Brain & Spine Neurosurgeon — Minutes from El Paso

Not all headaches require evaluation by a neurosurgeon. However, if they are new, recurring, increasingly intense, or accompanied by other neurological symptoms, a medical evaluation is recommended to identify the cause.

Seek emergency care if the headache is sudden and severe, especially if accompanied by seizures, weakness or loss of sensation on one side of the body, difficulty speaking, confusion or loss of consciousness. In these cases, go to the emergency room immediately or call 911.

Symptoms of a brain tumor can vary depending on its location, size and characteristics. They may include headaches, seizures, changes in vision or speech, nausea and vomiting, changes in balance, weakness, or changes in memory, concentration or behavior.

Having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean a brain tumor is present. Many of them can be caused by other, far more common conditions. A medical evaluation, and imaging studies when indicated, can help determine the cause.

Not necessarily. Not all brain tumors are cancer. There are benign tumors, which are not cancerous, and malignant tumors, which are. Brain tumors also vary in type and behavior, which can differ significantly from one tumor to another.

For this reason, a brain tumor diagnosis alone does not determine its nature or treatment. Identifying the type of tumor and its characteristics requires a medical evaluation and the appropriate imaging studies.

No. Treatment depends on each individual case, including the type of tumor, its size, location, characteristics and the patient's specific situation.

In some cases, surgery may be recommended; in others, treatment may include periodic monitoring, radiation therapy, medication or other options. Active surveillance may be used, for example, for certain slow-growing tumors that are not causing symptoms.

The decision is made after reviewing the case and evaluating the available alternatives.

A craniotomy is a surgical procedure that provides access to the brain through a temporary opening in the skull. The neurosurgeon makes an incision, removes a section of bone to reach the area requiring treatment, and replaces it once the procedure is complete.

It can be used to treat various conditions, including certain brain tumors, aneurysms and other neurological disorders. The surgical approach depends on the area to be treated and each patient's individual characteristics.

During and after surgery, neurological checks and monitoring are performed to track the patient's progress.

There is no single recovery time that applies to all brain surgeries. It depends on the procedure performed, the area treated, the diagnosis and each patient's individual condition.

After brain surgery, the patient remains under medical observation, and the return to normal activities is determined based on their progress. Some patients may require rehabilitation or additional care before fully resuming their usual activities.

For this reason, the recovery timeline is established individually during follow-up after surgery.

Like any surgical procedure, brain surgery carries risks. These depend mainly on the type of procedure, the area of the brain being treated, and each patient's individual condition.

Possible complications include bleeding, infection, seizures, brain swelling, or neurological changes such as altered strength, speech, memory or balance. Not all of these risks occur in every surgery.

Before making a decision, the neurosurgeon explains the corresponding risks, benefits and alternatives for the specific case, so the patient can make an informed decision.

Yes. Dr. García Zamarrón performs brain tumor surgery, endoscopic endonasal pituitary surgery, and trigeminal neuralgia surgery, supported by neuronavigation, neurophysiological monitoring, and ultrasonic aspiration. See the brain surgery page for full details.