Functional neurosurgery treats conditions in which the brain or nerves work abnormally, even though no obvious structural damage is present. Stereotactic techniques use precise three-dimensional coordinates to reach deep targets in the brain through a small opening. Conditions that may be considered include advanced Parkinson's disease, tremor, dystonia, trigeminal neuralgia and severe spasticity.

Surgery is considered only after medications have been optimised. Neurologists and neurosurgeons review the patient's symptoms, scans and general health, and they discuss the likely benefits and limits in detail. The aim is better control of symptoms, and these procedures do not cure the underlying disease.

Some treatments involve an implanted device that delivers electrical stimulation, which requires regular programming and battery checks. Others use targeted procedures to interrupt abnormal pain or movement signals.

Functional and stereotactic services at Apex include:

• Stereotactic Biopsy: Frame- or image-based sampling of deep brain lesions through a small opening, helping to establish a diagnosis with limited disturbance to surrounding tissue.
• Deep Brain Stimulation Evaluation: Assessment of whether implanted electrodes could ease tremor, stiffness or abnormal movements, with a review of the patient's response to medicines and overall fitness.
• Trigeminal Neuralgia Treatment: Evaluation of severe, stabbing facial pain and consideration of procedures such as microvascular decompression when medicines no longer control it.
• Spasticity Treatment: Assessment of severe muscle stiffness and consideration of options such as intrathecal baclofen pumps when oral medicines and therapy are not enough.