computer to produce detailed images of organs and structures within the body, in this case, the brain and spine. MRI is used to help diagnose a health problem.

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to join 2 or more bones of your spine together permanently. A minimally invasive spinal fusion uses a smaller cut (incision) than a traditional spinal fusion surgery.

During a sympathectomy, a surgeon cuts or clamps a deep nerve that runs up and down along the spine. This prevents nerve signals from passing through it. It is used to treat heavy sweating and certain other conditions.

X-rays use invisible electromagnetic energy beams to make images of internal tissues, bones, and organs on film. Standard X-rays are done for many reasons, including diagnosing tumors or bone injuries.