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      What is Difference Between Neurology and Neurosurgery?

      Cardiology Image 1 Verified By November 24, 2023

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      What is Difference Between Neurology and Neurosurgery?

      Neurology and Neurosurgery are overlapping medical specialties focusing on the nervous system,
      including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. However, while neurology concentrates more on
      diagnosing and treating neurological conditions through medication, therapy or other nonsurgical
      approaches, neurosurgery involves direct surgical intervention to treat disorders of the nervous
      system.

      What Is Neurology?
      Neurology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system, including the brain,
      spinal cord, and nerves. Neurologists diagnose and treat diseases related to the nervous system.
      Their focus is on determining what neurological conditions a patient is experiencing through
      comprehensive exams, diagnostic testing, and identification of symptoms.

      Once a neurological disorder has been diagnosed, neurologists determine an appropriate treatment
      plan which may include medication, physiotherapy, nerve stimulation therapy, lifestyle changes, and
      managing chronic conditions. Some common neurological conditions that neurologists treat include
      epilepsy, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, headaches, sleep disorders, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s
      disease, and more.

      Doctors who specialize in neurology are known as neurologists. Becoming a neurologist requires an
      extensive amount of education and training including medical school, residency, internships, and
      licensing. Neurologists have expertise in the intricate workings of nerves, brain, spinal cord, and how
      to medically manage associated diseases.

      What Is Neurosurgery?
      Neurosurgery is a surgical specialty focused on treating disorders of the brain, spine, spinal cord, and
      peripheral nerves through operations. Neurosurgeons perform surgeries to repair damage from
      injury or illness related to the nervous system. They operate on the brain, spine, or other areas to
      remove tumours, repair blood vessel abnormalities like aneurysms, drain blood clots, relieve nerve
      compression, treat head trauma or spine injuries, and more.

      Neurosurgeons perform minimally invasive endoscopic procedures when possible or open surgeries
      when needed. Techniques involve using lasers, ultrasound, robotic navigation and computer
      systems. Implanting neural stimulator devices, catheters, or computer-assisted devices may also be
      part of the treatment.

      Becoming a neurosurgeon involves lengthy residencies learning the complexities and specialized
      techniques of neurological surgery. This includes evaluating patients through examinations,
      diagnostic imaging, and interpreting tests. Determining optimal surgical treatments requires this
      advanced expertise.

      How Neurology and Neurosurgery Are Different

      While neurology and neurosurgery both focus on the nervous system, there are key differences in
      their approaches:

      Neurologists diagnose neurological conditions and manage patients through medication, therapy
      and other nonsurgical treatments. Neurosurgeons directly operate on the brain, spine or other parts
      of the nervous system to surgically treat neurological disorders.

      Neurologists rely on examinations and tests like EEG, EMG, nerve conduction studies, and sleep
      studies to determine what neurological conditions a patient has. Neurosurgeons evaluate patients
      through clinical examinations and diagnostic imaging like CT scans and MRIs to determine if surgical
      intervention is needed.

      Neurologists often treat conditions like stroke, epilepsy, headaches, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s,
      Alzheimer’s, and more with medications and therapies. Neurosurgeons operate to remove brain
      tumors, repair aneurysms, remove blood clots, repair herniated discs, and treat head or spine
      injuries.

      When nonsurgical treatments done by a neurologist are ineffective for neurological issues, they may
      refer a patient to a neurosurgeon to be evaluated for potential surgery. Neurologists and
      neurosurgeons work together before and after surgeries to manage patient care.

      Both specialize in the nervous system but neurology is more of a clinical medical specialty while
      neurosurgery is focused on surgical treatment. Neurologists prescribe medications and therapies,
      while neurosurgeons directly operate on the brain or nerves.

      There is some overlap with certain conditions. For example, with epilepsy neurologists manage
      medications while neurosurgeons may operate to remove seizure-causing brain tissue if needed.

      What are Common Neurological Conditions?
      : Caused by disrupted blood flow to the brain, leading to various symptoms depending on the
      affected area.

      Alzheimer’s Disease

      Some common conditions treated by neurologists and neurosurgeons include:

      Stroke –Disruption of blood supply to the brain

      Multiple sclerosis –Central nervous system disease

      Epilepsy –Seizures and convulsions

      Alzheimer’s disease –Progressive dementia

      Parkinson’s disease –Movement disorder

      Aneurysms –Artery wall bulges

      Brain tumors –Intracranial neoplasms

      Headaches and migraines –Severe head pain

      Peripheral neuropathy –Nerve damage in extremities

      Spinal cord injuries –Vertebral column trauma

      Neuroinfectious diseases –Infections affecting the nervous system

      Brain damagefrom hypoxia, illness or trauma.

      What are the Treatment Options Available for the Neurological Disorders?

      Treatment options that may be used for neurological conditions include:

      • Medications like immune-modifying drugs, antiseizure medicines, chemotherapy, and pain relievers
      • Surgical procedures such as tumor removal, aneurysm clipping, draining blood clots or abscesses, and biopsies
      • Implanted devices like deep brain or vagus nerve stimulation
      • Physical, occupational and speech therapy
      • Endovascular procedures such as coiling, stenting, or angioplasty
      • Ventriculostomy to treat hydrocephalus
      • Neurorehabilitation to relearn skills and manage disabilities
      • Psychotherapy and psychiatric medications
      • Nutritional therapy for conditions like epilepsy or Alzheimer’s
      • Complementary approaches like massage, acupuncture and yoga
      • Lifestyle adjustments to manage neurological impairments

      In conclusion, neurology and neurosurgery are complementary medical fields, each specializing in
      distinct aspects of nervous system disorders. Whether you need the expertise of a neurologist or a
      neurosurgeon depends on the nature of your condition. Consulting with your primary care physician
      is often the first step in determining which specialist is best suited to address your neurological
      concerns. If in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek their guidance.

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