What does a neurosurgeon do?

What is a Neurosurgeon?

A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who treats problems involving the brain, spine, spinal cord, and nerves. Despite the name, they do not only perform surgery. They also diagnose conditions, recommend treatment options, and manage patient care before and after procedures. People see neurosurgeons for issues such as brain tumors, slipped discs, spinal injuries, nerve compression, and bleeding in the brain.

In simple terms, neurosurgeons work on the body’s electrical system, the parts that control movement, sensation, thinking, and vital functions like breathing. Their work is highly specialized and very precise because even small changes in the brain or spine can have a major impact on how a person functions in everyday life.

What does a Neurosurgeon do?

Duties and Responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities of a neurosurgeon can vary depending on their area of specialty and where they work. However, most neurosurgeons are responsible for the following key tasks:

Diagnosing and Evaluating Neurological Conditions: Neurosurgeons examine patients and review scans such as MRIs and CT scans to understand what is happening in the brain or spine. They identify problems like tumors, nerve compression, or injuries and determine how serious they are.
Planning and Performing Surgery: When surgery is needed, neurosurgeons carefully plan each step to reduce risk and protect vital nerves and brain tissue. They perform complex operations on the brain, spine, or nervous system with a high level of precision.
Managing Patient Care Before and After Surgery: Neurosurgeons prepare patients for surgery by explaining procedures and answering questions. After surgery, they monitor recovery, manage pain, and address any complications that may arise.
Treating Emergency Cases: Neurosurgeons often respond to emergencies such as head trauma, brain bleeding, or spinal injuries. In these situations, they must make quick decisions that can prevent long term damage or save lives.
Working with Other Medical Professionals: Neurosurgeons collaborate with neurologists, anesthesiologists, nurses, and rehabilitation specialists. This teamwork helps ensure patients receive complete and coordinated care.
Keeping Skills and Knowledge Up to Date: Neurosurgeons regularly learn new techniques and stay informed about medical research. This helps them use the safest and most effective treatments available for their patients.

Types of Neurosurgeons
There are several types of neurosurgeons who specialize in specific areas of the brain, spine, and nervous system. Some of the most common types of neurosurgeons include:

Cranial Neurosurgeon: Cranial neurosurgeons focus on conditions affecting the brain and skull. They treat issues such as brain tumors, brain injuries, aneurysms, and bleeding in the brain.
Spine Neurosurgeon: Spine neurosurgeons specialize in disorders of the spinal column and spinal cord. They treat conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, fractures, and chronic back or neck pain.
Pediatric Neurosurgeon: Pediatric neurosurgeons care for infants, children, and teenagers with neurological conditions. Their work includes treating congenital brain and spine disorders, childhood tumors, and traumatic injuries.
Functional Neurosurgeon: Functional neurosurgeons treat disorders related to how the brain functions rather than its structure. They perform procedures for conditions such as epilepsy, movement disorders, and chronic pain.
Neurotrauma Neurosurgeon: Neurotrauma neurosurgeons focus on emergency injuries to the brain and spine. They often work in trauma centers treating head injuries, spinal cord damage, and other life threatening neurological trauma.
Neuro-oncological Neurosurgeon: Neuro-oncological neurosurgeons specialize in treating tumors of the brain and spinal cord. They work closely with cancer specialists to remove tumors and manage long term treatment plans.

Are you suited to be a neurosurgeon?

Neurosurgeons have distinct personalities. They tend to be investigative individuals, which means they’re intellectual, introspective, and inquisitive. They are curious, methodical, rational, analytical, and logical. Some of them are also realistic, meaning they’re independent, stable, persistent, genuine, practical, and thrifty.

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What is the workplace of a Neurosurgeon like?

The workplace of a neurosurgeon is fast-paced, high-stakes, and very hands-on. Most neurosurgeons spend a lot of time in hospitals, especially in operating rooms, where they perform surgeries on the brain, spine, and nervous system. The environment is highly controlled, with strict rules about hygiene, safety, and equipment to make sure every procedure goes smoothly. Outside the OR, neurosurgeons also spend time in clinics seeing patients, reviewing scans, and planning treatments.

Neurosurgeons often work long hours, including nights and weekends, because emergencies can happen at any time. They may be called in to handle serious cases such as head injuries or spinal trauma. Even when they are not in surgery, they are responsible for checking on patients, consulting with other doctors, and making quick decisions that can significantly affect someone’s health. Teamwork is essential, as neurosurgeons work closely with anesthesiologists, nurses, and other specialists to provide complete care.

