If you've been referred for spine surgery, you may be feeling nervous about what to expect. While every case is unique, there are some general things you can expect to encounter during your journey. Here is an overview of what you might expect before and after spine surgery.
Before Surgery
Before surgery, you will have a series of appointments to assess your condition and prepare you for the procedure. You may need to undergo some diagnostic tests, such as a CT scan to help your surgeon understand your condition more clearly.
It's no doubt that neurosurgery is one of the most complex medical specialities as it involves many different operations and procedures as well as multi-faceted research into the development, causes, and effects of brain-related diseases. The rewards can be significant as practitioners have a wide range of surgical skills from minimally invasive operations to large open craniotomies. This article will provide an overview of neurosurgery.
Training
Neurosurgery training consists of extensive training in conventional surgery before entering the field as well as formal postgraduate education and training.
If you have been to your doctor for an examination, and he or she discovers that you might require spinal surgery, you may be referred to either a neurologist/neurosurgeon or an orthopaedic spine surgeon. Here's what you need to know to ensure you understand what's happening and to get the right treatment:
Diagnosis
As indicated above, you might either be referred to a neurosurgeon or an orthopaedic spine surgeon. The choice is made based on your diagnosis, meaning that you should visit a qualified and licensed doctor for examination and tests.
While a majority of people assume that neurology specifically concerns the brain, the truth is that it concerns the brain, the nervous system and the spinal cord too. These body parts are what are mainly at risk of neurological problems. While you may think that unusual headaches and migraines are the main reason that you should schedule a neurological consultation, there are a host of other signs indicating that your nervous system is in jeopardy, and these signs should all have you seeking medical assistance.
