When most people think about neurosurgery, the first thing that comes to mind is a complex medical procedure with high risks of disability or even death. Yet, most surgeries to the central and peripheral nervous system are not life-or-death cases. However, the choice of a neurosurgeon largely determines how well a surgery goes. Therefore, a patient must request the right neurosurgeon to increase the chances of a successful procedure. The following are some critical attributes to look for in a neurosurgeon.

History of Exhausting Non-Surgical Alternatives

When a specialist diagnoses a patient with a neurological condition, the first thing to do should be to find a conservative treatment option. The reason is that all conditions do not warrant surgical procedures, which is something a reputable neurosurgeon knows. Therefore, you should work with a neurosurgeon who does not have a history of bypassing conservative treatment options. For example, specialists should consider non-surgical treatments, such as analgesic agents or epidural steroid injections, for patients suffering from spinal osteoarthritis or spondylosis. They should only recommend surgery after exhausting all non-surgical treatment options.

Does Not Influence a Patient's Decision

A serious spine or brain issue can cause panic, which is the last thing you want for yourself or a loved one. When you panic, you might not notice when a surgeon is trying to influence your decision. Notably, a reputable and experienced surgeon always strives to perform a successful surgery. However, even a successful surgical procedure to the brain or spine could have long-term effects on other parts of the body. For instance, a surgical procedure to the back of the neck might interfere with speech. Similarly, removing a tumour along the lumbar region can interfere with some nerves, affecting leg coordination. A reputable neurosurgeon will provide you with enough information about a medical procedure and let you make the final decision on whether to pursue surgery or not.

Specialisation

The central and peripheral nervous system is complex, which is why some neurosurgeons prefer to specialise in a particular area. For example, a neurosurgeon can focus on neuro-oncology, functional neurosurgery, neurovascular surgery, skull-base surgery, or pediatric neurosurgery. It does not mean that a general neurosurgeon cannot diagnose different conditions related to the nervous system. However, you stand a much better chance of recovery by selecting a neurosurgeon who specialises in a specific area. They will be more updated regarding newer neurosurgery technologies and techniques.

Contact a neurosurgeon for more information.