3 Difference Between Neurologists And Neurosurgeons

People tend to confuse neurosurgeons with the neurologist when in fact both perform different sets of duties. Neurology is a field of study where the specialist focuses on every minute to major detail of the nervous system. People experience different kinds of problems associated with their nervous system therefore it is important for them to know which doctor they need to consult. In this article, you will get to know about the differences between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon.

Roles performed by neurologist and neurosurgeon:

The roles performed by both a neurologist and neurosurgeon are not the same. Since their areas are different, they perform different tasks. Neurologists are the ones who have complete knowledge about the functioning of the nervous system and that how nerves operate in relation to the brain and body. When a patient consults a neurologist, he or she tries to find the best solution to the problem without going for surgery. Neurosurgeon, as the name suggests, is an expert in the field of neurology who works on cases where surgery is needed. Some cases cannot be treated without surgery and that’s the time where a neurologist cannot help but a neurosurgeon can.

Conditions treated by neurologist and neurosurgeon:

The neurologist treats medical conditions like stroke, seizure disorders, autonomic disorders, cancer of the nervous system, various nervous system disorders found in elderly people, headaches, neuromuscular diseases, etc. On the other hand, neurosurgeon deals with medical conditions where disk removal is needed, Aneurysm repair or craniotomy needs to be carried out, or if there is a brain tumor, functional neurological disorder, pediatric and developmental disorders, etc.

When to see a neurologist or neurosurgeon:

Since neurologists and neurosurgeons cater to different areas of study, patients have to make sure that they are consulting the right doctor considering the encountered symptoms. In case of symptoms like confusion, muscle weakness, coordination issues, a person should first consult a neurologist. On the other hand, in symptoms like severe brain injuries, strokes, and other severe conditions in the nervous system, the patient should consult the neurosurgeon because he is the one who caters to these areas.