Who is a neurosurgeon?
A neurosurgeon is a medical expert specializing in caring for the nerves, spinal cord, and brain, which comprise the nervous system. They provide surgical and medicinal treatment options for disorders affecting the nervous system and the structures supporting it. This includes blood vessels, vertebral disks, spinal vertebrae, the skull, and protective soft tissues and membranes. Before recommending surgery, neurologists often try nonsurgical methods first, such as physical therapy, steroid injections, and medications.
What kind of education and training do neurosurgeons receive?
A neurosurgeon needs up to 14 to 16 years of education and training, beginning with four years of undergraduate studies at a college or university. After graduating, aspirants must complete four years of training in an accredited medical school. Upon completing medical training, they hold a degree in Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) or Doctor of Medicine (MD). However, obtaining a medical degree is not enough; aspiring neurosurgeons must complete a one-year general surgery internship. This is followed by a five- to seven-year residency in a neurosurgery program.
If a neurosurgeon wants to specialize further, they can complete a fellowship in subspecialties such as pediatric neurosurgery, functional neurosurgery, cerebrovascular surgery, epilepsy surgery, endovascular surgical neuroradiology, neuro-oncology, or spinal surgery. Doctors must always keep themselves updated with the latest happenings in their field and their knowledge.
Are neurologists and neurosurgeons the same?
A neurologist assesses, treats, and manages conditions that affect the nervous system (spinal cord, brain, and nerves) just like a neurosurgeon does. However, a neurologist doesn't hold a license to perform surgery. They generally refer patients to a neurosurgeon if they feel the problem requires surgical intervention.
Neurologists usually specialize in treating pain, learning difficulties, neurodevelopmental problems, and other chronic illnesses. They may also act as primary care providers for people with nervous system ailments requiring constant care. They also treat strokes, sleep disorders, tremors, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, peripheral nerve disorders, or even headaches.
On the other hand, a neurosurgeon is trained to perform different kinds of surgeries. This includes endovascular surgery, radiosurgery, open surgery, microsurgery, endoscopic surgery, and minimally invasive surgery. Conditions that generally fall under a neurosurgeon's purview include carpal tunnel syndrome, brain tumors, congenital brain conditions, herniated disks, cerebrospinal fluid leak, congenital spinal column conditions, and chronic back or neck pain.
What conditions can a neurosurgeon treat?
Neurosurgeons address conditions affecting your brain, spinal cord, or nerves, which comprise the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS). Below are some common conditions neurosurgeons treat:
Strokes and aneurysms
Strokes result from either ruptured blood vessels in the brain or a blockage in blood flow. Hemorrhagic strokes happen due to a ruptured blood vessel, while ischemic strokes occur when blood clots block blood flow to the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes are often linked to cerebral aneurysms, both stemming from weakened artery walls and causing internal brain bleeding. Ischemic strokes are more common, accounting for the majority of all strokes, and usually arise from blood clots depriving the brain of oxygen.
Brain and spinal cord tumors
Brain and spinal cord tumors can affect the CNS, though some are benign and cause minimal issues beyond pain or inflammation. A tumor is referred to as benign if it does not spread to other regions of the body. In contrast, malignant tumors are known for their tendency to invade surrounding tissues.
Tumors originating in the CNS are primary, while those spreading from another part of the body are secondary. There are over 120 types of CNS tumors. Headaches are a common sign of brain tumors, and back pain is typical for spinal cord tumors. Symptoms affecting the motor system and sensory nerves accompany CNS tumors, so headaches or back pain alone are usually not indicative of a CNS tumor.
Spinal cord conditions
The primary reason for most spinal cord disorders is the degeneration of bones, ligaments, and spinal discs. Some of these conditions include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease (DDD), among others. Other potential causes may consist of congenital abnormalities or trauma to the spine. Some congenital spinal cord conditions treated by neurosurgeons include:
- Spina bifida: Inadequate closure of the spine and spinal cord at birth.
- Scoliosis: A sideways curvature of the spine from birth.
- Tethered spinal cord: A spinal cord fixed to the spinal canal, limiting movement.
Head, neck, and spine injuries
As specialists in the CNS, neurosurgeons handle a range of injuries to the head, neck, or spine. Some of these include:
- Complete spinal cord injuries (SCI) result in total loss of function below the injury.
- Incomplete SCI causes partial loss of function.
