Prosencephalic Development
Abstract The prosencephalon develops at the rostral end of the recently closed neural tube, starting early in the second month of gestation. Through a series of cleavages, the prosencephalon develops…
Congenital Hydrocephalus
The terms ventriculomegaly and hydrocephalus are often used inconsistently and imprecisely in the literature. In this discussion we use ventriculomegaly as an overarching term to describe excessive cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)…
Neural Tube Development
Abstract The central neuroaxis develops from a streak of ectodermal cells on the dorsal surface of the embryo that specialize into neuroepithelium, starting as a plate of cells that develops…
Midline Anterior Skull Base Meningiomas
Indications and Preoperative Considerations • Meningiomas represent 34% of all primary brain tumors, originate from the arachnoid cells in the brain and spine and are histologically non-cancerous lesions. • Anterior…
Foramen Magnum Meningiomas
Preoperative Considerations • Meningiomas accounts for 77% of all non-cancerous intradural, extramedullary tumors of the craniocervical junction. • The foramen magnum (FM) region is a complex surgical area. Tumors may…
Vestibular Schwannomas
Preoperative Considerations • Vestibular schwannomas (VSs) or acoustic neuromas arise from the Schwann cells forming the sheath (covering) of the vestibulocochlear nerve. Most of these tumors arise from the superior…
Approaches to the Orbit
The orbit is an area that neurosurgeons may approach for orbital tumors with an intracranial component or as a corridor to access the anterior cranial fossa. Approaches to the orbit…
Approaches to the Temporal Bone: Basic Principles
In this chapter we will introduce the anatomy and some key steps for the three most relevant approaches to the temporal bone for the neurosurgeon: the subtemporal or middle fossa…
Parasellar Tumors
Preoperative Considerations • The parasellar region is an extensive area that includes the structures that surround the sella turcica. It includes laterally the dural walls of the cavernous sinus, which…
Combined Transmaxillary and Subfrontal Approach
Indications • Subfrontal approaches are mainly used to access the floor of the anterior cranial fossa, anterior midline parasellar structures, like the tuberculum sellae, anterior communicating artery, optic chiasm, posterior…
