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Neurosurgery

Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center

Neurosurgery located in Scottsdale, AZ & Tucson, AZ

Neurosurgery is a specialty that focuses on conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord, and is at the forefront of advances in science and medicine. If you have back or neck pain, expert neurosurgeons Abhishiek Sharma, MD, and Erik Curtis, MD, of Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center in Phoenix, provide an accurate diagnosis and a range of treatments, including advanced surgical procedures. Schedule your consultation by calling Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center today, or book an appointment online.

Neurosurgery Q & A

What is neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery is a medical specialty that focuses on treating conditions affecting the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.

Neurosurgeons, or brain surgeons as they’re sometimes called, undergo a five-year post-qualification residency in general surgery before undertaking extensive training in neurosurgery. They diagnose and treat conditions relating to the nervous system, and perform specialized surgeries.

If you need surgery on your spinal cord or brain, choosing a neurosurgeon with the necessary expertise and experience is vital. The surgeons at Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center are exceptionally well-qualified and gifted, so you are in safe hands under their care.

Are there different types of neurosurgery?

There are subspecialties within neurosurgery that are highly specialized. There are surgeons who specialize in pediatric neurosurgery and only see children and young adults under 18. There are neurosurgeons who only treat conditions affecting one part of the nervous system, such as the:

  • Brain
  • Lower back
  • Neck
  • Spinal cord
  • Neurovascular system

Neurosurgeons may also specialize in areas such as interventional neuroradiology and pain management. Some large facilities have specialist neurosurgeons who only carry out specific procedures, like removing cancerous growths from the brain. 

Most practices have neurosurgeons who are more versatile and can treat patients with conditions in any part of the central nervous system.

Why would I need to undergo neurosurgery?

If you have a condition that originates in your brain or spinal cord, the central nervous system, there are two types of physicians who have the most appropriate skills to help you:

  • A neurologist, who is a medical expert in brain conditions
  • A neurosurgeon, who is a surgical expert in brain conditions

Not all neurological conditions require surgery. When they do, a neurosurgeon has the skills and knowledge to carry out procedures on your brain and spinal cord. Examples of conditions for which you might require neurosurgery include:

  • Severe head trauma
  • Hydrocephalus (fluid on the brain)
  • Cancer
  • Nerve injuries
  • Stroke
  • Neuroblastoma
  • Infections of the central nervous system
  • Hematomas
  • Epilepsy
  • Neurodegenerative diseases

Head trauma is a particularly challenging problem due to the risk of swelling within the skull. Since the skull is rigid, there’s very little room for the brain to swell and there’s a risk that other parts of the brain may get damaged, leading to a life-threatening situation.

If you need to undergo neurosurgery, call Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center without delay, or book an appointment online.

If you're looking for a neurosurgeon in the Phoenix area, contact Atlas Neurosurgery and Spine Center for the ultimate neurological care.