- Concussions
- Fractured vertebrae or skull
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), such as hematomas or contusions
- Whiplash
Neurological disorders
Neurological disorders impact the CNS or PNS and can lead to potential symptoms, such as:
- Altered levels of consciousness (ALOC)
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Poor coordination
- Pain
- Seizures
Disorders like dystonia, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy, phantom limb pain, and trigeminal or occipital neuralgia are examples of neurological conditions affecting different body areas.
What kinds of procedures do neurosurgeons perform?
Neurosurgeons perform a wide range of surgeries and procedures, some of these include:
Craniotomy
A craniotomy is where a surgeon removes part of the skull to access the brain. After the procedure, they put back the removed portion of the skull in place to protect the brain again. This surgery helps treat brain tumors, skull fractures, aneurysms, hematomas, infections, and varying degrees of swelling in the brain.
Ventricular shunt
A neurosurgeon performs this procedure to alleviate any pressure that has built up in the brain. It is a common and essential method to surgically implant the shunt to reduce the strain caused by the excessive fluid buildup. This kind of neurosurgery may be necessary for various reasons, including excess fluid production, faulty blood vessel function, or a blockage in the path that stops fluids from flowing normally.
Minimally invasive spine surgery
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons states that minimally invasive spine surgery aims to bring stability to the vertebral bones and spinal joints and relieve pressure applied to spinal nerves. Patients with bone spurs, ruptured discs, spinal tumors, scoliosis, and general spinal instability frequently require this stabilization. Many patients choose minimally invasive procedures to avoid all the risks and complications linked with traditional surgery.
What are the symptoms of a brain tumor, and what is the possible treatment?
Tumors originating in the brain are primary brain tumors. They may be benign or malignant. Examples of brain tumors include embryonal tumors, gliomas, central nervous system lymphomas, meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, and medulloblastomas. Presentation of a brain tumor primarily depends on its location and the structures it is compressing; however, typical symptoms of such tumors include:
- New onset or changes in the pattern of headaches
- Headaches that over time become more recurrent and severe
- Persistent nausea or vomiting
- Visual problems, such as blurry vision or double vision
- Gradual loss of motion or sensation in an arm or leg
- Loss of balance
- Speech difficulties
- Fatigue
- Difficulty making decisions
- Inability to follow simple commands
- Personality or behavioral changes
- Seizures, especially in someone who doesn't have a history of epilepsy
- Hearing problems
Treatment options for a brain tumor are decided based on its size and spread to surrounding tissues. In most cases, surgery is the best option to eradicate cancer, followed by a combination of radiation and chemotherapy to prevent relapses. However, if the tumor size is too large, chemotherapy and radiation are given before surgery to downsize the tumor, aiding in its removal and reducing complications. If you exhibit one or more of the symptoms mentioned above, consult a neurosurgeon near you.
How do you prepare for your first visit with a neurosurgeon?
Being well-prepared for your visit with a neurosurgeon can help you make the most of your appointment. Here is what you can do:
- Make sure to have a list of questions and concerns ready to ask your neurosurgeon.
- Talk about the state of your health and any recent changes.
- Let others know whether you've noticed any changes to your current symptoms or brand-new ones.
- Bring copies of any imaging or laboratory tests ordered by doctors outside your neurosurgeon's practice.
- Carry a list of all the current medications and supplements you are taking. Include both prescribed and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
- Bring a list of all the things you're allergic to.
- Take a friend or family member to the consultation so you have another pair of ears and eyes and someone to take notes. They can help you recap what you and your neurosurgeon discussed, inquire more about your condition, and keep you on track with tests and follow-up appointments.
- If you have any additional doubts or concerns, find out if you should schedule another visit.
Types of neurosurgeons
General neurosurgery
General neurosurgery involves the surgical treatment of diseases that affect the brain, peripheral nerves, and spinal cord. After four years of medical school, general neurosurgeons complete seven years of residency training. They choose not to specialize in one specific area of neurosurgery but to treat a wide range of neurosurgical disorders, including vascular disorders, congenital abnormalities, brain and spine tumors, traumatic injuries, and degenerative spine disease.
