What Does a Neurosurgeon Do? Find a Top-Rated Neurosurgeon Near You

What is a Neurosurgeon?

A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the treatment of conditions that affect the nervous system, usually with surgery. The nervous system includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. These highly-trained doctors are experts in performing surgeries for tumors, injuries, infections, or abnormalities that can impact the delicate, complex structures of the nervous system.

Neurosurgeons have extensive education and training to understand how the brain and nervous system work separately and together. They use surgery to correct problems like removing brain tumors, repairing spinal cord injuries, treating neurological disorders, and alleviating conditions that may require delicate and precise intervention.

These doctors often work closely with other medical professionals, such as neurologists, radiologists, and rehabilitation specialists, to provide comprehensive care for patients with neurological issues. Their goal is to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals by addressing specific problems within the nervous system through surgical means when necessary.

What does a Neurosurgeon do?

Neurosurgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders with surgery. This includes the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and supporting structures like the skull and spine.

What does a Neurosurgeon do for Patients?

1. Diagnosis & Treatment Planning:
   • Conducting thorough evaluations of patients with neurological symptoms to diagnose conditions such as brain tumors, spinal cord injuries, vascular disorders, or congenital anomalies.
   • Developing comprehensive treatment plans that may include surgical interventions, non-surgical approaches, or a combination of both, depending on the nature of the neurological disorder.
2. Surgery:
   • Performing surgical procedures to address neurological issues. This can involve delicate and precise operations on the brain, spine, or peripheral nerves to remove tumors, repair injuries, treat abnormalities, or alleviate pressure on the nervous system.
3. Emergency Interventions:
   • Responding to emergencies such as traumatic brain injuries, hemorrhages, or acute spinal cord injuries that require immediate surgical attention.
4. Postoperative Care:
   • Providing postoperative care and monitoring patients to ensure a smooth recovery. This may involve managing pain, preventing infections, and addressing any complications that may arise.
5. Consultations:
   • Offering consultations to patients and their families to explain diagnoses, discuss treatment options, and provide information about the potential risks and benefits of surgery.
6. Non-Surgical Interventions:
   • Recommending and coordinating non-surgical treatments when appropriate, such as medications, physical therapy, or radiation therapy.
7. Specialized Areas:
   • Some neurosurgeons specialize in specific areas within the field, such as pediatric neurosurgery, functional neurosurgery (dealing with conditions like epilepsy), or vascular neurosurgery (addressing disorders of the blood vessels in the brain).

What does a Neurosurgeon do with Other Doctors?

1. Collaboration:
   • Working closely with other medical professionals, including neurologists, radiologists, oncologists, and rehabilitation specialists, to ensure comprehensive and coordinated care for patients.
2. Education and Research:
   • Engaging in ongoing education and research to stay updated on the latest advancements in neurosurgical techniques and technologies, contributing to the progress of the field.

Neurosurgeons play a crucial role in the multidisciplinary approach to neurological care, often collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible outcomes for patients with neurological disorders.

What is the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon?

Neurologists and neurosurgeons are both medical professionals who specialize in the field of neurology, dealing with disorders of the nervous system. However, there are distinct differences in their roles, training, and the types of care they provide.

What Is A Neurologist?

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and non-surgical treatment of neurological conditions. Conversely, neurosurgeons treat these disorders with surgery. While neurologists focus on non-surgical treatments, neurosurgeons specialize in surgical interventions.

1. Neurologist and Neurosurgeon Education & Training:
   • Neurologist: After completing medical school, neurologists undergo residency training in neurology, which typically lasts for several years. They become experts in diagnosing and managing neurological disorders through non-surgical means, such as medications, lifestyle modifications, and other non-invasive interventions.
   • Neurosurgeon: Neurosurgeons follow a similar path through medical school, but their postgraduate training involves a residency in neurosurgery. This training focuses on the surgical aspects of neurological care, including complex procedures on the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves.
2. Treatment Approach:
   • Neurologist: Neurologists use a variety of diagnostic tools, such as imaging studies and neurological examinations, to diagnose conditions. Their treatment approaches often involve medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Neurologists may also consult with neurosurgeons when surgical intervention is necessary.
   • Neurosurgeon: Neurosurgeons are skilled in performing surgical procedures to treat neurological conditions. They may operate on the brain or spine to remove tumors, repair injuries, or address other structural issues. While surgery is a key aspect of their practice, neurosurgeons also collaborate with neurologists to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for each patient.
3. Scope of Practice:
   • Neurologist: Neurologists address a broad range of neurological disorders, including epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, headaches, and neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s.
   • Neurosurgeon: Neurosurgeons focus on conditions that may require surgical intervention, such as brain and spinal tumors, traumatic injuries, herniated discs, and vascular abnormalities.

