Brain surgery can be an effective treatment for many medical conditions, such as brain tumors and brain aneurysms. At AHN Neuroscience Institute, our neurosurgeons are among the most experienced in the country.
At AHN, you are under the care of elite physicians who specialize in treating patients who have complex and rare conditions affecting the brain. Our collaborative, personalized care approach ensures you receive the most effective treatment and the best chance to return to a full, active life after brain surgery.
When you come to AHN for brain surgery, you benefit from our:
Our neurosurgeons treat a wide range of brain conditions, including:
At AHN, we work with you to determine the best treatment for your specific needs and symptoms. Our care team considers multiple factors, such as your overall health and symptom severity, before deciding whether brain surgery will benefit you.
Our goal of brain surgery is to effectively treat the problem while protecting your brain’s abilities, so you can continue to function normally after the procedure.
Our neurosurgeons have years of experience treating a wide variety of conditions, using both traditional and minimally invasive procedures:
We offer a wide range of rehabilitation options that will help you lead an active, full life after brain cancer treatment or surgery. Visit one of our 10 convenient locations. You can also request a home visit from a rehabilitation therapist through our Healthcare@Home service. Our rehabilitation program services include:
Undergoing brain surgery is a significant decision that can create a lot of questions, and potentially, some concerns. AHN has some of the most skilled and experienced surgeons in the country who understand the worries that many of their patients have before a brain surgery. We are here to help get you access to the best treatment for your specific needs and to connect you with answers to your questions. Your AHN care team is here to answer specific questions, but we’ve also provided answers to many of our patients’ most frequently asked questions. You can use these to guide your conversations with your care team.
The possibility of living a full life after brain tumor surgery largely depends on several factors, including the type of tumor, its location, the success of the surgery, and the individual's overall health and recovery. Many people do go on to live full and meaningful lives, especially with successful removal of benign tumors or effective treatment of malignant ones. Rehabilitation, ongoing medical care, and lifestyle adjustments can also play a significant role in achieving a good quality of life.
The survival rate for brain tumor surgery varies widely based on the tumor's type, grade (how aggressive it is), location, and the patient's age and overall health. For example, survival rates for benign (noncancerous) tumors are generally much higher than for malignant (cancerous) tumors. It's important to discuss specific survival rates and prognoses with a neurosurgeon or oncologist, as they can provide information tailored to an individual's unique situation.
In some cases, a brain bleed (also known as an intracranial hemorrhage) can be survived without surgery. This is typically true for smaller bleeds, those that are not causing significant pressure on the brain, or bleeds that are located in areas where surgical intervention is too risky. Treatment in such cases may involve close monitoring, medication to manage symptoms like swelling and seizures, and supportive care. However, larger or rapidly expanding bleeds often require emergency surgery to relieve pressure and prevent further damage. The decision for or against surgery is made by medical professionals based on the specific circumstances of the bleed.
No, brain tumors do not always require surgery. The need for surgery depends on several factors, including the tumor's type (benign vs. malignant), size, location, symptoms it's causing, and the patient's overall health. Some benign tumors that are small and not causing symptoms may be monitored with regular imaging. Other treatment options for brain tumors include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy, which may be used instead of or in addition to surgery. A multidisciplinary team of specialists evaluates each case to determine the most appropriate course of treatment.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about AHN neuroscience services, call 412-359-6200 in Pittsburgh or 814-452-7575 in Erie.
If you're an existing patient, you can also call (412) DOCTORS 412-362-8677 in Pittsburgh or request an appointment with AHN Neuroscience Services.
If you want a second opinion regarding a cancer diagnosis, treatment options, or prognosis, our team of oncology specialists can review your medical records at AHN. To get started, fill out our Second Opinion Request form. Our Navigation Team will contact you within the next 24 – 48 hours to discuss next steps and schedule.
Visit our locations page to find a Cancer Institute location near you.
