What are the difference between neurosurgeon and neurologist?

Difference between neurosurgeon and neurologist

Summary

It is important to understand the difference between neurosurgeon and neurologist. Both neurosurgeons and neurologists are medical experts specializing in the central nervous system. While neurologists treat neurological conditions through medical management, neurosurgeons are trained to perform surgical interventions when necessary. Understanding their roles and the conditions they treat is crucial for seeking the right medical care.

[ Tips to prevent brain stroke ]

Introduction

Differentiating between medical specialists can often be challenging. However, when dealing with brain, spine, and nerve-related issues, understanding the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon is essential. Both specialists address central nervous system disorders, which include the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The central nervous system governs most bodily functions, making these experts vital for diagnosing and treating complex conditions.

Neurologist: The Medical Specialist

A neurologist diagnoses and treats disorders of the nervous system medically, without performing surgery. Conditions commonly treated by neurologists include:

• Chronic headaches and migraines
• Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
• Parkinson’s disease
• Stroke (medical management)
• Sleep disorders
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Peripheral nerve disorders
• Motor neuron diseases such as ALS

Neurologists also conduct diagnostic tests like NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity), BERA (Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry), and VEP (Visual Evoked Potential). If you’re experiencing symptoms such as persistent headaches, seizures, or muscle fatigue, consider consulting the best neurologist near you or visiting the top neurology hospital in Bangalore.

[ Stroke or Paralysis Treatment In Bangalore ]

Neurosurgeons: The Surgical Expert

A neurosurgeon specializes in surgical interventions for the nervous system, handling both routine and complex cases. Conditions commonly treated by neurosurgeons include:

• Brain injuries and tumors
• Spinal disc herniation and stenosis
• Sciatica
• Stroke requiring surgical intervention
• Aneurysms needing clipping or coiling
• Craniotomy for blood clots

If you’re dealing with severe back or neck pain or have been advised surgery, consult the best neurosurgeon in Bangalore or explore options for spine surgery specialists near you.

Neurosurgeons typically use non-operative treatment plans before performing surgery, even though they are capable of performing extremely complex surgeries. When surgery is necessary,  procedures are done whenever it is needed. When a patient has a brain or spinal cord injury, neurosurgeons are also on call for emergency room doctors.

[ Here are our pick of 7 Brain Foods to Keep You Fit ]

What makes a neurologist different from a neurosurgeon in Bangalore?

As explained above, a neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of brain and nervous system disorders. They are experts in treating chronic headaches, epilepsy, Parkinsons disease, multiple sclerosis, dementia, brain infections, and other brain disorders that can’t be managed surgically.  Neurologists are experts in doing electrophysiological tests of nervous systems like  NCV( nerve conductions studies, BERA, VEP)  and they will inform us about how it nervous system works.

Neurosurgery in Bangalore, on the other hand, treats brain injuries, tumor removal, spinal problems with vertebrae, and slip discs requiring surgical treatment. Both doctors collaborate closely to provide the best possible care for their patients, combining medical and surgical procedures as needed.

[ Signs about Spinal canal stenosis in Lumbar region ]

Degree and training:

• Neurologists: After earning a medical degree, neurologists undergo 3 years of internal medicine training and another 3 years specializing in neurology. Some pursue sub-specialties such as stroke, pediatric neurology, or neurophysiology.
• Neurosurgeons: Neurosurgeons complete an extensive training program, including 3 years of general surgery residency followed by 3-6 years of neurosurgery training. Many opt for fellowships in fields like spine surgery, endovascular neurosurgery, or pediatric neurosurgery.

When seeking specialized care, search for the best neurologists and neurosurgeons near me or visit the top neurology and neurosurgery centers in Bangalore for expert consultations.

[ When did your doctor advise a cervical collar? ]

Finding the correct specialist:

These two types of specialists and the conditions they treat have some overlap. When surgery is required such as for an aneurysm or brain tumor, when surgery is needed for a stroke these doctors may collaborate, for example, a neurologist may refer a patient to a neurosurgeon in Bangalore for surgery and the patient returns to the neurologist for further management.

Ask your primary care physician which type of specialist to see if you have a condition or symptoms that you believe require a brain and spine specialist. At The Neurowellness Center, our multidisciplinary team of physicians is equipped with the latest technologies and has the experience to treat any musculoskeletal injury or condition.

[ Is sleeping on the floor good for your spine? ]

When to see a neurologist?

As top neurologists in Bangalore treat patients with disorders of the brain and nervous system, there are some warning signs to look for before visiting a neurologist.

Here are some common auto symptoms to help you understand what a neurologist.

• Epilepsy(seizures, convulsions)
• Dizziness that lasts for a long period of time
• Problem with balancing
• Headaches
• Confusion in emotions
• Fatigue in muscles
• Sense of heaviness throughout the head for a long time

[ Best Spine Surgery Hospital in Bangalore ]

When to see a neurosurgeon in Bangalore?

Neurosurgeons, like neurologists, deal with a wide range of ailments; because neurosurgeons can perform surgery on any region of the entire nervous system and associated with body parts as well, people who visit them are frequently those who have been advised to do so by neurologists. A neurosurgeon’s main role, as previously stated, includes surgical procedures. Here are some of the scenarios in which they might intervene:

• Brain injuries.
• Craniotomy and Brain tumor removal.
• Aneurysm Clipping or Coiling
• Spinal decompression and spinal fusion.
• Craniotomy and removal of a blood clot.
• Brain bypass

[ Brain Bypass Surgery In Bangalore ]

As advanced neurosurgery in Bangalore is one of the most difficult fields of medicine, it may sometimes necessitate the collaboration of a multidisciplinary team of experts, including plastic surgeons, orthopedic surgeons, interventional radiologists, and others.

Collaboration Between Neurologists and Neurosurgeons

Often, neurologists and neurosurgeons work together for comprehensive patient care. For example, a neurologist may diagnose a condition and refer the patient to a neurosurgeon for surgery. Post-surgery, the neurologist continues medical management. If you’re seeking a collaborative approach, consider visiting the best neurology and neurosurgery hospitals in Bangalore.

Visit NeuroWellness – Brain and Spine Care

Address: #1224, Ground Floor, 26th Main, Jayanagar 9th Block, Bangalore – 560069
Phone: +91 72596 69911 | +91 73490 17701
Website: www.neurowellness.in