What does a neurosurgeon treat?

spine surgeonneurosurgeondiagnosistreatment

Jul 22

I've treated patients with neck pain who weren't sure if I also fix back issues.

I've had patients who I've seen for scoliosis ask if I fix brains.

I've had patients whose carpal tunnel I fixed ask if treat spine issues.

So, what does a neurosurgeon treat?

Answer: we can fix it all!

After 4 years of medical school, 7 years of residency, and (for me) 1 year of fellowship (in minimally invasive spine), we can literally treat the whole body. See below:

Head:

We see patients with brain tumors, fluid on the brain (hydrocephalus or normal pressure hydrocephalus or NPH).
Some neurosurgeons also treat the blood vessels in the brain and ruptured brain aneurysms, for example.
Certain tumors in certain areas of the brain can affect smell, vision, or hearing, so in theory we can also treat that as well!
Patients may have headaches, dizziness, vomiting, balance issues, bladder issues (for example, incontinence), memory issues, etc.

Neck

We see patients with neck pain, cervical (neck) herniated discs, cervical stenosis (pinching of the nerves in the neck)
Some neurosurgeons also treat the blood vessels in the neck and clean out the carotid arteries (carotid endarterectomy for carotid stenosis)
We can also take out tumors in the neck if they are in the spine

Back

Similarly, we see patients with back pain, scoliosis, thoracic (midback) or lumbar (low back) herniated discs, thoracic or lumbar stenosis (pinching of the nerves in the back).
We can also take out tumors in the spine

Arms

Shooting pain or numbness down the shoulders, shoulder blades, or arms? Weakness in the arms? That may be due to a pinched nerve in your neck. Also treated by us.
Clumsy hands? Difficulty opening jars or cans? Difficulty with dexterity such as buttoning buttons or clasping jewelry? That may ALSO be due to pinching in your neck! And we can fix it.
Numbness, tingling or pain in your arms or hands? Is it worse at night or in certain positions? That may be ulnar or carpal tunnel syndrome (nerves can get pinched at your elbow or at your wrist). Yes, we can fix this too!

Legs

Shooting pain down the butt or down the legs? Sciatica? That could be due to pinching in your back and we can fix this.
Weakness in your legs? Difficulty walking? Having falls or balance issues? Also may be due to pinching in your neck or back.
Cramping or heaviness in your legs when walking too much? Having to take rests or sit down? Having to lean over things when standing or walking at the store? Also can be due to pinching in your back! We can fix this.
Weakness in your foot? Is your foot slapping on the ground (foot drop)? That can be due to a back issue OR due to a pinch nerve by your knee (peroneal neuropathy). And we can fix BOTH of those issues!

Groin

Believe it or not, certain brain or spine issues can also cause bladder and bowel problems (such as incontinence). So we may be able to fix this as well!