Michael A. Thomas, DO

Sometimes performing brain surgery while the patient is conscious is necessary especially if we are operating in the area of the brain that controls motor function or speech. Frequently brain tumors invade the speech or motor cortex of the brain. Ideally we would like to remove these tumors without causing loss of function. We are able to avoid or minimize damage to the motor or speech area during surgery by communicating with the patient and mapping out the areas that control these eloquent functions.
Frequently during major vascular procedures the patient is conscious for a portion of the operation to monitor how the brain is functioning.

There are several types of pituitary adenomas. All potentially can be life threatening if not treated properly. Many can secret excess hormones which can cause metabolic, cardiac and endocrine abnormalities. Some tumors can actually grow and potentially bleed with devastating effects such as blindness and coma. So it is important that the tumor is worked up by an endocrinologist and neurosurgeon to determine the tumor type and the appropriate treat plan prior to having back surgery.

Some clots can be life threatening and need to be removed. They should be removed if it is causing a progression of symptoms from consciousness to loss of consciousness to coma, due to brain herniation.

Some clots are due to Abnormal blood vessels bleeding in the brain, therefore surgery would be recommended in some patients to remove the abnormal vessels. It is important to rule out this cause. In this case other treatment options may include endovascular procedures rather than brain surgery.

Many patients can recover without surgery depending on the clots location and if the blood clot is stable in size and not expanding. The brain will eventually absorb the blood clot.

Regarding your mothers age of 65 years. She still has a long life to live. If surgery is indicated or recommended by her neurosurgeon, then the chances of a favorable outcome are in her favor.

Skull fractures that don't requires surgery will heal over 3 months. If the fractures are operated upon and a cranioplasty (fracture repair) is performed then plan on healing to take up to 6 months. However, most repairs are usually very solid since plates and screws are used for the reconstruction.

Yes, it does pose a risk if it grows and becomes symptomatic. If so, then it may be cured with the complete removal of the mass.

Some times physical therapy may be beneficial prior to back surgery as it strengthens the core muscles and improves flexibility. If the procedure is to be a fusion then smoking cessation is a must. Also a proper nutritional diet is recommended so that the body is better equipped to heal properly.

Not every tumor is cancerous. Some tumors are benign. Depending on the MRI characteristics, if the diagnosis is uncertain, then a biopsy can be performed.

Yes it may cause neurological deficits. If there are problems with motor control of the hands and legs then the cervical spine should be evaluated for spinal cord injury or compression. The cervical spine can easily be evaluated by an MRI.
An isolated back injury such as a fracture or herniated disk can cause a neurological deficit but it would affect the legs only, not the hands.