Neurological disorders are among the most common health conditions, affecting about one in every six people around the world. And in the United States, millions are living with a condition that affects the functioning of the brain, spine and nervous system. If you’ve been diagnosed with a neurological disorder, you may be referred to a neurosurgeon in Morris County for treatment. Your neurosurgeon plays a key role in your treatment and recovery, so it’s important to choose the right doctor for your condition and circumstances.
When Do You Need a Neurosurgeon?
Neurological conditions can take many forms, including chronic diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis, tumors, brain and spine abnormalities, and trauma such as a head injury or stroke. Many of these conditions can be treated by neurologists with medication and other nonsurgical treatments, but when the cause of the condition is a structural problem such as an abnormality in the blood vessels of the brain or a tumor, a neurosurgeon is the right specialist to consult.
Neurosurgeons can provide non-surgical treatments for many neurological conditions and act as consultants to a care team that includes primary care physicians, neurologists and other specialists. As the name implies, these doctors specialize in performing complex surgical procedures on the brain and spine. Procedures performed by neurosurgeons include the following.
Endoscopic Procedures
Minimally invasive endoscopic procedures require only a single incision in an artery, usually in the leg. A catheter is then threaded through the artery to the target area, allowing neurosurgeons to perform procedures such as clipping or coiling aneurysms, and inserting stents to expand clogged arteries. These procedures typically take less time and have a shorter recovery time than standard surgeries.
Standard Surgical Procedures
Depending on individual circumstances, neurosurgeons also perform standard “open” surgeries that can require a craniotomy, or opening the skull to access the tissues of the brain. These kinds of procedures can be used when endoscopic procedures are not appropriate, or to remove tumors or other abnormal tissues and bone.
Gamma Knife Radiosurgery
Neurosurgeons may also work with radiologists and other oncology specialists to perform stereotactic radiosurgery, a nonsurgical technique for treating tumors by targeting them with multiple beams of radiation that converge on the targeted area and spare healthy surrounding tissues from radiation exposure.
Finding the Right Neurosurgeon
If your primary care doctor or neurologist has referred you to a neurosurgeon for treatment of your condition, it’s important to seek out a doctor who inspires comfort and confidence and can support you through the entire course of treatment. Here are a few considerations when you’re searching for the best neurosurgeon in Morris County for your condition.
Ask For Referrals
Your primary care doctor or neurologist can provide you with a list of recommended neurosurgeons. If not, ask for referrals, but you aren’t limited to choosing from these doctors if they don’t seem right for you. You may also want to ask other healthcare providers if they have recommendations, or contact professional medical associations for the names of highly rated members.
Do Some Research
Once you’ve collected the names of potential neurosurgeons, take time for some research. Online resources can provide you with detailed information about a doctor’s education, experience and professional qualifications such as additional training in areas related to your condition, or awards received. Contact the surgeon’s certifying boards to learn whether any disciplinary actions have been taken or complaints made.
It’s important to research not only the neurosurgeon’s own background but also to learn more about the clinics and hospitals in which they operate. Look for information on whether the facility has resources devoted specifically to neurosurgery, such as a dedicated support team trained in neurosurgery and a neurosurgical care unit for post-procedure recovery. Look for information on any actions taken against the facility by regulatory boards or health inspectors.
Read Patient Reviews
It’s also possible to read reviews written by actual patients who rate their experience not only with the surgeon but also with related factors such as amenities at the hospital or clinic and care provided by its staff. Look for comments by people who have your condition, and aim for a balance between positive and negative reviews. Often, more dissatisfied people take the time to post a review than people who feel positively about their experience.
Seek a Consultation
Once you’ve created a short list of possible neurosurgeons, arrange for a consultation with each one. This provides an opportunity to talk with the surgeon and establish whether you feel comfortable with trusting them with your care. The neurosurgeon should be able to explain your condition clearly to you and discuss all possible treatment options, including both risks and benefits, objectively and honestly. The surgeon should also be willing to take the time to listen to your questions and concerns and respond to them with respect. He or she should be willing to learn as much as possible about you and your condition and to work with the other professionals involved in your care to manage your treatment and recovery.
When you’ve been diagnosed with a neurological condition that could benefit from the expertise of a neurosurgeon in Morris County, you have a number of options to consider, so researching and meeting with possible candidates can help you to make your decision. Your neurosurgeon plays a key role in your treatment and recovery, so it’s important to take some time to find the right one, not only for your condition but also for your peace of mind.
