What is a neurosurgeon?
Neurosurgeons or brain surgeons diagnose, manage, and treat conditions of the nervous system, spine, nerves, brain, and related body parts. It includes the skull, spinal disks, spinal vertebrae, protective soft tissues and membranes, and blood vessels. They also manage and treat illnesses that affect blood flow to the brain, perform surgery, and provide post-surgical care. Neurosurgeons can treat migraines, trigeminal neuralgia, tumors of nerves, brain, spine, and spinal cord, neuromuscular disorders, and multiple sclerosis.
Some neurosurgeons specialize in pediatric neurosurgery, neurological cancers, or spinal surgery. However, neurosurgeons also provide non-surgical treatment and only suggest surgery if one cannot avoid it. For instance, your neurosurgeon could first advise anti-inflammatory medications or physical therapy if you have persistent back discomfort. They may only recommend surgery if these treatments don't relieve your pain.
Neurosurgeons work in settings such as hospitals and clinics or have private practice. They often work with or provide consultancy to other specialists such as internists, family practitioners, osteopaths, neurologists, or emergency room doctors to treat patients.
Education and training of neurosurgeons
Aspiring neurosurgeons must complete their graduation and join a medical school where they study and train for four years. During the first two years, they learn theory, and the next two involve working in clinical settings where they learn to identify and treat illnesses. After this, they must complete a one-year surgical internship in the Department of Neurological Surgery. That's not all—they must do a seven-year neurosurgical residency program. The program needs to be accredited by the American Council on Graduate Medical Education (ACGME).
Throughout this residency program, neurosurgeons receive training in all areas of neurosurgery, including the cerebrovascular system, trauma, tumors, the spine and spinal cord, pain control, and pediatric surgery. They must also complete at least 60 months of training in neurological sciences, including at least three months of clinical neurology training and 36 months of clinical neurosurgery. Neurosurgeons can become board-certified after their residency.
Those who wish to specialize further in a particular area must complete an additional fellowship. Neurosurgeons must also continue their education throughout their careers to keep updated with the latest developments in their field.
Types of neurosurgeons
Following their residency, neurosurgeons can specialize in specific neurosurgery areas. There are seven different types of neurosurgeons based on their specialization. If you are looking for neurosurgeons near you, find the right specialist based on your needs.
- Vascular neurosurgery: Vascular neurosurgery focuses on treating conditions affecting the veins and arteries in the brain and spinal cord. These conditions encompass stroke, aneurysms, cavernous malformations, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and certain types of brain tumors.
- Neurosurgical oncology: Neurosurgical oncology focuses on removing tumors in the nervous system. These neurosurgeons collaborate with a team of medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, neurologists, and rehabilitation doctors.
- Pediatric neurosurgery: Pediatric neurosurgery deals with surgical treatment for neurological conditions in kids. Pediatric neurosurgeons can handle various neurological issues in children, such as cancers, hydrocephalus, vascular problems, and congenital brain and spine abnormalities. They often collaborate with other doctors in multidisciplinary teams to care for young patients.
- Neurosurgical spine: Neurosurgical spine deals with surgically treating various spinal problems. Spine neurosurgeons handle spinal fractures, degenerative conditions, deformities, tumors, and infections.
- Functional neurosurgery: Functional neurosurgery involves surgically addressing chronic brain and nerve disorders that disrupt daily functioning. Functional neurosurgeons look after epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, chronic pain, spasticity, and psychiatric disorders like depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This field is expanding due to advancements in surgical treatments for neurological conditions, enhancing patients' lives.
- Peripheral nerve neurosurgery: Peripheral nerve neurosurgery treats diseases in the peripheral nervous system, including nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. These neurosurgeons can handle issues like trapped nerves, nerve damage repair, chronic pain, and nerve tumors.
- General neurosurgery: It involves surgically treating brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerve conditions. General neurosurgeons can handle various issues, such as vascular disorders, brain and spine tumors, congenital abnormalities, injuries, and degenerative spine problems. They do not specialize in one area but cover a broad spectrum of neurosurgical disorders.
Difference between a neurosurgeon and a neurologist
Neurosurgeons differ from neurologists, who also treat diseases and conditions of the nervous system and brain, as they can perform surgery and neurologists cannot. You can visit a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment if symptoms indicate a problem with the brain, spine, or nervous system. If the neurologist feels that you will receive better care from a neurosurgeon and may need surgery, they will refer you to one for medical advice and surgical treatment.
