A neurosurgeon specializes in the medical and surgical care of people with diseases and conditions of the brain and nervous system, including the spinal cord, nerves, muscles, and related blood vessels. Neurosurgeons diagnose and treat many diseases, including stroke, seizure disorders, back problems, brain and spine tumors, injuries, and birth defects. Neurosurgeons also perform surgery on the back, neck, brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves to treat neurological problems.
Neurosurgeons are also experts in the prevention of brain and nervous system diseases and in reducing neurological disability. A neurosurgeon typically:
Evaluates a patient’s medical history and educates the patient about brain and nervous system health and disease prevention
Performs physical exams that include evaluating blood pressure, vital signs, and the health of the brain and nervous system
Orders and interprets laboratory and imaging tests and prescribes medications
Diagnoses and treats acute and chronic diseases and conditions that affect the brain and nervous system including brain and spinal cord injuries and tumors, movement disorders, and many types of back problems
Screens, treats and monitors conditions that increase the risk of serious brain and nervous system conditions, such as a head injury that can lead to long-term memory loss and headaches
Performs diagnostic procedures and surgery, such as surgery to treat back pain, brain cancer, and birth defects of the brain and spinal cord
Provides direct care for brain and nervous system conditions in the office and in the hospital
Works closely with your primary care doctor and other specialists and members of your healthcare team to provide optimal care
Neurosurgeons may also be known by the following names: neurological surgeon, brain surgeon, spine surgery specialist, and spinal cord surgeon.
There are 8742 specialists practicing Neurosurgery in the United States with an overall average rating of 4.1 stars. There are 2441 hospitals in the United States with affiliated Neurosurgery specialists, including Saint Barnabas Medical Center, St. Joseph's Hospital And Medical Center and Memorial Hermann Northwest Hospital.
