t is about more than just the brain

Neurosurgeons are known as the doctors who perform complicated operations on the brain. Interestingly, brain surgery is just a small part of what neurosurgeons do. They deal with the entire nervous system, treating every part of the body affected by nerve issues.

Surgery is usually the last resort

On a typical day, a neurosurgeon will spend their time diagnosing patients’ symptoms and coming up with progressive, minimally invasive treatment plans. Neurosurgeons perform surgery only if there are no better treatment options. They prefer to take the conservative approach to an illness whenever possible.

It may be hard to believe, but neurosurgeons also treat “common” diseases like back pain, migraines, pinched nerves, epilepsy, stroke and chronic pain. You do not need to have a life-threatening condition to see a neurosurgeon. In fact, a neurologist is your best bet if you show any of the symptoms below:

1. Numbness and pain

Persistent numbness, especially in the extremities, is a symptom of sensory nerve damage. Sensory nerves are found under the skin and in the muscles. They carry information back to the brain. If the nerves fail to do so correctly, then numbness, burning, tingling or pain occurs.

2. A weak grip

The hand can lose the ability to grasp objects because of pain or loss of sensation. Usually, this is caused when the wrist swells as a result of injury or illness. The swollen wrist constricts the median nerve, causing pain, tingling or loss of sensation. This condition is known as carpal tunnel.

Carpal tunnel develops gradually. To prevent worsening of the condition, a person should seek medical attention as soon as they notice even the smallest of symptoms.

3. Persistent headaches

When the head hurts for hours or days on end, it is time to see a neurologist. Persistent headaches or migraines are usually accompanied by light sensitivity and nausea. They happen when overexcited nerves wrongly cause veins and arteries to narrow and release chemicals that cause pain.

With the patient’s input, a neurosurgeon will isolate the trigger of the migraine and create a treatment plan to manage or eliminate the headaches.

4. Impaired movement

Clumsiness, tremors, shuffling and uncontrollable body movements are all types of impaired movement. These symptoms can be a result of a malfunction of the central nervous system or a side effect of medication or head trauma.

A neurologist is best qualified to figure out if a serious underlying condition exists.

5. Seizures

Most people picture seizures as violent convulsions and loss of consciousness. Often, they are milder and more subtle. A person may have a seizure while sitting perfectly still. A person who has suddenly started having seizures should seek a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.