What is the nervous system?
The three main parts of the nervous system include the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Its principal function is communicating and transmitting information between different body parts, allowing them to work together efficiently. Hence, it controls our movement, sensation, heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, digestion, hormone secretion, urination, sleep, body temperature, sexual function, and other physiological and psychological body functions.
Who is a neurosurgeon?
A neurosurgeon is a medical provider who focuses on diagnosing and treating health conditions and injuries of the nervous system and supporting structures. They can serve patients of all ages, from newborns to elderly adults. Brain tumors, stroke, Parkinson's disease, carpal tunnel syndrome, and epilepsy are some common neurological conditions they treat.
Neurosurgeons work in various healthcare settings, including hospitals, private practice, and research institutions. While they are surgeons, their first line of treatment always includes nonsurgical treatments such as medications, steroid injections, radiation, physical therapy, nerve stimulation, and lifestyle changes.
The only difference between a neurosurgeon and a neurologist is that a neurosurgeon can offer surgical treatment while a neurologist cannot. Usually, you will meet with a neurosurgeon after your primary care provider or neurologist refers you to one.
What are the education, training, and subspecialties of neurosurgeons?
Neurosurgery is a complex medical field requiring 14-16 years of extensive education and training. Neurosurgeons begin by acquiring a 4-year undergraduate degree, followed by a 4-year medical (MD) or osteopathic medicine (DO) degree. They then complete a one-year internship in general surgery and 5-7 years of residency training in a neurosurgery program.
Some neurosurgeons choose to train further with a fellowship in a focus area of neurosurgery. A few of the subspecialty fields of neurosurgery include the following:
- Functional neurosurgery deals with chronic neurological disorders such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease that affect an individual's independent everyday functioning and abilities.
- Neuro-oncology deals with brain and spinal cord tumors.
- Neurovascular surgery deals with conditions affecting the blood vessels of the spinal cord and brain, such as aneurysms, blood clots, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
- Pediatric neurosurgery deals with nervous system problems in children, including congenital malformations, brain and spinal cord tumors, spina bifida, and hydrocephalus.
- Peripheral nerve surgery manages peripheral nerve conditions, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, brachial plexus injury, and peripheral nerve tumors.
- Skull base neurosurgery deals with tumors and other conditions that occur at the base of the skull.
- Spinal surgery deals with spinal conditions such as herniated discs, spinal arthritis, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.
Neurosurgeons must also pass the required exams to get certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.
What conditions does a neurosurgeon treat?
Neurosurgeons specialize in treating various conditions that impact the nervous system. These conditions may include injuries to the brain or spinal cord, acute medical emergencies such as strokes, or chronic disorders such as epilepsy. Here are some of the conditions for which you must consult a neurosurgeon near you:
- Head injuries: It's important to note that not all head injuries require a neurosurgeon appointment. However, in some cases, a neurosurgeon can be necessary to determine the extent of the injuries and develop a treatment plan. For instance, people who have suffered from a concussion might experience symptoms that persist for months, and this is known as post-concussion syndrome, which can cause headaches and memory problems. In such cases, additional testing and treatment may be required to alleviate the symptoms.
- Chronic headaches: Headaches are common, but if you suffer from them frequently, it may be necessary to seek additional care. Suppose you experience unexplained headaches multiple times a week, especially if they persist over time or don't improve with over-the-counter treatments. In that case, your doctor may refer you to a neurologist or a neurosurgeon.
- Migraine: Migraine attacks are a common reason people see a neurosurgeon. This condition can be excruciating and often causes sensitivity to light and sound, dizziness, and nausea. The pain of a migraine can last for hours or even days. A neurosurgeon can diagnose and determine the triggers for your migraines, recommend ways to avoid them, and prescribe effective medications for prevention and treatment.
- Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis, or MS, is a chronic and progressive disorder that affects the brain and spinal cord, resulting in various symptoms such as numbness, weakness, tingling sensations, and vision changes, which can vary over time.
