What is neurosurgery? Neurosurgeon - description, doctor's advice. When should you contact a Neurosurgeon?

Neurosurgery is a whole science from the branch of medicine. She studies the peripheral and central nervous systems. In addition to study, neurosurgery is also a practical science. Neurosurgeons treat diseases related to the body's nervous system. In this article we will take a closer look at what neurosurgeons treat and when to contact them.

Neurosurgery

The nervous system is a broad concept. Let's take a closer look at the definition. Basically, this science examines diseases of the nervous system when surgical intervention is required. Neurosurgery is also divided into several areas: neuro-oncology, vascular neurosurgery, neurotraumatology, pediatric neurosurgery.

Competence of a neurosurgeon

What do neurosurgeons treat? The competence of a doctor working in neurosurgery includes injuries and temporary diseases of the nervous system. He can order tests, conduct examinations, and diagnose a disease or injury. A neurosurgeon also practices surgery directly.

What organ problems should I address?

Very often, people do not know who to contact with problems of certain organs and with unclear pain that needs to be determined. A neurosurgeon is not always approached with a corresponding problem. The area of ​​practical activity of this doctor includes certain parts of the body: the brain, skull, nerves - that is, everything that concerns the nervous system. But the neurosurgeon should be separated from the neurologist. So read on.

What do neurosurgeons and neurologists treat?

Not everyone knows when to see a neurologist and when to see a neurosurgeon. Therefore, let's look at what these doctors do and what their specialization is.

A neurologist, or otherwise a neuropathologist, uses less drastic methods in the treatment of diseases of the nervous system. This is mainly the treatment of pathologies associated with the nervous system, medications or the prescription of various procedures.

A neurosurgeon deals with more serious diseases that require surgery. Most often, diseases are associated with the functioning of the brain. Diseases of the nervous system are divided into three categories:

1. Associated with damage to neurons in the brain tissue.
2. Diseases in which the blood vessels of the brain are modified.
3. Diseases associated with damage to the meninges.

These are the diseases that a neurosurgeon treats. All of them are serious, so the neurosurgeon has a great responsibility. More on this below.

Diseases associated with neurosurgery

What does a neurosurgeon treat? Neurosurgery deals with many serious diseases of the human nervous system. A specialist in this profile has the right to diagnose the disease and prescribe its treatment in the form of surgery. His area of ​​expertise includes dangerous pathologies that should be diagnosed immediately if there are any concerns. These include abnormalities in the structure of the brain. They often occur from birth.

These are also diseases associated with the spine - for example, with the spinal column. Problems that should be addressed to a neurosurgeon also include diseases received in connection with certain injuries - a skull fracture, a spinal fracture, intracranial injuries. The specialist's competence also includes diseases of the spinal cord. The neurosurgeon also deals with other pathologies. For example, Meniere's syndrome is known - a disease of the inner ear. It is the neurosurgeon who treats this disease.

Neurosurgery also fights malignant and benign tumors that affect the nervous system.

What symptoms should I treat?

Many people simply do not know where to go with certain symptoms. Therefore, they often just go to a therapist, but this can waste valuable time for their health. Other patients do not always know who to turn to: a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. For example, if a child has a problem. You should know that there is not only an adult neurosurgeon.

What does a pediatrician or neurosurgery specialist treat? Since there are many congenital diseases that must be dealt with at birth, there is a doctor who specializes in these “childhood” diseases.

The main problem in deciding which doctor to see is the deceiving nature of the symptoms. For example, the source of pain or the essence of pain itself is not always clear. The first reason that may send you to the doctor is a constant headache. Problems with the nervous system can also cause frequent fainting, tics, and even stress.

You can also consult a neurosurgeon for other ailments related to the nervous system. These are noticeable memory loss, tremors, seizures, and muscle weakness. It is worth paying attention to pressure. If it fluctuates or is simply often low or high, then you should immediately seek advice from a specialist. The pressure can be accompanied by a migraine and all this together can lead a person to vomit. In this case, you should immediately contact a specialist.

