What are brain and nerve diseases?

Brain and Nerve Diseases are structural or functional disorders that occur in the neural network, which is the most complex system of the human body. This system consists of the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The nervous system controls essential functions such as thinking, movement, emotion, speech, balance, and reflexes. Therefore, any nerve or brain disease can affect overall quality of life.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that Brain and Nerve Diseases can lead to permanent neurological damage if not diagnosed early, but with today’s advanced neurosurgery technologies, many conditions can be successfully treated.

Brain and nerve system diseases may develop due to genetic, traumatic, vascular, tumoral, or degenerative causes. This field, which has a very broad scope, is the common working area of neurology and neurosurgery.

Brain Tumors

Brain Tumors are masses formed by uncontrolled cell growth in the brain or surrounding tissues. These tumors may be benign or malignant.

Symptoms
Morning-worsening headaches, vision problems, nausea, imbalance, and seizures are the most common symptoms. As the tumor grows, it puts pressure on brain tissue and disrupts nerve function.

Treatment
Treatment includes surgical intervention, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that microscopic and endoscopic techniques in brain tumor surgery protect nerve tissues and increase surgical success.

Spinal Cord Tumors

Tumors developing in or around the spinal cord can compress nerve roots, causing movement loss, numbness, and pain. If not detected early, these tumors may progress to paralysis.

Treatment
The goal of surgery is to remove the tumor without damaging the spinal cord. If necessary, spinal stabilization is provided with screw or plate systems. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that early diagnosis can prevent permanent damage in spinal cord tumors.

Brain Hemorrhages

Brain hemorrhages develop when brain vessels rupture, and they may lead to fatal outcomes. Hypertension, aneurysm, vascular malformations, or head trauma are the most common causes.

Symptoms
Sudden severe headache, loss of consciousness, nausea, vomiting, and weakness on one side of the body are typical findings.

Treatment
Emergency surgery is performed to remove the blood clot and reduce brain pressure. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that time is the most critical factor in brain hemorrhages, and even minutes determine survival chances.

Aneurysms and Vascular Disorders

An aneurysm is a ballooning caused by weakness in the vessel wall. If it ruptures, blood leaks into the brain. Vascular occlusions similarly damage brain tissue.

Treatment
Aneurysms are treated with surgical clipping or endovascular embolization. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı notes that many aneurysms can be treated without open surgery using modern methods.

Stroke (Paralysis)

Stroke occurs when brain vessels become blocked or rupture, causing nerve cells to be deprived of oxygen.

Symptoms
Sudden facial drooping, speech problems, weakness in the arm or leg, and vision loss are the most prominent signs.

Treatment
Brain tissue can be saved with interventions performed within the first 4.5 hours. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that early treatment reduces the risk of permanent paralysis.

Epilepsy is characterized by seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

Symptoms
Sudden loss of consciousness, convulsions, involuntary movements, and sometimes short episodes of staring occur.

Treatment
In drug-resistant epilepsy cases, the epileptic focus is surgically removed or a brain pacemaker is implanted. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that epilepsy surgery provides a seizure-free life for many patients.

Alzheimer’s Disease

A neurodegenerative disease in which nerve cells gradually die, leading to memory and cognitive decline.

Symptoms
Forgetfulness, difficulty navigating, speech problems, and personality changes are common.

Treatment
Although there is no complete cure, medications can slow progression. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that early recognition of cognitive changes is crucial for preserving quality of life.

Parkinson’s Disease

Develops due to the loss of dopamine-producing cells in the brain. It presents with tremor, muscle stiffness, slow movement, and balance problems.

Treatment
Medication is used, and in advanced cases, a “brain pacemaker” (deep brain stimulation) provides movement control. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı notes that this treatment significantly improves quality of life.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

An autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks nerve sheaths. It progresses in attacks.

Symptoms
Vision problems, muscle weakness, loss of balance, and numbness are common.

Treatment
Immune-suppressing medications are used. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that early diagnosis prevents progressive damage.

Lumbar and Cervical Herniations

Develop when spinal discs protrude and compress nerves.

Symptoms
Low back pain, leg numbness, neck pain, arm weakness, and tingling are seen.

Treatment
Physical therapy, microdiscectomy, or endoscopic surgery remove the herniated tissue. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı notes that hernia surgeries provide rapid mobilization and lasting relief.

Hydrocephalus

Occurs when cerebrospinal fluid accumulates in the brain due to circulation problems.

Symptoms
Headache, nausea, balance loss, and head enlargement in infants are common.

Treatment
A shunt is inserted to drain excess fluid into the abdominal cavity. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that early shunt placement protects mental development in childhood.

Trigeminal Neuralgia

A severe facial pain condition caused by compression of the facial nerve.

Treatment
In drug-resistant cases, microvascular decompression surgery is performed. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı notes that this surgery enables patients to live pain-free.

Nerve Entrapments

Carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome are the most common nerve entrapments. They cause numbness and weakness due to nerve compression.

Treatment
Micro-surgery is used to relieve nerve pressure. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that microsurgery provides permanent solutions.

Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Occur due to cuts, pressure, or trauma in the nerves of the arms or legs.

Treatment
Nerve ends are sutured or repaired with grafts. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that early surgery prevents functional loss.

Scoliosis and Kyphosis

Spinal curvatures developing in childhood or adolescence, leading to pain and posture problems.

Treatment
Bracing is sufficient in mild cases; advanced curvatures require spinal stabilization surgery. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that modern three-dimensional correction techniques are highly successful.

Migraine and Tension-Type Headache

Recurring headaches caused by sensitivity in the nervous system. Migraine is often triggered by light and stress.

Treatment
Medication, lifestyle regulation, and neural therapy are used. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that migraine is neurological and controllable with proper treatment.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Develop due to trauma and may result in paralysis.

Treatment
Early surgery, physical therapy, and neuromodulation support nerve tissue. Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı notes that some patients regain walking ability with timely intervention.

Brain Cysts

Fluid-filled sacs within the brain, often benign but harmful if they grow.

Treatment
Endoscopic surgery is used to drain or remove the cyst.

Neural Therapy and Pain Treatments

Used in chronic pain; the nervous system is targeted with low-dose local anesthetics.
Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that this method controls nerve-related pain without requiring surgery.

Diagnostic Methods in Brain and Nerve Diseases

Modern imaging and neurological tests are used for diagnosis

MR (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
CT (Computed Tomography)
EEG (Electrical Brain Activity)
EMG (Nerve Conduction Studies)
Brain Angiography

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that accurate diagnosis is possible only when these tests are interpreted together with clinical evaluation.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is the most effective way to prevent nerve damage. Persistent headaches, numbness, speech problems, or balance disorders should not be ignored.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı emphasizes that treatment success is much higher when diseases are detected early.

Role of Rehabilitation

Post-surgery rehabilitation aims to restore muscle strength, balance, and speech. Physical therapy, psychological support, and neurological rehabilitation are essential.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı states that rehabilitation is as important as surgery and that patience and discipline ensure long-term success.

Brain and Nerve Diseases are a broad group of disorders that affect nervous system function. With correct diagnosis, modern technology, and expert care, many of these conditions can be controlled.

Prof. Dr. Ömür Günaldı offers safe, scientific, and personalized solutions in the treatment of brain and nerve diseases with his extensive experience in neurosurgery. Protecting brain health is equal to protecting quality of life. Every pain, numbness, or balance loss is a signal from the body. Those who notice these signals early protect both their health and their future.