Where Can I Find a Neurosurgeon Near Me?

WHERE CAN I FIND A NEUROSURGEON NEAR ME?

A neurosurgeon is a medical specialist who treats injuries and diseases of the brain, spine, spinal cord and nervous system. If you have a nerve, spinal, or brain issue, you may be wondering: do I need to see a neurosurgeon near me for an evaluation? 

Keep reading to learn when it’s time to seek out a neurosurgeon for diagnosis and treatment of your condition.

WHEN SHOULD YOU SEE A NEUROSURGEON?

You may believe neurosurgeons only treat brain conditions, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Neurosurgeons treat a wide range of brain, spine, and nerve injuries and disorders, and there are multiple reasons why you may need to see this type of specialist. 

Neurological disorders of all types — including tumors, seizure disorders, movement disorders, developmental disorders, cerebrovascular accidents, headaches, and neurological infections — all fall within the domain of a neurosurgeon’s expertise. A neurosurgeon also treats neck and back pain, low back pain, chronic pain, sciatica, peripheral neuropathy, degenerative spinal disorders, and traumatic brain, spine and spinal cord injuries. 

So how do you know when you need to seek medical assistance from a neurosurgeon? The following are common signs:

• Frequent or severe headaches or migraines
• Dizziness
• Loss of balance and coordination
• Problems with movement or mobility
• Chronic neck or back pain
• Numbness or tingling 
• Unexplained weakness

In some cases (and depending on your medical insurance), you may need a referral from your primary care physician before you can see a neurosurgeon.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR CARE JOURNEY

What can you expect while you’re under the care of an experienced neurosurgeon? Here’s what the process may look like.

1. Scheduling. You’ll need to schedule an appointment to see a neurosurgeon, either by calling or making an appointment online. Once your appointment is finalized, you should begin preparing for your first consultation. You may need to fill out paperwork ahead of time. Additionally, you should collect doctor’s notes from past medical appointments, your medical history, imaging exams, lab reports, a medications list and your insurance information. Having this information on hand will make your first appointment go a lot smoother. 
2. Consultation. During your first visit, you’ll meet with your neurosurgeon to discuss your symptoms and medical history. Your doctor will perform a neurological exam, a physical exam, and review any imaging studies you have. Now is the time to be completely honest about your pain and the issues you’ve been having. Providing as much detail as possible will help your neurosurgeon make an accurate diagnosis.
3. Diagnosis and treatment. Next, your neurosurgeon will go over your diagnosis and treatment options. Surgery is not the only treatment method that neurosurgeons administer — they also prescribe non-surgical treatments like medications and therapies. Once your doctor has made a diagnosis, he or she will present all the options available to you, both nonsurgical and surgical.
4. Surgery. If surgery is recommended, your neurosurgeon will explain the procedure to you and discuss risks and complications. Then you’ll be scheduled for your procedure. Your doctor’s office will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for your surgery.
5. Recovery and rehabilitation. After undergoing surgery for a neurological issue, you might have some lingering cognitive or physical issues. Your neurosurgeon may recommend rehabilitation therapies like physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy or balance and vestibular therapy to help you recover. Your neurosurgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment with you to monitor your healing and progress. He or she may also give you health tips to aid recovery and prevent future problems. 

INTEGRITY SPINE AND ORTHOPEDICS TREATS BACK AND SPINE CONDITIONS

Whether you’re suffering from an acute injury or chronic pain, Integrity Spine and Orthopedics has the orthopedic care, pain management, sports medicine, and surgery services to help you to get back on your feet and back to doing the activities you love. 

We have a convenient clinic located in Jacksonville, FL. Please call us or fill out a form to schedule your first appointment online.