Despite the pressure, a neurosurgeon’s workplace can also be rewarding. Many surgeons spend time teaching medical students or training residents, and they often see the direct results of their work when patients recover or improve. While the environment is intense, it is also full of learning opportunities, collaboration, and the chance to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives every day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Neurologist vs Neurosurgeon

Neurologists and neurosurgeons are both doctors who specialize in the nervous system, but they have different roles.

Neurologists focus on diagnosing and treating conditions of the brain, spine, nerves, and muscles without surgery. They use tests like MRIs, CT scans, and nerve studies to figure out what’s wrong, and treat conditions with medications, lifestyle changes, and therapy. They manage chronic problems like epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, migraines, and multiple sclerosis, and may refer patients to neurosurgeons if surgery is needed.

Neurosurgeons, on the other hand, are trained to perform surgery on the nervous system. They treat conditions such as brain tumors, spinal injuries, aneurysms, and degenerative spine problems. They handle surgical procedures, monitor patients after surgery, and work closely with neurologists, therapists, and nurses to help patients recover. Together, neurologists and neurosurgeons provide complete care, with neurologists focusing on medical management and neurosurgeons providing surgical solutions when necessary.

See Also

Neurologist

Doctor Specializations and Degrees

Specializations
The following is a comprehensive list of the various specializations that a doctor can pursue and a brief summary of each specialization:

