When a spinal condition or disorder impacts a nerve, it can disrupt motor and sensory signals and result in painful symptoms that radiate along the affected nerve pathway, and even cause disability. Nonsurgical, conservative or traditional methods are usually the first approach to many medical conditions affecting the spine. If such methods fail to provide relief,
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What Is the Difference Between a Neurologist and a Neurosurgeon?
Neurological conditions are diseases, injuries, and disorders of the nervous system. These conditions can impact learning and mental abilities, impair mobility and balance, cause personality changes, or cause debilitating, chronic pain. Physicians in two closely related roles – neurologists and neurosurgeons – treat these conditions. There are some overlaps but also some significant differences. Both
Read MoreWhat Are Artificial Spinal Discs?
Spinal discs are the soft, cushioning, shock-absorbing structures located between each individual vertebra of the spine. Constructed of fibrocartilaginous tissue, each spinal disc consists of a hard outer ring that provides strength and support and an inner, softer core that provides elasticity. Age, genetics, and wear-and-tear contribute to damage and degeneration of the discs. When a
Read MorePreparing for Neurosurgery
The field of neurosurgery focuses on surgery of the brain and spinal cord. If a neurosurgeon deems that surgery is necessary, there are many steps patients can take to prepare for the surgery to help pave the way toward a successful outcome. There are several steps you can take to prepare for your neurosurgical procedure:
Read MoreWhat Does Minimally Invasive Brain Surgery Mean?
The idea of needing brain surgery can seem incredibly daunting. Thanks to modern medicine, though, the once highly complicated practice of brain surgery can actually be described as minimally invasive. There are several new advancements that are making it easier than ever to have a brain tumor or an aneurysm treated. Brain surgery, associated as
Read MoreIs My Brain Tumor Cancer?
A brain tumor may be the scary conclusion a panicked person jumps to when experiencing constant headaches. While headaches can be a symptom of a tumor, it doesn’t always indicate cancer. Headaches can occur if you need glasses or are dehydrated as well. If you are experiencing any symptoms that you suspect are due to
Read MorePreparing for a Lumbar Spinal Fusion
Lumbar spinal fusion is a surgical procedure that causes affected or damaged vertebrae in the lower back to grow together as a single unit, by removing the cushioning discs between them. This prevents spinal movement between the vertebrae and reduces pressure on the nerves, helping to reduce pain, stop the formation of bone spurs and
Read MoreThe Neurosurgery Dictionary for Patients
The central nervous system is a complex structure consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that act as the control center for the human body. Movement, speech, breathing, eating, learning, feeling, and thinking all depend on an efficient central nervous system. Neurosurgery is the branch of surgery that involves the nervous system. It encompasses
Read MoreWho Should I See for a Concussion?
A concussion, otherwise called a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), is commonly described as a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the function of the brain. A concussion can result from a sports injury, a car crash, fall or other accident. It can also occur from a violent shaking of the head or
Read MoreLumbar Fusion for Back Pain
A lumbar spine fusion is a type of back surgery designed to treat lower back pain and leg pain as a result of degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, stenosis, or other spinal injuries. The fusion of vertebrae in the spine is performed to strengthen and stabilize the fused segment of the spine, thus decreasing or eliminating the
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