What is neurological surgery?

Neurological surgery, also called neurosurgery, is the branch of medicine that provides both operative and nonoperative management of disorders that affect the central and peripheral nervous systems, including their supportive structures and vascular supply, and the operative and non-operative management of pain.

Neurological surgery encompasses disorders of the brain, spine, and nerves, including the following:

• The extracranial and intracranial carotid and vertebral arteries
• Disorders of the pituitary gland
• Tumors in and around the brain
• Disorders of the spinal cord, meninges, and spine, including those which may require treatment by removing or replacing intervertebral discs, spinal fusion, or instrumentation
• Disorders of the peripheral nerves
• Disorders of the autonomic nervous system

The surgeon who specializes in neurological surgery is called a neurosurgeon or neurological surgeon.

The OHSU Neurosciences Intensive Care Unit (ICU) focuses on the management of the critically ill. The unit is the cornerstone of OHSU’s Neurosciences Critical Care program and brings together faculty expertise in neurology, neurological surgery, anesthesiology, neuroradiology, peri-operative medicine and pulmonary/critical care.