There are a lot of jokes about how complicated it is to become a rocket scientist or a brain surgeon. And, most things are funny because they are based on some kind of truth. The reality is, brain surgeons perform highly complicated work that requires extensive skill and training. Because they are dealing with the spine, nerves, and brain, finding the right neurosurgeon is no laughing matter. If you suffer from pain or discomfort because of a problem in your spine, neck or brain, you may need to seek a neurosurgeon like Dr. Jeffrey David Gross of Newport Beach.

What is a Neurosurgeon?

Your brain is your most complex organ. When something goes wrong, a highly trained specialist should be brought in to diagnose and treat any problems. That specialist for your brain is the neurosurgeon. The neurosurgeon is trained in a rigorous and extensive program to prepare for treating such a complex organ. Some of the issues the neurosurgeon may be called in to examine includes:

• Spinal injuries or pain
• Degenerative changes to the spine (disc degeneration joint pain, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, etc.)
• Stroke
• Brain or spine infections
• Congenital anomalies
• Peripheral nervous system
• Tumors
• Vascular disorders
• Back or head trauma
• Chronic headaches
• Arthritis
• Nerve pain or problems

The neurosurgeon can be further trained for a very specific specialization. This might mean that your neurosurgeon specializes in headache medicine, interventional neuroradiology, neurocritical care, spinal surgery, or others. The neurosurgeon will likely take on a consulting role for primary care physicians unless they are performing surgery. If surgery is needed, the neurosurgeon will likely monitor and supervise treatment.

What Disorders and Conditions Does a Neurosurgeon Treat?

Most disorders, conditions, injuries, and diseases that impact the brain, spine or neck are addressed by a neurosurgeon. Some patients are aware they have underlying issues, while others are experiencing symptoms they don’t understand that hinder their day-to-day lives. There are many different Disorders and Diseases that a Neurosurgeon like Dr. Jeffrey D. Gross MD focuses on. Some of these disorders and diseases are listed as follows:

Disorders

• Epilepsy
• Stroke
• Migraines
• Brain tumors
• Spinal disc problems and/or stenosis Pinched nerves
• Brain trauma
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Spina Bifida

Diseases

• Parkinson’s disease
• Infections
• Cancers

Kinds of Treatment

You may be tested by the neurologist to see if you have a more serious problem causing your symptoms. Tests prescribed by the neurosurgeon include a lumbar puncture, diagnostic spinal injections, EMG/NCV, EEG, EMG, CT, MRI, sleep studies and PET scans. Your Newport Beach neurosurgeon is able to offer:

• Second opinions (remote may be a convenient option)
• Analysis and consultation
• Finding the source of your spinal pain (“finding the pain generator”)
• Recommendations for therapy, injections and/or surgery
• Disc surgery (decompression)
• Spinal fusion
• Anterior cervical (neck) fusion
• Minimally invasive approaches, like lumbar microdiscectomy or anterior cervical discectomy
• Carpal tunnel release

Your neurosurgeon should be skilled in both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. You want to find a doctor that practices a conservative approach to treatment, looking for non-invasive and non-surgical treatments when possible. When surgery is needed, it is important to trust your doctor to address the pain or injuries minimal risks and complication. At SPINE, Dr. Jeffrey David Gross offers second opinions and consultations that consider the best interest of the patient first and foremost. Choosing a neurosurgeon is a big deal and patients need to find a professional they trust.

When Should You See a Newport Beach Neurosurgeon?

When pain or stiffness persists, you should see a professional. Most issues with the head, neck, nerves, and lower spine should be evaluated by a neurosurgeon.

• Worsening neck, back or body pain
• Inability to sit or stand without pain or dizziness
• Inability to stand upright due to dizziness, pain or stiffness
• Numbness/tingling/burning in the back, legs or arms
• Radiating pain from the neck, shoulders, hips or back
• Chronic headaches
• Your Neck feels weak or stiff
• Insomnia due to pain or discomfort
• Overwhelming fatigue or lack of energy related to spine or nerve pain

Jeffrey David Gross MD provides excellent diagnostic care and conservative medical treatment to patients in the Newport Beach area. If you are looking for a neurosurgeon or need a second opinion, Dr. Jeffrey D. Gross can help. He spends the time to understand your problems and recommends the treatment that is the least invasive able to solve your condition.

Though surgery is sometimes necessary, Dr. Gross often finds that it is too quickly recommended and the outcome ranges are not always clearly communicated. He encourages patients to seek a second opinion if they feel surgery may not be necessary. If you need a neurosurgeon in Newport Beach, call Dr. Gross today!