Now it is clear what a neurosurgeon treats in adults and children.

Diagnostics

When you are going to see a neurosurgeon, there are a few things you should be aware of. First, you cannot demand treatment right away. To do this you need to undergo diagnostics. Then the doctor will identify possible problems and indicate a further course of treatment.

We figured out what a neurosurgeon treats and what symptoms to contact him with.

Diagnosis always begins with a survey, during which the doctor asks questions regarding symptoms and your lifestyle. If an injury is suspected, the neurosurgeon will ask you questions about sports activities or find out if you have had any recent injuries.

Next, he will examine the medical record and conduct an initial examination. After this, he has the right to prescribe further examination, which should reveal the disease. He may recommend hardware checks. This may be MRI, tomography, lumbar puncture, EMG, echoencephalography and other hardware examination methods. The doctor can also give you a referral for tests - a general blood and urine test, a blood clotting test. This may include other biochemical tests, depending on the suspicion.

Conclusion

Neurosurgery is a special science. She deals with radical treatment, that is, it involves surgical intervention. Most likely, you can be referred to a neurosurgeon by a neurologist or internist for advice on diseases of the nervous system. You should never delay going to the doctor. This can lead to negative consequences. What neurosurgeons treat is described in detail in this article.

It is easy to understand what a neurosurgeon treats - he is a specialized specialist who corrects defects in the nervous system. His difference from a neurologist is that he treats diseases using surgery. Patients are sent to a neurosurgeon when there is no way to get rid of the disease with conservative treatment.

What is neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery is a relatively young branch of medicine that deals with the surgical treatment of diseases of the central and peripheral nervous system. Although the first mentions of brain surgery date back to the Inca civilization, neurosurgery took shape as a real science at the end of the 19th century. Thanks to modern achievements in scientific and technological progress, neurosurgeons are able to successfully fight diseases of the brain and spine that until recently led to death.

Sections of neurosurgery

To understand what a neurosurgeon treats, it is useful to familiarize yourself with the sections of this science:

1. Neuro-oncology. He treats tumors located in the brain and spine using surgical operations.
2. Neurotraumatology. Treats the consequences of the spine that affect the functioning of the nervous system.
3. Vascular neurosurgery. Specializes in the treatment of blood vessels associated with the central and peripheral nervous system.
4. Spinal neurosurgery. Includes work with diseases associated with the functioning of the spinal cord.
5. Functional neurosurgery. Aimed at improving the functioning of the nervous system, getting rid of problems that interfere with its full functioning.
6. Psychosurgery. Treats some mental illnesses caused by an imbalance in the nervous system.
7. Pediatric neurosurgery. The branch of medicine that deals with the surgical treatment of the nervous system of patients under 18 years of age.

Who is a neurosurgeon and what does he do?

Now almost all people know who a neurosurgeon is. This is a doctor who works with the control system of our body - the brain and spinal cord. The structure of the nervous system is very complex, so any mistake by a doctor can lead to irreparable consequences and death of the patient. Neurosurgeons study at universities for at least 8 years, after which they need long-term practice. This profession requires enormous knowledge, attentiveness, practical skills, poise, endurance and patience.

What does a neurosurgeon do?

To fully understand what a neurosurgeon treats, you can refer to the following list:

• congenital anomalies of the brain and spine;
• spinal dysfunction, which leads to neurological syndromes;
• consequences of injuries affecting the functioning of the nervous system (hemorrhages, hematomas, and spine);
• disturbances in the functioning of blood vessels associated with the activity of the brain and spine;
• inflammatory diseases of the brain;
• dysfunction of the spinal column is what a neurosurgeon-vertebrologist deals with;
• disturbances in the blood supply to the brain, hemorrhages;
• various tumors.

What operations does a neurosurgeon perform?

