Introduction- What is Neurosurgery?

 

The field of medicine known as neurosurgery focuses on identifying and managing diseases of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and the vasculature that supports them. Although it is primarily a surgical field, radiography, critical care, and neurology are essential to understand. 

Because it treats the body as a whole rather than focusing on individual parts, a neurosurgeon may do surgery on the brain, spine, or extremities at any time. Neurosurgeons treat patients of all ages for a variety of abnormalities, including congenital malformations in newborns, trauma, tumors, vascular anomalies, seizures, infections, and aging-related abnormalities like stroke, functional impairments, or degenerative diseases of the spine.

The neurosurgeon's main priority is the surgical methods used to treat their patients. The pioneers of neurosurgery are highly educated general surgeons with a focus on the neurological system. Many of them were also inventive scientists who utilized their knowledge of neurophysiology to become skilled medical professionals. Neurosurgery is still developing quickly. The propagation of novel concepts, surgical methods, and technical advancements are crucial components of neurosurgery. 

Neurosurgeons now work in a range of settings, including university institutions, community hospitals, outpatient surgical centers, and large research sites. Neurosurgeons make up a limited community. There are little over 100 resident training programs and roughly 3,500 practicing board-certified neurosurgeons in the United States. There were 225 positions available in 110 neurosurgery residency training programs in 2018 that the Accreditation Council approved for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME). All forms of neurosurgery are taught to neurosurgery residents.

Similarly to many other disciplines, neurosurgery aims to draw the most qualified applicants from authorized medical schools. The intellectual curiosity and capacity to accept and comprehend the complexity of the neurological system are qualities that men and women who are thinking about a profession in neurosurgery should possess. As this is a specialty of high acuity with enormous impact, they must have the physical and mental strength to handle the difficulties of a demanding residency and surgical operations that frequently last for many hours, as well as the ambition to pursue perfection.

Due to the restricted number of residency spots available, the majority of applicants to neurosurgical training programs are exceptional and typically rank at the top of their class. People who like the academic challenge of ongoing learning and have a strong desire to treat neurosurgical diseases are drawn to the field of neurosurgery. They should also be willing to make challenging judgments and assume responsibility for seriously ill patients. It is well known that no two operations are precisely the same, and therefore it takes a lot of time to weigh options before deciding how to solve a medical issue. For neurosurgeons, stress and the difficulties of caring for seriously ill and dying patients are daily occurrences.

 

Reasons for neurosurgery procedures

• Neuropathic chronic pain - Chronic neuropathic pain results from any nerve loss or injury (from the brain to the spinal cord). The areas that are affected become touch-sensitive, and the discomfort feels intensely burning. Neurosurgeons will operate on the painful sites to reduce neuropathic pain.

• Head injury- All accidents that cause head injuries are extremely dangerous and even life-threatening. Therefore, neurological procedures are used to treat head injuries in order to lessen brain damage. 
• Tumors- Neurosurgery is typically the single treatment choice for spinal, pituitary, and brain tumors in order to preserve precious lives. Due to the rapid spread of tumors, prompt surgical excision is required.
•  Carotid artery disease- The blood arteries that feed the brain with blood get clogged with lipids in this medical condition, seriously harming the central nervous system. Therefore, a neurosurgeon may carry out certain neurological procedures in order to cure this type of disease.  
• Vertebral fractures- These fractures result in the patient experiencing excruciating pain, losing height, and deformity. For some fractures, neurosurgery might be necessary. 
• Hydrocephalus- Hydrocephalus is the medical term for a brain condition when fluid fills the brain. Neurosurgeons advise urgent surgical treatment since it creates pressure and discomfort in the brain.

Other than the illnesses mentioned above, medical conditions requiring neurosurgery include herniated discs, trigeminal neuralgia, sciatica, strokes, and cervical spine abnormalities. 

 

What are the risks of Neurosurgery?

The type of surgery being performed and the patient's health are two variables that influence the risks and complication rates associated with neurosurgery. According to studies, problems occur during 14% of neurosurgical procedures. It's vital to keep in mind that each patient will experience these dangers at a different rate and degree. The following issues could happen in different individuals:

• Aseptic meningitis- The complication of aseptic meningitis following posterior fossa surgery is well known. Although it frequently resolves on its own, it can occasionally have a protracted course that necessitates periodic CSF examinations to rule out infection and systemic steroid therapy.

