Neurosurgery

Private surgery to treat disorders of the nervous system and spine

Clinical neurology is a highly specialised field of medicine that focuses on two main areas of the body: the nervous system (brain, spinal cord, nerves) and the spine itself. According to The National Brain Appeal, 14.7 million people in the UK are affected by neurological conditions.

Some of these conditions can be treated with surgery, and this is known as neurosurgery. Neurosurgery is commonly referred to as brain surgery but actually covers any surgery on your brain, spinal cord or peripheral nerves. (Your central nervous system comprises your brain and spinal cord, while all other nerves form your peripheral nervous system.) Neurosurgeons help people with a variety of problems including back and neck pain, head injuries and cognitive illnesses (such as Parkinson's disease), and of course brain and spinal surgery.

If you are suffering from a neurological condition that needs surgical treatment, Circle Health Group offers fast access to leading consultant neurosurgeons near you. We have more than 50 private hospitals across the UK and pride ourselves on clinical excellence in a calm and peaceful environment. Treatment will be consultant-led from start to finish, and our specialists work alongside multidisciplinary teams to support you holistically on your treatment journey.

Call or book online today and you could be meeting with a consultant neurosurgeon in as little as 48 hours.

Neurosurgeons specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of multiple disorders of the central and peripheral system, such as:

Congenital anomalies
Epilepsy
Hydrocephalus
Movement disorders
Traumas (such as head injury)
Cancer (neuro-oncology)
Tumours
Vascular disorders
Infections of your brain or your spine (for example, meningitis)
Degenerative diseases of the spine

Neurosurgery is a complex specialty covering a variety of surgical procedures on the brain, spine and nerves. Your neurosurgical care might include:

Craniotomy

Craniotomy refers to any operation on your cranium (the skull) or incision into your cranium to expose your brain. There are many different procedures that our specialists can perform that involve the craniotomy technique. These include the removal of a brain tumour, removing a blood clot on your brain, and repairing leaking blood vessels that may help control the effects of haemorrhaging.

Craniotomy is the name of the opening for most intracranial neurosurgical procedures. A craniotomy can also be a small opening completed using minimally invasive approaches, which is a newer development.

There are other even more advanced procedures that craniotomy can be used for, such as deep brain stimulation for such diseases as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and cerebral tremors.

Cranioplasty

A cranioplasty is a neurosurgical procedure that repairs a bone defect in the skull. A cranioplasty is a type of brain surgery. Cranial defects can happen as the result of a complication from a previous operation, it might be a congenital defect, or it could be the result of injury to the head.

The most common aim of this type of brain surgery is to strengthen the problem area by creating greater protection for the brain. A cranioplasty may also occasionally help patients who are experiencing neurological impairments, as the surgery may help alleviate or diminish symptoms.

Gamma knife® surgery

Gamma Knife® surgery offers a safe and effective treatment for a range of conditions without the need for invasive brain surgery. Gamma Knife® surgery is a well-established method to treat selected targets in your brain without the need for the surgeon to make incisions on your head.

Instead, precisely focused beams of radiation are directed to the targeted treatment area in your brain. The shape and dose of the radiation is optimised to hit only the target, without damaging surrounding healthy tissue. This procedure is simple, painless and straightforward.

Laminectomy

A laminectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the rear part of one or more of your vertebrae (spinal bones). The section that's removed is called the lamina. A laminectomy is done to relieve pressure on the nerves and spinal cord or to remove herniated discs, bone spurs or tumours on the spine.

A laminectomy can be performed on different parts of the spine including the neck (cervical laminectomy), middle of the back (thoracic laminectomy) or lower back (lumbar laminectomy).

Burr holes

Burr hole surgery is a method of treating subdural haematoma - when blood collects between your skull and the surface of your brain. It's a very serious condition that can be caused by head trauma.

Burr holes are drilled into your skull, and tubes are then inserted to drain the blood away. They may be left in place for a few days to stop more blood collecting.

Hydrocephalus treatment

Hydrocephalus is the build-up of excess fluid in your brain. You may have also heard hydrocephalus referred to as 'water on the brain'. If you have hydrocephalus or have symptoms that might point to it, our team of experienced brain surgeons could help you to find the right treatment.

The first step to access private surgery with us is usually to arrange an appointment with one of our specialists. They will be able to assess and diagnose your condition and talk you through the available treatment options, and together you'll decide on the best route for you.

To book your initial consultation, call our dedicated team of advisors, or take advantage of our easy online booking system.

You can access neurosurgery with us using private medical insurance or by paying for your own treatment.

Often neurosurgery procedures will be covered by your private health insurance, but not always. Speak to your provider directly to see what's covered in your policy.

If you want to pay for your own treatment, you can either pay in full or take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost over a period of up to five years.

Our self-pay customers benefit from fixed-price packages, meaning you'll know exactly what you're going to pay before you book your surgery. Your initial consultation and early diagnostic tests won't be included, but the cost of any procedures and hospital fees are, and so is your aftercare programme. There are no hidden costs down the line.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
Private ensuite rooms as standards and delicious healthy meals
Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about the treatments our neurosurgeons can offer, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in June 2023. Next review due June 2026.