Neurosurgical or neurological conditions are medical conditions that affect the body’s central and peripheral nervous systems. Your central nervous system consists of your brain and spinal cord. Your peripheral nervous system is made up of nerves.
Brain conditions
Conditions of the brain include:
Spine conditions
Conditions of the spinal cord include:
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal spondylolisthesis
- Cervical myelopathy
- Spinal tumours
- Spinal trauma – for example, spinal cord injuries
Peripheral nerve conditions
Conditions of the peripheral nerves include:
How are neurological conditions treated?
The treatment for neurological conditions depends on the specific diagnosis, its severity and how it affects daily life. Some conditions can be managed with medications, lifestyle changes or physiotherapy, while others may require surgery.
What do neurosurgeons do?
Neurosurgeons are doctors who diagnose, prevent, treat and manage medical conditions that affect the brain, spine and nervous system. They also treat and manage conditions that affect the surrounding structures. They can also help people to recover after surgery.
What are the signs that I should see a neurosurgeon?
You may need to see a neurosurgeon if you experience persistent pain, weakness, numbness, difficulty with movement or other neurological symptoms that do not improve with initial treatment. Common reasons for referral include chronic back or neck pain, nerve compression syndromes, brain or spinal tumours, and conditions like hydrocephalus or Chiari malformation. If your symptoms interfere with daily activities, a specialist can assess whether surgical or non-surgical treatment options are right for you.
If you would like an appointment with A/Prof Raj Reddy, make sure your GP or other treating doctor provides you with a referral.
Your GP may send you for medical tests and imaging such as x-rays and scans. Bring these with you to your appointment.
How to prepare for your neurosurgical appointment.
Image courtesy of Gerd Altmann/Pixabay.
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Brain conditions
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Spine conditions
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Peripheral nerve conditions
