Conditions We Treat

A cancer that starts from glandular cells in the lining of the nose and skull base. Adenocarcinomas also exhibit locally destructive growth patterns. Like other cancers, their level of destruction is related to microscopic signs of how aggressive and disarrayed they are. Treatment can vary, depending on the aggressiveness of the cancer.

A cancer which arises in glandular cells, this type of cancer can behave in unusual ways. It can spread from the sinuses and skull base and be locally aggressive like other cancer. It can also spread to lymph nodes, and can even “skip” to other places such as the lungs and bones of the body. Some people may have no symptoms of this cancer spreading beyond the sinuses and skull base, but it is important to consider these areas in the workup.

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMS) are tangles of dilated, thin-walled blood vessels that occur anywhere within the brain or on the dura mater (the covering of the brain).

Back and neck injuries are the most common musculoskeletal problems. In fact, 80 percent of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Pain occurs when the spine, a complex structure of vertebra, disks, the spinal cord, and nerves, is abnormal.

At Boston Medical Center, our neurosurgeons know that no two brain or spinal injuries are alike. Brain and spine traumas (physical injuries) differ in complexity and severity, they can come on suddenly or over time, and their effects can range from mild to severe and heal quickly or slowly.

A brain aneurysm, also called a cerebral or intracranial aneurysm, is an abnormal bulging outward of one of the arteries in the brain. This may be due to a weakness or injury to one or more of the three layers of tissue in the vessel wall. 

A brain tumor is an abnormal mass of cells in the brain that either begins in the brain (primary brain tumor) or grows from a cancer that begins elsewhere in the body and travels to the brain (metastatic, or secondary brain tumor).  Brain tumors can be benign (not cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), and depending on the location, possible symptoms include unexplained nausea and vomiting, headaches that get progressively worse, seizures and personality changes.

A brain tumor diagnosis can be overwhelming and the Neurosurgery Department at Boston Medical Center is fully equipped to expertly diagnose and treat your condition in a comfortable and compassionate environment. Our staff is dedicated to your family's care.

Carotid stenosis is the narrowing of the arteries in the neck because of fat and cholesterol deposits (plaque) within the carotid arteries. The narrowing increases the chance of a blockage, resulting in stroke when the brain does not get a sufficient blood supply. When symptoms like slurred speech and blurry vision occur, immediate medical help is necessary.

Cerebral palsy is the result of problems during brain development, at childbirth, or just after birth. The resulting disorder involves poor muscle tone, difficulty moving, stiff muscles and more. Some people with cerebral palsy are unable to walk, have epilepsy, trouble swallowing, are blind, and may have limited intellect.

Vascular stenosis is when an artery is blocked because of plaque or another condition. When this happens in the brain, it's called cerebral vascular stenosis or intracranial vascular stenosis.

A Chiari malformation is when brain tissue extends into the spinal cord. It's caused by the skull being misshapen or too small, which pushes brain tissue downward.

A chordoma is a rare type of bone cancer that starts in your spine or the base of your skull.

When chronic pain causes other symptoms, like depression and anxiety, that interfere with daily life, this is called chronic pain syndrome. Around 25 percent of people with chronic pain develop chronic pain syndrome.

Craniopharyngioma is a tumor located in the pituitary gland or surrounding areas. Although not a cancer, it can exert ill effects by compressing the brain and surrounding tissue. It is believed that a person is born with this growth, and it can become evident in childhood or later in life. Surgery, along with radiation in some cases, is used to treat this problem.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVF) are abnormal connections between arteries and veins near the brain.

Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes your muscles to contract, or spasm. This can cause you to have twisting movements that you can't control.

An embolism is when a blood vessel is blocked, usually by a blood clot that formed in another part of the body.

Seizures are caused by excessive electrical activity in the brain, although the cause is not always known.

An essential tremor causes part of your body to shake uncontrollably. It can happen in any part of the body but is most common in the hands.