Post by TAQDIR SINGH-BAINS LL.B (Hons).

PART 4 OF 12 BRAIN SURGERY (NEUROSURGERY): HOW ARE BRAIN TUMOURS DIAGNOSED, AND WHAT TREATMENTS AND MEDICINES ARE USED? Authors and Research Team Taqdir Singh-Bains — Self-Taught Independent Medical Researcher (Multi-Specialty Consultant-Level Clinical Literature Review, Evidence Synthesis and Medical Education). Zeus — Independent Artificial Intelligence Research Tool supporting literature review, evidence synthesis, research planning and analytical exploration. In Part 3, we examined neurological symptoms and investigations. The next question is: How are brain tumours treated? Treatment depends on the tumour type, location, size, grade, molecular characteristics, the patient's health and treatment goals. Many patients are managed by a multidisciplinary team including neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, neuropathologists, oncologists and specialist nurses. INVESTIGATIONS • MRI scan with contrast • CT scan • Brain biopsy (where appropriate) • Histopathology • Molecular tumour profiling CURRENT TREATMENTS • Microsurgical tumour removal • Awake brain surgery (selected patients) • Endoscopic neurosurgery • Stereotactic biopsy • Radiotherapy • Stereotactic radiosurgery (Gamma Knife/CyberKnife in selected cases) • Chemotherapy • Targeted therapies for selected tumours MEDICINES USED Corticosteroids • Dexamethasone Used to reduce swelling (cerebral oedema). Antiepileptic Medicines (when seizures occur or where clinically indicated) • Levetiracetam • Sodium valproate (selected patients) • Lacosamide Chemotherapy • Temozolomide • Carmustine (including implant wafers in selected patients) Targeted Therapy • Bevacizumab (selected indications) • Dabrafenib + Trametinib (for selected tumours with specific BRAF mutations) WHAT WOULD TAQDIR SINGH-BAINS AND ZEUS LOOK FOR? The search would focus upon: • Earlier diagnosis. • Maximum safe tumour removal. • Better tumour mapping. • More effective medicines. • Personalised molecular treatment. • Reduced neurological complications. • Improved survival and quality of life. THE TAQDIR AND ZEUS QUESTION "Can advances in neurosurgery, molecular medicine and targeted therapies improve survival while preserving speech, memory, movement and independence?" KEY LEARNING POINT Modern brain tumour treatment combines surgery, medicines, radiotherapy and precision oncology. The aim is not only to remove or control the tumour, but also to preserve neurological function and maximise quality of life. Part 5 of 12 will ask: How are strokes, brain aneurysms and other blood vessel disorders treated with neurosurgery?