Neuro issues affect the quality of life and even the basic functioning of the body. They might affect any part of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system in general. Therefore, it is important to cater to them on time. Neurosurgery is the wing of medical science that deals with diseases realted to neuro. Such symptoms as an intense headache and dizziness will require you to see a neurosurgeon. Among these top hospitals are Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital from Mumbai. But how do you know when to see a neurosurgeon, and what conditions can they treat? Let’s explore when it’s time for help and what neurosurgeons can do for you.
When Should You See a Neurosurgeon?
Knowing the appropriate time to see a neurosurgeon is hard. But, in the few conditions mentioned earlier, you realise when to visit the neurosurgeon. A neurologist or your regular physician usually diagnoses many neurological conditions, but a neurosurgeon may have a hand in diagnosing certain other situations. The key indicators as to when the time has come to visit the neurosurgeon include the following:
1. Chronic or Severe Headaches
Headaches are common, but when they become chronic or unusually severe, they may indicate a more serious underlying condition. Sometimes, the causes of persistent headaches can be related to brain tumours, aneurysms, or vascular malformations. If your headache is severe, accompanied by nausea, dizziness, or visual disturbances, then it is very important to consult a neurosurgeon to rule out severe conditions.
2. Spinal Problems and Chronic Back Pain
While back pain is a very common complaint, numbness or tingling in the arms and legs or lingering weakness might be signs of a problem that a neurosurgeon should test. Some spinal conditions, like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or injuries of the spinal cord, may require surgical procedures to be treated. Neurosurgeons are qualified to diagnose and treat conditions with both surgical and nonsurgical methods.
3. Sudden Weakness or Numbness
Should you suddenly experience numbness or weakness in your face, arms, or legs, which might affect one side only, you might be predisposed to a stroke or nerve damage. This shall demand emergency care by a neurosurgeon who shall establish the cause and treat accordingly to avert any other complications.
4. Seizures or Syncope (Fainting)
A neurosurgeon should evaluate seizures or fainting spells without warning as they may indicate a neurological disorder, such as epilepsy, brain tumour, and other conditions which require surgery. Surgery may become an alternative when the drug therapy is not efficient in controlling the seizures, and it may be used to enhance the quality of life.
5. Changes in Vision
Problems in vision unrelated to an eye problem may also be a presentation of a neurologic condition. For instance, sudden vision changes may be attributed to brain tumours, and problems relating to the optic nerve, among other conditions about the brain. If symptoms, such as double or blurry vision, are found, then visiting a neurosurgeon would be necessary.
6. Dizziness and Loss of Balance
Dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders are mainly associated with conditions of the inner ear; they can, however, indicate more significant neurological diseases. In such instances where dizziness or loss of balance is severe and prolonged, it may be wise to refer such a patient to a neurosurgeon for diagnosis since the cause may also be attributed to problems in the brain, vestibular disorders, or strokes.
What Can a Neurosurgeon Treat?
A neurosurgeon can diagnose and treat a broad spectrum of human brain, spine, and nervous system disorders. These include;
1. Brain Tumours
Either a benign or a malignant brain tumour would be fatal without proper treatment being met. Neurosurgeons specialise in surgical elimination or diminishment of the tumour, as well as co-working with other health professionals towards appropriate management of the tumour. Other times, due to the other locations, it would have to intervene through its removal or minimisation. In some others which are to be provided, the treatments could include chemotherapy or radiation.
2. Spinal cord injuries
Irreversible damage may be paralysis, loss of sensation, or any other life-altering changes that result from a traumatic injury to the spine. Neurosurgeons operate on patients to stabilise the spine, remove damaged tissue, or repair nerve damage with the ultimate goal of maintaining mobility and quality of life for the patient.
3. Aneurysms
A brain aneurysm is a balloon-like bulge in the blood vessels of the brain, which may rupture and lead to a stroke that could prove fatal. Neurosurgeons are trained specialists who perform surgery to remove or repair an aneurysm before it ruptures, preventing disastrous consequences if it ruptures. The earlier the treatment, the better.
4. Epilepsy
Most cases are controlled by medication, though surgery is likely to be used if seizures cannot be controlled. Neurosurgeons can establish what part of the brain causes the seizures and separate or remove the tissue, ensuring that seizures rarely occur or completely cease to occur.
5. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Some severe conditions may involve swelling of the brain, internal bleeding, or skull fractures. Neurosurgeons can simply undergo surgery to have the blood clots evacuated, any skull fractures repaired, or relieve pressure on the brain following an injury.
6. Herniated Disc
This is because pressure from the bulging soft tissue inside a disc causes pain, weakness, and sometimes even numbness in the arms and legs. At times, the condition might necessitate surgery where the neurosurgeons would remove or totally replace the diseased disc with an artificial one.
Know more about : Brain Surgery For Children: How It Works?
Conclusion
If you experience any neurological symptoms, such as bad headaches, dizziness, or weakness, consult a neurosurgeon for diagnosis and treatment. Most disorders related to the brain, spine, and nerves can be treated with the help of modern surgical techniques or other treatments, which neurosurgeons have at their disposal.
While searching for the best neurosurgeon in Mumbai, you may visit the popular hospitals, where you will be under the care of skilled professionals. Early intervention and treatment through a neurosurgeon improve your health vastly. So seek a neurosurgeon whenever you experience troublesome symptoms that are medically described as having to do with your nervous system.
