Overview Conditions Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy) is the use of high-energy rays to destroy tumor cells and stop them from growing and multiplying. Radiation therapy is a local therapy. This means that it affects only the cells targeted. It does not harm cells elsewhere in the body or even elsewhere in the brain or spinal cord. The therapy is administered in one of two ways: External radiation uses a high-energy beam of radiation targeted at the tumor. The beam travels through the skin, the skull, healthy brain tissue and other tissues to get at the tumor.

Overview Treatments A seizure is an episode of disturbed brain activity that can affect a variety of mental and physical functions. There are two major forms of seizures. Also see epilepsy. Generalized Seizures Generalized seizures seem to begin everywhere in the brain at once.

Overview Treatments The skull is composed of bones and cartilage that form the face and the cranium, which surrounds the brain. The skull base is a crowded and complicated area with openings that the spinal cord, many blood vessels, and nerves all pass through. There are several different types of skull base tumors: Cysts that develop from birth Growths caused by infections Pituitary tumors. The pituitary gland sits behind the nose and eyes Meningiomas.

Overview Treatments A spinal cord tumor is an abnormal growth of tissue usually categorized by the type of cell where it begins, or by the area in the spinal cord where it occurs. There are more than 120 types of tumors affecting the spinal cord and brain. Spinal cord tumors may be classified as either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous), depending on their behavior. The tumor can either originate in the spinal cord itself (primary tumor), or come from another part of the body and travel to the spinal cord (metastatic or secondary tumor).

Overview Spine pain can have many causes, including osteoporosis, scoliosis, slipped or herniated discs, trauma, fractures, degenerative disc disease, spondylolisthesis and spinal stenosis. In more rare instances, spine pain can be caused by a spinal cord tumor or infection.  The Inova Spine Program, a part of Inova Neuroscience Institute, is the leading spine treatment program in the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC, area and offers the most back pain specialists in the region. Call 703-391-3667 and talk to a patient navigator today about your back pain.

Overview Conditions Carotid stenting, when used with angioplasty, is a relatively new procedure especially helpful for patients with a blocked or narrowed carotid artery who would not be good candidates for surgery. The physician accesses the patient's femoral artery through a tiny incision in the groin and threads a catheter up into the patient's neck. Next, the physician inserts a guide wire into the narrowed portion of the carotid artery, clearing plaque buildup if necessary.

Overview Stereotactic radiosurgery is a type of radiation treatment sometimes referred to as “knifeless” surgery that destroys a brain tumor without opening the skull. A CT or MRI scan is used to pinpoint the exact location of the tumor in the brain. High-energy radiation beams are trained on the tumor from different angles.

Overview Treatment Stroke is a Medical Emergency. Call 911. Stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease that affects the arteries leading to and within the brain. A stroke occurs when a blood vessel that carries oxygen and nutrients to the brain is either blocked by a clot or bursts. Time is critical in stroke treatment. The faster you are taken to an emergency room, the better your chance for a positive outcome. Stroke Strikes BE FAST Not sure whether a person's symptoms are a stroke? B.E.F.A.S.T. and quickly check for any of these signs of stroke:.

Overview Neurosurgery includes a variety of procedures to treat and correct neurological diseases and disorders. Many neurological conditions can be treated with surgery, including: Aneurysm  Brain Tumors  Carotid Stenosis  Cerebrovascular Malformations  Epilepsy  Hypervascular Tumors  Pituitary Tumors  Skull Base Tumors  Spinal Cord Tumors  Spine Pain  Stroke  Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)  Traumatic Brain Injury  Vertebral Compression Fractures  The expert surgeons at Inova Neuroscience Institute are your best resource for surgical options. Call 703-776-4700 for information.

Overview Conditions tPA is a powerful and effective clot-dissolving drug administered during a minimally invasive treatment to treat stroke. tPA is often administered in an emergency setting to minimize the serious, often life-threatening effects of a blocked blood vessel. The interventional physician threads a catheter up to the site of the blockage in the brain, a procedure known as intra-arterial thrombolysis.