• Severe bleeding – This may lead to the requirement for blood transfusion. Due to the risk of blood loss, red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is frequently required during brain tumor surgery. Most patients who undergo major surgery receive a blood transfusion to replace any blood lost during the treatment. Patients who have sustained major injuries in vehicle accidents or natural disasters are treated with blood transfusions.

• Requirement of mechanical breathing- To aid in the recovery process, surgeons may occasionally decide to keep the patient unconscious for a few days after surgery. In order to keep them asleep, they provide certain types of sedatives. It's possible that the patient uses a ventilator to breathe during this time. However, ventilators may also be used in cases of certain complications.

• Intracranial hemorrhage - One of the most dangerous side effects of any neurosurgery procedure is postoperative cerebral bleeding. Numerous researchers have noted that intracranial hemorrhage (abbreviated as I.H.) is a very uncommon but possibly fatal complication following spine surgery. The intracerebral, cerebellar, epidural, intraventricular, or subdural compartments might all experience it.

• Hyperperfusion syndrome- After cerebral revascularization procedures (like superficial temporal artery-to-middle cerebral artery anastomosis), the complication known as cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHPS) might develop and worsen neurological conditions. CHPS typically lasts two weeks before disappearing.
• Cranial nerve palsies- Numerous factors can lead to cranial nerve palsy. Congenital, traumatic, or blood vessel disease are a few possible causes, yet it may also represent a possible risk of neurosurgery. A nerve dysfunction causes palsy. The parts that the damaged nerve serves may become completely paralyzed or perhaps partially weak
• Seizures- Following the removal of a brain tumor, early postoperative seizures (EPS) are frequent. EPS frequently represents severe after-effects of brain tumor surgery and is linked to a disproportionately high likelihood of unfavorable neurological and medical outcomes.
• Ischemia- Patients with brain tumors frequently experience postoperative ischemia, which is linked to neurological impairments after surgery and decreased overall survival.
• Leaked cerebrospinal fluid - A CSF leak is typically characterized by fluid, transparent leakage from the nose (after retromastoid or endonasal surgery) or a surgical incision. Within the first two weeks following surgery, if there is persistent drainage, one should speak with a medical professional right away.

 

How many types of Neurosurgery are there?

As previously described, the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and accidents affecting the body's neurological system, which involves the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and cerebrovascular system, are the main goals of the medical field and surgical specialty known as neurosurgery.

Numerous neurosurgeons concentrate on one of the numerous sub-disciplines of the subject, including:

• Functional neurosurgery- This specialty focuses on treating neurological illnesses that lead to movement problems, such as Tourette's syndrome and Parkinson's disease.

• Neuro-oncology- This discipline concentrates on treating malignant tumors of the brain, spine, and skull base.

• Neurotraumatology - Head injuries, skull fractures, brain trauma, craniofacial trauma, spinal cord injuries, and spine fractures are all treated in neuro traumatology, which specializes in treating the brain and spine injuries brought on by accidents, falls, collisions, and blunt force trauma.

• Neurovascular surgery- This specialty focuses on treating vascular abnormalities in the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves, including aneurysms and restricted blood vessels.

• Pediatric neurosurgery- This field concentrates on treating children with neurological problems such as hydrocephalus (excessive brain fluid), pediatric brain tumors, spinal cord abnormalities, and craniosynostosis (premature fusion of a child's skull bones).

• Spine surgery - It focuses on treating disorders that damage the lining of the spinal canal, such as spinal cord tumors, fluid-filled cysts, and Chiari malformation. 

 

How to find the nearest top-rated neurosurgeon?

