What is neurosurgery ?
Neurosurgery is the surgical treatment of the nervous system and its
coverings. That is, neurosurgeons operate on the brain, spinal cord,
the skull and scalp, and the spine (bony vertebral column). This specialty
includes many different types of disorders, including epilepsy, tumors,
vascular disorders (disorders of blood vessels) and spine tumors,
among many others.
What is the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon
?
A neurologist and a neurosurgeon are similar to a cardiologist and
a cardiac surgeon; the neurosurgeon employs surgical means to treat
neurological disorders, while the neurologist identifies neurological
disorders through diagnostic testing and uses medical (pharmacologic)
means to treat them.
What is epilepsy ?
Epilepsy is a brain disorder involving recurrent seizures or temporary
alteration in one or more brain functions. As an example approximately
2.3 million Americans suffer from epilepsy, according to the Epilepsy
Foundation of America. An adult with uncontrolled epilepsy may not
be able to work or drive a car. In children, epilepsy can interfere
with learning and other cognitive functions. Epilepsy begins anywhere
between the ages of 3 and 14 years and continues indefinitely.
What are seizures ?
A seizure, or convulsion, can be a sudden, violent, uncontrollable
contraction of a group of muscles caused by abnormal electrical
activity in the brain. A seizure can also be more subtle, consisting
of only a brief "loss of contact" (victim seems to be
daydreaming) or a repetitive body movement. Epileptic seizures can
be classified into two broad groups—generalized and partial.
Generalized seizures affect the whole body, causing a loss of consciousness,
and may arise over a wide area of the brain. Partial seizures, during
which consciousness may be retained, are usually caused by damage
to a more limited area of the brain. Seizures can be treated with
anticonvulsant medications or surgery.
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