Neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeon is a specialist in diagnostics and surgical treatment of acute injuries of the nervous system. A neurosurgeon deals with the treatment of organs such as nerves, brain, skull.
What diseases are within the competence of a neurosurgeon doctor?
- Traumatic brain injury;
- Vascular anomalies and tumors of the spinal cord, nerve roots and their membranes;
- Congenital defects in the development of the skull and brain;
- Tumors of the skull;
- Cerebral circulation disorders requiring surgical intervention;
- Disorders of the development of the membranes and blood vessels of the brain;
- Diseases of the spinal cord and brain in children;
- Peripheral and central pain syndrome;
- Diseases of the spine, accompanied by neurological syndromes of irritation and loss of functions.
When should you seek the advice of a neurosurgeon?
The following symptoms indicate the possibility of an intervertebral hernia, requiring consultation with a neurosurgeon:
- Thoracic region: a combination of scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis with pain in the thoracic region, persistent pain in the thoracic region in a certain position, for example, in seated or standing professions;
- Lumbar spine: feeling of numbness in the toes, persistent lower back pain lasting for several months, pain in the leg, back or front, or in the lateral surface of the thigh up to the foot, isolated pain in the foot or lower leg;
- Cervical region: aching or sharp pain in the shoulder or arm, dizziness, numbness in the fingers, pressure surges.
What tests will you need to pass?
At the reception, the neurosurgeon may ask the patient to undergo the following tests to establish an accurate diagnosis:
- General blood analysis;
- Blood clotting time;
- Prothrombin index;
- Activated partial thromboplastin time;
- Prothrombin time (PT) + fibrinogen;
- General urine analysis;
- Prothrombin time (RT);
- International normalized ratio.
What types of diagnostics are performed by a neurosurgeon?
At the reception, a neurosurgeon can carry out the following types of diagnostics:
- Computed tomography (CT, CT). It allows the neurosurgeon to determine various disorders - atrophy of the cerebral cortex, hydrocephalus, displacement of brain structures due to tumors or other volumetric processes;
- Electromyography (EMG). This study makes it possible to assess objectively how affected the muscles and nervous system of the patient;
- Cerebral angiography. With the help of this X-ray method using contrast agents, the neurosurgeon obtains an image of the venous and arterial vessels of the brain;
- Lumbar puncture. This study is necessary to determine the intracranial pressure. In addition, the lumbar puncture serves as a site for other examinations and administration of contrast fluids;
- Electroencephalography is a test of the electrical activity of the brain. This diagnosis allows the neurosurgeon to determine the violation of activity in various encephalopathies, sleep disorders, epilepsy;
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). This study allows the neurosurgeon to see neural structures in high resolution. At the same time, there are no big risks for the patient when conducting such a study. When using contrast agents, the diagnostic value of MRI increases significantly;
- Myelography is an X-ray examination of the spinal cord using a contrast fluid injection. Allows the neurosurgeon to identify a hernia, tumors of the spinal canal;
- Doppler ultrasound scanning (ultrasound and vascular Doppler). This study allows the neurosurgeon to determine stenosis, dissection, blockage of the carotid arteries;
- Echoencephalography is a graphical display of ultrasound waves that are reflected from the areas of the brain being examined. This type of diagnosis is used directly at the patient's bedside to determine hydrocephalus or hemorrhage in children under two years of age.
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