It is extremely important to pick the proper neurosurgeon to perform neurosurgical procedures. Before choosing the best neurosurgeon for a loved one or oneself, there are several things to consider. The determining elements consist of the following:

• The neurosurgeon's credentials - One of the most important factors to take into account when choosing a neurosurgeon is board certification. It shows that the surgeon is qualified to provide neurosurgical care based on their education, experience, and training.
• The neurosurgeon's experience- It is beneficial when treating the nerves, neurological system, or brain. A patient's results will be better the more experience a neurosurgeon has with a particular issue or procedure.
• The neurosurgeon's specialization- The medical professional treating a specific disease should have substantial training in that specific field. Each physician in the field of neurosurgery has received specialized medical training and has worked with a variety of neurosurgical disorders. 
• The communication skills- When selecting a doctor, it's common to miss the opportunity for patients to connect with their doctor in an effective and open manner. In order to speak with the doctor and trust that they will support the information requirements, one needs to feel comfortable with them.
• Receiving the correct diagnosis - Even though surgery is not always an option for spine disorders, it is occasionally required. One's neurosurgeon needs to be well-informed of this and react appropriately. The main goal of medical treatment is to keep patients out of the surgery room for as long as possible. They must administer the most secure and efficient care if that is not possible.

• Personalization- Every patient is different, and every patient has another ailment. A neurosurgeon should spend time getting to know the patient, their unique needs, and their desired level of recovery. This will allow them to determine the best course of therapy for each individual.

• Referrals- All medical professionals are connected, so recommendations will naturally go to the patient's primary care doctor. This is the best place to start; by requesting a reference list from one's primary care physician, one can select from a list of individuals that their primary care physician suggests.

When looking for a board-certified neurosurgeon in an individual's area, the Internet can represent a great source of information. Searches such as "best neurosurgeon near me", "top rated neurosurgeon near me" or "top neurosurgeon near me" lead to numerous results that do not only include the brain surgeon's name but all the information that is required in order to make an informed decision as well. There are many neurosurgery clinics worldwide, yet since this medical field requires finishing several years of medical school, a residency, and intensive training, only a few have neurosurgeons that stand out and are listed among the best neurosurgeons. 

 

Who are the best neurosurgeons in the U.S.?

A frequently asked question is, "How many neurosurgeons are there in the U.S.?", There are only about 3,800 board-certified neurosurgeons in the United States, making neurosurgery a small specialty that is trying severely to meet both the existing deficit and the anticipated rising scarcity as the population ages.

The following are listed among the best neurosurgeons in the United States of America:

• Dr. Winfield S. Fisher 

Birmingham, Alabama-based neurosurgeon Dr. Winfield S. Fisher is connected to a number of local hospitals, including Birmingham Veterans Affairs Medical Center and the University of Alabama at Birmingham Hospital. He graduated from St. Louis University School of Medicine with a medical degree and has worked in practice for more than 20 years.

 

• Dr. William A. Vandergrift

Neurosurgeon Dr. William A. Vandergrift practices in Charleston, South Carolina, and is linked to several medical facilities there, such as Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center and MUSC Health-University Medical Center. He obtained his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and has been practicing neurosurgery for more than 20 years.

 

• Dr. Gregory J. Zipfel 

A neurosurgeon in Saint Louis, Missouri, Dr. Gregory J. Zipfel is connected to a number of medical facilities there, including Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children's Hospital-Washington University. He graduated from Northwestern University's McGaw Medical Center with a medical degree and has been in the profession for over 21 years.

 

• Dr. Michael W. Mcdermott

Being recognized as one of the best neurosurgeons in Florida, neurosurgeon Dr. Michael McDermott practices at Baptist Health Baptist Hospital. He graduated from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine with a medical degree and has practiced in this medical field for more than 20 years.

 

• Dr. Vikram C. Prabhu

Neurosurgeon Dr. Vikram C. Prabhu practices in Maywood, Illinois, and is linked to many medical facilities and clinics there, including Edward Hines, Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, and Loyola University Medical Center. His medical degree was obtained at St. John's Medical College.

 

• Dr. Sunil J. Patel

In addition to having additional postgraduate training in skull base surgery, cerebrovascular surgery, and micro neurosurgery, Sunil Patel, M.D. is board certified in neurological surgery. He has almost 20 years of clinical experience and is the neurosurgery department chair at MUSC. He specializes in endoscopic spine surgery and minimally invasive neurosurgery of the brain and spine.

 

• Dr. Douglas E. Anderson

Neurosurgeon Dr. Douglas Anderson practices in Maywood, Illinois, and is associated with a number of medical facilities in the area, such as Edward Hines, Jr. Veterans Affairs Hospital, and Loyola University Medical Center. He graduated from Chicago Medical School/the Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine Science with a medical degree.

