Neurosurgery refers to the surgical treatment of an injury or disorder affecting the brain, spinal cord, or the peripheral or central nervous system. Neurosurgeons and neurologists will first ensure that all conservative (nonsurgical) measures are considered or attempted, such as chiropractic treatment, lifestyle changes, medication, and physical therapy.
An overall neurosurgery treatment plan may involve a combination of surgical and nonsurgical methods. Let’s talk about why you may need neurosurgery and who you can see for a thorough and accurate assessment of your symptoms.
Why Do I Need to See a Neurosurgeon?
Some of the main reasons why you would see a neurosurgeon for an evaluation and treatment include the following:
Chronic Neck and Back Pain
You may experience neck and back pain due to injuries or pre-existing conditions like scoliosis, spinal deformities, or sciatica. Chronic neck pain or back pain may hinder your ability to perform day-to-day activities, in which case it would be best to see a neurosurgeon for an evaluation and possible treatment.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a disorder of the central nervous system that causes seizures. Signs and symptoms of epilepsy range from minor seizures, in which you may have momentary involuntary movements, to grand mal seizures which cause a loss of consciousness and involuntary flailing.
Typically, staring spells, loss of consciousness, mental symptoms, temporary confusion, and an uncontrollably twitching arm or leg characterize epilepsy. This condition can usually be controlled with treatment by a skilled neurosurgeon.
Brain Tumor
A brain tumor is the development of abnormal cellular growth in the brain. A tumor may be noncancerous (benign) or cancerous (malignant). Brain tumors may originate in the brain or develop in other parts of the body and spread to the brain: These are called primary brain tumors and metastatic brain tumors, respectively.
Signs and symptoms of a brain tumor depend on its location, size, and growth rate. Even benign tumors are often removed in order to prevent the tumor from further invading the brain tissue.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease happens when there is an impairment of the nerve cells in the part of the brain that controls movement. When these neurons die, it results in a decrease of dopamine production, which causes abnormal brain activity.
The primary symptoms of Parkinson’s disease are impaired balance and coordination, slow movements, stiff limbs and trunk, and tremor in the arms, hands, head, jaw, or legs. Parkinson’s disease cannot yet be cured, but neurosurgical treatment like deep brain stimulation, medication, and therapy can help mitigate your symptoms.
Spinal Cord Injury
A spinal cord injury can permanently affect the normal function of your body below the injury. A spinal cord injury in the neck can cause total paralysis below the shoulders, and a spine injury in the lower spine can result in paralysis of the lower torso and legs.
Immediate treatment is imperative so that further damage isn’t done to the spinal cord, so seek emergency medical care right away.
Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) typically follows a violent blow to the body or head. Depending on the injury’s severity, symptoms can vary from physical, sensory, or cognitive effects.
Symptoms may appear days or weeks after the traumatic injury. Due to the possible complications of brain injury to the brain cells and tissues, patients should seek immediate medical attention.
Experienced Neurosurgeons in Colorado
Our medical team at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery comprise board-certified neurosurgeons who have extensive training and many years of experience performing brain surgery, spine surgery, and even non-surgical treatments. We treat a broad range of neurological conditions, such as aneurysms, cerebral palsy, brain tumors and cancers, and traumatic brain injury.
We have offices conveniently located from Colorado Springs to the Greater Denver Area. If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call us today at (303) 790-1800 or complete our appointment request form online now. We look forward to seeing you here.
