There are a number of imaging tests that might be ordered to determine what, if any, damage has occurred, how it was caused and where it is located. They include: Computerized Tomography (CT) scans take cross-sectional x-ray images of selected parts of the body. The picture it records can be used to help determine is a stroke is ischemic or hemorrhagic in nature, as well as pinpoint its location.

Neurosurgeons provide the operative and non-operative management (i.e.: prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, critical care and rehabilitation) or neurological disorders. Because neurosurgeons have extensive training in the diagnosis of all neurological diseases, they are often called upon by emergency room doctors, neurologists, internists, family practitioners and osteopaths for consultations.

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Absolutely. Neurosurgeons do spine surgery including fusions. We take bone grafts and place instrumentation consisting of rods, screws, plates, typically utilizing electrical monitoring of spinal cord function.

If the surgeon recommends one or you prefer one, then yes. Some patients, however, will not need an appointment with a surgeon. In these cases, the surgeon will design a treatment plan so that you can begin your recovery immediately.

Both specialties have training and experiences in spinal surgery. Neurosurgeons and Orthopaedic surgeons developed many of the techniques and instruments used in spinal surgery cooperatively. Traditionally, Orthopaedic surgeons have been more involved in fusion of the spine for trauma, cancer, scoliosis and other spine deformities. Orthopaedic spine surgeons have additional fellowship training exclusively in spine disease and surgical techniques.

A neurosurgeon treats patients who may potentially benefit by surgery. This would include patients with disc disease and narrowing of the cervical, lumbar and thoracic spines, tumors of the brain and spine, aneurysms in the brain, head and spine injuries, peripheral nerve problems such as carpal tunnel and ulnar nerve injuries, and surgically treatable forms of epilepsy and Parkinson's disease.

A neurologist and a neurosurgeon are similar to a cardiologist and a cardiac surgeon: the neurosurgeon employs surgical means to treat neurological disorders, while the neurologist identifies neurological disorders through diagnostic testing and uses medical (pharmacolgic) means to treat them.

There really is no good answer to this since both sides will say they are better at treating spinal problems. The real answer is that the better individual is the surgeon who has more experience in treating spinal disorders with a well known reputation of good results. Both orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons regularly treat spine problems but many only treat them occasionally.

Neurosurgeons train in surgery of the spine including microdiscectomy, laminectomy, cervical and lumbar fusion and instrumentation during their entire residency training. Their experience is not limited to a one year fellowship or a few weekend courses as with other specialties that sometimes operate on the spine, or who claim expertise in spinal surgery. Approximately 80% of a neurosurgeon’s training is dedicated to the spine.

neurosurgeons we are trained to operate on the brain and spinal cord. We utilize operating microscopes and microinstruments on a routine basis. When dealing with the fine structures of the spinal cord, this training is critical.

A neurosurgeon has undergone many years of education and training. First, one must obtain a bachelor's degree which usually requires four year of college. Next comes four years of medical school. Then comes an internship in general surgery, which usually lasts one year. This is followed by a number of years of residency, which is essentially an apprenticeship in which the training neurosurgeon works with and scrubs beside an experienced surgeon, learning the skills of the trade.

There are many qualified spinal surgeons in either category. Your choice depends more on the individual surgeon's training, experience, and expertise.

The plastic surgeon reconstructs the facial deformity and the neurosurgeon is primarily involved with the cranial deformity. The combined expertise of the plastic surgeon and neurosurgeon yields optimal results.

No. The Primary Stroke Center is not required to have a neurosurgeon; however, there must be a referral mechanism in place to provide for neurosurgical care within two hours. Yes. However, it is recommended that the stroke team physician approve the clinical protocols or pathways.

The training in neurosurgery is very rigorous. In addition to the numerous years of training which are required, the hours worked during residency are often great, and the level of intensity of decision making is high. Those that successfully finish the training are a dedicated group of highly trained individuals who have tremendous amounts of stamina. For many surgeons, they are just getting warmed up for surgery by the time afternoon rolls around.

I am 38 and am in excellent health. Six months ago I started having severe cramps in my right leg and back, which kept me in bed for two weeks. Eventually the cramps disappeared but I was left with constant numbness and tingling in my right calf and foot. X-rays confirmed a problem with my sciatic nerve. Can you tell me what to do to relieve the constant ache and numbness in my calf and foot? Also, my lower back has been weak and I am unable to resume a regular exercise program.