Not surprisingly, brain surgery is complex. That’s why it’s important to put your trust in the hands of trained professionals. Our neurosurgeons in Eau Claire have completed seven-year residency training programs to learn about and perfect all aspects of surgery of the spine, brain and nerves. This means you get the best care possible close to home.

There are risks to any type of surgery, including brain surgery. However, in the hands of our well-trained and dedicated team, these risks are quite low. 

We care for many types of conditions that impact your brain and spinal cord, including:

Brain tumor
A brain tumor is a mass or growth of abnormal cells in your brain or close to your brain. Many different types of brain tumors exist. Some brain tumors are noncancerous (benign), and some brain tumors are cancerous (malignant). Brain tumor treatment options depend on the type of brain tumor you have, as well as its size and location. If the brain tumor is located in a place that makes it accessible for an operation, your surgeon will first explain all options including the potential benefits and risks of surgery. Then, will work to remove as much of the brain tumor as possible.

Brain lesions
A brain lesion is an abnormality seen on a brain imaging test, such as an MRI or CT scan. A brain lesion may involve small to large areas of your brain, and the severity of the underlying condition may range from relatively minor to life-threatening.

Pituitary tumor
Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths that develop in your pituitary gland. Some pituitary tumors result in too many of the hormones that regulate important functions of your body. Some pituitary tumors can cause your pituitary gland to produce lower levels of hormones. Most pituitary tumors are noncancerous (benign) growths (adenomas). Pituitary tumors usually don't grow or spread extensively. However, they can put pressure on the pituitary gland and nearby structures, and affect your health.

Brain (subarachnoid) hemorrhage
A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding in the space between your brain and the surrounding membrane, called the subarachnoid space. The primary symptom is a sudden, severe headache. The headache is sometimes associated with nausea, vomiting and a brief loss of consciousness. Untreated, a subarachnoid hemorrhage can lead to permanent brain damage or death. Your surgeon may recommend endovascular treatment, such as embolization, in which a catheter is threaded into an artery to your brain, and a coil is guided through the catheter and placed in the aneurysm. Or, the surgeon will make an incision in your scalp, locate the brain aneurysm and place a metal clip across the aneurysm's neck to stop the blood flow to it.

Brain trauma
Traumatic brain injury occurs when an external mechanical force causes brain dysfunction and usually results from a violent blow or jolt to the head or body. An object penetrating the skull, such as a bullet or shattered piece of skull, also can cause traumatic brain injury. Emergency surgery may be needed to minimize additional damage to brain tissues. Surgery may be used to address these problems:

• Removing clotted blood, also called a hematoma. Bleeding outside or within the brain can result in a collection of clotted blood that puts pressure on the brain and damages brain tissue.
• Repairing skull fractures. Surgery may be needed to repair severe skull fractures or to remove pieces of skull in the brain.
• Opening a window in the skull. Surgery may be used to relieve pressure inside the skull by draining accumulated cerebral spinal fluid or creating a window in the skull that provides more room for swollen tissues.