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It usually ranges from 2 to 8 hours depending on tumor type and location; a simple meningioma resection may take 2–3 hours, while deep-seated or awake glioma surgery can reach 6–8 hours. Duration alone is not a measure of success; what matters is that the surgery is done correctly and completely. 24–48 hours of intensive care and a total hospital stay of 3–7 days are usual.

No. For some tumors surgery is the first choice, but a small asymptomatic meningioma can be followed, lymphoma is treated with chemotherapy-radiotherapy rather than surgery, and some deep-seated gliomas may be managed with biopsy and radiotherapy/Gamma Knife. The right method is determined by tissue diagnosis and multidisciplinary evaluation.

No. Modern practice aims for as little shaving as possible; in most cases only a narrow strip along the incision line is shaved. Shaving the entire head is now rarely necessary.

Yes. Patients reach us from across Turkey and abroad. You can send your existing MRI or CT images via WhatsApp (+90 533 075 72 94) for a preliminary assessment. If appropriate, you will be invited for an examination and further imaging planned if needed.

No. Most aneurysms never rupture and remain unnoticed; in small aneurysms (<7 mm) the annual rupture risk is quite low. Risk varies with size, location, family history and growth rate and is estimated with tools such as the PHASES score.

Both are effective methods reported in the literature with 90–95% success; the 'better' one is the one most suitable for the patient. Coiling is less invasive with quick recovery but carries a risk of reopening (recanalisation); clipping offers a permanent solution but requires a craniotomy. The decision is made according to the aneurysm's characteristics and patient factors.

If you have the worst headache of your life starting within seconds (a feeling that 'something burst in my head') together with neck stiffness, nausea-vomiting or confusion, go to the emergency department immediately and call the emergency number. This picture may be a subarachnoid haemorrhage from a ruptured aneurysm, and early treatment saves lives.

Most aneurysms are not hereditary. However, if two or more of your first-degree relatives have a history of aneurysm or brain haemorrhage, familial risk increases; in that case screening with MRA may be recommended. You can share your MRI/CT images via WhatsApp (+90 533 075 72 94) for a preliminary assessment.

A shunt diverts excess CSF to the abdominal cavity via a permanent tube-valve system and usually stays for life. ETV opens a hole in the floor of the ventricle to make the body's own fluid circulation work again; it leaves no foreign body. A shunt comes to the fore in communicating hydrocephalus and NPH, and ETV in suitable obstructive cases. The method is chosen according to the type of hydrocephalus and the patient.

In most shunted patients the CSF circulation does not recover on its own, so the system is permanent. Even so, the great majority of patients return to school, work and daily life; swimming, walking and cycling are suitable, and only high-impact contact sports and deep diving are not recommended. In cases where ETV is successful, a shunt may not be needed.

NPH is a treatable condition, and with a shunt significant improvement in gait and cognitive function is reported in a substantial proportion of patients; however, the same degree of success cannot be guaranteed in every patient. A 'tap test' can be done before surgery to predict the chance of success. Coming with a gait video and a recent MRI makes the assessment easier.

Patients reach us from across Turkey and abroad. You can send your existing MRI images (and, where NPH is suspected, also a gait video) via WhatsApp (+90 533 075 72 94). If appropriate, you will be invited for an examination; further imaging such as a CSF-flow MRI and a tap test are planned if needed.

No. The great majority of patients improve markedly within a few weeks with rest, medication and physiotherapy. Surgery comes into consideration when there is persistent leg pain unresponsive to conservative care, progressive weakness, or urgent 'red flag' findings.

Usually no. Many people without symptoms show a disc bulge on MRI; an imaging finding alone is not a reason to operate. The decision is made on how well the complaint, the neurological examination and the imaging agree.

Losing bladder/bowel control, numbness around the perineum or rapidly progressing severe muscle weakness require urgent assessment; these may be cauda equina syndrome. Do not lose time with back pain plus fever, serious trauma or a history of cancer either.

Yes. Patients reach us from across Turkey and abroad. You can send your existing lumbar MRI images via WhatsApp (+90 533 075 72 94) for a preliminary assessment; if appropriate, you will be invited for an examination.