Functional Neurosurgery refers to chronic neurological disorders that interrupt a person's day-to-day function or abilities. This broad term can refer to several conditions, including chronic pain and movement disorders such as: Parkinson's disease. Tremors. For most neurosurgeons, the majority of their practice consists of managing patients with spinal disorders. These disorders occur at a much higher rate than brain disorders. Spinal disorders can occur as a result of degenerative (aging) changes, trauma, tumors, infections or congenital defects.
Neurosurgeons are trained to treat people with trauma to the brain and spine, aneurysms, blocked arteries, chronic low-back pain, birth defects, tumors in the brain and spinal cord, and peripheral nerve issues. A neurosurgeon is able to perform surgery on the brain and spinal cord, whereas a neurologist is typically not able to do so. In addition to performing surgical procedures, neurosurgeons are also able to help you navigate through your diagnosis, your treatment plan, the actual surgery, and post-recovery options.