A certified neurosurgeon has experience in the neurosurgical field for over 8 years or even more specializing in neurological disorders, that is, nerves, especially cranial nerves, spinal nerves and peripheral nerves disorders. A neurosurgeon specializes in surgical interventions targeted and executed in the nervous system. Having come from a family of neurosurgeons or doctors, many take after this career path as neurosurgeons to succeed and continue with the line of medicine in the family. Many become the first in the native home land or join the pioneers of it. Unfortunately due to inadequacy of resources like proper medical schools, one is forced to leave the homeland and go to another country where quality education and stat of the art facilities dealing with neurosurgeon are present.
Academic prowess is achieved after several years of rigorous education curriculums, internships, trainings and fellowships that follow soon after. Residency is done in those neurological centers accredited for such fellowships for the neurological students in order for them to gain hands on experience in the field before becoming self proclaimed neurosurgeons with board certifications. Specialization in fields related to neurosurgery is also done by completing a fellowship of one or two years after residency. Divisions of specialization are; vascular neurosurgery, stereotactic neurosurgery, oncological surgery, skull base surgery, peripheral nerve surgery, spinal neurosurgery and pediatric neurosurgery.
The unique skill set and vast clinical knowledge on neurosurgery combined together with surgical methods with minimal surgical invasive surgical procedures or techniques allow the neurosurgeon to treat an array of conditions such as;
Cancers such as Brain tumors, meningioma , pituitary adenoma and other spinal tumors.
Conditions or diseases such as Trigeminal neuralgia, carpal tunnel syndrome, hydrocephalus, hemifacial spasm, ulna nerve entrapment disease, degenerative disc disease, birth defects, blocked arteries, aneurysims, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, radicular pain, trauma to the spine and traumatic brain injury. They also treat diseases or conditions nor recquiring surgery such as Parkinson’s disease and chronic low back pain. Coupled with the clinical knowledge is the complex neurological diagnostic measures and tests used to monitor the brain functioning.
Neurosurgeons have widely published works such as journals on neurosurgery covering a wide range of topics from tumors to fractures or even strokes. A neurosurgeon will ensure good patient care and treatment, following the Hippocratic Oath of doing no harm as a guiding principle. The many advancements in medical engineering that has come up with complex technology to be used by neurosurgery has enabled treatment of complex conditions which many neurosurgeons worldwide have adopted as part of their practice.
In choosing the best neurosurgeon, it is important to consider their experience and expertise. It goes without saying that an experienced neurosurgeon has most likely dealt with so many conditions, nothing will come as a surprise. You will find that there are many of them to choose from but until you find the right one for you, don’t settle. Consider their track record by researching to find out if there are testimonials and reviews given for their services.