Emergency Neurosurgery

You never know when you need a neurosurgeon. Click and watch.

PRESENTATION: Obstructive hydrocephalus, brain herniation, GCS-3
DIAGNOSIS: Neurocysticercosis of Third Ventricle, obstruction of Sylvian Aqueduct
TREATMENT: Neuroendoscopic in toto cyst removal
OUTCOME: Full recovery

When not to operate ...

As a teenager I suffered spinal injury and paralysis during a crew training accident, struck at full force by the oar of a competing boat. A few months later, we won Gold at the National Crew Championships at the Olympic Regatta Course in Munich, Germany. 

Looking back, I barely remember that winning race. What I do remember is the training accident, the pain, not being able to move my legs, and the support of my crewmates and coach.

I also remember the orthopedic spine surgeon in charge of my case, Karl-Friedrich Schlegel. He decided not to operate on me, and I decided to become a surgeon like him. A year later I applied for medical school and shadowed in his department.

He did not remember me as a patient, but I reminded him of the situation, and asked why he decided not to operate on me. He said: A surgeon knows HOW to operate. A good surgeon knows WHEN to operate. The best surgeon knows WHEN NOT to operate.

Actual footage of Dr Singel performing micro-dissection of metastatic breast cancer spread to the brain.

What is Your condition?

Most conditions of the brain, spine or nerves do not require any surgery. If you (or a family member) have been told to go see a neurosurgeon, click to check if your condition is on the list of problems we treat.