Brain tumours include a wide range of growths that may arise from the brain, its coverings, cranial nerves or nearby structures. Some are benign and slow growing, while others may behave more aggressively. Assessment usually considers the patient’s symptoms, neurological examination and imaging such as MRI or CT. Treatment may involve observation, surgery, radiotherapy, systemic treatment or a combination, depending on the diagnosis.

Possible symptoms may include:

·       Persistent or progressively worsening headache

·       Seizures

·       Weakness or numbness

·       Changes in speech, vision, memory or behaviour

·       Difficulty with balance or walking

Symptoms are not specific to a brain tumour and require proper clinical assessment.

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain’s fluid spaces. It can occur at different ages and for different reasons. Neurosurgical treatment may be considered when the fluid buildup causes symptoms or pressure-related changes. Procedures can include diversion of fluid with a shunt or, in selected situations, an endoscopic procedure.

Possible symptoms may include:

·       Headache, nausea or vomiting

·       Drowsiness or altered behaviour

·       Difficulty walking or maintaining balance

·       Visual symptoms

·       Developmental or head-size concerns in children, where applicable

Head injuries range from mild concussion to serious injury involving bleeding, swelling or skull fracture. Some patients require observation and repeat assessment, while others need urgent neurosurgical intervention. Any deterioration after a head injury should be taken seriously.

Possible symptoms may include:

·       Loss of consciousness

·       Repeated vomiting

·       Increasing drowsiness or confusion

·       Seizures

·       Weakness, unequal pupils or difficulty speaking

·       Clear fluid or blood from the nose or ear

Severe symptoms after head injury require immediate emergency evaluation, not an online appointment request.

Bleeding in or around the brain can have several causes, including trauma, vascular disease or spontaneous haemorrhage. Neurosurgical evaluation may be required to assess pressure on the brain, deterioration in neurological function and whether an operation or procedure could be beneficial. Management depends on the location and size of the bleed, the patient’s clinical condition and the underlying cause.

Possible symptoms may include:

• Sudden, severe headache

• Nausea or repeated vomiting

• Sudden weakness or numbness, particularly on one side of the body

• Difficulty speaking or understanding speech

• Blurred or double vision

• Loss of balance or coordination

• Seizures

• Altered consciousness, increasing drowsiness or loss of consciousness

Brain haemorrhage is a medical emergency. Sudden onset of these symptoms requires immediate emergency evaluation and treatment.

Other cranial conditions include structural abnormalities, infections, cysts and disorders affecting the brain, skull and surrounding tissues. Some are present from birth, while others develop later in life. Depending on the diagnosis and severity, treatment may involve observation, medication or neurosurgical intervention.

Conditions managed may include:

• Arachnoid cysts

• Colloid cysts

• Chiari malformation

• Craniosynostosis

• Skull defects and lesions

• Brain abscess

• Subdural empyema

• Encephalocele

• Congenital cranial abnormalities

• Intracranial cystic lesions

Management depends on the specific condition, clinical findings and appropriate imaging investigations.

Brain aneurysms and vascular malformations are abnormalities affecting the blood vessels in or around the brain. An aneurysm is a weakened, bulging area of a blood vessel, while vascular malformations involve abnormal connections between blood vessels. Some remain asymptomatic and are detected incidentally, while others may cause neurological symptoms or bleeding. Treatment depends on the type, size, location and associated risks, and may involve observation, microsurgical intervention or endovascular procedures.

Possible symptoms may include:

• Sudden, severe headache

• Persistent or unusual headaches

• Seizures

• Blurred or double vision

• Weakness or numbness

• Difficulty speaking or loss of consciousness

Sudden, severe headache or new neurological deficits require immediate emergency medical evaluation.