 

Best neurosurgeons in N.Y. (including New York City)

• Neurosurgery specialist Douglas Kondziolka practices in New York, New York. Statistics show that Kondziolka has been a physician for over 38 years and is highly regarded in 36 diseases. His main specialties include Microvascular Decompression, Acoustic Neuroma, Schwannoma, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. He has a license to practice medicine in Pennsylvania and New York.
• Neurosurgery specialist Jeffrey Bruce practices in New York, New York. According to data, Bruce has been a practicing physician for more than 40 years and is highly regarded in 33 ailments. His main specialties include brain tumor, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, gamma knife radiosurgery, and awake craniotomy. He has New Jersey and New York state licenses to practice medicine.
• Philip Stieg specializes in neurosurgery in the state of New York. Stieg has been a practicing physician for more than 40 years and is highly regarded in 33 illnesses. His main specialties include awake craniotomy, arteriovenous malformation, brain aneurysms, metastatic brain tumors, and microvascular decompression. He has a medical license to practice in New York and is board certified by the American Board Of Neurological Surgery.

• Neurosurgery specialist Amir Dehdashti practices in Manhasset, New York. Dehdashti has been a practicing physician for over 24 years and has received top ratings in 27 diseases. His main specialties are extracranial-intracranial bypass surgery, cerebral arteriovenous malformation, subarachnoid hemorrhage, arteriovenous malformation, endovascular embolization, and arachnoid hemorrhage. 

 

Best neurosurgeons in Chicago/ near Chicago

• Vikram Prabhu is a neurosurgery specialist in the area of Maywood, Illinois. According to statistics, Prabhu has been a doctor for more than 30 years and is widely respected, considering the treatment of 49 diseases. Meningioma, Hydrocephalus, Familial Porencephaly, Awake Craniotomy, and Septoplasty are among his top medical specialties.

• Douglas Anderson is a leading authority on neurosurgery in Illinois. Statistics show that Anderson has been a physician for more than 46 years and is highly regarded in 47 illnesses. Some of his specialties include Trigeminal neuralgia, radiation-induced meningioma, neuralgia, awake craniotomy, and deep brain stimulation.

• Another respected neurosurgeon in Chicago is Peter Warnke, who has been working in this medical field for more than 40 years consecutively, receiving good feedback from patients after treating 20 medical conditions. The areas he's considered best include Epilepsy, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Deep Brain Stimulation, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery. 

• Matthew Reynolds is a neurosurgeon in Maywood, Illinois, who has been practicing for over 15 years and is well-recognized for the treatment of 17 medical conditions. Patients that required treatment for Stroke, Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Brain Aneurysm, Aortic Valve Replacement, and Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR) have been very satisfied with his work. 

 

Best neurosurgeons in Houston/near Houston

• Ganesh Rao is considered to be an authority on neurosurgery in Houston, Texas. Statistics show that Rao has been a physician for more than 25 years and is highly regarded in 21 diseases. His primary specialties include awake craniotomy, glioblastoma, astrocytoma, and gamma knife radiosurgery.

• Shaan Raza is a neurosurgery specialist in Houston who has been a physician for more than 17 years and has received positive feedback for treating around 21 illnesses. Data shows that his medical specialties are awake craniotomy, meningioma, olfactory neuroblastoma, endoscopy, and bone tumor. 

• The neurosurgery specialist Jeffrey Weinberg practices in Houston, Texas. He's been a practicing physician for over 30 years and is an expert in 19 diseases. Brain tumor, metastatic brain tumor, glioma, awake craniotomy, and gamma knife radiosurgery are considered some of his best achievements in his medical activity over the years. 

• Amy Heimberger is a surgical oncologist with expertise in neurosurgery. While practicing for over 28 years in a row, she succeeded in treating 14 different diseases, excelling in particular at awake craniotomy, glioma, glioblastoma, gliomatosis cerebri, and gamma knife radiosurgery. She has a license to practice medicine in Illinois and Texas.

