Neurosurgeons are specifically trained to diagnosis and treat patients with brain, peripheral nerve or spinal injuries and disease. Depending on the condition involved, they can provide both non-surgical treatment as well as surgical treatment. The important role of the neurosurgeon in Lewiston includes much more than just brain surgery. These specialists are highly educated for treating patients who have suffered a stroke, have chronic back pain, tumors of the spine or brain, peripheral nerve abnormalities, aneurysms, birth defects and many other conditions associated with the nervous system.

Neurosurgeons are highly dedicated to their work. These men and women must go through extensive medical training before they can become a surgeon of neurology. They must complete four years of medical school and complete an internship program. After they successfully complete that, they must complete a residency program that can last between five and seven years. During this training, they learn to diagnosis and treat every condition associated with neurosurgery. Because of the complexity of the brain and nervous system, this can be a difficult and long period. Once their residency program is complete, they may take the examination given by the American Board of Neurological Surgery. This gives the Board a thorough evaluation of the doctor in regards to their knowledge, judgment and neurosurgical skills. Upon successful completion of the examination, the neurosurgeon then becomes licensed and board certified to practice. Due to the constant changes that are involved in this science, these physicians must continually keep up-to-date on education through continued studies.

Because of the expertise of these surgeons, when other doctors have a patient with a neurological disorder, they will often call in a neurosurgeon for consultation. These surgeons’ roles can include diagnosis and treatment, evaluation, prevention, rehabilitation and critical care. A neurosurgeon in Lewiston can treat a wide variety of common neurological disorders as well as serious brain and spinal diseases. Common disorders can include carpal tunnel syndrome and herniated discs. Other more serious conditions that these surgical experts treat include head trauma, tumors, hemorrhages (strokes) as well as aneurysms of the brain and Alzheimer‘s disease. They also treat spine disorders such as tumors, spinal stenosis and unstable spines.

Neurosurgeons do not always have to perform surgery to correct a neurological disorder, although they are well trained if necessary. Many times other forms of treatment can help correct the problem without invasive surgery. Treatments can include medications, therapy, rehabilitation and chemotherapy/radiation, depending on the specific problem. No matter what the reason for obtaining the help of a neurosurgeon, patients can rest assured that they will be cared for by a highly trained and dedicated professional.