The Difference Between Neurologists and Neurosurgeons

Since the medical field is quite vast and fortunately, today, we have specialist doctors for each of our health problems, it is, sometimes, quite difficult to differentiate between two similar medical specialties. One of the exams is to determine the difference between the neurologists and neurosurgeons. The common people, like us, who do not have extensive knowledge of the medical fields, would search on the internet the phrase, ‘brain specialist doctor near me’ while he or she is going through some problems related to the brain. However, it is quite substantial that you are aware of these medical terms and titles before heading to the most suitable physician for your health condition. Therefore, here in this blog post, we will make you familiar with both neurologists and neurosurgeons and tell you how they both are different from one another.

Who are the Neurologists?

A neurologist is a physician who treats the health conditions related to our brain and the nervous system. They primarily treat headaches, sleep disorder, brain tumor, Alzheimer’s disease, peripheral nerve disorder, multi sclerosis and other similar diseases. However, they do not perform surgery.

Who are the Neurosurgeons?

A neurosurgeon, on the other hand, treat brain surgery along with many health conditions related to the spinal cord of the patients. He primarily treat back pain, brain and spinal tumors, degenerative spine conditions, neck pain, cerebrovascular disorders, herniated disks, stroke, sciatica other similar health problems. Neurosurgeons are trained to perform complex surgeries and are expert in treating these health conditions with non-operative procedures.

The difference in their training

The neurologists complete their four years of pre medical education, followed by four more years of Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO). After completing this, they need to undergo one year of internship, followed by no less than three years of speciality training.

Neurosurgeons, on the other hand, undergo the longest period of medical specialty as compared to any other medical specialties. At first, they complete four years of pre medical education, followed by four years of medical school. Afterwards, they undergo one year of internship and then five to seven years of specialty training.

All in all, there is a difference between these two specialties of medicines. However, many times, both neurologists and neurosurgeons work in collaborations and refer their patients to one another for providing them with the best treating possible.