For many, a neurosurgeon is a person who performs brain surgery to deal with certain brain issues. This is true, but neurosurgeons perform more than just brain surgery. Brain surgery is part of their jobs, but you will often find them performing surgery on various parts of the body. They deal with parts of the body that are somehow interlinked with the brain, such as the spine, neck problems, and even back pains. They do not only perform complex surgeries; they can also help with minor surgeries you need. They can do these surgeries due to their advanced knowledge of human anatomy and how these body sections relate to the brain.
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What training do surgeons have?
Neurosurgeons undergo the most intensive training than any other medical practitioner. They begin their training by completing the training needed for doctors. They then undergo specialty training in neurosurgery, which takes about five to 9 years depending on the specialty and areas of focus. They can specialize in pediatric neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, or spinal surgery.
What conditions can neurosurgeons treat?
Now that you know their diverse role, when is the best time to consult a neurosurgeon, or under what circumstances would you need the help of a neurosurgeon? You need the help of a-neurosurgeon when experiencing these conditions:
Handling chronic and persistent pain
If you had surgery and you still have pain after four weeks, there could be a complication. The imaging may reveal everything is fine; however, neurosurgeons with their skills will tell you the source of the problem and help you fix it. At this point, all you need is a hearing aid, probably another surgery that will help you overcome the pain.
Also read What Can Cause A Deviated Septum?
Persistent and chronic back and neck pains
A neurosurgeon is also called a physician for different parts of the body that require immediate interventions due to chronic pain. If you suffered injuries on your back or the neck, the problem could manifest itself on the brain; hence neurosurgeons will attempt to fix the problem by ensuring the minor back injury is corrected. After imaging, they will get a precise guideline on the challenge and then resume helping you get normal. The persistent pain in the neck can be caused by various conditions that require the intervention of neurosurgeons. These conditions include
Sciatica
This condition occurs due to inflammations in the sciatic nerve, leading to discomfort in the lower back. The pain can also be felt on other body parts, such as the arms and leg. The condition does not require surgery; however, an advanced state may require a surgery that only neurosurgeons can administer.
Carotid artery disease
A carotid artery is a dangerous disease that requires the intervention of neurosurgeons to avoid various complications. Neurosurgeons are critical because they perform surgery to remove plaque buildup in the body that can block the arteries leading to complications such as stroke.
Spine-related complications
Neurosurgeons also have skills and experience in handling spinal cord-related complications. They are experienced in handling issues with the spinal cord due to the connectivity with the brain. Handling the spinal cord requires experience and medical skills since any slight accident can lead to adverse damages such as paralysis. One of the common spinal cord problems is lumbar spinal stenosis which is a condition that leads to narrowing of the spinal canal and the compression of the nerves around the lower lower back. It can lead to pain, weakness, and numbness in the legs. The pain around the legs is one of the common symptoms of the condition; hence you need to visit the neurosurgeon when you feel or observe the symptoms.
They can also help handle spinal cord challenges related to accidents and other complications arising from different infections and diseases. Such conditions include herniated disc, which is a condition that occurs when the cartilages protecting the spine are broken. When you experience the following signs; leg pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness, in the arms and legs. When you see these conditions, you need neurosurgeons because you could be suffering from a herniated disc.
Tumors
When you have certain tumors, the best source of help can be found from neurosurgeons. These include tumors that require surgery to remove or prevent further growth. One of the tumors includes pituitary tumors that occur at the pituitary glands located in the brain. Other types of brain tumors also require their interventions to be removed. If you are recommended for endoscopic surgery, craniotomy, and Gamma knife, you need the services of the best neurosurgeons in town.
Brain conditions and diseases
When you have certain complications such as Hydrocephalus, you need the services of a neurosurgeon as early as possible. This is the condition that leads to the accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. It is a common problem and may occur in both infants. For adults, when you experience some of these symptoms: severe headaches, seizures, vision complications, sleep complications, and dizziness, you may need the help of a neurosurgeon.
Besides the conditions, patients are usually referred to a neurosurgeon when they experience certain head injuries that could potentially damage the brain. The referrals are necessary to prevent brain tumors and concussions that may occur with time.
Why do you need a neurosurgeon?
When you experience the conditions discussed, a neurosurgeon will be the best choice for you due to their complex training on the spine, neck, brain; hence they can help you resolve all the challenges in these areas. Their qualification and level of experience in these areas cannot be matched to other medical practitioners.
They have the highest training and medical experience to ensure you go to the theater and return alive without further complications. They can also resolve any other conditions that may arise after the surgery, securing your long-term wellness and preventing future medical costs associated with recurring or future treatments.
Where can you find the best neurosurgeons?
Neurosurgeons are available in both public and private hospitals. Some of them may be found in clinics; however, before you see any, you will undergo various medical procedures and tests before the problem is established to need neurosurgeons’ interventions.
