The question of who is a neurosurgeon can be answered in just one sentence. It is a specialist who diagnoses and treats diseases and conditions within the nervous system. At work, he uses quite invasive methods, which usually take the form of surgery or a short procedure. They are implemented only when pharmacological treatment fails or its options are exhausted. Using methods under local or general anesthesia, a neurosurgeon can, for example, effectively remove a hernia, get rid of a patient's hydrocephalus or cut out a brain tumor.
Tests ordered by a neurosurgeon
Before the neurosurgeon starts surgical treatment, he orders a number of tests enabling him to make a more accurate diagnosis. Diagnostic methods are different and matched to the type of problem that the doctor predicts. For example, spinal surgery often requires an MRI, and edema or tumors within the head require a CT scan. The tests ordered by the neurosurgeon also include x-rays, ultrasonography and some less known, specialized tests (emission tomography, magnetoencephalography). The doctor often also asks for basic tests - complete blood count, urine, cerebrospinal fluid.
Indications for a visit to a neurosurgeon
- headaches and dizziness,
-backaches,
- visual disturbances of unknown cause,
- numbness and tingling of the limbs,
- paresis of the limbs,
- spondylolisthesis,
- loss of balance,
- fainting,
-problems with concentration,
-problems with memory,
- hearing problems,
- convulsions,
- loss of consciousness.