 

Best neurologists in Atlanta/near Atlanta 

• William Benedict, who has been practicing neurosurgery for over 23 years in Marietta, Georgia, has received high ratings after successfully treating 35 medical conditions. According to statistics and the feedback he has received, his main specialties include Meningioma, Awake Craniotomy, Pituitary Tumor, Subdural Hematoma, and Laminectomy. 
• Ahmad Khaldi, an expert in neurosurgery, is rated to be best in treating Brain aneurysms, stroke, Stent Placement, Carotid Artery surgery, and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. He has been practicing in this medical field for more than 20 years, during which he successfully took care of patients with 32 different medical conditions. He is licensed to practice neurosurgery in multiple areas, including Georgia, Maryland, Illinois, Virginia, and last but not least, the District of Columbia. 

• Practicing in Atlanta, Georgia for more than 30 years, Nelson Oyesiku is a top neurosurgeon specializing in Hypothalamic Tumors, Pituitary Apoplexy and Pituitary Tumor, Balloon Sinuplasty, and Septoplasty. Statistics show that during his career as a neurosurgery specialist, he's been highly rated for treating 27 medical diseases. 

• Another great neurosurgeon is James Robinson, who has practiced for over 33 years. He treats patients in Sandy Springs, being licensed to practice neurosurgery in Georgia. Trigeminal Neuralgia, PNET, Awake Craniotomy, and Radiation-Induced Meningioma are listed among James Robinson's best areas of expertise, while data shows that he successfully treated a total of 26 diseases. 

 

Best neurosurgeons in California

• Gary Steinberg practices neurosurgery in Palo Alto, California. Statistics show that he is considered an expert in treating 31 medical conditions, particularly Arteriovenous Malformation, Extracranial-Intracranial Bypass surgery, Stroke, Moyamoya disease, and last but not least, Cerebral Artery Bypass Surgery. Gary Steinberg has been practicing neurosurgery for over 43 years.  
• Neurosurgery specialist Nalin Gupta practices in San Francisco, California. Our statistics show that Gupta has been a physician for over 36 years and is highly regarded for 27 illnesses. His primary specialties, which qualify him to treat patients in California, include Laminectomy, Gliomatosis Cerebri, and Glioma, among others.

• Another famous brain surgeon is Behnam Badie, who is known for treating 26 types of medical conditions in Duarte, California. Data shows that he's been best rated for treatment of glioma, Brain Tumor, Glioblastoma, and Awake Craniotomy. Benham Badie has been in practice for 34 years. 

• In Palo Alto, California, Lawrence Shuer is a neurosurgery specialist and an intensive care medicine expert. According to statistics, Shuer has been a practicing physician for more than 45 years and is highly regarded in 26 illnesses. Meningioma, Chiari Malformation Type 2, syringomyelia, laminectomy, and awake craniotomy are some of his main specialties.

Which are the best neurosurgery clinics in the USA? Where can you get safe neurosurgery in the USA?

Multiple studies have been conducted in order to create a top of hospitals and other medical facilities in the United States based on the successful results of neurosurgery procedures. 

Some of the top hospitals for neurosurgery that treats patients that have severe neurological issues such as brain hemorrhage, seizures, and strokes, as well as conditions affecting the central and degenerative nervous system and spinal disorders, include the following:

• NYU Langone Hospitals, located in New York City, state of New York
• Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, NY
• New York- Presbyterian Hospital and Cornell in New York City, NY
• Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts 
• Cleveland Clinic, located in the state of Ohio
• Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota 
• Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore
• Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, state of California
• UCSF Health-UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco, California
• Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois 
• Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois

 

Best neurosurgery facilities worldwide 

When looking for the best Hospital for neurosurgery worldwide, there are multiple factors to consider, such as the surgeons' credentials, the infrastructure of the Hospital, the feedback offered by previous patients and their results, the number of available treatment types offered by the medical facility, the approximate costs for the neurosurgery procedures compared to their efficiency and ratings, as well as other relevant aspects. Globally, some of the best neurosurgery medical centers include: 

• Mayo Clinic in Rochester, United States of America

With 200 clinicians treating more than 100,000 adults and children each year, the Mayo Clinic is listed among the greatest neurosurgery facility worldwide. The Clinic has experience treating complicated and rare diseases. It was named one of the top neurology and neurosurgery hospitals in the country for the years 2021 and 2022.

