What is Neurosurgery?

Neurological surgery, or neurosurgery, is the specialty of medicine that deals with surgery of the neurologic system: the brain, spine, nerves, and supporting structures. Neurosurgeons diagnose and treat maladies including tumors, vascular lesions, degenerative conditions associated with aging, traumatic injuries, and functional disorders such as epilepsy or movement disorders.

Training in neurosurgery is an extensive: seven long years are required to master the skills needed to safely operate on the brain and spine. During residency training, neurosurgeons are exposed to all aspects of care of the neurologic system, from aneurysms to spine trauma, skull base brain tumors to treatments for Parkinson Disease. They work closely with many other specialties to care for patients suffering neurologic disorders.