Neurosurgeons are the doctors who operate on brains to remove tumours or correct other problems. Even though the doctors are extremely careful, brain and nerves can be damaged. The effect depends on the part of the brain operated on and which parts of the body they control.

When something doesn’t work properly after surgery this is called a ‘deficit’ and this might be temporary or permanent. It might include problems with speech, movement or thinking and learning ability. Hormone production can also be affected and it is very important that these hormones are replaced.

Exercise and other rehabilitative therapies can produce improvements over many months and even years. Patients who are left with long-term difficulties and deficits, post surgery, can be helped by medical professionals, such as speech and language therapists, physiotherapists and clinical psychologists, to help improve these functions.