What do neurosurgeons treat

Many patients may work with both specialists, depending on their needs. Most undergo additional fellowship training to specialize in one area of neurology. A neurosurgeon completes additional training after medical school as well, including at least one year of residency in surgery and six more years of residency in neurosurgery.

Many neurosurgeons choose to complete fellowship training, which is additional training to further their focus within the field of neurosurgery. During your first appointment, your neurologist will conduct an initial screening, which may include setting you up with and evaluating an MRI.

If a neurologist notices anything troublesome that may require surgery, such as a tumor, he or she will then refer you to a neurosurgeon. Once you meet with a neurosurgeon, you may undergo more testing to determine whether surgery is needed.

Although they can perform very complex surgeries, neurosurgeons typically use non-operative treatment plans before performing surgery.

If surgery is required, minimally invasive techniques are used whenever possible. Neurosurgeons are also on call for emergency room physicians when a patient has trauma involving the brain and spinal cord. Neurologists undergo four years of pre-medical education at a college or university, four years of medical school resulting in an MD or DO degree, one year of internship, and at least three years of specialty training in a neurology residence program.

Some neurologists elect to take additional training in an area of interest such as stroke , movement disorders, or sleep medicine. In addition to four years of pre-medical education, four years of medical school, and a year of internship, their residency is five to seven years. Whole-patient epilepsy care: Uniting technology and psychosocial expertise. Brinjikni W, et al. Impact of balloon guided catheter on technical and clinical outcomes: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Neurointerventional Surgery. Attig JM. Financial Planning and Analysis. Bydon M expert opinion. Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn. Learn more about this top honor. While many people assume neurosurgeons only deal with brain conditions, in reality they have extensive training and expertise in a wide range of conditions that affect the skull, brain, spine, spinal cord, nerves and blood vessels. The following is not a complete list of all the conditions neurosurgeons diagnose and treat.

The spine contains 26 bones called vertebrae stacked on top of each other and supported by intervertebral discs. Facet joints connect adjacent vertebrae. The spinal column is responsible for protecting and supporting the spinal cord and nerves, which branch out from the spine and carry messages to the rest of the body.

Injury or disease to any part of the spine can cause pain, loss of mobility and nerve damage. There are multiple injuries and disorders that can develop in the spine. Neurosurgeons treat a wide range of spinal disorders, including complex spinal deformities. The peripheral nervous system ferries messages and sensations between the central nervous system the brain and spinal cord and the rest of the body. Peripheral nerves branch off from the spinal cord and carry information to the hands, feet, arms, legs, trunk, face and internal organs.

When the peripheral nervous system is damaged or injured, abnormal signaling or disruption of signaling can cause pain, weakness, numbness, tingling, altered sensations, and loss of motor skills in the affected area. Traumatic accidents falls, fractures, car accidents, sports accidents , overuse or repetitive use, and systemic diseases are common causes of nerve damage or nerve entrapment.