Brain Surgery in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The brain controls and coordinates almost everything your body does — from breathing and heartbeat to memory, learning, and decision‑making. Like any other organ, it can be affected by bleeding, infection, trauma, tumors, and other conditions. Sometimes these problems require brain surgery (neurosurgery) to diagnose or treat the underlying issue.

In Grand Rapids, brain surgery is typically performed by board‑certified neurosurgeons at major health systems such as Spectrum Health (Corewell Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, with additional support from local resources like the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health.

When Brain Surgery May Be Needed

Brain surgery may be recommended when a condition affects:

  • Brain tissue (tumors, infections, swelling)
  • Blood flow in the brain (stroke, bleeding)
  • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation (hydrocephalus)

Common Symptoms of Conditions Requiring Brain Surgery

Symptoms can vary widely depending on the type, location, and severity of the problem. Not everyone will have all of these, but common warning signs include:

  • Seizures
  • Persistent or severe headaches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Drowsiness or extreme fatigue
  • Weakness or numbness in the face, arms, or legs
  • Difficulty speaking, understanding, or seeing
  • Changes in behavior, personality, or memory
  • Loss of balance or coordination

If you or a loved one in Grand Rapids experiences sudden severe headache, weakness on one side, confusion, difficulty speaking, or a seizure, call 911 immediately. Fast treatment at an emergency department (such as Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital or Trinity Health Grand Rapids) can be life‑saving.

Brain Conditions That May Require Surgery

1. Alterations in Brain Tissue

These are problems that affect the brain’s actual structure, such as:

Brain Tumors (Brain Cancer and Benign Tumors)

Some tumors are cancerous (malignant), while others are benign but still dangerous because they take up space and increase pressure inside the skull.

Common brain tumors that may require surgery include:

  • Gliomas – Tumors that start in glial cells, which support and protect nerve cells. Types include:
    • Astrocytomas (from astrocytes)
    • Oligodendrogliomas (from oligodendrocytes)
    • Ependymomas (from ependymal cells)
  • Pituitary tumors – Tumors near the base of the brain that can affect hormones, vision, and growth.
  • Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) – A benign tumor on the nerve affecting hearing and balance.
  • Medulloblastoma – A fast‑growing tumor often seen in children.
  • Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNET) – A usually benign tumor often presenting with seizures.
  • Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) – A rare, aggressive tumor.
  • Lymphomas – Cancers that can begin in the brain or spread there.
  • Chordomas – Rare tumors at the base of the skull or spine.
  • Metastatic (secondary) brain tumors – Cancers that have spread to the brain from other parts of the body (lung, breast, melanoma, etc.).

In West Michigan, neurosurgeons often work in multidisciplinary teams with oncologists and radiation oncologists to plan individualized treatment.

Infections and Swelling (Edema)

  • Brain abscess – A pocket of infection in the brain.
  • Meningitis or encephalitis complications – Severe infections can cause swelling or fluid build‑up.
  • Edema – General swelling of brain tissue that increases pressure inside the skull.

These conditions may sometimes require surgery to drain infected material or relieve pressure.

2. Alterations in Brain Blood Flow

Problems with blood supply to the brain can cause bleeding (hemorrhage) or stroke.

Subdural Hematoma

A subdural hematoma is a build‑up of blood beneath the dura mater, the tough outer membrane covering the brain. It can be:

  • Acute – Sudden and severe, often after a major head injury (for example, from a car accident on I‑196 or a fall on ice during a West Michigan winter).
  • Acute on chronic – A new bleed on top of an older, slower bleed.
  • Chronic – Slower bleeding, more common in older adults or those on blood thinners.

Symptoms can include worsening headaches, confusion, weakness, or drowsiness. Surgery may be needed to remove the blood and relieve pressure.

Stroke

A stroke occurs when a blood vessel supplying the brain is blocked (ischemic stroke) or bursts (hemorrhagic stroke). Stroke care is time‑critical, and Grand Rapids hospitals provide specialized stroke services.

Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

A subarachnoid hemorrhage is bleeding into the space around the brain, often caused by a ruptured aneurysm (a bulging, weakened blood vessel). This can cause:

  • Sudden, severe “worst headache of my life”
  • Neck stiffness
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Loss of consciousness

Treatment may involve neurosurgery or minimally invasive procedures to secure the aneurysm and prevent re‑bleeding.

Intraventricular Bleed

An intraventricular bleed is bleeding into the brain’s fluid‑filled spaces (ventricles). This can occur after trauma, stroke, or in premature infants.

3. Alterations in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Cerebrospinal fluid cushions the brain and spinal cord. When its flow or absorption is disrupted, pressure can rise dangerously.

Hydrocephalus

Hydrocephalus is an abnormal build‑up of CSF within the skull. It can occur at any age:

  • In babies – The head may enlarge as the skull bones have not yet fused.
  • In children and adults – Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, vision changes, balance problems, and cognitive changes.

Infections Affecting CSF

Various brain and central nervous system infections can alter CSF flow or composition, sometimes requiring surgical drainage or shunt placement.