Operations in neurosurgery involve interventions in the brain or spinal cord. Neurosurgeons use the following types of surgical operations:

• neurorrhaphy - microsurgical intervention to restore the functionality of intertwined nerve fibers;
• stereotoxic radiosurgery – used to treat hard-to-reach tumors by exposure to gamma rays;
• – penetration into the brain by cutting the skull bones;
• skull reconstruction – performed several months after craniotomy to cover the site of the removed bone with a metal plate;
• shunting – connecting the blood vessels of the brain with the help of a shunt to the body cavity; often used for hydrocephalus in children;
• hemisphere removal - excision of the affected hemisphere of the brain;
• treatment of intervertebral hernia by removal and plastic surgery;
• osteosynthesis – restoration of damaged vertebrae using metal structures.

When to contact a neurosurgeon?

A referral to a neurosurgeon is often given by a neurologist after examining the patient, studying the diagnosis and a comprehensive examination. Consultation with a neurosurgeon may be required in the following cases:

• frequent headaches of unknown origin;
• tumors of the brain and spine;
• head and spine injuries;
• intervertebral hernia;
• nausea and vomiting with unidentified causes;
• epileptic seizures;
• strokes;
• constant insomnia or weakness and drowsiness;
• numbness of the limbs and cramps;
• loss of speech, impaired cognitive processes;
• gait disturbance;
• visual disturbances.

Appointment with a neurosurgeon

An appointment with a neurosurgeon can be a link in the chain of diagnosing a disease or the end result. If a neurologist, after examining the patient and using hardware diagnostics, discovers problems that need clarification by a neurosurgeon, he issues a referral to this doctor. You should go to an appointment with a doctor with a statement from a neurologist, with the results of all examinations on film and with conclusions. The result of a consultation with a neurosurgeon will be either redirection to another doctor, or registration with this doctor and treatment under his supervision.

How is an appointment with a neurosurgeon?

A consultation with a neurosurgeon takes place in a certain sequence:

• familiarization with patient complaints;
• study of anamnesis;
• studying extracts and opinions of other doctors, available diagnostic results;
• examining the patient using a neurological hammer, checking reflexes;
• examination for the presence or absence of symptoms of inflammation of the spinal structures;
• examination of the patient in the Romberg position;
• straight line test.

After a standard consultation procedure, the doctor makes or confirms a preliminary diagnosis. To clarify it, he can resort to other types of examination and prescribe additional hardware diagnostics. If the doctor is convinced that the disease does not fall within his scope, he gives the patient his conclusion and redirects him to another doctor.

What does a neurosurgeon check?

To verify the presence or absence of pathology of the nervous system, the neurosurgeon prescribes the following examinations:

• routine blood and urine examination;
• MRI or CT of the required areas;
• spinal puncture;
• Ultrasound of cerebral vessels - this examination must be prescribed by a vascular neurosurgeon;
• angiography - checking blood vessels using a contrast agent;
• myelography - examination of the spinal cord and spine using a spinal puncture through which a contrast agent is injected;
• encephalography is the study of brain impulses.

For problems with the nervous system and spine, the outcome of treatment depends on the correct behavior at the first signs of the disease and in the event of injury.

A neurosurgeon is a specialist involved in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of acute injuries to the nervous system. A neurosurgeon treats organs such as nerves, brain, and skull.

What diseases are within the competence of a neurosurgeon?

• Traumatic brain injuries;
• Vascular anomalies and tumors of the spinal cord, nerve roots and their membranes;
• Congenital defects in the development of the skull and brain;
• Skull tumors;
• Cerebrovascular accidents requiring surgical intervention;
• Disturbances in the development of the membranes and blood vessels of the brain;
• Diseases of the spinal cord and brain in children;
• Peripheral and central pain syndrome;
• Diseases of the spine accompanied by neurological syndromes of irritation and loss of function.

When should you consult a neurosurgeon?

