
Lifestyle & Prevention
A Day in the Life: Neurosurgery Residents
The sun is still asleep when neurosurgery residents arrive at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. “I usually get in around 5:30 - 6 in the morning,” s...
Adeolu Olasunkanmi, MDComplex Spine Neurosurgery and Oncology"I strive to offer the highest quality of surgical care to all my patients to alleviate suffering and improve function. Non-surgical management is preferred over more invasive measures."

A spinal tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue within or surrounding the spinal cord and/or spinal column. During surgery, the spinal bones (laminae) are removed to access the spinal canal. The tissue-lined compartment that contains the spinal cord and nerves that are surrounded by spinal fluid is called the dura. The surgeon opens the dura to expose the spinal cord and nerves and remove the tumor. Then the dura is then sutured and closed.

Spinal fusion is considered complex because it involves joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine, limiting its motion. This surgical procedure is used to treat various spinal conditions that may lead to instability or abnormal curvature. Spinal fusion may be used for degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, spinal stenosis (spinal canal narrowing) and other conditions.

Lumbar decompression surgery is a type of surgery used to treat compressed nerves in the lower (lumbar) spine. Surgery can improve symptoms such as persistent pain and numbness in the legs caused by pressure on the nerves in the spine.

Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a surgeon removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina). This helps ease pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots that may be caused by injury, herniated disk, narrowing of the canal (spinal stenosis) or tumors.

Lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the spinal canal, most commonly to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing. The main reason for a lumbar puncture is to help diagnose diseases of the central nervous system, including the brain and spine.

Neurosurgeons undergo extensive education, including medical school, residency in neurosurgery, and often additional fellowships for specialized training in complex procedures and techniques.

A spinal tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue within or surrounding the spinal cord and/or spinal column. During surgery, the spinal bones (laminae) are removed to access the spinal canal. The tissue-lined compartment that contains the spinal cord and nerves that are surrounded by spinal fluid is called the dura. The surgeon opens the dura to expose the spinal cord and nerves and remove the tumor. Then the dura is then sutured and closed.

Spinal fusion is considered complex because it involves joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilize the spine, limiting its motion. This surgical procedure is used to treat various spinal conditions that may lead to instability or abnormal curvature. Spinal fusion may be used for degenerative disc disease, scoliosis, spinal stenosis (spinal canal narrowing) and other conditions.

Lumbar decompression surgery is a type of surgery used to treat compressed nerves in the lower (lumbar) spine. Surgery can improve symptoms such as persistent pain and numbness in the legs caused by pressure on the nerves in the spine.

Laminectomy is a type of surgery in which a surgeon removes part or all of the vertebral bone (lamina). This helps ease pressure on the spinal cord or the nerve roots that may be caused by injury, herniated disk, narrowing of the canal (spinal stenosis) or tumors.

Lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, is a medical procedure in which a needle is inserted into the spinal canal, most commonly to collect cerebrospinal fluid for diagnostic testing. The main reason for a lumbar puncture is to help diagnose diseases of the central nervous system, including the brain and spine.

Neurosurgeons undergo extensive education, including medical school, residency in neurosurgery, and often additional fellowships for specialized training in complex procedures and techniques.

Our team of top-rated neurosurgeons and other specialists work collaboratively to diagnose and treat patients from infants to adults. With state-of-the-art technology and leading research, our expert surgeons treat brain tumors, spinal disorders, neurosurgical cancers, movement disorders, endovascular issues and other complex neurological conditions.


Our skilled team of neurosurgeons, neurologists and other specialists work collaboratively to diagnose and treat patients of all ages.

State-of-the-art expertise in treating brain tumors, spinal disorders, cancers, vascular issues and other complex neurological conditions.

1st in VA to offer deep brain stimulation for epilepsy, and 1st in VA to implant a Vagal Nerve Stimulator for depression treatment.

Regional leader in neurosurgical research and clinical trials.

Our skilled team of neurosurgeons, neurologists and other specialists work collaboratively to diagnose and treat patients of all ages.

State-of-the-art expertise in treating brain tumors, spinal disorders, cancers, vascular issues and other complex neurological conditions.

1st in VA to offer deep brain stimulation for epilepsy, and 1st in VA to implant a Vagal Nerve Stimulator for depression treatment.

Regional leader in neurosurgical research and clinical trials.
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Our Spine Neurosurgery team includes specialists in neurosurgery, neurology, neuroradiology and radiation oncology. A nurse practitioner and other care team members carefully coordinate related tests and appointments to ensure seamless care for our patients.
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