Brain Tumor

Index

  • Overview
  • Advanced Surgical Techniques
  • Diagnostic Imaging Services
  • Rehabilitation Services

    • Overview

    New England Neurological Associates offers an interdisciplinary, team approach combining the strengths and expertise of neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists. Optimal patient care and outcome are enhanced by a team perspective and use of state of the art equipment.

  • Benign and Skull Base Tumors. Commonly treated lesions include acoustic neuromas, meningiomas, as well as congenital lesions and trauma.
  • Malignant Brain Tumor. Patients with malignant brain tumor are treated through the appropriate mix of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy with the aim of increasing longevity and quality of life.
  • Metastatic Brain Tumor. Specialists in neurosurgery, oncology, and radiation oncology join forces in treating metastatic brain tumor. Surgical excision, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy are employed. An advanced LINAC is also employed where appropriate as a surgical adjunct or in the treatment of deep and inaccessible lesions.
  • Pituitary Tumor. Individuals with pituitary tumors are treated by a team consisting of neurosurgeons, endocrinologists, neuro-ophthalmologists, and neuroradiologists.

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    Advanced Surgical Techniques

    1) Stereotactic Neurosurgery

    With use of highly sophisticated computerized localization and the use of CT and MRI scanning, tumors deep in the brain can be safely biopsied. Patients with conditions such as Parkinson's Disease and intractable pain can also be helped by this procedure.

    2) Stereotactic Radiosurgery

    This new service permits us to aim the radiation beam from a linear accelerator with stereotactic precision for the treatment of deep arteriovenous malformations, malignant and some benign tumors, and otherwise inoperable or difficult to reach lesions.

    This technique offers a means to precisely deliver high focal radiation to lesions without damaging vital areas of the brain. The procedure is non-invasive and can be performed on an outpatient basis. Stereotactic radiosurgery may be appropriate for patients with:

  • Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
  • Benign brain tumors
  • Skull base tumors
  • Primary malignant brain tumors
  • Metastatic brain tumors
  • Spinal tumors

    • 3) Frameless Stereotactic Surgery and Neuro-navigation

    In conjunction with Holy Family Hospital, New England Neurological Associates has recently introduced state of the art frameless stereotactic surgery appropriate for some patients. The integration of MRI and CT scanners with a computer in the operating room provides constantly updated three dimensional information for detailed surgery of the brain or spine. This highly sophisticated system provides both planning and operative information that allows for small incisions and minimal manipulation of the normal brain and spinal cord.

    This new methodology is the natural outgrowth of standard stereotactic techniques and combines these with microsurgery to provide the benefits of both in a minimally invasive way. Most brain operations and many complex spine operations will be safer and more precise with this high powered computerized system that is available at only a few select institutions, including the Holy Family Hospital.


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    Diagnostic Imaging Services

    24 Hour Electroencephalographic (EEG) Monitoring.

    Brain wave electrodes are attached to a portable recorder which is carried for 24 hours to study the brain's electrical activity to aid in the diagnosis of seizures and other neurological conditions.

    Arteriogram (angiogram).

    An X-Ray where dye is injected into an artery to study the blood vessels supplying the brain and within the brain.

    Carotid Ultrasound Testing.

    This test permits us to diagnose abnormalities of the carotid artery, such as arteriosclerosis, using safe and painless high frequency sound waves without radiation.

    Computerized Axial Tomography (CT or CAT Scan).

    A computer-assisted X-Ray which constructs sophisticated, two dimensional pictures of the body, head and spine to aid in the diagnosis of many disorders of the brain, spine, lungs, abdomen and pelvis. In some instances, intravenous dye is used to obtain a better picture.

    Electrodiagnostic Testing (EMG & Nerve Conduction Tests).

    Through mild electrical stimuli, this test measures the electrical activity in muscles and the functioning of nerves for the diagnosis of various disorders of the nerves, muscles and spinal cord. As small needles are inserted to transmit and record the electrical activity, this procedure may cause slight discomfort.

    Evoked Potentials Testing.

    Disorders of the nerves, spinal cord and brain stem as well as visual and hearing pathways can safely and effectively be studied by this test, which combines electrodiagnostic studies and sophisticated computerized EEG recordings.

    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)/Angiography.

    Using a powerful magnetic field, radio-waves, and computer reconstruction, MRI produces high resolution images of the brain, spine, joints, chest and abdomen. Vascular imaging studies can also be provided with MR Angiography. The imaging process is non-invasive, safe and painless without using radiation.

    Myelogram.

    Contrast medium is injected into the back to aid in diagnosis of herniated discs of the cervical and lumbar spines as well as many other spinal disorders.

    Transcranial Doppler Studies.

    Transcranial Doppler uses the same painless high frequency sound waves as carotid ultrasound to examine the arteries inside the brain to help treat and prevent strokes.


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    Rehabilitation Services


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    Disclaimer: The information and references contained herein are intended solely for the information. It should not be used for treatment purposes, but rather for discussion with the patient's own physician.
    220 Sutton Street, North Andover, MA 01845
    Phone (978) 687-2321 Fax (978) 685-7265