What is neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery is the surgical care of the brain and spine (cervical, thoracic & lumbar). This includes many diseases and injuries of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves such as:
- Spinal surgeries to repair disk herniations, fractures & deteriorations
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Brain and spinal cord tumors
- Cerebrovascular conditions including aneurysms and vascular malformations
- Spinal cord injuries
Who sees a neurosurgeon?
You may need to see a neurosurgeon if you have been examined by a primary care physician and told that your symptoms are neurological in nature and require surgery or you have had a traumatic or a work related injury. Your primary care physician will consult a neurosurgeon and schedule an appointment for an exam and radiological tests. Once your tests are completed, the neurosurgeon will work with you to determine the plan of care and/or schedule surgery if necessary.
What types of surgery do neurosurgeons perform?
- Microdiscectomies
- Foraminotomies
- Laminectomies
- Discectomies
- Vertebral Fusions - Posterior and Lateral approach
- Tumor Excisions (both brain & cord)
- Gamma knife procedures
Will I have pain after my surgery?
Most patients have some pain following a spinal fusion surgery. The first few days following surgery are the most uncomfortable, but the pain is well tolerated, and easily managed with pain medication.
How long is the recovery?
Most patients are able to get up out of bed and start walking shortly after surgery, usually on the same or following day. For the first 6 weeks, the activity level is limited to walking and normal daily activities. Rehab is started in the first few months after surgery.
Do Neurosurgeons provide non-surgical care?
Yes. They evaluate the patients and then decide the appropriate treatment. For the spine, that often includes medication, physical therapy, pain management, and others.
