Medical articles from Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

life-saving-brain-surgery-on-an-awake-violinist article image

24/04/2020

Neurosurgeon

Life-saving brain surgery on an awake violinist

The removal of a brain tumour is incredibly complex, particularly due to the necessity of checking that the brain isn't damaged during the tumour's removal. For Ms Dagmar, a professional violinist, it was essential that she kept her ability to play her violin, so she performed during her brain surgery. Learn about brain tumours, their removal and this remarkable surgery performed by Professor Ashkan and his team.

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17/12/2019

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

Neurosurgeon

Living with Parkinson's disease

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition caused by a lack of dopamine in the substantia nigra (this is in the mid-brain and is responsible for producing dopamine). It affects more than 4.5 million people worldwide. Professor Ashkan tells us more about this disease.

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16/04/2019

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

Neurosurgeon

Extreme pain: glossopharyngeal neuralgia

Some people may experience extreme stabbing or an electric-shock type of pain at the throat, tongue, tonsil and ears. This condition is known as glossopharyngeal neuralgia. We've asked one of our top neurosurgeons Professor Keyoumars Ashkan to explain how the condition is treated.

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27/11/2018

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

Neurosurgeon

How does awake brain surgery really work?

Awake brain surgery is a surgical procedure carried out on the brain whilst the patient is awake and conscious. This procedure is used when surgery is being performed close to part of the brain that controls speech and motor functions. Professor Keyoumars Ashkan, a leading neurosurgeon at the London Neurosurgery Partnership, explains how awake brain surgery is performed, the risks involved and what the recovery period looks like following this complex and remarkable procedure.

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23/07/2018

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

Neurosurgeon

Functional neurosurgery; charging and changing how the brain works

Top Doctor Keyoumars Ashkan talks about the fascinating world of functional surgery, in particular, functional neurosurgery, that alters the function of nerve tissue in the brain, spinal cord and nervous system.

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11/10/2017

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

Neurosurgeon

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is used across medical specialties in both the treatment and diagnosis of neurological conditions. Here, we explain how it works, and what it can be used for.

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06/10/2017

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

Neurosurgeon

Recent advances in brain tumour surgery

Brain tumour surgery is complex and can be challenging for the surgeon, but there are many new methods and techniques surfacing which are making the surgery safer and more effective.

a-common-cause-of-back-pain-a-guide-to-degenerative-spine-disease article image

15/09/2017

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

Neurosurgeon

A common cause of back pain: a guide to degenerative spine disease

DSD is relatively common in the Western world, due to its ageing population. Most people over the age of 40 experience some degree of degeneration, with people over 70 even more commonly and severely affected. Professor Ashkan, leading neurosurgeon, explains the condition.

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18/08/2017

Professor Keyoumars Ashkan MBE

Neurosurgeon

Neuromodulation: nerve stimulation for chronic pain

Neuromodulation is an impressive method used to treat certain neurological conditions such as tremor, severe pain and headaches, by using electricity that is aimed at certain parts of the brain, spine or nervous system. Professor Keyoumars Ashkan gives an overview of how it has been developed and the most typical conditions it is used for today.