HYDROCEPHALUS
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Evaluation of a condition that may affect walking, balance, memory and bladder control in older adults.
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GERIATRIC NEUROSURGERY
Specialized Neurosurgical Care for Older Adults
Focused evaluation and treatment planning for neurological and spinal conditions that commonly affect older adults, including hydrocephalus, chronic subdural hemorrhage, stroke-related conditions and degenerative spine disease. Care is guided by detailed clinical assessment, appropriate imaging and individualized treatment planning, with attention to neurological function, mobility, independence and overall quality of life.
HEAD INJURY
Chronic Subdural Hemorrhage
Assessment of an older collection of blood on the surface of the brain that may develop gradually over time.
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CEREBROVASCULAR
Stroke
Evaluation of neurological problems resulting from a disruption of blood supply to the brain.
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SPINE
Degenerative Spine Disease
Assessment and treatment planning for age-related changes affecting the spine, nerves and mobility.
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HYDROCEPHALUS
Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus
Normal pressure hydrocephalus is a condition in which cerebrospinal fluid accumulates within the brain's ventricles and may affect neurological function. It is most commonly considered in older adults who develop difficulties with walking and balance, changes in thinking or memory, and bladder control problems.
Evaluation involves detailed clinical and neurological assessment together with appropriate brain imaging. Treatment planning depends on the overall clinical picture, imaging findings, symptom pattern and functional impact. When appropriate, neurosurgical treatment may be considered to help address the underlying cerebrospinal fluid circulation problem.
COMMON PRESENTATIONS
Difficulty walking or balance problems
Changes in memory or thinking
Urinary urgency or incontinence
Progressive functional changes
HEAD INJURY
Chronic Subdural Hemorrhage
Chronic subdural hemorrhage is a collection of older blood between the surface of the brain and its outer covering. It can develop gradually, sometimes following a relatively minor head injury, particularly in older adults. Symptoms may appear slowly and can include headache, weakness, changes in balance, confusion or changes in behaviour.
Evaluation includes neurological examination and brain imaging, usually with CT or MRI when clinically appropriate, to assess the size and effect of the collection. Management depends on the size of the hemorrhage, symptoms, neurological findings and overall clinical condition. Observation or neurosurgical drainage may be considered according to the individual circumstances.
COMMON PRESENTATIONS
Persistent or progressive headache
Weakness or reduced movement
Balance or walking difficulties
Confusion or behavioural changes
CEREBROVASCULAR
Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is disrupted, either because a blood vessel becomes blocked or because a blood vessel bleeds. The resulting neurological effects depend on the area of the brain involved and may include weakness, speech difficulty, visual changes, imbalance or problems with coordination.
Stroke requires prompt medical assessment to determine its type, location and extent. Evaluation may include neurological examination and brain and blood-vessel imaging as clinically indicated. Further treatment and management depend on the underlying cause, timing of presentation, imaging findings and the individual's neurological condition.
COMMON PRESENTATIONS
Sudden facial or limb weakness
Speech or language difficulty
Sudden vision changes
Sudden imbalance or coordination problems
SPINE
Degenerative Spine Disease
Degenerative spine disease refers to age-related changes affecting the discs, joints, vertebrae and surrounding structures of the spine. These changes may contribute to back or neck pain, stiffness, narrowing around the spinal nerves or spinal cord, and difficulty with walking or everyday activities.
Evaluation includes clinical and neurological assessment together with appropriate spine imaging when required. Treatment planning depends on the location and severity of degeneration, neurological findings, symptoms and functional limitations. Conservative treatment may be considered in appropriate cases, while surgical options may be evaluated when significant neurological compression or other clinically relevant findings are present.
COMMON PRESENTATIONS
Neck or back pain
Limb pain or numbness
Walking difficulty or imbalance
Limb weakness or reduced function
NERVE CARE
Frequently Asked Questions
Symptoms may vary depending on the nerve involved
and may include numbness, tingling, burning pain,
weakness, altered sensation, muscle wasting, or
difficulty with movement. Persistent or worsening
symptoms should be medically evaluated.
Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median
nerve is compressed at the wrist. It may cause
numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness affecting
the hand and fingers, with symptoms sometimes
becoming more noticeable at night or during
repetitive activities.
Entrapment Syndrome can occur when a nerve is placed under
pressure along its course. Causes may include anatomical
narrowing, repetitive activities, trauma, swelling, or other
structural conditions. Symptoms depend on the nerve affected.
Nerve injuries are evaluated through detailed
neurological examination and, when appropriate,
nerve conduction studies, electromyography,
imaging, or other investigations. Assessment
helps determine the location, severity, and
functional impact of the injury.
The brachial plexus is a network of nerves that
connects the spinal cord with the shoulder, arm,
and hand. Disorders affecting this network may
result from trauma, compression, or other causes
and can lead to weakness, altered sensation, or
pain in the upper limb.
Persistent numbness, tingling, weakness, burning
pain, loss of sensation, or difficulty moving a
limb should be evaluated, particularly when symptoms
are progressive or follow an injury. Early assessment
may help identify the affected nerve and guide
appropriate treatment planning.