Do Neurosurgeons provide non-surgical care?

Yes. They evaluate the patients and then decide the appropriate treatment. For the spine, that often includes medication, physical therapy, pain management, and others. Surgery is often necessary for only a small number of spine pain patients.

Do I need to bring a physical copy of imaging?

Yes. If the neurosurgeon does not have the images to review they cannot make a decision on your need for surgery. Please do not rely on the place doing the scans or your referring physician's office to send them to us. You may be asked to reschedule if you do not have your disk. Please hand-carry your disk to your appointment with you.

Do they do surgery the same day?

No. Your initial appointment with the surgeon is a consultation visit. You will discuss your medical issues with a neurosurgery provider, the surgeon will review your images and records and a plan of care will be established. If surgery is in your plan of care, it will be scheduled for a later date.

Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon: What is the difference?

Neurosurgeons are taught non-surgical and surgical treatment of spine disorders during a six or seven year residency. By the time they finish with the program, all neurosurgeons have performed and assisted in hundreds of spine procedures. By contrast, only some orthopedic programs have a spine volume comparable to the neurosurgical programs. In addition, only neurosurgeons are trained during their program to perform certain spine operations. These include those abnormalities inside the lining of the spinal canal, called the dura. Therefore spinal cord tumors, arachnoid cysts, tumors at the base of the skull and upper cervical spine, nerve root tumors, and congenital lesions. are in the province of the Neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeons take this skill and experience and apply it to other spinal disorders, such as herniated discs and stenosis.