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Neurosurgery |
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Q. |
What is a neurosurgeon? |
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A. |
A neurosurgeon is a physician who specializes in the treatment of injuries to, or disorders of, the head, neck, spine, and peripheral nerves within all parts of the body. |
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Q. |
What training do neurosurgeons have? |
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Neurosurgery is one of the longest training periods of all the medical specialties because of the extreme complexity of the nervous system and the advanced technique used in this specialty. Following college, training includes four years of medical school, a one-year internship, and a five- to seven-year neurosurgical residency. Upon completion of the residency and two years in practice, the surgeon is eligible to take the American Board of Neurological Surgery examination. |
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Q. |
What does "board certified" mean? |
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Certification by the American Board of Neurological Surgery indicates a special commitment to, and expertise in, the neurological surgery specialty. The certification is based upon the board's approval of an applicant's educational and training credentials, a review of the physician's professional practice, and the satisfactory completion of written and oral exams. All active members of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons must be board certified. |
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Q. |
Why would I need to see a neurosurgeon? |
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A. |
If you experience pain in the head, neck, or spine, or have an injury, your primary care physician may refer you to a neurosurgeon for evaluation. |
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Q. |
What conditions does a neurosurgeon treat? |
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A. |
Some of the specific conditions or disorders include:
Carotid artery blockage
Brain tumors, benign and malignant
Pituitary tumors
Craniosynostosis
Aneurysm
Arteriovenous malformation
Hydrocephalus
Head injury
Trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia
Hemifacial spasm
Spinal injury
Herniated disc
Spinal stenosis
Spinal cord tumors
Peripheral nerve injuries
Entrapment neuropathies
Intracerebral hemorrhage
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