21 Jul What Does a Neurosurgeon Treat? Conditions of the Brain and Spine Explained

Posted at 14:20h in Blog by Ken Glover
  • Neurosurgeons treat many different conditions related to the brain, spine, and nervous system. 
  • Not all conditions treated by a neurosurgeon require surgery. Some may be effectively treated with less invasive treatments.
  • A brain tumor is an example of a brain condition that can be treated by a neurosurgeon.
  • It is a common misconception that neurosurgeons only treat brains, but 80% of our practice is spine surgery.

A neurosurgeon is a doctor who specializes in the brain, spine, and nervous system. Although many people believe neurosurgeons only perform surgeries, they also provide other nonsurgical treatments. Neurosurgeons have the expertise to diagnose and treat conditions involving the nervous system, and they typically reserve surgical treatment as a last resort after less invasive options such as medications, injections, and physical therapy. Rely on Metropolitan Neurosurgery to provide you with care you can trust in the New York and New Jersey area.

Spine Conditions Treated by Neurosurgeons

Spine conditions that are treated by a neurosurgeon or spine surgeon include:

  • Herniated discs. The soft inner material of a spinal disc breaks through the outer ring, often causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the back or neck.
  • Spinal stenosis. The spaces in the spine narrow, putting pressure on the spinal cord and causing pain in the back, neck, legs, and/or arms.
  • Degenerative disc disease. Over time, spinal discs shrink, leading to stiffness and back or neck pain.
  • Sciatica. A compressed nerve causes pain or numbness down the back, through the buttocks, and down into the leg.

Patients with pain in the back and neck may be dealing with a spine condition that should be looked at by a back pain specialist. Spinal conditions can significantly affect mobility and quality of life, so it is important to seek medical advice from an experienced doctor who regularly treats these conditions.

Brain Conditions Treated by Neurosurgeons

Common brain-related conditions include:

  • Brain tumors. A growth of cells near the brain tissue, which can be either cancerous or non-cancerous.
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Something disrupts normal brain function, causing various symptoms ranging from a mild concussion to a permanent physical disability. 
  • Aneurysms. A weakness in an artery wall causes the wall to bulge, which can put pressure on surrounding tissues or lead to rupture.
  • Hydrocephalus. Excess fluid in the brain’s cavities can put pressure on the brain and may require prompt medical care.

A brain surgery specialist has the unique ability to evaluate and care for patients with brain conditions. Treatments for these conditions may vary widely from medications, lifestyle modifications, and physical therapy to surgical procedures to remove tumors or blood clots, stop bleeding, or repair an aneurysm.

Nervous System Disorders and Other Conditions

Other neurological conditions that a neurosurgeon can treat include:

  • Pinched nerves. A bone or other tissue compresses a nerve, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness.
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome. A nerve in the wrist is compressed, causing pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hand and/or fingers.
  • Peripheral nerve disorders. A nerve outside the brain and spinal cord is damaged, disrupting communication between the body and the brain.

Neurosurgeons are specialists in the nervous system who can provide nerve pain treatment that extends beyond typical brain and spine conditions. 

Neurosurgeon vs. Spine Surgeon: What’s the Difference?

Both neurosurgeons and orthopedic spine surgeons can perform spinal surgery. A neurosurgeon focuses on the nervous system, while a spine surgeon concentrates on the bones, joints, and ligaments of the spine. 

There may be some conditions that could be treated by either type of doctor. For example, a pinched nerve may be treated equally well by either a neurosurgeon or a spine surgeon. If the problem is primarily nerve-related, a neurosurgeon is best suited to address it. If the issue is related to the spine’s skeletal structure, an orthopedic spine surgeon is typically recommended.

Neurosurgical Care in New Jersey and New York

The highly qualified team of neurosurgeons at Metropolitan Neurosurgery Associates has experience treating a wide range of brain and spine conditions. Our expertise is combined with cutting-edge innovations to provide our patients with top-level care. Many of our treatments involve minimally invasive techniques, leading to effective results and better recovery.

If you are experiencing persistent back or neck pain, contact our team to discuss your treatment options.

To learn more about your treatment options, schedule a consultation at one of our locations. We provide quality care throughout New Jersey and New York.

Image credit: // Shutterstock // Teeradej



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