You may not think about it daily, but your brain and spinal cord are some of your most vital organs. A problem with either of these two can severely get in the way of you living your life. Fortunately, certain medical experts can treat these sorts of concerns, and neurosurgeons are an excellent example.
If you are wondering how these healthcare providers become experts in the field of neurosurgery, read on to find out about the training neurosurgeons go through.
More Than A Decade Of Education
Before becoming a neurosurgeon, a person must go through four years of undergraduate studies to get a bachelor’s degree. Afterward, they must complete four years of medical school, then spend a year interning in general surgery. Finally, a prospective neurosurgeon needs a residency program that lasts five to seven years.
They will have to go through a total of fourteen to sixteen years of studying before becoming a neurosurgeon. The skills and knowledge they gain allow them to deal with all types of problems patients may have with their nervous systems.
Board Certification
All these years of study culminate in board certification from the American Board of Neurological Surgery. Being board-certified means that a neurosurgeon is knowledgeable in the latest advancements in their field and follows the high standards set by this organization.
The years of work and study also indicate their commitment to giving nothing but the best treatments to their patients.
Specializing With Senior Neurosurgeons
After completing the residency program, neurosurgeons may undergo fellowship training. This allows them to specialize in a particular area of focus in neurosurgery.
By working with senior experts in their field, a neurosurgeon can gain a deeper understanding of neurological problems. They also become familiar with particular types of conditions or those that affect a specific group of people.
Some subspecialties in neurosurgery include:
- Cerebrovascular surgery
- Epilepsy surgery
- Functional neurosurgery (for treating movement disorders)
- Neuro-oncology (for treating brain tumors and cancer)
- Neurovascular surgery
- Pediatric Neurosurgery
- Peripheral nerve surgery
- Skull base neurosurgery (for treating cancerous growths under the skull or cervical spine)
- Spinal neurosurgery
Knowledge Of The Nervous System
Your nervous system is a major part of your body that controls movement, memories, and automatic responses to your environment. It has two components:
The first one is the central nervous system (CNS). This is composed of your brain and spinal cord and is the body’s main control center.
The second is the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This consists of the nerves in the body outside of the brain and spinal cord. It includes those in the arms, legs, and torso. It is responsible for internal body processes, muscles, and the signals from your sensory organs.
Neurosurgeons can assess and examine patients experiencing health problems in their CNS and PNS. These include:
- Brain trauma
- Cerebrospinal fluid leaks
- Disorders of the pituitary gland
- Herniated discs
- Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS)
- Movement disorders
- Spinal cord injury
- Spine disorders
- Spondylolisthesis
- Tumors in parts of the nervous system (benign or malignant)
Learning Treatments For Nerve And Spinal Problems
Neurosurgeons, as the title suggests, are qualified to perform surgery. They have manual dexterity skills, the latest tools and technology, and the knowledge and experience to use them.
Neurosurgeons can perform the following:
- Conventional open surgery
- Endoscopic surgery
- Endovascular surgery
- Microsurgery
- Psychiatric neurosurgery
- Spinal neurosurgery
- Stereotactic radiosurgery
While they can perform complex procedures, surgery is often only recommended as a last resort. That is why neurosurgeons are experts in a variety of conservative treatments, too.
These include:
- Braces for the affected body part
- Epidural injections
- Manual manipulation
- Medications, usually pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory
Neurosurgeon Near You In Lone Tree, Colorado Springs, & Aurora, CO
Your brain and your spine are integral parts of your body. They are responsible for every aspect of your bodily functions. If you are experiencing a problem, a neurosurgeon is your best bet to find much-needed relief.
Our neurosurgeons at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery are committed to providing exceptional care for all patients. We employ the best surgical and non-surgical treatments to alleviate our patients’ symptoms and conditions effectively.
Don’t wait another day to get your nervous or spinal problem treated. Call us at (303) 790-1800 for an appointment. You may also fill out our convenient online request form to schedule an appointment with the best neurosurgeon near you.
We look forward to being your partner in health!
