Seeing a general practitioner will let you know if your condition requires a neurologist or neurosurgeon.
Both neurologists and neurosurgeons are medical specialists who deal with disorders of the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. The main difference between the two lies in the fact that neurosurgeons perform surgery, while neurologists treat patients only non-surgically or “externally”. If a neurologist’s patient requires surgical intervention, he or she will be referred to a neurosurgeon. Neurosurgeons, on the other hand, may treat patients “externally” and surgically.
A neurosurgeon may treat patients suffering from head and spinal cord injuries.
Central nervous system disorders include muscle disorders such as cerebral palsy, seizure disorders such as epilepsy, behavioral disorders such as attention deficit disorder (ADD), brain defects, and acute trauma such as head injuries. The patient may request a neurologist or a neurosurgeon, or just one of them, depending on the condition to be treated and its severity. In some cases, a surgical intervention is initially required, which will be carried out by the neurosurgeon, and a long-term follow-up can be carried out by the neurologist or neurosurgeon.
The main difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon is that a neurosurgeon will perform brain surgery.
One of the differences between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon is the qualifications, or the time it takes to graduate, due to the surgical specialty. While the neurologist and neurosurgeon complete their four-year medical degree, a one-year internship, and two or three years of neurology fellowship, the neurosurgeon follows up with a neurosurgery residency program, which can take another five to seven years. Neurosurgery is a precise and specialized field that is constantly changing with the advancement of technology, making this long period of study necessary.
Neurologists and neurosurgeons deal with issues related to the brain and spinal cord.
Once qualified, neurologists and neurosurgeons may choose to specialize in a specific area of neurology, whether it be pediatric, geriatric, spinal cord injury, or behavioral disorders. The scope is wide and the specialties include much more than these. When choosing to see a neurologist or neurosurgeon, the condition being treated should be evaluated, usually in consultation with a family doctor or general practitioner. Long-term consultation will often be necessary for central nervous system disorders.
A neurotologist may specialize in pediatric care.
Although the neurologist and neurosurgeon are experts in their chosen fields, the treatment of neurological disorders often involves a multifaceted intervention. Other health professionals such as psychologists, physical therapists, nutritionists, and occupational therapists may be part of the treatment team. Medication, often long-term, can also be part of the treatment, along with physical and psychological information. The neurologist and neurosurgeon will refer the patient to other medical professionals as needed, depending on the condition being treated.