Brain & Spine Center Resource Center

The Brain & Spine Center at University Medical Center at Brackenridge is committed to education. In this section, you will find information on illness, conditions and treatments that affect the brain and spine.

Aneurysms
A brain aneurysm is an abnormal enlargement of an artery or vein in the brain. Depending on whether or not the aneurysm is ruptured or not, treatment will vary. Aneurysms are detected by an MRI, CAT scans and angiograms.

Back Pain
In many cases, back pain is caused by stress put on the muscles and ligaments that support the spine. There are many precautions that you can do everyday to prevent common back pain. The newest treatment offered at the Brain and Spine Center at University Medical Center at Brackenridge is the CHARITE© Artificial Disc.

Brain Tumors
Physicians diagnose brain tumors by doing a neurological assessment. The location of a tumor is determined by CT scans, MRI, or an arteriogram. The Brain and Spine Center is now using a new procedure, CyberKnife to treat certain types of tumors, especially those once considered inoperable. Treatment usually last one to two hours and patients return home on the same day.

Head Trauma
Signs of head injury can occur immediately or develop slowly over several hours or days. There are everyday precautions that you can do to prevent head trauma.

Movement Disorders
For millions of people living with neurological movement disorders, performing even the simplest of tasks, like sitting in a chair or walking across the room can be frustratingly difficult, if not impossible. Diagnosis requires a physical and neurological examination. Treatment can involve physical and occupational therapy as well as drug therapy.

Seizures
Seizures are caused by abnormal electrical discharges in the brain and are divided into two major categories: partial seizures and generalized seizures. The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is the latest treatment being offered at the Brain and SpineCenter to confirm diagnosis of epilepsy and pinpoint seizure activity.

Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells. University Medical Center at Brackenridge and Seton Medical Center are the first hospitals in Texas to be designated as Primary Stroke Centers that provide a comprehensive stroke prevention and treatment program.