What is Neurosurgery or Neurological Surgery?
Neurosurgeons, also known as neurological surgeons, are
physicians who specialize in surgery on the brain and other areas of the
nervous system, including the spinal cord. Neurosurgeons undertake extensive
education and training and work long hours on complex tasks, but they receive
many rewards for their dedication.
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Drawbacks of
Being a Neurosurgeon :
Lawsuits :
One of the most significant drawbacks of being a
neurosurgeon is the high risk of lawsuits. An August 2011 report from The New
England Journal of Medicine showed that neurosurgeons were the most likely
medical specialists to get sued. On an annual basis, 19.1 percent of
neurosurgeons experienced at least one lawsuit. Subsequently, neurosurgeons are
at the top of the heap among medical professionals struggling with dramatically
rising malpractice-insurance premiums.
Surgical Risks :
Most surgeries involve some level of risk to patients, but
neurosurgery is especially risky given the work is performed on the brain and
spinal cord. A common procedure known as spinal-cord stimulation works only
about half the time, according to Dr. Clifford A. Bernstein in a peer-reviewed
article on the Spine Health website. More concerning, it could lead to
potential complications including more spinal-cord pain, severe injury or
paralysis. Brain and central nervous system operations deal with core
components of the human body and require a surgeon with resolve and composure.
Stress :
An April 2009 article from the BMJ Group medical-informationwebsite indicated that more than half of neurosurgical cases come from
emergency referrals from hospitals. This means neurosurgeons are routinely
called in to perform emergency surgeries on patients without standard
pre-surgery routines and planning. This adds to the already stressful process
of operating on the brain, central nervous system or spinal cord. When patients
do have a chance to go through a regular series of appointments prior to
surgery, neurosurgeons commonly deal with the burdens their patients go
through.
Financial Pressures :
Despite the high base salary, neurosurgeons often deal with
significant financial burdens. Some operate their own practices or are partners
in a practice. This means they bear the pressure of overseeing an office and
hiring staff. Insurance-coding requirements change periodically, putting more
onus on office-billing staff to properly submit and collect on insurance
claims. Additionally, rising costs of insurance and less tuition-reimbursement
programs from employers have caused many neurosurgeons to find additional
income through publishing and teaching.
Who are Best Neurosurgeons in India?
Neurosurgery (or Neurological Surgery) is the medical
specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation
of disorders that affect the entire nervous system including the brain, spinal
column, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and extra-cranial cerebrovascular system.
Neurosurgery has undergone a sea change since the days of
Harvey Cushing. The development of bipolar cautery, the use of the surgical
microscope, the availability of the ultrasonic surgical aspirator has all
contributed to decreasing morbidity and mortality. Advances in
neuroanaesthesia, neurosurgical intensive care and neuro-imaging technology
have played a significant role. We are now in the age of Minimally Invasive
Neurosurgery. The goal and the aims of treatment have shifted. It is no longer
enough to save life but preserving of all functions, cosmesis and reducing
pain, shorter hospital stay, avoiding discomfort are equally important.
Qualifications of a Neurosurgeon in India are as follows;
* MS - General Surgery
* MCH - Neurosurgery
* DNB/FRCS/MRCS from International Colleges and Hospitals
* International Fellowship and Training Programs
* Publications and Paper Presentations in Reputed Scientific and Medical Journals
* Wide Clinical Experience
