Consult Neurosurgeons Online (121 doctors)

Neurosurgery

Booking an appointment with a top neurosurgeon is now easier than ever with Apollo 24|7. Our user-friendly platform allows you to conveniently schedule an online or in-person consultation with a trusted neuro surgery specialist at a time that suits you best. With a wide network of renowned hospitals and clinics, Apollo 24|7 ensures that you have access to the best neurosurgeons in your area. Whether you need a consultation for a brain tumour or any other neurological condition, our experienced team of neurosurgeons is here to provide you with the highest quality of care. Don't wait; book your appointment today and take the first step towards better neurological health.

What is Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery is a medical speciality dedicated to the diagnosis and surgical treatment of disorders that affect the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. This speciality encompasses a wide range of conditions, from congenital anomalies to injuries, tumours, and degenerative diseases of the spine. 

Neurosurgeons utilise a variety of diagnostic techniques to accurately assess neurological conditions and employ surgical and non-surgical means to treat them. The role of neurosurgery is crucial in healthcare due to its ability to alleviate significant pain, restore function, and save lives through precise surgical interventions.

Who is a Neurosurgeon?

A neurosurgeon is a highly trained specialist who manages and treats conditions affecting the nervous system, particularly those requiring surgical intervention. Qualifications for a neurosurgeon include extensive medical education followed by specialised residency training in neurosurgery, often totalling over a decade of rigorous study and clinical experience. 
These specialists possess expertise in a wide array of procedures, from minimally invasive surgery to complex brain operations. They are equipped to manage disorders such as brain tumours, spinal cord injuries, aneurysms, and more. 

What Does a Neurosurgeon Do?

The key responsibilities of a neurosurgeon extend beyond surgeries, including diagnosing conditions, prescribing treatment, and providing long-term care. Their work is critical in managing acute and chronic conditions affecting the nervous system.

Daily Activities:

• Diagnosis: Neurosurgeons conduct a thorough assessment of neurological symptoms and use imaging technologies like MRI and CT scans to diagnose conditions.

• Surgical Procedures: They perform surgeries to remove tumours, relieve pressure on the brain or spinal cord, repair damaged structures, and treat injuries. These procedures require precision and are often life-saving.

• Patient Consultations: Regular consultations to monitor the progress of patients, discuss treatment options, and provide postoperative care.

• Emergency Care: They often respond to urgent cases involving head injuries or acute nerve damage that require immediate attention.

• Collaborative Care: Working closely with other healthcare professionals, including neurologists, oncologists, and radiologists, to provide comprehensive care.

• Research and Development: Many neurosurgeons contribute to research on new surgical techniques and treatments to improve outcomes in neurological care.

As a neuro surgery specialist, their role is integral to enhancing patient health and advancing the field of neurology through dedicated care and innovative treatment approaches. 

What are the Other Sub-specialities of Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery encompasses several sub-specialities, each focusing on different parts of the nervous system and specific types of conditions. Understanding these sub-specialities can help patients seek the most appropriate type of care for their conditions.

• Paediatric Neurosurgery: This sub-speciality deals with neurological disorders in children, from birth defects affecting the brain and spinal cord to injuries and brain tumours. Paediatric neurosurgeons are trained to handle the delicate nature of treating young patients.

• Neuro-Oncology: Focused on the management of cancers of the nervous system, including brain tumours. A brain tumour surgeon operates to remove tumours and works in conjunction with oncologists for comprehensive cancer care.

• Spine Surgery: Surgeons in this field, often referred to as spine surgeons, address disorders such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spinal cord injuries, often involving intricate surgeries to alleviate pain and restore function.

• Vascular Neurosurgery: This sub-speciality involves the treatment of blood vessel-related disorders within the nervous system, including aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations, using both surgical and endovascular techniques.

• Functional Neurosurgery: This area focuses on improving the quality of life for patients suffering from chronic conditions like Parkinson’s disease or chronic pain, often through techniques like deep brain stimulation.

• Trauma Neurosurgery: Specialists in this area handle urgent conditions such as traumatic brain injury and acute spinal cord injuries, providing emergency care to prevent long-term damage.

• Skull Base Surgery: This involves complex procedures to address conditions at the base of the skull, including tumours and congenital anomalies, often requiring a multidisciplinary approach.

• Peripheral Nerve Surgery: A doctor for nerve pain focuses on conditions affecting the peripheral nerves, offering surgical solutions for injuries, entrapments, and neuropathies to restore sensation and function.

• Epilepsy Surgery: For patients whose seizures are not controlled with medication, a doctor for epilepsy surgery may intervene surgically to remove the area of the brain causing the seizures, aiming to reduce or eliminate seizure occurrence.

• Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery: This highly specialised field uses three-dimensional coordinate systems to locate small targets inside the body to perform biopsies, implantation of electrodes, or ablation of brain tissues.

Each sub-speciality of neurosurgery plays a crucial role in advancing our understanding and treatment of complex neurological disorders, offering hope and healing to patients with diverse needs.

What are the Neurosurgery Examinations or Tests Performed by the Neurosurgeon?

Neurosurgeons utilise a variety of diagnostic tests and examinations to accurately assess and diagnose conditions affecting the nervous system. These tools are essential for determining the most effective treatment plans for patients. Here are some of the most common diagnostic methods used in neurosurgery:

• Neurological Examination: This is a fundamental test where the neurosurgeon assesses the patient’s nervous system health by evaluating their reflexes, muscle strength, muscle tone, sense of touch and sight, coordination, and cognitive abilities.

• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan provides the neurosurgeon with cross-sectional images of the brain or other areas of the body. It is especially useful for quickly examining patients who may have brain injuries or other urgent conditions.

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is used to obtain detailed images of the brain and spinal cord. It is crucial for diagnosing conditions like brain tumours, spinal cord injuries, and strokes because it provides high-resolution images without the use of radiation.

• Electroencephalography (EEG): This test measures electrical activity in the brain and is predominantly used to diagnose and monitor disorders such as epilepsy.

• Angiography: By injecting a contrast dye into the blood vessels of the brain, an angiography allows neurosurgeons to view blood flow and detect abnormalities such as aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations.

• Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap): This procedure involves extracting a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid from the spinal canal to diagnose conditions like infections, bleeding around the brain, or multiple sclerosis.

• Biopsy: In cases where a tumour is suspected, a biopsy is performed to collect a sample of brain tissue for testing. This helps in determining whether the tumour is benign or malignant.

• Functional MRI (fMRI): This advanced form of MRI measures the small changes in blood flow that occur with brain activity. It can be used to determine the specific regions of the brain that handle critical functions such as speaking, moving, sensing, or planning.

These examinations and tests are crucial for making accurate diagnoses and developing effective treatment plans. Patients needing these specialised services can book neurosurgeons who are skilled in using these diagnostic tools to provide the best possible outcomes.

What are the Common Conditions & Diseases that Neurosurgeons Treat?

Neurosurgeons tackle a wide array of conditions and diseases affecting the nervous system. Here are the top 15 conditions they commonly manage:

1. Brain Tumours: Abnormal growths of cells within or around the brain, which can be benign or malignant.

2. Spinal Disc Herniation: Often referred to as slipped or ruptured discs, this condition involves the displacement of cushioning discs between vertebrae, causing nerve pressure and pain.

3. Cerebral Aneurysms: Bulging, weakened areas in the wall of an artery in the brain, which can burst and lead to serious complications.

4. Stroke: A condition where the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, causing tissue damage and loss of brain function.

5. Spinal Stenosis: Narrowing of spaces within the spine, which can put pressure on the nerves and spinal cord.

6. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Brain dysfunction caused by an outside force, usually a violent blow to the head.

7. Parkinson's Disease: A progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement, often including tremors.

8. Epilepsy: A neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, loss of consciousness, or convulsions, associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain.

9. Hydrocephalus: An accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the brain, which causes increased pressure inside the skull.

10. Spine Tumours: Growth of cells (benign or malignant) within or surrounding the spinal cord.

11. Chiari Malformation: Structural defects in the base of the skull and cerebellum, affecting the flow of cerebrospinal fluid.

12. Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to the peripheral nerves, often causing weakness, numbness, and pain, typically in the hands and feet.

13. Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM): An abnormal tangle of blood vessels connecting arteries and veins, which disrupts normal blood flow and oxygen circulation.

14. Trigeminal Neuralgia: A chronic pain condition affecting the trigeminal nerve in the face, known for causing intense, electric-shock-like pain.

15. Meningitis: An inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, typically caused by an infection.

These conditions highlight the critical role of neurosurgeons in diagnosing, managing, and treating complex disorders that impact patients' lives significantly.

Reasons to See a Neurosurgeon

Visiting a neurosurgeon is crucial when facing symptoms that may indicate serious neurological issues. Here are the primary reasons for consulting this specialist:

• Persistent Headaches: Especially those that change in pattern or intensity.

• Neurological Impairment: Such as changes in vision, memory, balance, or speech.

• Severe Pain: Chronic or acute pain in the back or neck, possibly indicative of spinal problems.

• Seizures: New onset or a diagnosed condition like epilepsy needing further management.

• Physical Symptoms: Including muscle weakness, numbness, or loss of coordination.

