Frequently Asked Questions about Neurosurgery and Spine Surgery

Q:What kind of education and training does a neurosurgeon/spine surgeon have?

A:It is a long road to become a neurosurgeon/spine surgeon.  After completing a a four year bachelor’s degree in college, one must get accepted into an Accredited Medical school and complete a rigorous 4 year Medical degree.  Then one must apply and get accepted into an internship and residency in one of the most competive fields of all of Medicine: Neurosurgery.  This internship and residency lasts anywhere from 6 to 8 years with rigouous training.  Residency is similar to an apprenticeship where the physician learns the practice of Neurosurgery and Spine surgery through observation and graded responsibility.  At the completion of residancy after completing all requirements and examinations given by the program and nationally, a physicain is awarded a certtificate to practice neurosurgery and spine surgery.  At that time the surgeon can either choose to open a practice or go on for further training in the form of a specialized fellowship.  Fellowships can last up to 2 years depending on the program.  After two years of practice a neurosurgeon/spine surgeon is eligible to sit for an oral examination for Board Certification.  Princeton Brain and Spine Care requires this of all of their physicians.

Q: My neuro/spine surgeon scheduled my operation for the afternoon.  Will he be too tired for my surgery?

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Q: I just had an MRI scan, but my surgeon wants another. Why?

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Q: My MRI report says I have two bulging discs in my spine, but my surgeon does not want to operate. Why?

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Q: Should I get a second opinion?

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Q: I already had a CT scan of my back.  Why do I need an MRI scan?

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Q: What is the difference between a Neurosurgeon and a neurologist?

Q: What is the difference between a Neurosurgeon and an Orthopedic spine surgeon?