When do you need a Neurosurgeon

Neurosurgeons are experts in the diagnosis, management, and surgical treatment of the nervous system, which includes brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and its supporting bones – both skull and the spine.

In the United States, neurosurgeons undergo rigorous and long residency training. Half of the training is dedicated to brain and the other half is the spine. Some choose to undergo additional training in the form of a one year of fellowship.

Why choose a neurosurgeon over orthopedic spine surgeon

Half of the seven-year training is dedicated to spine. Since neurosurgeons have more training, they are competent in taking care and operating on spine after they finish their training. Additional spine fellowship training is just ‘icing on the cake’. An orthopedic surgeon has to have a fellowship training in spine to call themselves ‘spine surgeon.’

Neurosurgeons can operate on the spine in addition to its content – the spinal cord and nerves that arise from it. Orthopedic surgeon does not have the training to operate on the spinal cord or the nerves arising from the spinal cord.

Since neurosurgeon’s are trained to handle and operate on sensitive tissues of human body, they possess unique surgical skills and pay attention to detail.