When it comes to the complexities of the brain, spine and nervous system, only one medical specialist is equipped to answer the call: the neurosurgeon. But what exactly does it take to become a neurosurgeon, and what is involved in the role?
Each year, as the month of August marks Neurosurgery Awareness Month, we celebrate the world of neurosurgery and applaud the skilled professionals who dedicate their lives to the field.
What is neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery is a highly specialized field of medicine focused on diagnosing and surgically treating disorders affecting the nervous system, its supporting structures and vascular supply. The scope of neurosurgery is broad, and neurosurgeons are trained to manage a wide array of conditions – from brain tumors and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) to spinal deformities and cerebrovascular disorders.
What does a neurosurgeon do?
A neurosurgeon is not only a surgeon, but also a diagnostician and therapeutic expert. While the term “surgeon” suggests a sole focus on surgery, neurosurgeons often explore nonsurgical treatments before recommending surgery. This can include medications, injections and physical therapy. Surgery is usually considered when conservative treatments are deemed ineffective. This multifaceted approach allows neurosurgeons to tailor treatments to a patient’s unique needs, ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Depending on the condition they are treating, neurosurgeons perform a wide variety of surgeries.
Neurosurgeon vs. neurologist: What’s the difference?
While both neurosurgeons and neurologists specialize in the nervous system, their roles are distinctly different. Neurologists diagnose and manage disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nervous system, but do not perform surgery. They often work in tandem with neurosurgeons, referring patients for surgical evaluation when necessary. In contrast, neurosurgeons are trained to both diagnose and surgically treat these conditions.
What conditions do neurosurgeons treat?
The conditions treated by neurosurgeons are as varied as they are complex. From removing brain tumors and treating spinal fractures to managing hydrocephalus and repairing aneurysms, neurosurgeons tackle some of the most challenging conditions in medicine.
Brain tumors: One of the most obvious areas of neurosurgical expertise is the treatment of brain tumors. Brain tumors are vast in type and can range from benign, or non-cancerous, to malignant, or cancerous. The treatment of some brain tumors requires a precise and highly delicate surgical approach. Neurosurgeons utilize advanced imaging techniques to carefully plan and execute tumor removals, striving to eliminate as much of the tumor as possible while preserving surrounding healthy tissue. In cases of malignant tumors, neurosurgeons often work alongside oncologists to provide comprehensive care that includes radiation and/or chemotherapy.
Spinal disorders: Neurosurgeons who specialize in spinal surgery treat a wide variety of spinal conditions, like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal tumors and deformities such as scoliosis. Through both minimally invasive and open surgery, they aim to relieve pain, fix the problem, restore mobility and improve the overall quality of life for patients.
Cerebrovascular and endovascular disorders: Cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgeons specialize in conditions related to the blood vessels in the brain. These experts are called upon to treat life-threatening situations such as aneurysms—bulging, weakened areas in the walls of blood vessels that can rupture—and stroke. Through procedures like aneurysm clipping and thrombectomy, neurosurgeons work to prevent and minimize catastrophic deficits, often in emergency situations where time is of the essence.
Pediatric neurosurgery: Children with neurological conditions require a unique approach, and pediatric neurosurgeons are specially trained to meet these needs. Pediatric neurosurgeons not only perform complex surgeries, but also provide long-term care that may involve multiple procedures as a child grows. Their work is vital in helping young patients lead healthier, more fulfilling lives despite the challenges posed by their conditions.
Functional neurosurgery: For patients with epilepsy or other movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease or dystonia, functional neurosurgeons offer advanced surgical options that can significantly reduce experienced symptoms. In cases where medication is not effective in controlling seizures, a neurosurgeon might perform a lobectomy—removal of the affected portion of the brain—or implant a neurostimulation device to help reduce seizure frequency. Similarly, for patients with various movement disorders, deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery can provide remarkable relief from symptoms by targeting specific areas of the brain with electrical impulses.
Becoming a neurosurgeon
The path to becoming a neurosurgeon is long, rigorous and demanding. It typically takes about 15 years of education and training, including four years of undergraduate study, four years of medical school and seven years of residency training. Some neurosurgeons pursue additional training by completing a fellowship in a particular subspecialty of neurosurgery, such as pediatric, spinal, or endovascular surgery.
Even after completing their formal education, neurosurgeons must participate in continuing education opportunities, like conferences, throughout their careers to stay current on technological advancements and evolving practices.
The life of a neurosurgeon
The life of a neurosurgeon is both challenging and rewarding. The job demands long hours, often involving complex cases that can last for many hours. Surgical emergencies can arise at any time, day or night, and require immediate attention. The emotional toll of dealing with life-threatening conditions can be significant. Despite the pressures, many neurosurgeons find deep personal satisfaction in their work, knowing that their expertise can save lives and improve the quality of life for their patients.
About UAB Neurosurgery
The University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Neurosurgery is nationally recognized for its expertise in patient care and clinical practice, innovation in research initiatives and commitment to education. With a faculty composed of subspecialty-trained neurosurgeons, the program performs more than 5,000 procedures annually, addressing a broad spectrum of neurological conditions.
The department is not only a leader in clinical practice, but also in research. Faculty members are actively involved in groundbreaking research projects that push the boundaries of what is possible in neurosurgery. Their work contributes to the development of new treatments and techniques that benefit patients around the globe.
UAB is also committed to nurturing the next generation of healthcare leaders. The department’s comprehensive residency training and fellowship programs are designed to equip trainees with the skills and knowledge they need to excel in the field. By guiding and mentoring future neurosurgeons and surgeon-scientists, the Department of Neurosurgery ensures that its legacy of excellence in neurosurgery will continue for generations to come.
Within the department sits the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery. The department’s pediatric neurosurgery providers practice medicine at Children’s of Alabama.
As part of one of the nation’s largest health systems, the Department of Neurosurgery plays an integral role in shaping the future of neurosurgical care.
For those with the dedication and passion, neurosurgery is not just a career but a calling. Neurosurgeons’ commitment to advancing medicine and changing lives makes them true heroes in the medical field.