The following symptoms indicate the possibility of a herniated disc, requiring consultation with a neurosurgeon:

• Thoracic: combination of scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis with pain in the thoracic region, persistent pain in the thoracic region with a certain posture, for example, during sitting or standing occupations;
• Lumbar: numbness in the toes, constant pain in the lower back lasting for several months, pain in the leg, back or front or in the side of the thigh down to the foot, isolated pain in the foot or lower leg;
• Cervical region: aching or sharp pain in the shoulder or arm, dizziness, numbness of the fingers, pressure surges.

What tests will need to be taken?

At the appointment, the neurosurgeon may ask the patient to take the following tests to establish an accurate diagnosis:

• General blood analysis;
• Blood clotting time;
• Prothrombin index;
• Activated partial thromboplastin time;
• Prothrombin time (PT) + fibrinogen;
• General urine analysis;
• Prothrombin time (PT);
• International normalized ratio.

What types of diagnostics does a neurosurgeon perform?

At the appointment, the neurosurgeon can perform the following types of diagnostics:

• Computed tomography (CT, CT). It allows the neurosurgeon to identify various disorders - atrophy of the cerebral cortex, hydrocephalus, displacement of brain structures due to tumors or other space-occupying processes;
• Electromyography (EMG). This study makes it possible to objectively assess how affected the patient’s muscles and nervous system are;
• Cerebral angiography. Using this x-ray method using contrast agents, the neurosurgeon obtains an image of the venous and arterial vessels of the brain;
• Lumbar puncture. This study is necessary to determine intracranial pressure. In addition, the lumbar puncture serves as a site for other examinations and the administration of contrast fluids;
• Electroencephalography is a test of the electrical activity of the brain. This diagnosis allows the neurosurgeon to determine activity disturbances in various encephalopathies, sleep disorders, epilepsy;
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This test allows the neurosurgeon to see neural structures in high resolution. However, there are no major risks for the patient when conducting such a study. When using contrast agents, the diagnostic value of MRI increases significantly;
• Myelography is an X-ray examination of the spinal cord using contrast fluid. Allows the neurosurgeon to identify hernias and tumors of the spinal canal;
• Ultrasound Doppler scanning (ultrasound and vascular Doppler). This study allows the neurosurgeon to determine stenosis, dissection, or blockage of the carotid arteries;
• Echoencephalography is a graphical display of ultrasound waves that are reflected from the areas of the brain being studied. This type of diagnosis is used directly at the patient's bedside to determine hydrocephalus or hemorrhage in children under two years of age.

Modern man is not immune from spinal injuries and cancerous tumors, from problems with the nervous system and brain functions. It doesn’t matter whether the injury is acquired or congenital, a sports “accident” or a problem associated with too much physical activity - in these and many other cases, medical science called neurosurgery will come to the rescue. And also its practicing specialists - doctors who conduct consultations, prescribe preoperative examinations and perform surgical interventions for ailments that are in one way or another related to the nervous system, which is rightfully considered one of the most mysterious in the human body.

Neurosurgery: doing the impossible

“Who is a neurosurgeon” is the first question that arises in a person who, having been seen by a therapist, has received the appropriate referral. A professional in the field of neurosurgery knows how to diagnose pathological processes as accurately as possible, paying attention to the stories of patients, the symptoms of a dangerous illness, and also by carefully studying the results of tests and analyzes performed. The competence of these specialists includes performing surgical operations of increased complexity, which require deep knowledge in the medical field.

But what does a neurosurgeon treat, to be specific and in more detail? This is, first of all:

• problems with the development of the brain and cranium, anomalies of the nervous system that are congenital in nature;
• hematomas, abscesses, empyemas;
• diseases of the spinal cord and brain in childhood, regardless of age group;
• problems with the spine, for example, hernias, osteochondrosis;
• syndromes of vascular disorders of the membranes and the brain itself;
• pinched nerves, or carpal tunnel syndrome;
• cerebrovascular accidents that can be cured surgically, hemorrhages, ischemic strokes;
• triangular neuralgia;
• oncological manifestations, vascular anomalies of the spinal cord, nerve sheaths;
• cranial tumors;
• pain syndrome of different types;
• traumatic brain injuries, etc.

