By Dr. Pradeep N
Consultant-Spine and Neuro Surgeon
SS Narayana Health Hospital, Davanagere
Most people immediately associate the word ‘neurosurgeon’ with either complicated brain surgeries or dramatic film scenes featuring a patient in the OT. Neurosurgeons, however, do far more than this! They are not just for life-threatening crises, but they treat a host of neck, spine, brain and nerve problems. Many individuals could actually gain from visiting a neurosurgeon.
What Does a Neurosurgeon Really Do?
First, a neurosurgeon is not just a ‘brain surgeon’. Specialising in identifying and treating diseases / disorders of the entire nervous system—including the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves—their work spans non-surgical therapies for chronic pain or nerve problems to executing sensitive operations involving the nervous system.
So a neurosurgeon is actually more relevant than you think, if you suffer ongoing headaches, chronic back pain, or limb numbness and tingling.
Signs You Should Consult a Neurosurgeon
Here are some important situations where it is usually recommended to see a neurosurgeon:
Persistent Neck or Back Pain: A neurosurgeon can evaluate whether there is a deeper spinal problem—such as a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease—that may require surgical treatment or other advanced approaches in cases where physical therapy, pain medication, or chiropractic care have failed.
Epilepsy: A number of underlying neurological conditions, such as epilepsy, brain tumour, or traumatic injury, can result in seizures. To determine whether surgery is required to control or end the seizures, a neurosurgeon can collaborate with a neurologist.
Trauma to the head or spine: A neurosurgeon is the expert you want to involve if there is any concern about brain or spine damage following an accident or severe fall. In these situations, time is of the essence, and prompt action can prevent disability and save lives.
Tumours of the brain or spine: A neurosurgeon is the go-to specialist to plan your treatment if you have been diagnosed with a tumour (whether benign or malignant) in your brain or spine. Neurosurgeons are trained to remove tumours as safely as possible, though not all of them will require surgery.
Not Every Visit Results in Surgery
Among the most significant myths surrounding neurosurgeons is that every visit will spell doom and entail a surgery. In truth, a lot of ailments can be managed without surgery. Your neurosurgeon can treat non-severe disorders / problems with medicines, physiotherapy, or image-guided techniques like injections. Delaying a consultation due to fear of surgery can prolong your pain and worsen your symptoms.
Get a Referral When in Doubt
Consult your general physician or family doctor, if you’re not sure about the severity of your symptoms. They can refer you to a neurosurgeon if required, after assessing your condition. It is best to get checked as soon as possible if something feels strange, such as sudden neurological changes or chronic nerve pain or pain in the spinal column, especially if it interferes with your day-to-day activities.
To see a neurosurgeon, you don’t have to be in the middle of a medical emergency. From severe head injuries and slipped discs to tingling nerves and everything else in between, a neurosurgeon is a specialist who can genuinely understand if the symptoms causing you pain are lowering your quality of life, and can help you find a solution – both non-surgical and surgical.
About the Author
Dr. Pradeep N, MBBS, MS, MCh (Neurosurgery)
Dr. Pradeep N is a Consultant Spine and Neurosurgeon at SS Narayana Health Hospital in Davanagere. With advanced training in neurosurgery and a special focus on spinal disorders, he brings years of expertise in diagnosing and treating complex neurological conditions.