In summary, while neurologists and neurosurgeons both specialize in neurology, their roles differ in terms of treatment focus, training, and the types of interventions they provide. They often work collaboratively to ensure comprehensive care for patients with neurological conditions.

What Is Neuromedicine?

Sometimes neuromedicine is used to describe the incorporation of new medical advancements and technologies to diagnose and treat neurological conditions. Examples of neuro medicine include the use of neuroimaging, neurophysiology, and other specialized tools to understand and address disorders affecting the nervous system.

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What conditions do neurosurgeons treat?

Neurosurgeons treat a variety of medical conditions related to the nervous system that include but are not limited to:

1. Brain Tumors:
   • Neurosurgeons perform surgeries to remove both benign and malignant tumors in the brain. The goal is to eliminate or reduce the mass and, if possible, preserve neurological function.
2. Spinal Disorders:
   • This includes conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, and spinal deformities. Neurosurgeons may perform surgeries like discectomies, laminectomies, or spinal fusions to alleviate compression on the spinal cord or nerves.
3. Traumatic Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries:
   • Neurosurgeons are often involved in the acute management and surgical treatment of traumatic injuries to the brain and spinal cord.
4. Vascular Disorders:
   • Conditions such as aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and other vascular abnormalities may require surgical intervention to prevent bleeding or address blood flow issues in the brain.
5. Neurological Malformations:
   • Neurosurgeons may treat congenital abnormalities affecting the structure of the brain or spinal cord.
6. Functional Disorders:
   • Certain conditions, such as epilepsy and movement disorders, may be treated with surgical procedures to alleviate symptoms. This may include procedures like deep brain stimulation (DBS) or epilepsy surgery.
7. Peripheral Nerve Disorders:
   • Conditions affecting peripheral nerves, such as carpal tunnel syndrome or peripheral nerve tumors, may be treated surgically by neurosurgeons.
8. Hydrocephalus:
   • Neurosurgeons can place shunts or perform other procedures to manage the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain.
9. Infections of the Nervous System:
   • In cases of severe infections affecting the brain or spinal cord, neurosurgeons may be involved in surgical drainage or removal of infected tissue.
10. Pain Management:
    • In certain cases, neurosurgeons may perform procedures to manage chronic pain conditions, such as spinal cord stimulator implantation.

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What kind of surgeries do neurosurgeons perform?

1. Craniotomy – removing a portion of the skull temporarily to access and treat conditions within the brain, such as tumors, vascular abnormalities, or traumatic injuries.
2. Brain Tumor Removal
3. Spinal Fusion – Fusion of two or more vertebrae to stabilize the spine, often performed to treat conditions like spinal instability, degenerative disc disease, or spinal deformities.
4. Discectomy – Removal of a portion of a herniated disc to alleviate pressure on spinal nerves and relieve symptoms like pain and numbness.
5. Laminectomy – Removal of part of the vertebral bone (lamina) to create more space in the spinal canal, often performed to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves in conditions like spinal stenosis.
6. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – Implantation of electrodes in specific areas of the brain, connected to a pacemaker-like device, to modulate abnormal neural activity and alleviate symptoms of movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease or essential tremor.
7. Peripheral Nerve Surgery – Surgery to address conditions affecting peripheral nerves, such as carpal tunnel release or surgical management of peripheral nerve tumors.
8. Aneurysm Clipping and Coiling – Treatment of cerebral aneurysms by either placing a metal clip around the neck of the aneurysm or using endovascular coiling techniques to promote blood clotting within the aneurysm.
9. Ventriculoperitoneal (VP) Shunt Placement – Insertion of a shunt to divert excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the abdominal cavity, commonly done in cases of hydrocephalus.
10. Epilepsy Surgery
11. Peripheral Nerve Decompression – Surgical release of compressed nerves to alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like peripheral neuropathy or nerve entrapment syndromes.
12. Microvascular Decompression (MVD) – Surgical procedure to relieve compression of cranial nerves, often used to treat conditions like trigeminal neuralgia.

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What Are Some Reasons to See a Neurosurgeon? Why would I need to see a neurosurgeon?

