Debunking Common Misconceptions About Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is a specialized domain of medicine. It involves the diagnosis and management of illnesses of the nervous system. It is a highly significant field of medicine. Despite that, misconceptions about it are prevalent among patients.
People commonly assume that neurosurgery is fraught with risks and that the recovery time is very long. Risks are a part of every surgical process. However, expert neurosurgeons leverage the latest tools and technologies to reduce risks and optimize the treatment outcome.
On the same lines, many people consider neurosurgery solely for the treatment of brain tumors. Contrary to what you may believe, this field of medicine is about treating various nervous system disorders. These include Parkinson’s disease, chronic pain, spinal cord conditions, and epilepsy.
The prevalence of these misconceptions prevents many from making appropriate decisions about their health. So, it is crucial to eliminate them by spreading knowledge about what this discipline actually involves.
- Neurosurgeons Operate Only on the Brain.
One can easily see why this myth is so common. It is because neurosurgeons specialize in the surgical treatment of brain-related conditions. However, that is not their sole priority. On the contrary, most neurosurgeons today deal with operating the spinal column or the spinal cord. That isn’t to say they do not operate the brain. But that is only a part of their expertise.
The spinal column is a highly detailed system linking your body with the brain. It is inside a bio-mechanical structure that safeguards the nerve branches and spinal cord. At the same time, the spinal column supports your body from its pelvis.
A neurosurgeon is deeply familiar with the complex interrelationships of the various systems. That’s why they are experts in performing spinal treatments like spinal fusion, decompression surgery, and disc replacement.
- Surgery Is the Only Treatment Option for Treating Neurological Disorders
Surgery is undoubtedly imperative for the treatment of specific conditions like tumors, but that isn’t the only option. There are various disorders that non-surgical treatments can effectively treat. For example, medications can treat many signs of Parkinson’s disease.
Drugs for controlling seizures are also extensively used in place of surgery. Physical therapy is also a great option for treating various neurological ailments, such as those related to the spinal cord. Finally, psychotherapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, optimally address the mental aspects of undergoing a neurological disorder. That’s why neurosurgeons comprehensively consult medical professionals from other fields to explore non-surgical treatment options best suited to the patient’s condition.
- Everyone Who Performs a Spine Surgery is a Surgeon
Any professional from the neurosurgery domain will tell you that this is a false assumption on your part. In fact, today, many doctors who perform spinal surgery haven’t undergone a surgical training course. So, it is wrong to assume that those performing spine surgery are surgeons.
As such, you must not get spinal surgery done by someone who does not have formal surgical training. True professionals have undergone rigorous training for six to seven years. This makes them adept at carrying out complex spinal surgical procedures on their patients.
Wrapping Up
Neurosurgical procedures effectively diagnose and treat various conditions affecting a person’s central nervous system. If you are suffering from pain related to the spine or a neurologic condition, contact best spine neurosurgeon at Advanced Pain Care. The experienced neurosurgeons in the Amarillo and Round Rock branches are adept at performing a range of surgical procedures, from minimally invasive spinal decompressions to conventional surgeries. By using advanced instrumentation and techniques, the professionals perform every surgical process precisely, leading to the best outcome.