Difference Between Neurologist and Neurosurgeon (With Table)

Muscle weariness, headaches, chronic dizziness, difficulty with balance, emotional confusion, fluctuations in emotions and sensations, and a feeling of heaviness in the brain are all symptoms that should be addressed by a neurologist. All initial screening procedures, such as an MRI, are completed by a neurologist on the first appointment.

Individuals with chronic conditions such as congenital impairments, aneurysms, and Parkinson’s disease are operated on by neurosurgeons. When a neurologist recommends it, patients go to see a neurosurgeon. Aneurysm repair, craniotomy, cutting, disc removal, endovascular repair, and lumbar puncture are just a few of the procedures that neurosurgeons handle.

Comparison Table Between Neurologist and Neurosurgeon

What is Neurologist?

A neurologist is a doctor who does not do any surgical procedures. Neurologists are doctors who specialise in diseases of the nervous system and the brain, such as learning difficulties, CNS (central nervous system) problems, and neurodevelopmental disorders.

Muscle weariness, headaches, chronic dizziness, issues with balance, emotional bewilderment, fluctuations in emotions and sensations, and experiencing weight in the head are all signs that you should consult a neurologist.

All basic screening procedures, such as an MRI, are completed by the neurologist on the first appointment. To become a neurologist, one must complete four years of pre-medical school, a medical degree in neurology, and some additional certifications in stroke, movement, and other areas.

ALS, peripheral nerve problems, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy are all ailments that neurologists deal with. Generally, neurologists strive to manage health problems through therapy or drugs.

What is Neurosurgeon?

A neurosurgeon is a highly trained medical professional who specialises in surgery and related procedures. Individuals with chronic conditions such as congenital impairments, aneurysms, and Parkinson’s disease are operated on by neurosurgeons.

When a neurologist recommends it, patients see a neurosurgeon. Aneurysm repair, craniotomy, cutting, disc removal, endovascular repair, and lumbar puncture are all procedures performed by neurosurgeons.

Neurosurgeons perform surgery and other procedures to treat medical conditions. To become a neurosurgeon, one must complete 4 years of pre-medical school, 4 years of medical school, and an extended house residency programme.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, tumour excision, and brain trauma are all conditions that neurosurgeons deal with. When neurologists fail to treat a patient and surgery is required, neurosurgeons step in.

Main Differences Between Neurologist and Neurosurgeon

1. A neurologist is a medical practitioner who does not operate any type of surgery. On the other hand, a neurosurgeon is a technical, medical practitioner, specifically qualified to operate surgery and related things.
2. Neurologists are the people who diagnose and treat diseases related to the nervous system and the human brain, such as learning disabilities, disorders related to CNS or central nervous system and neurodevelopmental disorders. On the other hand, neurosurgeons operate surgery on individuals suffering from chronic diseases such as congenital disabilities, aneurysms and Parkinson’s disease.
3. One must see a neurologist when he or she is suffering from muscle fatigue, headaches, persistent dizziness, difficulties with balance, emotional confusion, variations in emotions and sensations and experiencing heaviness in the head. On the other hand, patients visit a neurosurgeon when a neurologist suggests doing so. Neurosurgeons take care of disorders like aneurysm repair, craniotomy, clipping, disk removal, endovascular repair and lumbar puncture.
4. Neurologist performs all the initial screening processes, such as an MRI in the first visit itself. On the other hand, neurosurgeons treat medical problems by conducting surgery and other procedures.
5. To become a neurologist, one needs to finish pre-medical school for four years, a medical degree in the field of neurology and some additional certifications in stroke, movement, etc. On the other hand, to become a neurosurgeon, one needs to complete pre-medical school for four years, medical school for four years and an extended house residency course must be accomplished as well.
6. Neurologists generally address neurological conditions like ALS, peripheral nerve disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy. However, on the contrary, Neurosurgeons address several conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tumour removal and brain injuries.
7. Neurologists generally try to treat health issues with the help of therapy or medications. On the other hand, the role of neurosurgeons begin when neurologists fail in the treatment and surgery is required.

Conclusion

To work as a neurologist, you must complete four years of pre-medical school, a medical degree in neurology, and extra certifications in stroke, movement, and other areas. Whereas, to become a neurosurgeon, one must complete four years of pre-medical school, four years of medical school, and an additional four years of extended house residency.

ALS, peripheral nerve problems, Alzheimer’s disease, and epilepsy are among the neurological ailments that neurologists treat. In general, neurologists use therapy or drugs to treat health problems. However, surgery and other techniques are used by neurosurgeons to treat medical conditions.

Carpal tunnel syndrome, tumour excision, and brain traumas are some of the ailments that neurosurgeons treat. When neurologists are unable to treat a patient and surgery is required, neurosurgeons step in to help.

References

1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=lang_en&id=AHNOHcFq-RwC&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=Difference+Between+Neurologist+and+Neurosurgeon&ots=_pax9QdfgU&sig=ZfgMbLQE5oVOEAjY4Je9nQ6cDEk
2. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=lang_en&id=uh1d6nqaXeAC&oi=fnd&pg=PP11&dq=Difference+Between+Neurologist+and+Neurosurgeon&ots=rbKjg9klNL&sig=mS1FEG6HA08XuZZGSvFifLCbtiU