After graduating from medical school, a neurologist undergoes three years of resident training in neurology and at least a year of training in internal medicine. Most neurologists complete further fellowship training to focus on a particular field.
On the other hand, after medical school, a neurosurgeon completes additional training that includes at least one year of surgical residency and six more years of residency in neurosurgery. Completing fellowship training, which is further training to focus on a specific area within neurosurgery, is a popular choice among neurosurgeons.
Procedures and surgeries performed by neurosurgeons
Neurosurgeons have training in conducting diagnostic tests. They are proficient at operating and analyzing testing or scanning devices used for:
- Positron emission tomography (PET scans)
- Computed tomography (CT scans)
- MRI scans (magnetic resonance tomography)
- Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
- Electroencephalograms (EEG)
Depending upon the techniques and procedures, neurosurgeons can perform the following types of surgeries:
- Microsurgery
- Open surgery
- Radiosurgery
- Endoscopic surgery
- Minimally invasive surgery
- Endovascular surgery
- Chronic pain interventional procedures.
Neurosurgeons can also perform brain, peripheral nerve, and stereotactic spine surgery based on the affected part of the nervous system or its supporting tissues and structures.
- Brain surgery: It includes tumor removal, trauma repair, blood clot removal, shunt insertion, aneurysm repair, and hemorrhage stoppage.
- Peripheral nerve surgery: It provides vagus nerve stimulation, carpal tunnel release, and ulnar nerve release.
- Stereotactic spine radiosurgery: It includes vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty, spine stabilization and reconstruction, spinal fusion, diskectomy, and laminectomy.
How can you take care of your nervous system?
The human nervous system is a complex and vital network that serves as the body's control center, transmitting essential messages between the brain and other organs. Proactive measures are crucial to maintain its health and function.
Here are some useful tips to support your nervous system and prevent issues before they require medical intervention from a neurosurgeon near you.
- Fuel your nerves with proper nutrition - A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports the nervous system. Incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids—such as salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds—as they enhance nerve function. Make sure to have foods with vitamin B12, like eggs, dairy, and lean meats, to assist in repairing and upkeep nerve cells.
- Stay hydrated - Water is crucial for nerve function. Even mild dehydration can disrupt nerve signaling, so drinking enough water throughout the day is essential to maintain healthy nerve activity.
- Manage stress - Long-term stress can negatively impact the nervous system. Practice stress-relief methods such as meditation, yoga, deep breathing exercises, or time in nature. Reducing stress can help safeguard both your mental well-being and your nervous system.
- Exercise regularly - Physical activity boosts circulation, delivering nutrients and oxygen to nerve cells. Engaging in exercises like walking, swimming, or yoga can enhance nerve function and reduce the likelihood of nerve-related problems.
- Get adequate sleep - Sleep helps your nervous system to repair and rejuvenate itself. Aim for around seven to nine hours of rest each night to allow your nerves to function optimally.
- Engage in mental exercises - Stimulate your brain with activities like puzzles, reading, learning new skills, or playing musical instruments. Mental challenges help maintain nerve connections and support long-term cognitive health.
- Limit exposure to harmful substances - Minimize or avoid alcohol and tobacco, as both can harm nerve function. It's also beneficial to reduce exposure to environmental toxins whenever possible.
- Take charge of your nerve health - If you have risk factors or notice symptoms related to nerve problems, consider consulting a specialist for a comprehensive evaluation. Early detection and medical intervention can make a significant difference in maintaining nerve health.
- Act quickly on symptoms - Persistent symptoms like tingling, numbness, weakness, or pain in the neck or back should not be ignored. Promptly consulting a neurosurgeon can help address these issues before they escalate.
Reasons to visit a neurosurgeon near you
Usually, your primary care provider or a neurologist may refer you to a neurosurgeon in case of brain bleeding, strokes, dilated blood vessels (cerebral aneurysms), or cancerous or benign spinal and brain tumors. However, you can also approach a neurosurgeon on your own. Check with your insurance company whether you need a referral to cover the expenses.
Neurosurgeons have extensive knowledge about your brain, the nervous system, and the conditions that affect them. They can help you with in-depth assessments of chronic pain, head, neck, or spine injuries, neurological disorders such as Parkinson's, epilepsy, seizures, osteoarthritis, herniated discs, and movement disorders.
