What’s the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon?
A neurologist is a physician specialist who diagnoses and treats medical disorders of the nervous system. They will perform detailed examination of the neurological structures of the body and utilize their expertise in diagnosis, technology and latest research advances to develop a treatment and management plan. A neurosurgeon is a physician who specializes in surgical intervention for those diseases or conditions of the nervous system that have failed conservative (nonsurgical) treatment or are emergent and critical in nature. The neurosurgeon will also perform a detailed comprehensive neurological examination and appropriate diagnostic testing, often including radiographic imaging (e.g., CT scan, MRI, x-rays) to assess the neurological problem. Neurosurgery provides both operative and nonoperative management of nervous system disorders that may affect the central, peripheral, and/or autonomic nervous systems.
