Neurological conditions are among the most common health conditions, affecting up to a billion people worldwide. These disorders of the brain, spine and nervous system can have many causes ranging from chronic disease to trauma and infection. Many neurological conditions can be treated by a primary care physician or neurologist, but for some disorders, surgery is the most appropriate treatment.
If you’ve been referred to a neurosurgeon for treatment of your condition, finding the right specialist is a priority – but it can also be a challenge. Here are some things to consider when you’re looking for a neurosurgeon in Essex County, New Jersey.
Why Consult a Neurosurgeon?
Neurological conditions of all kinds affect the healthy functioning of the central nervous system and the brain. These disorders typically cause symptoms such as pain, numbness in certain areas of the body, problems with coordination and movement, or impairments in thinking, speech or vision.
There are more than 600 known neurological disorders. That includes neurological problems that arise from diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or epilepsy, from sudden events like trauma, stroke, injury or infection, and from physical abnormalities such as tumors and malformations in blood vessels or bones.
Not everyone who has a neurological condition needs to consult a neurosurgeon, though. Many of these conditions can be managed with medication or other kinds of therapies such as physical therapy. But when neurological symptoms are caused by structural problems like blocked arteries that interfere with a normal blood flow to the brain, a tumor or an aneurysm pressing on sensitive areas in the brain, or a herniated disc putting pressure on the spine, surgery may be the best option for relieving symptoms and helping patients return to a normal life.
Neurosurgeons are surgeons who specialize in performing these delicate procedures on the brain or spine, although they might also provide nonsurgical treatments or a combination of surgery and other kinds of treatments as part of a larger healthcare team. In addition to standard medical studies, neurosurgeons receive additional specialized training in neurosurgical procedures and techniques that include both traditional surgery and new, minimally invasive procedures. Neurosurgeons may also specialize even further in treating specific kinds of disorders such as cancer or focus on certain populations such as children or the elderly.
Consider Your Priorities and Needs
If you’ve been referred to a neurosurgeon in Essex County, finding the best specialist for your condition takes a bit of research and a meeting with potential candidates on your list. Begin by considering the factors that are most important to you in your situation. Those might include the doctor’s education, training and other professional qualifications, experience or specialization in treating your condition, the facilities they work with, and even personal qualities such as a willingness to answer your questions or to respect a particular cultural or spiritual tradition.
Research Education and Qualifications
Visit the neurosurgeon’s professional profile to learn about relevant education and training. Look for experience or research related to your particular condition or innovative surgical techniques that treat it. Check to see how long the neurosurgeon has been practicing and any additional awards, publications, memberships or professional qualifications the doctor may have. You may also want to contact the state medical board or licensing bodies to find out about complaints or disciplinary actions taken against the surgeon.
Explore Facilities and Affiliations
The hospitals and clinics where a neurosurgeon performs procedures can also play a role in your decision, and so can the neurosurgeon’s affiliations with teaching and research institutions involved in developing new treatment options. Depending on your condition and potential treatment options, you might want to learn whether a hospital or clinic has staff and facilities dedicated specifically to neurosurgery and who will be assisting your neurosurgeon during the procedure and in your post-operative recovery.
Consult With Others
Your primary care doctor or the neurologist who diagnosed your condition may have provided you with the names of neurosurgeons, but you can also ask for input from other members of your healthcare team or even outside providers. Patient reviews of both facilities and individual doctors are also available on review sites and facility websites so you may want to read recent reviews from people with conditions like yours. You might also want to contact patient support groups or organizations for people with your condition for referrals or more information about a particular doctor.
Meet With the Doctor
In addition to education, expertise and a reputation for quality care, the right neurosurgeon for you is someone who makes you feel confident and comfortable. If you can, arrange to meet your top candidates to discuss your condition and available treatment options. The neurosurgeon should be able to answer your questions and address your concerns honestly and respectfully and to explain the risks and benefits of potential treatments. If you’re seeking a pediatric neurosurgeon for your child’s neurological condition, consider how the doctor relates to your child and addresses his or her fears and worries, too.
Finding the right neurosurgeon in Essex County is an essential step for your treatment and recovery. Knowing what to look for – and what’s important to you – can help. The neurosurgeon you choose should be experienced, caring and committed to working with you and the rest of your healthcare team to create the best plan for treating your neurological condition.
