Causes Leading to Skull Base Surgery:

1. Tumors:

   • Benign Tumors: Such as meningiomas, schwannomas, and pituitary adenomas.
   • Malignant Tumors: Including brainstem gliomas and some types of brain cancers that invade the skull base.

2. Vascular Malformations:

   • Conditions like arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) or aneurysms that occur near the skull base can cause symptoms or complications requiring surgical intervention.

3. Trauma:

   • Severe head injuries that affect the skull base, potentially causing fractures or displacements.

4. Infections:

   • Infections that affect the skull base, such as chronic sinusitis or brain abscesses, may necessitate surgery.

5. Congenital Conditions:

   • Rare congenital anomalies of the skull base that affect the brain or surrounding structures.

6. Pituitary Disorders:

   • Issues like pituitary tumors that affect hormone levels and require surgical removal through the skull base.

Signs and Symptoms Indicating Skull Base Issues:

1. Headaches:

   • Persistent or severe headaches that do not respond to typical treatments may be a sign of a tumor or other issue at the skull base.

2. Neurological Symptoms:

   • Weakness, numbness, or loss of function in the face or limbs, difficulty with balance, or problems with coordination.

3. Vision and Hearing Problems:

   • Changes in vision or hearing, including double vision, loss of vision, or hearing loss.

4. Facial Pain or Numbness:

   • Pain or abnormal sensations in the face, which can be indicative of trigeminal nerve involvement or other issues.

5. Difficulty Swallowing or Speaking:

   • Problems with swallowing or speech may suggest involvement of the cranial nerves or brainstem.

6. Seizures:

   • New-onset seizures or changes in seizure patterns can sometimes be associated with tumors or other lesions at the skull base.

7. Sinus Symptoms:

   • Chronic sinus infections or symptoms that do not improve with treatment may indicate an issue at the skull base.

Treatment Options for Skull Base Conditions:

1. Surgical Approaches:

   a. Transnasal Endoscopic Surgery:

   • A minimally invasive technique where surgeons access the skull base through the nasal passages. Often used for pituitary tumors and some types of skull base tumors.

   b. Traditional Open Surgery:

   • Involves larger incisions, often made behind the ear or along the scalp, to access tumors or lesions. This approach might be necessary for larger or more complex lesions.

   c. Craniofacial Surgery:

   • A combined approach involving both neurosurgeons and facial surgeons to access tumors or abnormalities at the skull base. It often requires a complex incision and reconstruction.

   d. Microsurgery:

   • Using a microscope for precision, this approach is utilized for delicate tumors or vascular malformations.

2. Radiation Therapy:

   a. Stereotactic Radiosurgery:

   • A non-invasive procedure that delivers targeted radiation to tumors or vascular malformations. It is often used for small tumors or residual disease after surgery.

   b. Conventional Radiation Therapy:

   • May be used as an adjuvant therapy following surgery to target any remaining tumor cells.

3. Chemotherapy:

   • For malignant tumors or conditions requiring systemic treatment, chemotherapy may be used in combination with surgery or radiation.

4. Hormonal Therapy:

   • For pituitary tumors, hormonal therapies may be used to manage symptoms or shrink the tumor.

5. Supportive Therapies:

   • Post-surgical rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, or speech therapy, depending on the impact of the surgery.

Consulting Dr. Tanusree Chakraborty:

Dr. Tanusree Chakraborty specializes in neurological and spinal disorders, including conditions requiring skull base surgery. She can provide a comprehensive evaluation to determine the cause of symptoms and the appropriate surgical or non-surgical treatments.

If you suspect a condition affecting the skull base or have symptoms that might require surgery, Dr. Chakraborty will guide you through:

• Diagnostic Imaging: MRI or CT scans to visualize the skull base and identify any abnormalities.
• Treatment Planning: Discussing the best surgical approach or alternative treatments based on your specific condition.
• Surgical Intervention: Performing or coordinating the appropriate surgical procedure.
• Follow-Up Care: Ensuring proper post-operative care and rehabilitation to support recovery and manage any residual issues.

Would you like assistance with scheduling a consultation with Dr. Chakraborty or need more specific details about a particular treatment option? Contact Us