This doctor's areas of expertise include the nerves, brain, and skull. In most cases, people come to a neurosurgeon with an already accurately diagnosed diagnosis, so the doctor primarily studies the conclusions of his colleagues, directly interacting with all doctors, but mainly neuropathologists.

Among other things, the responsibilities of a neurosurgeon include postoperative patient care - monitoring the patient and monitoring his condition. He prescribes rehabilitation procedures aimed at a speedy recovery after surgery. If necessary, subsequent therapy and a schedule for further management of the patient are prescribed.

Appointment with a neurosurgeon: when and why?

Often people turn to a neurosurgeon precisely when the disease is already pronounced and becomes neglected. Therefore, treatment is often complicated, or even not possible at all, for example, if we are talking about malignant tumors in the brain. That is why the most important condition for recovery is identifying the disease in the early stages. This will help avoid health problems in the near future and deterioration of the condition.

If you observe symptoms that indicate the development of a serious problem, you should immediately take a referral to a specialist. Especially if:

• signs of the development of herniated intervertebral discs are clearly visible;
• Often there is numbness in the fingers or pain in the arm, and all this is accompanied by surges in blood pressure and dizziness (“a bell” in favor of a hernia of the cervical spine);
• fingers go numb, constant pain in the lower back and leg localizes in different places (lumbar hernia);
• pain in the sternum (with a hernia of the corresponding section);
• there is a traumatic brain injury. It can be identified by the following symptoms: severe nausea and headache, sudden loss of consciousness, noise in the ears and head, difficulty perceiving the surrounding reality and information in it, impaired motor coordination. In such cases, the patient needs urgent hospitalization in the appropriate department of the hospital;
• there are congenital pathologies in the development of the skull or brain, as well as problems with the nervous system;
• symptoms indicating a central nervous system disorder are diagnosed. In most cases, they occur suddenly and are paroxysmal in nature. The main signs are loss of consciousness, severe persistent headaches, problems with speech, movement, etc.

Urgent intervention by medical specialists of this profile is recommended when diagnosing stab, cut, gunshot, chopped and other wounds that affect the nervous system.

Consultation with a neurosurgeon, tests, examinations

When seeking advice, it is necessary to do the necessary tests - general blood and urine tests, blood clotting and thromboplastin time. In addition, fibrinogen and prothrombin time, thrombotic index and normalized ratio should be performed.

First of all, a detailed conversation is held with questions to the patient, the main purpose of which is to find out the degree of development of the alleged problem at the time of treatment. After this, the doctor conducts a general examination, which includes checking joint and muscle functions, checking skin sensitivity, reflexes - both normal and pathological, and oculomotor reactions. “Coordination samples” are also checked. The following studies are considered the key neurosurgical diagnostic methods:

1. Lumbar puncture, which determines intracranial pressure and serves as a site for administering contrast agents for other tests that may be needed during the examination.
2. Computed tomography, which reveals a variety of types of lesions, such as: hydrocephalus, tumors, displacement of brain structures, etc.;
3. MRI is a detailed image of nerve structures.
4. Echoencephalography is a graphical display of ultrasound waves reflected from the studied areas of the brain.
5. Electroencephalography is a recording of the electrical activity of the brain.
6. Positron emission tomography is a demonstration of important data in cases of brain tumors, epilepsy and suspected stroke.
7. Ultrasound and vascular Doppler, aimed at diagnosing the condition of arteries and blood vessels.
8. Myelography is an X-ray examination of the spinal cord with contrast.
9. Electromyography is a study that allows you to objectively diagnose lesions of the muscles and nervous system.

Neurosurgeons do not always resort to instruments and operations, so do not panic ahead of time. Sometimes only drug therapy is used followed by a course of rehabilitation. The main thing is not to delay your visit to the hospital to preserve your health.