Seeing a neurosurgeon is typically recommended when an individual is experiencing neurological symptoms or has been diagnosed with a condition that may require surgical intervention. Here are several reasons why someone might need to see a neurosurgeon:

1. Brain Tumors
2. Spinal Disorders
3. Traumatic Brain or Spinal Cord Injuries
4. Vascular Abnormalities -Conditions like aneurysms or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) may necessitate surgical procedures to prevent bleeding or address abnormalities in blood vessels within the brain.
5. Peripheral Nerve Disorders
6. Functional Disorders – Neurological conditions like epilepsy or movement disorders may be treated surgically, and a neurosurgeon can evaluate the appropriateness of procedures such as deep brain stimulation (DBS) or epilepsy surgery.
7. Hydrocephalus – Buildup of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain may require surgical placement of a shunt, and a neurosurgeon can assess and perform this procedure.
8. Infections of the Nervous System
9. Pain Management – Chronic pain conditions, such as certain types of back pain, may be addressed with surgical interventions, and a neurosurgeon can evaluate and perform procedures such as spinal cord stimulator implantation.
10. Genetic or Congenital Neurological Conditions
11. After Failed Non-Surgical Treatments – When conservative or non-surgical treatments have been unsuccessful in alleviating symptoms or treating a neurological condition, a neurosurgeon may be consulted to explore surgical options.
12. For a Second Opinion

It’s important to note that seeing a neurosurgeon does not always mean surgery is the only option. Neurosurgeons often work closely with other healthcare professionals to provide a multidisciplinary approach to care, considering both surgical and non-surgical interventions based on the individual’s specific condition.

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What questions should I ask my neurosurgeon?

When meeting with a neurosurgeon, it’s crucial to ask questions to fully understand your condition, treatment options, and what to expect. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking:

Diagnosis and Condition:

1. What is my diagnosis, and can you explain it in terms I can understand?
2. What are the potential causes of my symptoms or condition?

Treatment Options, Surgical Procedure, and Recovery:

Alternative Treatments and Prognosis:

Second Opinion and Experience:

Preparation, Hospital Stay, and Postoperative Care:

Insurance and Costs, Second Surgery or Additional Treatments, and Lifestyle Changes:

Remember that open communication with your neurosurgeon is crucial for making informed decisions about your healthcare. Feel free to ask any additional questions that may address your specific concerns or uncertainties.

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What can I expect during an appointment with a neurosurgeon?

An appointment with a neurosurgeon typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of your neurological symptoms or condition. Here’s what you can generally expect during an appointment with a neurosurgeon:

The neurosurgeon will start by reviewing your medical history, including any relevant past illnesses, surgeries, medications, and family history of neurological conditions. You will discuss your current symptoms in detail. Prepare to talk about the nature, duration, and intensity of your symptoms, along with any factors that may worsen or alleviate them.

A neurologist and/or neurosurgeon may examine you to assess your motor skills, reflexes, sensation, coordination, and other aspects of nervous system function. This may involve simple tasks, such as following finger movements with your eyes or testing muscle strength.

If you have had any previous diagnostic tests (such as imaging studies or nerve conduction studies), the neurosurgeon will review these results. Your doctors may order additional tests if needed, such as MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging studies.

Preliminary Diagnosis

Based on the medical history, physical examination, and any diagnostic tests, the neurosurgeon will discuss their preliminary diagnosis and explain the nature of your condition. They may use visual aids or diagrams to help you understand.

The neurosurgeon will discuss the available treatment options, both surgical and non-surgical, based on the diagnosis. They will explain the potential benefits, risks, and expected outcomes of each option.

Ask questions about your condition, treatment options, and any concerns you may have. This is an opportunity for open communication and to ensure that you fully understand your situation. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeons will work with you to develop a treatment plan that aligns with your preferences and values. This may involve a discussion about the pros and cons of different treatment approaches.

Proposed Procedures

The neurosurgeon, if recommending surgery, will furnish details about the proposed procedure, encompassing preparation, expected outcomes, and postoperative care. If non-surgical options are preferred, they will engage in a discussion about the recommended course of action.

We will establish a follow-up plan, including any necessary appointments, tests, or consultations with other healthcare professionals. This plan will ensure ongoing monitoring and management of your condition.

Remember that each appointment may vary based on the specific circumstances of your case. It’s important to be open and honest about your symptoms and concerns during the appointment, and don’t hesitate to seek clarification on any information provided by the neurosurgeon.

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