 

• Hopital Universitaire Pitié Salpêtrière in Paris, France

The first neurology facility in France was established in 2010 and is called the ICM Institute at the University Hospital. With more than 700 scientists and clinicians, ten core facilities, and a specialized area for fostering start-up ideas in neurology, it combines scientific inventiveness with therapeutic intent.

 

• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery (NHNN) in London, United Kingdom 

The University College London, Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, includes the NHNN, the biggest specialist neurological and neurosurgical Hospital in the United Kingdom. The Hospital and its next-door neighbor, the Institute of Neurology, make up a significant international base for neurology teaching and research.

 

• Charité Universitätsmedizin in Berlin, Germany

Charité includes CharitéCentre 15, the top facility in Germany for pediatric neurosurgery, neurology, and psychiatry. The center received more than 23.5 million euros in financing between 2004 and 2006, which supported 130 staff members' participation in research projects. The Hospital is instrumental in establishing Berlin's NeuroCure Cluster of Excellence. With doctors and scientists from different fields, this conducts ground-breaking research in the area. The range of neurological research and medical services offered at Charité is unmatched in Germany.

 

• Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, United States of America

Leaders in neurology, psychiatry, and neurosurgery are brought together at The Massachusetts General to develop vital treatments for patients. It manages more than 1200 Teleneurology cases annually and has a specialized stroke center in Massachusetts. The NIH funds allocated at Mass General are almost entirely used for neuroscience-related research.

 

• Fondazione I.R.C.C.S. Instituto Neurologico Carlo Besta in Milan, Italy

The Institute is one of the top centers for rare neurological illnesses and has been a significant component of the University of Milan since 2017. More than 5,500 yearly admissions, 180 hospital beds dedicated to neurology, and 100,000 outpatient visits are scheduled each year.

 

• Cleveland Clinic in Ohio, United States of America 

U.S. News & World Report names Cleveland Clinic as one of the best neurology hospitals in the country. More than 300 medical, surgical, and research professionals work at the Clinic's Neurological Institute to treat neurological and behavioral diseases in both adults and children. At the Clinic's international campuses in Cleveland Clinic London and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, neurological specialists are reachable from anywhere in the world.

 

• Asan Medical Centre in Seoul, South Korea

The Asan Centre houses a dedicated stroke center as well as specialized clinics for Parkinson's, sleep disorders, and even Botox. For 14 years running, the Korean Management Association Consulting (abbreviated as KMAC) has named it the most reputable Hospital in Korea (2007 to 2019).

• The Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, United States of America

At John Hopkins, the neurology and neurosurgery departments date back more than 130 years and were a part of the first Hospital. More than 40,000 surgeries are performed by neurology surgeons each year, and 30,000 outpatients are seen.

The Hospital was a leader in developing the nation's first specifically designed neurological critical care unit (NCCU).

 

• Juntendo University Hospital in Tokyo, Japan

The Hospital, which is spread across various campuses, has 3,200 beds for neurologists, while the primary Hospital sees about 1000 in-patients annually. The emergency room directly admits 600 additional patients. The Joint Commission International, an American not-for-profit organization that ranks safety and quality care standards, granted certification to JUH as the first Japanese medical facility.

Top 10 neurosurgeons in the world- Who is the best neurosurgeon in the world? 

The number of neurological illnesses requiring surgery or other medical intervention is rising rapidly globally. A critical shortage of qualified neurosurgeons is emerging as the population keeps growing.

Every medical specialty impacts people's general health and wellness, although some have a bigger impact than others. Neurological surgeons treat conditions of the nerve system and the brain that could have subtle and wide-ranging effects. These include behavioral and perceptual difficulties, difficulty moving around, or excruciating back pain. If none of these illnesses are treated immediately, serious health implications could exist. Therefore, receiving care from the world's top neurosurgeons is crucial. Some of the top neurosurgeons in the world include:

• Dr. Bartolome Oliver, Spain

The most renowned and top-ranked neurosurgeon in the world is Dr. Bartolomeo Oliver. 

Dr. Oliver is renowned for his CyberKnife and Novalis and is known for doing microsurgical procedures through tiny incisions. The doctor uses these two non-invasive radiosurgery tools. He has more than 45 years of experience performing spinal and neurological surgeries. His techniques at the base of the skull, brain tumor operations, spinal operations, and OCD operations are well renowned. He was among the first to perform a minimally invasive treatment using robotic technology.

