What Kinds of Illnesses Do Neurosurgeons Treat?
Neurosurgeons are more than just brain surgeons. These medical specialists are trained to help patients with head and spine trauma; cerebrovascular disorders, such as aneurysms of the brain; chronic low back pain; brain and spinal tumors; and abnormalities of the peripheral nerves (face, arms, legs, hands and feet). Disorders of the brain, spine and nerves commonly treated by neurosurgeons include: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cervical Spine Disorders Herniated Disk Hydrocephalus Intracranial Aneurysm Lumbar Spinal Stenosis Spinal Cord Injury Tumors How Are Neurosurgeons Trained? Neurosurgeons have one of the longest training periods of any medical specialty as the nervous system is extremely complex and because of the advanced techniques used in neurosurgical operations: Four years of medical school, followed by a one-year internship program devoted to mastering clinical skills; an additional five to seven years are spent in a residency program. Neurosurgical residents are trained in all as
