What is a Neurosurgeon?

A neurosurgeon is a physician who specializes in the surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and cerebrovascular system. Neurosurgery requires some of the longest training of any medical specialty: after medical school, neurosurgeons complete a seven-year residency. Many then add one to two years of fellowship training in a subspecialty like spine surgery, pediatric neurosurgery, neuro-oncology, functional neurosurgery, or cerebrovascular surgery.

A common misconception is that neurosurgeons only operate on the brain. In practice, a large portion of their work involves the spine. Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, spinal cord compression, and spinal fractures are all conditions neurosurgeons treat regularly. On the cranial side, they operate on brain tumors, aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), and traumatic brain injuries. They also perform procedures for conditions like epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia, and movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

How is a neurosurgeon different from a neurologist?

The distinction matters when you're figuring out who to see. Neurologists are medical doctors who diagnose and manage neurological conditions using medications, rehabilitation, and other non-surgical approaches. Neurosurgeons share that diagnostic knowledge but add the ability to operate. In many cases, a neurologist will manage your condition first and refer you to a neurosurgeon only if surgery becomes necessary.

Modern neurosurgery has moved well beyond traditional open procedures. Many operations now use minimally invasive techniques, stereotactic navigation, intraoperative imaging, and even robotic assistance. Minimally invasive spine surgeries, for example, use small incisions and tubular retractors to access the spine with less muscle disruption, which often translates to shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery. For brain tumors, surgeons may use awake craniotomy techniques to map and protect critical brain functions during removal.

If you've been diagnosed with a brain or spinal condition that may require surgery, or if your neurologist has recommended a surgical consultation, you can find a neurosurgeon near you through our directory.