What is Neurosurgery?

By Orchid | June 15, 2021June 15, 2021

Orchid Medical Centre always strives to give you the best medical care. We are presenting you with the “KNOW US BETTER – BRAIN ATLAS “.

In just three or four minutes, KNOW US BETTER captures our doctors’ personalities and their area of expertise. You get a feel for what each doctor is like and how he or she approaches patient care. Today we have Dr VIKRAM SINGH, M.Ch (NIMHANS), Consultant Neurosurgeon, Orchid Medical Centre. He will be answering the top 6 queries in the domain of neurosurgery.

It’s a great way to get to know a doctor before your first visit or to learn a bit more about a doctor you already know. Or, simply gain insight into some of the great minds behind the ORCHID MEDICAL CENTRE.

Introduction

Hello and welcome. I am Dr Vikram Singh, MCH in Neurosurgery from NIMHANS, Bangalore. I am the consultant neurosurgeon at Orchid Medical Centre, Ranchi.

What is Neurosurgery?

As the name suggests, Neurosurgery is a medical speciality that involves the diagnosis and surgical treatment of diseases affecting the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, blood vessels within the brain and spinal cord, the nerves in your body, the skull and the vertebrae.

Types of Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery is used for a variety of diseases. These include – brain injury resulting from road traffic accidents or fall, brain haemorrhage, spinal fractures, brain tumours, spinal cord tumours, cervical and lumbar spondylosis, cervical and lumbar disc prolapse, brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, hydrocephalus, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, trigeminal neuralgia and brachial plexus injuries.

Surgeries performed by Neurosurgeons?

Neurosurgeons perform brain surgeries- open and minimal access, spine surgery– open and minimal access, brain biopsies, peripheral nerve surgeries, stereotactic radiosurgery.

Neurologists & Neurosurgeons?

The difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon is the same as the difference between a physician and a surgeon. Those neurological diseases which require medication are seen primarily by neurologists. There are many diseases though where their area of expertise overlaps.

Neurosurgeons Vs. Orthopaedic Surgeon for Spine Surgery

Spine surgery is practised by both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. While orthopaedic surgeons can manage diseases involving the bone and disc, they do not manage diseases involving the spinal cord. Neurosurgeons manage all kinds of spine pathologies.

Are headaches a sign of a brain tumor?

Headache is one of the earliest signs of a brain tumour, especially in elderly people. This kind of headache usually involves the entire head, may be associated with vomiting and may increase early in the mornings. Associated features include seizures, decreased consciousness, and weakness in limbs. A headache should never be ignored and must be investigated properly.