Neurosurgeon Specialization: Conditions Treated & Expertise

Neurosurgeons are physicians who specialize in the surgical and non-surgical management of disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and cerebrovascular system. After medical school, they complete a 7-year ACGME-accredited neurosurgery residency (often followed by fellowship).

Conditions Treated

Brain & Skull

• Brain tumors (primary & metastatic)
• Traumatic brain injury (epidural/subdural hematoma, contusion)
• Hydrocephalus (VP shunt, ETV)
• Cerebral aneurysms (clipping, coiling)
• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
• Trigeminal neuralgia & hemifacial spasm (MVD)
• Pituitary tumors (transsphenoidal surgery)
• Epilepsy surgery (resection, VNS, RNS)
• Chiari malformation, craniosynostosis

Spine & Spinal Cord

• Degenerative disease (herniated disc, stenosis, spondylolisthesis)
• Spinal trauma (fractures, dislocation, cord compression)
• Spinal tumors (intradural, extradural, metastatic)
• Spinal infections (abscess, osteomyelitis)
• Spinal deformity (scoliosis, kyphosis) — often with orthopedic spine surgeons
• Spinal cord stimulation / intrathecal pumps for chronic pain

Peripheral Nerve

• Carpal tunnel, cubital tunnel, peroneal nerve decompression
• Nerve sheath tumors (schwannoma, neurofibroma)
• Brachial plexus injuries

Functional & Vascular

• Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia (Deep Brain Stimulation)
• Stroke (thrombectomy, decompression)
• Moyamoya disease (bypass)

Advanced Technologies

• Intraoperative MRI / CT / angiography
• Neuronavigation & robotic assistance
• Neurophysiological monitoring (MEP, SSEP, EMG)
• Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT)
• Endoscopic & keyhole approaches

Neurosurgeons work closely with neurologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, physiatrists, and critical care teams to provide comprehensive care.