Allergist: An allergist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, asthma, and related conditions. Allergists have specialized training in the recognition and management of allergic reactions.
Anesthesiologist: An anesthesiologist keeps a patient comfortable, safe and pain-free during surgery by administering local or general anesthetic.
Cardiologist: A cardiologist specializes in finding, treating, and preventing diseases that affect the heart, the arteries, and the veins.
Cardiothoracic Surgeon: A cardiothoracic surgeon specializes in surgical procedures inside the thorax (the chest), which may involve the heart, lungs, esophagus, and other organs in the chest. As well as performing surgery, they also diagnose and treat diseases of these organs.
Chiropractic Neurologist: A chiropractic neurologist is a specialized type of chiropractor who has undergone additional training in the field of neurology. They diagnose and treat conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, and other parts of the nervous system.
Chiropractor: A chiropractor, or doctor of chiropractic medicine, specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system, especially in the spine. Treatment is usually physical manipulation of the joints and the spine to bring them back into alignment. A chiropractor does not perform surgery or prescribe medication.
Colorectal Surgeon: A colorectal surgeon specializes in diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus, as well as the entire gastric tract. These surgeons work closely with urologists, who handle the urogenital tract in males and the urinary tract of women, gynecologists, who deal with specific female issues, and gastroenterologists, who deal with diseases of the gut.
Doctor: An general overview of what a doctor does and how to become one.
Dentist: Dentists identify potential oral health issues such as gum disease, as well as examine patients, order medical tests and determine the correct diagnosis and treatment. They also perform oral surgery and remove teeth or address other dental health problems.
Dermatologist: A dermatologist specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of conditions affecting skin, hair, sweat and oil glands, nails, and mucus membranes (inside the mouth, nose, and eyelids) which can include cancer.
Emergency Medicine Physician: An emergency medicine physician works in emergency departments, hospitals, and urgent care clinics, and is often the first medical professional that patients see when they are in need of urgent medical care.
Endocrinologist: An endocrinologist specializes in diagnosing conditions and diseases related to the glands and hormones. While primary care doctors know a lot about the human body, for conditions and diseases directly related to glands and hormones they will typically send a patient to an endocrinologist.
Family Practitioner: A family practitioner specializes in caring for the entire family. Patients can be children, adults, and the elderly, and are treated for a wide array of medical issues.
Forensic Pathologist: A forensic pathologist investigates the cause of sudden and unexpected deaths, and is able to determine how a person died by performing an autopsy and studying tissue and laboratory results. These doctors are often called upon to provide evidence in court regarding the cause and time of such deaths.
Gastroenterologist: A gastroenterologist has specific training in diagnosing and treating conditions and diseases of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. This may include diseases and disorders that affect the the biliary system (liver, pancreas, gallbladder, and bile ducts), as well as the esophagus, stomach, small intestine, and large intestine (colon).
Geriatrician: A geriatrician specializes in the care of elderly patients, and often works with patients who have multiple chronic conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, as well as age-related cognitive and functional impairments.
Gynecologist: A gynecologist specializes in women's reproductive systems. Gynecologists are also sometimes certified as obstetricians, and will monitor the health of the mother and the fetus during a pregnancy.
Hematologist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of blood disorders, such as anemia and leukemia.
Hospitalist: A hospitalist is a physician whose focus is the general medical care of hospitalized patients. Their duties include patient care, teaching, research, and leadership related to hospital medicine.
Immunologist: An immunologist specializes in managing problems related to the immune system, such as allergies and autoimmune diseases. A smaller number of immunologists are strictly researchers seeking to better understand how the immune system works and to help develop better ways of diagnosing and providing treatment for many immunological conditions.
Infectious Disease Specialist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
Internist: An internist is a 'doctor of internal medicine' who can diagnose, treat, and practice compassionate care for adults across the spectrum, from health to complex illness. They are not to be mistaken with "interns," who are doctors in their first year of residency training.
Medical Examiner: Medical examiners are responsible for performing autopsies and collecting evidence related to the circumstances of a death, including medical history, physical examination findings, and toxicology tests.
Naturopathic Physician: A naturopathic physician blends modern scientific medical practice and knowledge with natural and traditional forms of medical treatment. The goal is to treat the underlying causes of disease while stimulating the body's own healing abilities.
Nephrologist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of kidney diseases. They treat conditions such as chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury, kidney stones, hypertension, and electrolyte imbalances.
Neurologist: A neurologist specializes in treating diseases that affect the human nervous system. It is a very prestigious and difficult medical specialty due to the complexity of the nervous system, which consists of the brain, the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves.
Neurosurgeon: A neurosurgeon specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. This includes congenital anomalies, trauma, tumours, vascular disorders, infections of the brain or spine, stroke, or degenerative diseases of the spine.
Obstetrician: An obstetrician is a medical doctor who specializes in caring for women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Occupational Physician: Occupational medicine is focused on keeping individuals well at work, both mentally and physically. As workplaces become more complex, occupational physicians play an important role in advising people on how their work can affect their health.
Oncologist: An oncologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. The three primary types of oncologists are: medical oncologists that specialize in the administration of drugs to kill cancer cells; surgical oncologists that perform surgical procedures to identify and remove cancerous tumors; and radiation oncologists that treat cancer with radiation therapy.
Ophthalmologist: An ophthalmologist is a specialist that deals specifically with the structure, function, diseases, and treatment of the eye. Due to the complexities and the importance of the eye as a special sense that provides vision, the discipline of ophthalmology is dedicated solely to this organ.
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon: An oral and maxillofacial surgeon treats dental and medical problems involving the oral cavity and the maxillofacial area. The maxillofacial area includes the bones of the forehead, face, cheekbones and the soft tissues. Treatment often involves performing surgery and related procedures to treat diseases, defects, or injuries, and to improve function or appearance.
Orthodontist: An orthodontist specializes in how the jaws and teeth are aligned. They help people whose teeth are misaligned or require some kind of correction – those with an improper bite, or malocclusion.
Orthopedic Surgeon / Orthopedist: An orthopaedic surgeon (or orthopedist) examines, diagnoses, and treats diseases and injuries of the musculoskeletal system. This system includes the bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, tendons, and nerves.
Osteopathic Physician: Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are fully licensed medical doctors who diagnose, treat, and help prevent illness and injury, with an added focus on the body’s musculoskeletal system. They combine conventional medical practices with a holistic approach that emphasizes whole-person care and preventive health.
Otolaryngologist: Otolaryngologists (or ENT physicians) are specialists trained in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with diseases and disorders of the ear, nose, throat (ENT), and related structures of the head and neck. These specialists are trained in both medicine and surgery.
Pathologist: A pathologist studies the causes, nature, and effects of disease. The field of pathology is broad with concentrations on changes in cells, tissues, and organs that are the result of a disease.
Pediatrician: A pediatrician specializes in providing medical care to infants, children and teenagers by administering treatments, therapies, medications and vaccinations to treat illness, disorders or injuries.
Periodontist: A periodontist is a dentist who specializes in oral inflammation, and who knows how to prevent, diagnose, and treat periodontal disease.
Plastic Surgeon: A plastic surgeon specializes in reshaping healthy body parts for aesthetic reasons, and also in repairing or replacing body parts damaged by accidents, illness or malformation.
Podiatrist: A podiatrist practices podiatric medicine, which is a branch of science devoted to the diagnosis, treatment and study of medical disorders of the foot, ankle, lower leg and lower back. In the U.S. and Canada, podiatry is practiced as a specialty.
Prosthodontist: A prosthodontist specializes in restoring the look, function, comfort, and health of a patient's oral cavity with artificial materials. These artificial materials are made up of a wide variety of restorations that include fillings, dentures, veneers, crowns, bridges and oral implants.
Psychiatrist: Psychiatrists are physicians who evaluate, diagnose and treat patients who are affected by a temporary or chronic mental health problem.
Pulmonologist: A pulmonologist specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of pulmonary (lung) conditions and diseases of the chest, particularly pneumonia, asthma, tuberculosis, emphysema, and complicated chest infections.
Radiologist: A radiologist is a specialist in interpreting medical images that may be obtained with x-rays, (CT scans or radiographs), nuclear medicine (involving radioactive substances, magnetism (MRI), or ultrasound.
Rheumatologist: A doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Sports Medicine Physician: A sports medicine physician specializes in taking care of people who have sports injuries that may be acquired from playing sports, exercising, or from otherwise being physically active.
Surgeon: A surgeon performs surgery for the purpose of removing diseased tissue or organs, to repair body systems, or to replace diseased organs with transplants.
Telemedicine Physician: A telemedicine physician provides remote healthcare services to patients using telecommunications technology, facilitating virtual consultations, diagnoses, and treatment recommendations.
Urologist: A urologist specializes in the treatment of the male and female urinary tract and the male reproductive organs. Urologists can treat the kidneys, urinary bladder, urethra, uterus, and male reproductive organs. There are also specific specialty areas that urologists may choose to focus on, such as pediatric urology, male infertility, and urologic oncology.
Vascular Medicine Specialist: A vascular medicine specialist specializes in the diagnosis and nonsurgical treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels. They may work with patients who have conditions such as deep vein thrombosis, peripheral artery disease, or pulmonary embolism.
Vascular Surgeon: A vascular surgeon specializes in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels, including aneurysms, peripheral artery disease, and varicose veins.
Veterinary Dentist: A veterinary dentist is a specialized veterinarian who focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of dental diseases and conditions in animals. They perform dental procedures such as cleanings, extractions, and oral surgeries to improve the oral health and well-being of pets and other animals.
Virologist: A virologist is a scientist or medical doctor who studies viruses, develops treatments and vaccines, and works to prevent and control viral diseases.

