What Is A Subdural Hematoma? A subdural hematoma, or subdural hemorrhage, is a condition in which blood collects between the brain and the skull. Subdural hematomas can sometimes be associated with bleeding on the inside of the brain as well, but these are two separate issues. There are a few different layers of tissues that […]
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A common complaint among many runners is lower back pain. Almost 60 million people in the United States have participated in some form of running, jogging, or trail running, representing almost 19% of the US population. Running as a form of exercise and sport continues to gain in popularity, offering major health benefits such as […]
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Also known as spinal osteoarthritis, facet joint disease is a degenerative joint disease that can cause a significant amount of back and neck pain. The cartilage inside the facet joint (joints between the spine bone) can break down and cause inflammation, triggering the pain signals in nerve endings and resulting in stiffness and pain. What […]
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Brain tumor surgery temporarily alters the course of a person’s life. Not only is it necessary to plan for the time spent at the hospital, but it’s also a good idea to plan for the time spent recovering as you start the journey to resume a normal life. Life after brain tumor surgery is different […]
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Read the ODNS blog to learn the symptoms of spinal stenosis and how neurosurgery can help to relieve the pressure on your spinal nerves.
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Some people experience allergies all year long while others only suffer during specific seasons, such as spring and early summer, a.k.a. “the pollen season.” Allergies are often accompanied by a runny nose, nasal congestion, headaches, and other symptoms. But what if these symptoms persist, even if medications are taken to relieve them? What Is A […]
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Learning your infant or child has been diagnosed with hydrocephalus can be a very emotional and overwhelming experience. Neurosurgery offers treatments that are proven effective in the treatment of hydrocephalus, diverting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to avoid build-up in the brain. What is Hydrocephalus Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess CSF (cerebrospinal […]
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Your doctor may have recommended you see a neurosurgeon for surgical treatment of your sciatica. Microdiscectomy is considered a reliable surgery for relief from the symptoms of sciatica. The surgical procedure involves the removal of a small part of a vertebral disc that may be compressing a nerve root. What is Sciatica Sciatica is a […]
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The exact cause of a brain tumor is unclear for most patients. It forms when a group of cells in the brain display odd growth patterns and eventually develop into an abnormal mass of cells. This irregular growth of cells in the brain hinders the normal role of the central nervous system, making treatment to […]
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Hudson Valley Brain & Spine Surgery neurosurgeon Dr. Jeffrey Oppenheim was honored by Good Samaritan Hospital as this year’s recipient of the Sister Josep Rita Award for Medical Excellence. “It is a huge honor to be recognized by the high-quality physicians that I have had the privilege of working with for so many years,” said […]
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Many doctors claim to be “spine specialists” or “spine surgeons”, but no one is more qualified to perform spinal surgery than a board-certified neurosurgeon. If you have been recommended to undergo spinal surgery by an orthopedist or a non-board certified neurosurgeon, you should seriously consider getting another opinion with a board-certified neurosurgeon. How Board-Certified Neurosurgeons […]
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Hydrocephalus is a condition that primarily impacts infants and adults over the age of 60. The term “hydrocephalus” is derived from two Greek words: “hydro” meaning water and “cephalus” meaning head. The condition is often referred to as “water on the brain”, but hydrocephalus is actually caused by a buildup of excess cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). […]
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If you’re experiencing chronic or severe neck pain, it’s not always clear when it makes sense to consult with a neurosurgeon. Neck pain can be caused by a wide range of different conditions that all require different levels of care, including degenerative disc disease, arthritis, spinal stenosis, cervical radiculopathy, or cervical spondylosis, among many other […]
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While it’s great to have a doctor that you trust, second opinions are never a bad idea. But, they are especially valuable in certain situations, and there are a few signs that a second opinion should be sought out immediately. 3 Signs You Should Get a Second Opinion on Spinal Surgery First, if you’re uncomfortable […]
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A lumbar disc herniation occurs when the protective casing enclosing the disc tears and the gelatinous substances of the disc spill out into the spinal canal. Herniated lumbar discs occur in the lower back, as opposed to cervical disc herniations, which occur in the neck. The discs of the spine act as shock absorbers in […]
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Sciatica is a common condition affecting the sciatic nerve – the nerve extending from the lower back down to the bottom of each leg. As many as 4 out of every 10 people will experience sciatica at some point in their lives, according to WebMD. While sciatica is common, it is painful. Fortunately, there are […]
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A brain tumor is a mass of abnormal cells in the brain tissue. Brain tumors can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and can form in the brain or form in other parts of the body and spread to the brain. Because there are many different types of brain tumors, and even the same types […]
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A microdiscectomy is a type of minimally invasive surgery performed on patients with a herniated spinal disc. In the past, spinal surgery required large incisions, long recovery periods and lots of pain for the patient, but microdiscectomies have changed all of that. The key component of a microdiscectomy is the use of an operating microscope. […]
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Glioblastoma, also known as glioblastoma multiforme, is an aggressive type of brain cancer. They can occur at any age, but glioblastomas are typically found in older adults. Typically, glioblastomas can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and seizures. Glioblastomas develop from cells called astrocytes – the glial cells of the central nervous system. Once glioblastomas are […]
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When you or a loved one is diagnosed with a back, neck or brain condition that requires surgery, it can be scary. Although your neurosurgeon is the best source for accurate information about your specific condition, we understand that sometimes you’re just looking for some basic insight and understanding to help you through your journey. That’s what the Hudson Valley Brain & Spine Surgery blog is all about.
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