You must visit a neurologist if you observe sudden vision loss, chronic back or neck pain, frequent migraines, trouble sleeping, weakness, dizziness, vertigo, numbness, or tingling. Going to a neurosurgeon does not necessarily mean surgery is needed. They can provide a detailed diagnosis of the underlying cause of your symptoms. They may also work with other specialists to plan the best treatment procedures for you, which can be surgical, non-surgical, or a combination of both.
How do you prepare for your first neurosurgeon visit?
If your primary care provider has asked you to consult a neurosurgeon, you may feel nervous and overwhelmed. One of the best ways to ease your anxiety is to prepare for the appointment well in advance. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
- Collect all documents: You will need to complete some paperwork initially, so ensure you have all the necessary documents, including your photo ID, insurance card, and referral. Additionally, check with the clinic or hospital on the payment methods they accept and make arrangements for co-payment or any out-of-pocket expenses accordingly.
- Write down your symptoms: Take a notebook and pen and write down your symptoms in detail. Try answering questions like: What are your symptoms? When did you first notice your symptoms? How severe are your symptoms? Does anything make your symptoms better or worse? Are your symptoms affecting your everyday activities?
- Gather all medical records: If you have had any recent diagnostic tests for your condition, including blood tests, X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, carry them to the appointment. Have you already tried any treatments for your neurology condition previously? Bring that information with you as well. Additionally, your neurologist will want a complete picture of your health status to aid with the diagnosis and treatment plan. So, take along your medical history, including details of your other health conditions, allergies, and current medications (prescription/ over-the-counter/ supplements).
- Prepare your list of questions: You may have many questions running through your mind before the appointment. Write them down in your notebook so that you remember everything necessary in the neurosurgeon's office.
- Ask a loved one to join you: Lastly, having your support system by your side during such crucial times is extremely important. In addition to ensuring emotional and physical support, they can provide valuable insights to the doctor during the assessment and take notes for your reference later.
How can you find the best neurosurgeon near you in Brooklyn, NY?
If you have the symptoms mentioned above, you must immediately visit a neurosurgeon. However, finding a good neurosurgeon at the right time can be challenging. That's where Zocdoc can help.
You can use Zocdoc to locate the best neurosurgeons in Brooklyn, New York—type "neurosurgeon," specify your location, and indicate your preferred appointment time. You can filter neurosurgeons by gender, hospital connections, and whether or not they treat children.
Every neurosurgeon has a profile on Zocdoc, where you can see their education and training background, board certifications, specializations, clinical interests, work experience, certifications, and spoken languages. You may also read the verified patient reviews to aid in your decision-making.
By letting you filter neurosurgeons according to those who accept your plan, Zocdoc also simplifies filing insurance submissions. To use the function, provide the name of your insurance company in the search query. Use Zocdoc's insurance detector if you need clarification on your insurance coverage. Before your visit, you can submit your medical insurance information through Zocdoc's insurance card capture tool.
If you are worried about the security of your insurance information, rest assured that we follow top-notch practices to protect your data. To know more about Zocdoc's data and privacy policies, go through the FAQs on our website. Similarly, more insurance-related doubts and queries have been covered on our patient help center page.
Once you've determined which neurosurgeons are appropriate for your situation, click the "book appointment" button. Zocdoc will help you quickly schedule an appointment for your initial consultation. Along with in-person meetings, Zocdoc now lets you schedule video appointments. Search for the purple video icon on your neurosurgeon's profile or use the filters to narrow down the video appointment options. Depending on the neurosurgeon's availability, you can book appointments.
With Zocdoc, booking an appointment with neurosurgeons near you is free, quick, and secure.
Statistics on neurosurgeons in New York
According to the National Library of Medicine, there were approximately 366 neurosurgeons in New York in 2020, meaning that there was one neurosurgeon for every 53,394 people in the state.
The National Library of Medicine published an observational study on neurologic disorders in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in New York City in 2021. According to the observations, out of nearly 4,500 COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the study timeframe, almost 600 (13.5%) developed a new neurological disorder since the onset of their COVID-19 symptoms. The most common diagnoses were toxic or metabolic encephalopathy (6.8%), seizure (1.6%), stroke (1.9%), and hypoxic or ischemic injury (1.4%). These individuals had a greater risk of dying while being hospitalized and less likely to be released.
Sources
Oregon Health & Science University
St. Charles Healthcare
Cleveland Clinic
National Center for Biotechnology Information[1]
National Center for Biotechnology Information[2]
Aaron Cohen-Gadol
Nuvance Health
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Alabama Neurological Surgery & Spine