Related Degrees

See Also

Doctor Allergist Anesthesiologist Cardiologist Cardiothoracic Surgeon Chiropractor Colorectal Surgeon Dentist Dermatologist Emergency Medicine Physician Endocrinologist Family Practitioner Forensic Pathologist Gastroenterologist Geriatrician Gynecologist Hematologist Hospitalist Immunologist Infectious Disease Specialist Internist Medical Examiner Naturopathic Physician Nephrologist Neurologist Obstetrician Occupational Physician Oncologist Ophthalmologist Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon Orthopedic Surgeon Orthopedist Orthodontist Osteopathic Physician Otolaryngologist Pathologist Pediatrician Periodontist Plastic Surgeon Podiatrist Prosthodontist Psychiatrist Pulmonologist Radiologist Rheumatologist Sports Medicine Physician Surgeon Urologist Vascular Medicine Specialist Vascular Surgeon Chiropractic Neurologist Veterinary Dentist Telemedicine Physician Virologist

Pros and Cons of Being a Neurosurgeon

Becoming a neurosurgeon offers numerous rewards and challenges. Here are some pros and cons:

Pros

Impactful Work: Neurosurgeons have the opportunity to make a profound impact on patients' lives by treating complex neurological conditions and improving quality of life.
High Earning Potential: Neurosurgery is one of the highest-paying medical specialties, with neurosurgeons often earning significant salaries due to the specialized skills and training required for the profession.
Intellectual Stimulation: Neurosurgery is intellectually challenging, requiring critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a deep understanding of complex anatomy and physiology.
Prestige and Respect: Neurosurgeons are highly respected within the medical community and society at large for their expertise and ability to perform intricate surgical procedures on the brain and spine.
Advancements in Technology: Neurosurgery is at the forefront of medical innovation, with ongoing advancements in surgical techniques, imaging technology, and minimally invasive procedures that enhance patient outcomes and recovery.

Cons

Lengthy Training: Becoming a neurosurgeon requires extensive education and training, including four years of medical school, followed by a demanding residency program that typically lasts seven to eight years. This prolonged training period can be physically, emotionally, and financially demanding.
High Stress and Pressure: Neurosurgery is inherently high-stress and high-pressure, with neurosurgeons often dealing with life-threatening emergencies, complex surgeries, and difficult patient outcomes. The emotional toll of the job can be significant.
Long Hours and On-Call Duties: Neurosurgeons frequently work long hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and are often required to be on-call to respond to emergencies. This can lead to a challenging work-life balance and limited time for personal pursuits.
Risk of Burnout: The demanding nature of neurosurgery, combined with long hours, high stress, and intense pressure, can increase the risk of burnout among neurosurgeons. It's essential for neurosurgeons to prioritize self-care and seek support to prevent burnout and maintain their well-being.
Liability and Malpractice Risks: Neurosurgery carries inherent risks, and neurosurgeons may face the possibility of medical malpractice lawsuits in the event of adverse patient outcomes. This can lead to professional and financial repercussions, as well as emotional distress.

Neurosurgeons are also known as:
Brain Surgeon