Approximately 1.4M Americans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. Most of these people will employ a neurosurgeon as a core component of their care team, regardless of whether they ever have a surgical procedure for their damage. Whereas neurosurgeons are the go-to healthcare professionals for brain concerns, that is not all. These doctors can also address various illnesses and injuries affecting the peripheral nervous system and spinal column. Recognizing the realities of neurosurgery renders it simpler to determine when this profession may benefit your health. Here are some of the most widespread misconceptions regarding neurosurgery Edison, NJ, and the truth behind them. Continue reading to learn more.
1) Neurosurgeons Operate Solely On The Brain
Brain surgery is a significant component of neurosurgery but is not the entire emphasis. In fact, nearly 70% of neurosurgery operations involve the spinal column.
Whereas the brain is the primary processing unit of the body, the spine is an elaborate system that links the brain to the body. This system encases the spinal cord and nerve branches inside a biomechanical framework that supports the body from the pelvis to your head. Besides, the spinal column allows for a broad range of motion. A neurosurgeon comprehends the intricate interdependencies of all these mechanisms.
2) Surgery Is Your Only Alternative
Surgery is not your only alternative for addressing neurological concerns, and there is no physician best knowledgeable about this than your neurosurgeon. In numerous circumstances, Dr. Jeff Pan takes time to explore various alternative solutions, leaving surgery as a last resort.
Some commonly-used non-surgical techniques at Jeff Pan, MD, include chemotherapy, bracing, radiation therapy, physical therapy, and anti-swelling medicines. However, if these care solutions fail to offer desirable outcomes, your neurosurgeon is equipped with the right techniques and innovative technologies to ensure safe and effective procedures. For instance, Dr. Pan employs robotic and minimally invasive surgical treatments to minimize collateral tissue damage and shorten postoperative recovery durations.
3) Only Neurosurgeons Conduct Spine Surgery
While the common belief is only a neurosurgeon can perform spine surgery, this is not appropriate. Specialists with neurosurgical education can conduct the same operations. Nonetheless, neurosurgeons demand one of the most extensive training programs of any healthcare expert. Besides the standard four-year medical school program, neurosurgeons follow it up with a one-year internship and must complete an additional 5–7-year residency program.
If medical students pursue a subspecialty in neurology, an additional year might be necessary. Overall, this school time adds to around ten to fifteen years of postsecondary education. This expertise and knowledge could be vital to achieving the best possible outcome when you require surgery on the spine, brain, or other areas of your nervous system.
Now that you understand what neurosurgery entails and what concerns it addresses, do you think it is time to see your neurosurgeon? There are numerous warning signs to watch out for, including dizziness and balance problems, unexpected numbness or pain, and unusual headaches or migraines. Neurosurgeon Jeff Pan and his expert team can treat these and many other neurological concerns at their office in Edison, New Jersey. Arrange an appointment today through mobile or book online.