Neurosurgery is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of patients with injury to, or diseases of, the brain, spine or peripheral nerves.
Depending on the nature of the injury or illness, a neurosurgeon may provide either surgical or non-surgical care
What Kinds of Illnesses Do Neurosurgeons Treat?
Neurosurgeons are more than just brain surgeons. These medical specialists are trained to help patients with head and spine trauma; cerebrovascular disorders, such as aneurysms of the brain; chronic low back pain; brain and spinal tumors; and abnormalities of the peripheral nerves (face, arms, legs, hands and feet).
Disorders of the brain, spine and nerves commonly treated by neurosurgeons include:
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Cervical Spine Disorders
Herniated Disk
Hydrocephalus
Intracranial Aneurysm
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Spinal Cord Injury
Tumors
How Are Neurosurgeons Trained?
Neurosurgeons have one of the longest training periods of any medical specialty as the nervous system is extremely complex and because of the advanced techniques used in neurosurgical operations: Four years of medical school, followed by a one-year internship program devoted to mastering clinical skills; an additional five to seven years are spent in a residency program.
Neurosurgical residents are trained in all aspects of neurosurgery; cerebrovascular system, spine/ spinal cord, trauma, tumors, pain management and pediatric surgery. Each resident completes a minimum of 60 months of training in neurosurgical sciences.
A minimum of 3 years must be devoted to clinical neurosurgery in neurosurgical-training programs accredited by the American Council of Graduate Medical Education.
Board Certification
Following residency training, the neurosurgeon may seek certification through the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS). Board Certification is based upon:
- Approval of an applicant’s educational and training qualifications,
- A review of the physician’s professional practice - including opinions of his or her colleagues,
- Passage of written and oral examinations
The certification process includes a thorough assessment of the neurosurgeon’s skill, judgement and depth of knowledge. Candidates sit for a comprehensive written examination sponsored by the ABNS, submits a list of patients for whom he/she was the responsible physician during a period of at least 12 consecutive months as well as three professional references. Oral exams are completed within five years of completed traiining or passing the primary examination.
The three-hour oral exam covers the diagnosis and management of surgical and medical diseases of the nervous system. Successful completion of these steps entitles the neurosurgeon to becomes Board Certified in the practice of neurological surgery.
What is the Role of the Neurosurgeon?
Neurosurgeons provide the operative and non-operative management (i.e.: prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, critical care and rehabilitation) of neurosurgical disorders. Because of their extensive training, they are often called upon by emergency room doctors, neurologists, internists, family practitioners, and osteopaths for consultations.
What's New in Neurosurgery?
Neurosurgeons are noted leaders in incorporating new technologies into the diagnosis, evaluation, and surgical and non-surgical treatment of patients. Although neurosurgery is by nature a surgical field, many patients suffering from neurosurgical disorders undergo non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments.
There has been great advancement in less invasive surgical equipment and techniques, such as microscopes, lasers and focused radiation, as well as cutting-edge medical tools such as stents, shunts and radiosurgery, that are positively changing the way some neurosurgical disorders are treated.
These medical advancements have greatly enhanced the neurosurgeon's ability to care for patients.
What is the American Association of Neurological Surgeons?
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is a scientific and educational association with more than 5, 400 neurosurgeons worldwide. The AANS, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to excellence in neurosurgical education for the advancement of patient care. AANS active members are Board-certified neurosurgeons who have completed four years of medical school and at least six years of additional specialized training. They have passed a comprehensive oral and written examination and are certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery.
AANS consists of seven subspecialty Sections that include: Neurotrauma and Critical Care; Cerebrovascular Surgery; Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery; Pain; Pediatric Neurological Surgery; Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves; and Tumors.
© Copyright 2000 American Association of Neurological Surgeons