Neurosurgery or neurological surgery is a discipline that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of patients with nervous system disorders. The term “neuro” pertains to the nerves and nervous system, which include the brain, spinal cord, and central and peripheral nervous systems. Diseases and injuries in these areas are treated by a neurosurgeon.
Here are common neurosurgical questions answered.
What Is Neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery is a cutting-edge medical and surgical discipline. Becoming a neurosurgeon requires a five- to seven-year neurosurgery residency program. To practice, they need to become certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Neurosurgeons are among the most highly-trained and experienced specialists in medicine.
Neurosurgeons use the most advanced technologies to treat neurological or nervous system disorders, diseases, and injuries. These conditions can be very complex and unique, and neurosurgeons’ extensive training includes collaborating with other specialists.
Examples of what a neurosurgeon can treat include aneurysms, brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, cerebral hemorrhages, vascular malformations, spinal cord tumors, and spinal cord injuries. Neurosurgeons also perform spinal surgeries such as fusion surgery and laminectomy.
Who Needs To See a Neurosurgeon?
Patients with problems with the nervous system are usually referred to a neurosurgeon by their primary care doctors. Symptoms of nervous system disorders include a persistent headache, vision loss, memory loss, loss of feeling, or tingling anywhere in the body, weakness, and loss of muscle strength, lack of coordination, and mental changes.
Nervous system disorders and conditions are very serious. The nervous system helps all systems of the body to communicate with each other using electrical and chemical means.
Does Neuroscience Always Involve Surgical Procedures?
Not always. Neurosurgeons do not spend all their time in surgery. Neurosurgeons can treat patients using non-surgical and minimally-invasive approaches, as well. Examples of non-surgical approaches a neurosurgeon may use include medication, braces and orthotics, nerve injections, trigger point injections, epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, radiofrequency ablation, and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS). Neurosurgeons may also use radiation therapy and immunotherapy to treat patients.
What Can Neurosurgeons Treat?
Neurosurgeons are experts in treating a wide range of neurological conditions, including but not limited to:
- Benign and malignant brain tumors
- Brain aneurysm
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Hydrocephalus
- Pituitary tumors
- ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s/Dementia
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
- Disc herniation
- Traumatic spine injuries
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal cord tumors
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Radiculopathy
Neurosurgery in Colorado
Our board-certified neurosurgeons at Front Range Spine And Neurosurgery can provide the best neurosurgical care and treatment for your condition. We are leaders in minimally-invasive/microsurgical treatments for a wide range of neurological conditions. Dr. Michael Rauzzino is a well-known expert in intracranial and spinal disorders, while Dr. Kevin Boyer is recognized as an expert in cranial, spinal, and peripheral nerve surgery.
To make an appointment with Dr. Rauzzino or Dr. Boyer, call (303) 790-1800 or use our online form. We look forward to helping you get back to optimal health.