For those unable to visit a hospital, securing an online neurosurgeons consultation provides a direct route to expert care and guidance.

What Types of Procedures do Neurosurgeons Perform?

Neurosurgeons are equipped to perform a wide range of intricate procedures that are categorised into therapies and surgeries. These procedures are critical for diagnosing, treating, and managing various neurological conditions.

Top Therapies:

1. Pain Management Injections: Techniques like epidural steroid injections to alleviate chronic pain.

2. Deep Brain Stimulation: Implanting electrodes in the brain to treat conditions such as Parkinson’s disease.

3. Spinal Cord Stimulation: Using electrical pulses to relieve chronic pain, especially in the back and limbs.

4. Intrathecal Pump Implantation: Implanting a pump to deliver medication directly to the spinal cord, helping manage severe spasticity and pain.

5. Neurorehabilitation: Tailored therapy programmes to aid recovery from neurological injury or surgery.

Top Surgeries:

1. Craniotomy: Opening the skull to access the brain for removing tumours, clipping aneurysms, or relieving pressure.

2. Microdiscectomy: Minimally invasive surgery to remove portions of a herniated disc relieving nerve pressure.

3. Laminectomy: Removing part of the vertebrae to relieve pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

4. Spinal Fusion: Joining two or more vertebrae together to stabilise the spine.

5. Transsphenoidal Surgery: Removing tumours from the pituitary gland through the nasal passages.

6. Endoscopic Skull Base Surgery: Using minimally invasive techniques to address conditions at the base of the skull.

7. Ventriculostomy: Drilling a hole in the skull to relieve pressure from fluid accumulation.

8. Peripheral Nerve Surgery: Repairing or decompressing nerves to relieve pain and restore function.

9. Epilepsy Surgery: Removing or altering brain areas causing seizures.

10. Brain Aneurysm Coiling/Clipping: Minimally invasive or open surgical procedures to prevent aneurysm rupture.

Understanding these procedures can help patients anticipate what to expect regarding treatment options and the associated neurosurgeons fee. These fees often reflect the complexity and precision required in neurosurgical care.

Why Choose an Apollo 24|7 Neurosurgeon?

Apollo 24|7 neurosurgeons are highly qualified and experienced professionals. The Apollo Institute of Neurosciences is renowned for its innovative treatments and excellent outcomes, matching those of leading global institutions. 

The neurosurgeons are assisted by advanced Neuro-Radiology services, Neuro-Intensive Care facilities, and Medical and Radiation Oncology services. Patients receive personalised care, advanced treatment options, and seamless access to consultations, both online and in-clinic, for comprehensive healthcare needs.

What to Expect When Visiting a Neurosurgeon?

Visiting a neurosurgeon often comes with a degree of uncertainty and anxiety. Understanding the typical process can help patients prepare for their consultations and treatments. Here’s what you can expect:

• Initial Consultation: Your first visit will involve a detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and any previous treatments. The neurosurgeon will aim to understand your health concerns comprehensively.

• Diagnostic Assessments: Expect thorough neurological examinations which may include reflex tests, brain and nerve function assessments, and coordination evaluations. Depending on initial findings, further imaging tests like MRI or CT scans might be recommended.

• Discussion of Treatment Options: After diagnosing, the neurosurgeon will discuss potential treatment options. These might range from non-invasive therapies to surgical interventions, depending on the severity and nature of your condition.

• Planning the Next Steps: If surgery is needed, you’ll receive detailed information about the procedure, recovery expectations, and follow-up care. Non-surgical treatments will be outlined in terms of duration, goals, and expected outcomes.

• Seeking Opinions: Many patients find it helpful to look up neurosurgeons reviews to gain insights into others' experiences with the specialist or the treatment proposed.

For convenience in finding a specialist, searching for neurosurgeons near me online can provide options in your locality along with additional patient reviews to help make an informed decision.

How Can I Get an Appointment With a Neurosurgeon?

To book an appointment with a neurosurgeon at Apollo 24|7, you can:

• Book online: Visit the Apollo 24|7 website, select "Neurosurgery" as the speciality, and choose a neurosurgeon from the list of available doctors. Select a convenient date and time for your appointment.

• Book through the app: Download the Apollo 24|7 app, log in or create an account, and navigate to the "Doctors" section. Select "Neurosurgery" and follow the prompts to book an appointment with your preferred neurosurgeon.

• Call for assistance: If you need help booking an appointment, you can call the Apollo 24|7 helpline, and a representative will guide you through the process.

• Referral: If you have been referred to a neurosurgeon by another doctor, inform the Apollo 24|7 representatives while booking your appointment to ensure a smooth consultation process.