- Seizure or epilepsy: Seizures can cause uncontrollable movements and unusual sensations, originating in the brain and posing a significant threat to health. After a seizure, consult a neurologist or a neurosurgeon for further testing. Tests and imaging scans can diagnose long-term seizure conditions like epilepsy. A neurosurgeon can prescribe a treatment plan, including medication and therapies, to manage seizures.
- Parkinson's disease: Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease affecting movement. It occurs due to the brain's inability to produce enough dopamine and results in tremors, rigidity, and impaired coordination.
- Stroke: A stroke results from a loss of blood supply to the brain. Insufficient blood supply leads to the death of brain cells, which can lead to speech difficulties, challenges in controlling emotions, and more. Even after the stroke is over, treatment is required to regain lost skills.
- Other neurological symptoms such as dizziness, memory loss, or unexplained pain: Unexplained neurological symptoms may lead to a referral to a neurologist or neurosurgeon. Various conditions could cause symptoms, such as overactive nerves due to multiple conditions causing pain. Dizziness and memory loss can signal the need for a neurosurgeon. They can diagnose dementia or other neurological disorders affecting memory and prescribe medications to slow their progression.
- Neurological symptoms following COVID-19: Medical professionals are still learning about COVID-19 and how it affects people. It has been noticed that some individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 continue to experience neurological symptoms. These symptoms can include headaches, cognitive difficulties, fatigue, pain, trouble sleeping, and even stroke. Currently, there is no clear understanding of how long these symptoms can last in a person who has had COVID-19. As doctors learn more about COVID-19, they may establish typical recovery timelines based on recognized symptom patterns. Regardless of how long these symptoms last, a neurosurgeon can assist. They can ensure that any other factor does not cause the symptoms and help patients manage them. Additionally, they can document and follow these symptoms to help the healthcare community understand and treat them better.
What can you expect during your initial neurosurgeon appointment?
Your first appointment with a neurosurgeon may seem intimidating, but rest assured that it resembles any other doctor's visit. They will begin by understanding your medical history, including any previous surgeries, medical conditions, injuries, medications, supplements, lifestyle habits, and family history of neurological disorders. Your neurosurgeon will also discuss your symptoms in detail. If you have undergone any diagnostic tests in the past, carry a copy of the results. Gathering all your medical records and listing your health issues and symptoms a day before your appointment will be helpful.
The neurosurgeon will conduct a comprehensive physical examination to assess your neurological functions, including your reflexes, coordination, strength, sensation, and mental status. Depending on your condition, the neurosurgeon may order additional diagnostic tests to understand your situation better. Some standard tests include:
Once the evaluation is complete, the doctor will explain the condition and discuss the appropriate treatment options with you. They will first suggest nonsurgical treatment to manage your illness. If your symptoms do not improve with those treatments, the doctor may recommend surgery. It's important to ask questions and voice concerns about your condition and treatment options. Lastly, before leaving, check with the doctor if there is a need to schedule a follow-up appointment.
What kind of surgeries do neurosurgeons perform?
Neurologists are trained to perform surgical procedures for a wide range of conditions, including rare or complex ones that affect the nervous system and the tissues and structures that support it.
Neurosurgeons perform the following procedures:
- Brain aneurysm repair: A brain aneurysm refers to the bulging or ballooning of blood vessels in the brain. Aneurysms that rupture lead to bleeding in the brain, often called a hemorrhagic stroke. Most brain aneurysms that are small do not rupture and are typically not serious. But, a ruptured aneurysm is usually life-threatening and requires medical attention immediately.
Symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm include severe headaches, nausea and vomiting, loss of consciousness, a seizure, or a drooping eyelid. In some cases, there may be no symptoms. Old age, heavy alcohol use, family history of brain aneurysm, and conditions like high blood pressure or polycystic kidney disease can increase the risk of a brain aneurysm rupturing.
Neurosurgeons perform endovascular treatment or surgical clipping to repair a ruptured brain aneurysm. Surgical clipping can be done for both a ruptured as well as unruptured aneurysm. It involves placing a metal clip to stop blood flowing into the aneurysm. Endovascular treatment involves accessing the aneurysm through a catheter (a small tube inserted via the wrist or groin) through the artery and placing a stent or coil.