Premature Babies

Premature infants are at increased risk for bleeding in the brain and hydrocephalus. Neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Grand Rapids hospitals are equipped to monitor and manage these conditions, sometimes with neurosurgical support.

Why Prompt Treatment Matters

If left untreated, conditions that may require brain surgery can:

  • Increase pressure inside the skull
  • Force the brain against the rigid skull, causing further damage
  • Disrupt normal brain function
  • Lead to permanent brain injury or death

Timely evaluation at a Grand Rapids emergency department or neurology clinic is critical for the best outcome.

How Brain Conditions Are Diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Your care team may use several tests to evaluate brain problems:

  • Physical examination – Checking strength, reflexes, balance, and coordination.
  • Medical history – Reviewing symptoms, past illnesses, injuries, and medications.
  • CT scan (computed tomography) – A quick imaging test useful in emergencies to detect bleeding, fractures, and some tumors.
  • MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) – Provides detailed images of brain structures, tumors, and small abnormalities.
  • Additional tests – Such as blood tests, EEG (brain wave test), angiography (blood vessel imaging), or lumbar puncture, depending on your condition.

These services are widely available at major Grand Rapids hospitals and imaging centers.

Craniotomy: A Common Brain Surgery Procedure

A craniotomy is a surgical procedure in which part of the skull is temporarily removed to allow the neurosurgeon to access the brain.

What Happens During a Craniotomy?

  1. General anesthesia

    • You are put to sleep and will not feel pain during the operation.

  2. Preparation of the scalp

    • Hair on part of the scalp may be shaved or trimmed.
    • The skin is cleaned with antiseptic to reduce infection risk.

  3. Opening the skull

    • The neurosurgeon makes an incision in the scalp over the area of concern.
    • A section of skull (bone flap) is carefully removed to expose the brain.

  4. Treating the problem
    Depending on the condition, the surgeon may:

    • Remove a tumor or abnormal tissue
    • Repair or clip an aneurysm
    • Remove a blood clot (hematoma)
    • Repair damaged blood vessels
    • Place a drain or shunt to manage cerebrospinal fluid

  5. Closing the skull and scalp

    • The bone flap is replaced and secured.
    • Muscles and skin are stitched or stapled closed.
    • A small drain may be left in place temporarily to remove excess blood or fluid.

Craniotomies in Grand Rapids are performed by specialized neurosurgery teams with access to advanced technology such as image‑guided navigation and intraoperative monitoring.

Possible Complications of Brain Surgery

As with any major surgery, brain surgery carries risks. Potential complications after a craniotomy include:

  • Allergic reaction to anesthesia
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Brain swelling
  • Stroke
  • Seizures
  • Worsening or new neurological symptoms (such as weakness, speech problems, or changes in vision)

Your neurosurgeon will discuss specific risks and benefits based on your diagnosis, age, and overall health.

Local Factors in Grand Rapids and Michigan

Living in West Michigan can influence brain and neurological health:

  • Cold, icy winters – Increase the risk of falls and head injuries, especially in older adults. Wearing proper footwear, using salt on walkways, and taking care on stairs and driveways can help prevent trauma.
  • Outdoor activities and sports – Popular activities around the Grand River, Lake Michigan shoreline, and local parks can sometimes lead to sports‑related concussions or head injuries.
  • Aging population – As the Grand Rapids area population ages, conditions like stroke, chronic subdural hematoma, and brain tumors become more common.

Local organizations such as the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health provide education on stroke prevention, fall prevention, and healthy lifestyle choices that can reduce the risk of brain disease.

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids

If you are concerned about symptoms that might indicate a brain problem:

  • See your primary care provider (GP/doctor) – They can evaluate your symptoms and refer you to a specialist.
  • Neurologist – A doctor specializing in brain and nervous system disorders.
  • Neurosurgeon – A surgeon specializing in brain and spine surgery.

In an emergency (sudden severe headache, stroke symptoms, seizure, major head injury), call 911 and request the nearest emergency department, such as:

  • Spectrum Health (Corewell Health) hospitals in Grand Rapids
  • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
  • Metro Health
  • Mercy Health facilities in the region

These centers can quickly coordinate neurology and neurosurgery care.

Key Points to Remember

  • Symptoms of conditions requiring brain surgery vary based on the type and severity of the problem.
  • General symptoms can include seizures, headaches, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, weakness, and changes in speech, vision, or behavior.
  • Major categories of brain conditions that may require surgery include:
    • Alterations in brain tissue (tumors, infections, swelling)
    • Alterations in brain blood flow (subdural hematoma, stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, intraventricular bleed)
    • Alterations in cerebrospinal fluid (hydrocephalus, infection)
  • Head injury is a common cause of brain bleeding and pressure, especially with falls and accidents, which can be more frequent during Michigan’s icy winters.
  • Premature babies are at increased risk of certain brain bleeds and hydrocephalus and may need specialized neurosurgical care.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment in Grand Rapids hospitals and clinics are essential to prevent long‑term brain damage or death.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and have concerns about brain surgery or neurological symptoms, talk with your doctor or request a referral to a local neurologist or neurosurgeon for a thorough evaluation.