Neurosurgeons are the medical specialists to see for diseases and issues affecting the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. They can perform complex brain surgery and spine surgery, but they also provide nonsurgical treatments.
A neurosurgeon can treat chronic pain, spine disorders, brain and spine tumors, and vertebral fractures, just to name a few. Neurosurgeons are regularly consulted by neurologists, emergency room doctors, and general practitioners.
Reasons to Visit a Neurosurgeon
Anyone with a brain issue, spine disorder, or nerve problem can see their quality of life rapidly decline without proper and timely treatment. Your doctor will likely refer you to a neurosurgeon if you have any of the following symptoms:
Frequent or Severe Headaches or Migraines
Headaches and migraines that have become frequent, or so severe that an episode leaves you incapacitated, then it could be due to a neurological issue. Serious headaches or migraines can cause vomiting, speech changes, vision changes, weakness in the arms and legs, and even personality changes.
A neurosurgeon can run a series of tests, such as a CT (computed tomography) scan, an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), or an EEG (electroencephalogram). These will help to determine whether the headaches are due to a brain, spinal cord, or nerve disorder, and what exactly is the root of the problem. This way, effective treatment can be prescribed or administered.
Unexplained Dizziness and Balance Issues
Getting dizzy after being on a boat or in an airplane is fairly normal, and the dizziness will subside quickly enough. Dizziness can even occur after receiving traumatic news.
However, suddenly feeling dizzy and losing your balance for no reason can indicate a neurological disorder or neurological impairment. Dizziness that lasts a day or two, whereby you cannot stand up easily or keep your food down, should be evaluated by a neurosurgeon.
A neurosurgeon can conduct tests such as an eye movement exam, a posturography, or an MRI to diagnose the cause of your dizziness and prescribe treatment.
Pain, Numbness, and Weakness
Pain or numbness in the arms or legs could be due to a condition called spinal stenosis, which is a narrowing of the spinal canal. This causes compression of the spinal cord, which results in unusual symptoms such as a burning pain in the lower back and buttocks, and numbness and weakness in the legs.
Although spinal stenosis can develop naturally as we get older, it may also be caused by conditions such as a spinal tumor. A neurosurgeon can perform surgery to remove tumors on the spine.
Neurosurgeon in Colorado Springs and Denver
The central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord – is a very delicate area of the body, and it demands special treatment by a skilled neurosurgeon. The experienced board-certified neurosurgeons at Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery provide comprehensive and patient-centered care to our patients.
Our medical team performs nonsurgical and surgical treatment methods as needed, and we routinely perform spine surgery and brain surgery. We have convenient locations in Colorado Springs, Aurora, Parker, and Lone Tree.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation, call us today at (303) 790-1800 or fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to serving you and helping you feel like yourself again!
