Neurosurgeon

Which diseases does a neurosurgeon treat?

Neurosurgery is not just about operations, but a whole science of restoring the nervous system. A doctor of this profile helps patients with the following problems:

Pathologies of the spinal column

• Herniated and bulging intervertebral discs
• Vertebral displacement (spondylolisthesis)
• Advanced stages of osteochondrosis with complications
• Spinal canal stenosis and compression of nerve roots

Brain diseases

• Tumours (both malignant and benign)
• Haemorrhages and post-traumatic haematomas
• Hydrocephalus (excess cerebrospinal fluid in the brain cavities)
• Vascular anomalies (aneurysms, malformations)

Injuries and their consequences

• Traumatic brain injuries of any severity
• Contusions and compression of the spinal cord
• Compression fractures of the vertebrae with neurological symptoms

Functional disorders of the nervous system

• Facial pain (trigeminal neuralgia)
• Organic epilepsy
• Muscle tone disorders and movement syndromes

Many diseases develop gradually, and a person gets used to the discomfort. But there are “red flags” — symptoms with which delaying a visit to a neurosurgeon is dangerous.

Warning signs: when should you book an appointment?

Here is a list of conditions that must not be ignored. If you recognise yourself in at least one point, do not postpone the consultation.

1. Exhausting headache

   If the head hurts constantly, the pain intensifies, is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, and sometimes confusion, this may indicate intracranial hypertension, a tumour or a vascular catastrophe.

2. Weakness or numbness in the arms and legs

   A feeling of “cotton-wool” limbs, unsteady gait, sudden falls are possible signs of damage to the spinal cord or brain.

3. Strange sensations in the body

   Burning, tingling, “pins and needles” for no apparent reason often indicate compression of nerve structures by hernias or stenoses.

4. Deterioration of vision and hearing

   Double vision, a veil before the eyes, reduced visual acuity or sudden deafness are not just age-related changes. This is how tumours or aneurysms can manifest themselves.

5. Fainting and attacks of dizziness

   If you lose consciousness or the room “floats” for no apparent reason, this is a reason to check the blood supply to the brain and rule out space-occupying lesions.

6. Seizures and involuntary movements

   First-time epileptiform seizures or twitching of the limbs require urgent neurosurgical assessment.

7. Back or neck pain that does not go away

   Especially if it is combined with numbness of the legs, weakness or pelvic organ dysfunction (urinary retention/incontinence). This may be a symptom of a large hernia or spinal cord compression.

8. Blows and injuries to the head or spine

   Even if you felt fine immediately after a fall or road accident, the consequences (microhaematomas, vertebral instability) may appear weeks later. An examination is necessary in any case.

What happens at a neurosurgeon’s appointment?

A consultation at our clinic follows a clear algorithm:

• Conversation and collection of complaints — the doctor clarifies the medical history and details of the symptoms.
• Neurological examination — checking reflexes, muscle strength, sensitivity and coordination.
• Prescription of diagnostics — only after this are clarifying examinations ordered.

What examinations may the specialist recommend?

• MRI (of the brain or spine) — the gold standard for visualising soft tissues.
• CT — better visualises bone structures and fresh haemorrhages.
• EEG — to assess the electrical activity of the brain (especially in seizures).
• Ultrasound of the vessels of the head and neck — checking blood flow.
• Laboratory tests — to rule out inflammation or infection.

Based on the diagnostic results, the neurosurgeon chooses the tactics: conservative (medication, nerve blocks, physiotherapy) or surgical.

When is surgery unavoidable?

Surgery becomes the only way out in the following conditions:

• Tumours of the brain or spine that compress vital centres.
• Large disc herniations causing unbearable pain, paresis or pelvic organ dysfunction.
• Aneurysms and vascular malformations with a high risk of rupture and stroke.
• Severe consequences of injuries (depressed fractures, spinal cord compression, chronic subdural haematomas).

Modern neurosurgery is no longer days of pain and long bed rest. Microsurgical and endoscopic techniques make it possible to perform interventions through small approaches, with minimal risk and rapid recovery.

Don’t wait for symptoms to become threatening. A timely visit to the doctor can save not only your health, but your life. Book a consultation with the leading specialists at Neuro-Clinic.