 

• Dr. Gerardo Conesa Betran, Spain

Gerardo Conesa Bertrand runs the Institute of Neurosurgery and Neurobiology at Teknon Medical Center. Dr. Bertrand is an expert in both pediatric and adult surgical treatments for epilepsy, minimally invasive spine surgery, and tumor excision. He operates on the brain and is an expert in highly functional areas of surgery. Gerardo Conesa Bertran uses deep brain stimulation to study anorexia.

 

• Dr. Enrique Ferrer Rodríguez, Spain

With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Rodriguez is one of the most well-known and accomplished neurosurgeons in the world. He is a pioneer in his industry and currently works in Spain. Doctor Ferrer, a neurosurgeon, is an enthusiastic researcher who advances cutting-edge neurosurgical techniques.

 

• Dr. Henry Brem, US

At Johns Hopkins University, Henry Brem holds the positions of Harvey Cushing, Professor of Neurosurgery, Director of the Department of Neurosurgery, and Chief Neurosurgeon. By creating new equipment and procedures, Henry Brem transformed the field of neurosurgery. Brem oversaw a significant clinical study that used navigational imaging in the neurosurgical room. The FDA approved the first image-guided computer system for intraoperative tumor localization as a result of his research. Brem received his medical degree from Harvard, his bachelor's degree from New York University, and his training in neurosurgery from Columbia University. He established one of the world's largest programs for studying and treating brain tumors.

 

• Dr. Philip E. Stieg, US

Board-certified neurosurgeon Dr. Philip E. Stieg focuses on skull base surgery, brain tumors, and cerebrovascular disease. The Weill Cornell Medicine Brain and Spine Center was founded by him, a top patient care facility in New York City.

His name appeared in Castle Connolly's "Best Doctors in America" list about 20 years ago. Well-known professor Dr. Stieg is committed to the training of other neurosurgeons.

 

• K. Daniel Riew, US

One of the few spine surgeons in the world who concentrates completely on the cervical spine, Dr. Dan Riew is a well-known authority on cervical spine disorders. He has frequently been rated as one of the best neurosurgeons in the world.

Dr. Riew has advanced training in deformity corrections, revision surgeries, and minimally invasive outpatient therapies. Additionally, he has performed more cervical spine surgeries than almost any other surgeon in the world.

 

• Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney, India

One of the world's most well-known brain and spine surgeons is Dr. Gurneet Singh Sawhney. He has more than 14 years of expertise, which multiple research investigations, conference appearances, and teaching positions at different hospitals have enhanced. He is a prominent specialist at Fortis Hospital in Mumbai and the clinical director of the Neurolife Brain and Spine Clinic.

 

• Dr. Sandeep Vaishya, India

In India, neurosurgeon Dr. Sandeep Vaishya has had extensive training and is well-known. He has a booming practice and has spent more than 22 years working with some of India's best hospitals. Dr. Vaishya earned his MBBS and M.S. degrees from the prestigious G.R. Medical College in Gwalior. 

 

• Dr. Rana Patir, India

In India, Dr. Rana Patir is a well-known and highly regarded neurosurgeon. He is currently the Head and Director of the Department of Neurosurgery at Fortis Memorial Research Institute in Gurgaon. He is regarded as the top surgeon in India for treating brain tumors, deep brain stimulation, meningiomas, and brain stem tumors. He has 25 years of experience performing brain tumor surgery. In his career, he has accomplished nearly 10,000 neurological surgeries.

 

• A.K. Banerji, India 

One of India's first surgeons, Dr. Banerji, is believed to have 50 years of cumulative experience in the field of neurology. Dr. A.K. Banerji developed micro neurosurgery in India. He made a contribution to the nationalization of neurosurgical education and assessment. All of the neurosurgical subspecialties that exist today were largely developed by Dr. Banerji. He serves as the World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies (India) Trust's secretary and life trustee. He has been a key contributor to the neurosurgeons in India's ongoing medical education.

 

Spine surgeon vs. Neurosurgeon

One of the most frequently asked questions when a patient is thinking about having spine surgery is, "Who is better, an orthopedic spine surgeon or a neurosurgeon? 

