Neurosurgery is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnoses and treatment of conditions that involve the nervous system and its supporting structures such as the spinal cord and nerves – as well as the brain. If you aren’t aware of what neurosurgery entails, you may be surprised. Here is an overview of neurosurgery.
What is Neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery is the surgical treatment of the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord and column and the nerves that are throughout the body. As such, neurosurgery is one of the most complex specialties in medicine. Neurosurgery deals with the diagnosis, prevention, surgical treatment and rehabilitation of these areas of the body when they are injured or compromised due to illness or disease. Ever evolving, many neurosurgical procedures have become non-invasive, meaning even the most complex procedures use highly specialized, very small surgical tools to lower risk of infection and scarring, while reducing time spent in hospital and recovery.
The Neurosurgeon
The doctors who specialize in the field of neurosurgery are called neurosurgeons. If a primary doctor suspects you may have an issue that affects your nervous system, you may be referred to a neurosurgeon. Reasons for referrals can include spinal cord injury, chronic neck and back pain that may include herniated disc or degenerative disc disease; facial nerve paralysis; and epilepsy. Neurosurgeons are highly skilled at treating cranial, spinal and peripheral nerve conditions, as well as spinal preservation surgeries utilizing cervical and lumbar artificial discs (disc arthroplasty). Neurosurgeons commonly work with other providers and specialists to devise a comprehensive treatment individualized to your condition.
Conservative Treatments
Before advising you for a surgical procedure, your neurosurgeon will ensure that surgery should be a last resort. If more conservative, traditional treatments like medication, physical therapy, epidural injections and lifestyle changes like exercising or losing weight have proven ineffective, you may be referred for surgery – especially when it has to do with neck and back pain. Neurosurgical intervention may involve surgical or non-surgical approaches, or a combination of the two.
Renown Neurosurgeons in Bradenton, Florida
If you live in or around the greater Bradenton area, or you are out of area but seeking world-class neurosurgical care, look no further than Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery, where board-certified neurosurgeons Dr. Michael Rauzzino and Dr. Kevin L Boyer have used their expertise to ensure comprehensive, patient-centered care designed to achieve the best possible outcomes. If you have experienced an injury, have a nerve and spine or cranial condition; or have questions about how our services can help you, call Front Range Spine and Neurosurgery today at (303) 790-1800 or use our online form to request an appointment.