Vascular neurosurgery
Vascular neurosurgery involves treating diseases related to the veins and arteries of the brain and spinal cord, such as stroke, aneurysms, cavernous malformations, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and certain types of brain tumors. Vascular neurosurgeons undergo seven years of neurosurgical training and additional fellowship training in treating vascular disease. Completing an endovascular or open neurosurgery fellowship provides advanced training to handle complex diseases.
Neurosurgical oncology
Neurosurgical oncology involves the surgical treatment of tumors that affect the nervous system. Neurosurgical oncologists are specialists who have completed a residency and then a fellowship in neurosurgical oncology. During this fellowship, these neurosurgeons receive specialized training in treating tumors affecting the nervous system, such as gliomas, pituitary tumors, meningiomas, and acoustic neuromas.
Pediatric neurosurgery
Pediatric neurosurgery focuses on surgically treating neurological and neurosurgical diseases in children. Pediatric neurosurgeons undergo neurosurgical residency followed by a fellowship in pediatric neurosurgery. This specialized training prepares them to treat a variety of neurological disorders in children, including hydrocephalus, vascular malformations, cancers, and congenital abnormalities of the spine and brain.
Neurosurgical spine surgery
Neurosurgical spine surgery focuses on surgically treating spinal disorders. After completing their neurosurgical residency, neurosurgical spine surgeons undergo a fellowship in spine surgery. They treat various conditions, such as spinal fractures, degenerative diseases, deformities, tumors, and infections.
How can you find a good neurosurgeon near you?
If a loved one or you are diagnosed with a nervous system disorder such as Parkinson's or Alzheimer's, it can be quite stressful as such patients require constant care and support. However, a good neurosurgeon can assist you in managing and treating such conditions. They have been trained in their profession for years and are acquainted with the latest drugs, treatment strategies, and surgeries.
However, finding good neurosurgeons in New York, NY, can be challenging. But we at Zocdoc are here to help you. To get started, register for Zocdoc's free service and log in. Additionally, you can filter neurosurgeons based on symptoms and location. Furthermore, you can refine your search by choosing a specific parameter, such as gender, language spoken, or hospital.
Moreover, Zocdoc lets you select a neurosurgeon who accepts your insurance using the insurance finder. If your insurance plan isn't listed on Zocdoc, you can upload a photo of your medical insurance card (this feature is not available for vision or dental insurance cards). We will scan the image of your card and display your likely plan. If you're having trouble uploading an image of your card, feel free to contact our service team. If you have more insurance-related queries, you can check Zocdoc's insurance page.
While scrolling through the vast list of practitioners, click on their profile to learn more about each doctor's qualifications, education, training, areas of expertise, awards, affiliations, accreditations, and board certification. Read through ratings and reviews left by actual patients to see if a particular neurosurgeon is the best fit for you.
Before visiting your chosen specialist, you may use Zocdoc to schedule a video consultation. Employing the user-friendly online scheduling tool, you can select a time that works for you and the specialist. It is easy to locate neurosurgeons available on the weekends and after regular business hours.
Booking appointments with a neurosurgeon near you on Zocdoc is easy, free, and safe!
Statistics on neurosurgeons and sleep disorders in New York
According to the National Library of Medicine, there were 366 neurosurgeons in New York on December 31, 2018. Of these, around 34.2% or 125 were aged 65 and above. Due to the restricted number of residency spots available for neurosurgeons, most applicants in a neurosurgical training program are exceptional and typically rank at the top of their class.
Neurosurgeons can treat various kinds of sleep disorders. According to America's Health Rankings, 32.9% of the adult population reported sleeping less than seven hours a day on average. This was higher than the national average of 32.3%. Women (33.3%) were slightly more likely to face this disorder than men (32.4%). Those between 45 and 64 (35.5%) had the highest incidence of this condition compared to those aged 18 to 44 (32.6%) and those 65 and above (29.4%).
In New York State, over 800 men and over 600 women receive a brain and nervous system cancer diagnosis each year, according to the New York State Health Department. Moreover, each year in New York State, this illness claims the lives of almost 500 men and nearly 400 women. While brain cancer can affect people at any age, it is more prevalent in children under 15 and adults 65 and older. Compared to brain malignancies, spinal cord cancers are less frequent. Meningeal tumors, often benign, are more prevalent in women than men.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic
Dignity Health
Mount Sinai
America's Health Rankings
PubMed Central
New York State Department of Health
Brain and Spine Neuroscience Institute
Aaron Cohen-Gadol
New York Spine Institute
