Nerve pain and constant headaches are common problems indicating nerve or spinal disorders. These conditions may require you to consult a neurologist or a neurosurgeon. Most people feel confused about which specialist would provide the best treatment for these diseases. Although both these experts treat nervous system disorders, there are subtle differences.
Neurology involves treating symptoms with medications. On the flip side, neurosurgery is about providing surgical treatments to alleviate your symptoms. Here’s our patient-friendly guide to gain a clear understanding of neurology and neurosurgery.
Understand neurology before making decisions
Neurology is a medical field that deals with various issues related to the nervous system, including nerves, the spinal cord, and the brain. Qualified neurologists diagnose diseases linked to the nervous system. With comprehensive tests and diagnosis, they determine your neurological condition.
After diagnosing the neurological disorder, neurologists create a personalized treatment plan for every patient. Some common treatment options provided by neurologists are:
- Medications
- Nerve stimulation therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Lifestyle adjustment
- Chronic disease management
Neurologists can treat various nerve disorders:
- Epilepsy
- Headaches
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Stroke
- Sleep disorders
- Parkinson’s disease
- Multiple sclerosis
What is neurosurgery?
Neurosurgery is a specialty that treats your spinal issues, peripheral nerves, and brain disorders through surgical procedures. Neurosurgeons conduct surgeries to restore your nervous system. The surgical methods will drain your blood clots, repair blood vessels, and provide several other solutions.
Endoscopic procedures conducted by neurosurgeons are minimally invasive. The experts also use robotic navigation and laser techniques for the operation. In some cases, they implant catheters, neural stimulators, and other devices.
When you consult a neurosurgeon, the expert evaluates your condition through diagnostic imaging and physical examinations. Neurosurgeons possess advanced expertise, as they frequently conduct complex surgeries.
Common conditions when you need a neurosurgery treatment in Vadodara–
- Brain tumours need surgical treatments to remove them and restore your neurological function.
- Severe carpal tunnel and other complex disorders need surgery to reduce your nerve pain.
- Spinal and traumatic brain injuries need a neurosurgeon’s attention.
- Highly skilled neurosurgeons can also treat aneurysms by repairing your brain’s blood vessels. Successful surgeries will save you from life-threatening conditions.
- Herniated discs and other spinal conditions also need invasive treatments for a faster recovery.
Do neurosurgeons and neurologists work together?
A neurology expert and a neurosurgeon in Vadodara often work together to provide the best treatment for patients. For instance, if you had experienced a stroke, you could consult both these experts for comprehensive care.
Many diseases can be treated with medication alone, but other conditions require surgery. However, in a few cases, patients should take medications and undergo surgery.
Let’s discuss common diseases that may require surgical treatment further.
Epilepsy is a condition that can be treated with medicines. But in refractory cases, you should consider surgery to recover from the disorder. Similarly, those with back pain primarily consult a neurologist for traditional treatments. If the pain is caused by nerve compression, surgery is the only option.
Do neurosurgeons always recommend surgeries?
Consulting a neurosurgeon does not always mean you will undergo surgery. Most neurosurgeons start with traditional, non-surgical treatments, such as medications and physical therapy. Surgery is recommended when other treatment methods have not provided the desired result. The key purpose of a surgical procedure is to correct the damage in your nervous system.
Consult the best specialist for your neurological care
At Parul Sevashram Hospital, our expert neurologists and neurosurgeons provide accurate diagnoses of your condition. You will receive personalized treatments for your neurological disorders.
Schedule your appointment at the multi-speciality hospital in Vadodara and treat your nerve or spine disorders.