- Stopping an intracranial hemorrhage: This condition is a stroke that causes bleeding into the brain. Bleeding can occur within the skull but outside the tissue or inside the brain tissue. An intracranial hemorrhage can occur due to falls, head trauma, a blood clot, a brain tumor, or a buildup of fatty deposits in your arteries.
Common symptoms include sudden severe headache, slurred speech, loss of balance/coordination, dizziness, loss of consciousness, weakness and/or numbness of the face, arm, or leg, particularly one side of the body. Surgery to stop the bleeding includes decompression, where a neurosurgeon will drill a hole in the skull to relieve pressure and drain blood. Another method is a craniectomy, where a neurosurgeon will remove a part of your skull to relieve pressure and directly treat the source of bleeding.
- Spinal fusion: This procedure involves linking two or more vertebrae to reinforce the back or spine into place. Other than a neurosurgeon, an orthopedic surgeon may perform this surgery, depending on your specific condition and needs. Spinal fusion can treat many problems, including tumors affecting the bones and soft tissues in the spine, pinched nerves, and scoliosis, among others.
How can you find the best neurosurgeons near you in Washington, DC?
Depending on the neurological condition or injuries, it can affect your motor, sensory, cognitive, emotional, or autonomic functions. A neurosurgeon can prepare a personalized treatment plan to help you regain the highest possible function and independence. It can significantly improve your quality of life—physically, socially, and emotionally.
If you are looking for neurosurgeons in Washington, DC, Zocdoc is the right platform. Once you are on Zocdoc's homepage, locate the search box at the top and type in the required information, such as the specialty/condition/procedure, location, availability, and insurance details. Then, click the find button to receive an extensive list of providers matching your search criteria.
You can also upload a photo of your insurance card if you cannot find your health plan on Zocdoc. Once you upload a photo, Zocdoc will scan the image of your card and show you your likely plan. Note this service is available only for medical insurance cards. Dental and vision are excluded. If you need help uploading your card, contact Zocdoc's service team. For more insurance-related information, check out Zocdoc's patient help center.
You can simplify your search results using Zocdoc filters, including the consultation time, travel distance, and the expert's gender and language. If you are facing an emergency or cannot travel, you can also opt for an online consultation. Look for providers in the video visits tab in that case.
To make an informed decision, make sure to review the providers' profile pages. You can learn more about their education, training, board certifications, professional memberships, hospital affiliations, and practice names. Past patient ratings and reviews can also provide relevant personal insights about the provider.
When you finalize a neurosurgeon near you, you can book an appointment with them by filling out a short questionnaire. Booking with Zocdoc is easy, secure, and 100% free!
Statistics on neurological conditions in Washington, DC, and the USA
According to the American Cancer Society, between 2016 and 2020, the average annual incidence rate of brain and other nervous system cancers was about 5.2 per 100,000 adults, and the yearly death rate of brain and other nervous system cancers was around 6.5 per 100,000 adults in Washington, DC. In 2024, they estimated approximately 50 new cases of this cancer in Washington, DC.
Based on a 2022 study backed by the Parkinson Foundation, there are nearly 90,000 new cases of Parkinson's disease in the USA every year. At present, around one million Americans are living with Parkinson's disease, making it the second-most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. An estimated 17,000 people in Washington have this disease.
As per another CDC report, in 2022, 1 in 6 cardiovascular disease-related deaths were due to stroke. Every 40 seconds, an American has a stroke, and every 3 minutes and 14 seconds, someone dies of it. Over 795,000 Americans have a stroke yearly, of which around 610,000 are new cases.
Yet another CDC report stated that between 2018 and 2020, the stroke death rate for every 100,000 people was 73.1 for Washington, DC.
Sources
Healthline
WebMD
Verywell Health
Cedars-Sinai
USF Health
Mayo Clinic[1]
Barrow Neurological Institute
Johns Hopkins Medicine[1]
Johns Hopkins Medicine[2]
University of Rochester Medical Center
American Cancer Society
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2]
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[3]
Parkinson's Foundation
Cleveland Clinic[1]
Cleveland Clinic[2]
Cleveland Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[2]
Mayo Clinic[3]
Mayo Clinic[4]