Neurosurgeons are now performing some spine surgery in addition to orthopedic surgeons, even though traditionally, neurosurgeons treat brain conditions while orthopedic surgeons handle conditions involving the spinal column and limbs.

Spine surgeons are often orthopedic surgeons specializing in spine surgery, devoting all their time to helping people requiring spinal treatment. 

To give up lucrative brain surgery, a neurosurgeon who has dedicated his career to spine surgery is unusual. More and more orthopedic surgeons are sub-specializing in the spine as the number of surgeons, and surgical specialties has grown, and Neurosurgical units are undergoing similar adjustments.

Although both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons may finish their fellowship training to perform the majority of spine procedures, there are some spine surgeries for which one specialty tends to be better qualified. An orthopedic spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon differ in a few key ways. During their residency, some neurosurgeons primarily learn how to do procedures inside the dura membrane and the lining of the spinal canal to remove tumors from the cal sac, among other structures. Orthopedic spine surgeons typically have more training in fusion and spinal instrumentation, which involves inserting screws and rods into the spine. Scoliosis and kyphosis are the only spinal deformities they primarily treat. An orthopedic spine surgeon will monitor the recovery process from start to finish, offering advice from diagnosis through therapy and supporting the patient's needs during rehabilitation.

 

How can you become a neurosurgeon?

As previously mentioned, neurosurgeons must finish several years of medical school, a residency, and intensive training before carrying out difficult surgical procedures involving the nervous system. A candidate for neurosurgery must successfully complete a set of requirements:

1. They need to complete four years of pre-medical education and obtain a bachelor's degree at a college or university.
2. The medical school includes four years of education. After completing medical school, a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree is obtained. Another year of internship in general surgery is required.
3. Postgraduate training, also known as residency, typically lasts five to seven years.

Considering all the steps, this process often takes 14 to 16 years. 

The complexity of the medical sector necessitates one of the most extensive training programs for any medical specialty. After completing their residency, some neurosurgeons pursue a fellowship to hone their skills in a specific field, such as pediatric or spine surgery. 

Like all medical professionals, neurosurgeons must complete continuing education throughout their careers through conferences, research, and classes to stay current with developments and technology in their field of medicine.

 

How much does it cost to become a neurosurgeon? How much does a neurosurgeon make per year?

One of the trickiest subspecialties of surgery is neurosurgery. It requires surgeons to possess a diverse set of abilities and information. It is hard, time-consuming, and requires a surgeon's complete attention to the current treatment.

It typically costs over $300,000 to complete training and earn a neurosurgeon certification, considering the many years of school and training required to become a surgeon. Neurosurgeons earn an average income of $652,701, but brain doctors' salary frequently ranges between $491,401 and $825,801. This is due to the high expense of earning a degree.

 

Conclusion

Typically, when an individual hears the term "neurosurgery", they only associate the word with brain surgery, even though this medical field involves more aspects. Diagnosing and treating patients with injuries or diseases and disorders of the brain, spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerves in all body regions are the focus of the medical specialty named neurosurgery. Patients of all ages are treated in the neurosurgical discipline. A neurological surgeon is a medical professional with expertise in neurosurgery that offers surgical and non-surgical care depending on the injury or disease that requires treatment. 

Neurosurgeons are medically trained neurosurgery specialists who can assist patients with back and neck discomfort and various other conditions, such as trigeminal neuralgia, head injuries, Parkinson's disease, and Parkinson's disease. 

Neurosurgeons receive comprehensive training in all areas of neurosurgery throughout this residency program, including the cerebrovascular system, the spine and spinal cord, trauma, tumors, pain control, and pediatric surgery. A minimum of 60 months must be spent teaching residents in the neurological sciences, of which at least 36 months must be spent in clinical neurosurgery and at least three months in clinical neurology. Following their residency, some neurosurgeons undergo a second fellowship in a specific field of specialized study. Neurosurgeons complete further relevant training after completing their residency study and are then board certified.

As neurosurgery is considered one of the most difficult medical fields and neurosurgeons require numerous special skills to be allowed to practice medicine, it is extremely important for a patient that requires a neurosurgical procedure to be well informed on the topic and make wise decisions while choosing a neurosurgeon.