Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery: Leading Industry Experts 

Neurosurgery is performed to correct impairments of the brain, nervous system, spinal cord, spinal column, and peripheral nerves throughout the body. Neurosurgery is used to treat conditions such as spinal disc herniations, spinal stenosis, brain tumors, and carpal tunnel syndrome. Neurosurgery is used to treat both adults and children. Depending on the nature of the injury or disease, both surgical and non-invasive treatments are available. 

Non-invasive treatments can be done same-day and patients can return home quickly. Open surgery often requires a hospital stay and can range from 2 days to one week. The exact length of a patient’s stay depends on several factors, the type of surgery performed, potential complications, and if further treatment is necessary. 

UVNN’s team of highly trained doctors and nurses provide our patients with exceptional care and will explain the procedure and post recovery to you so you know what to expect. Detailed post-care instructions will be provided to you before you’re released from the hospital and will outline your plan for at-home care.

UVNN’s Board Certified Neurosurgeons

Our team of dedicated neurosurgeons specializes in both operative and nonoperative treatment of patients with neurological disorders. Treatment includes prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, critical care and rehabilitation, as well as operative and non-invasive surgery.  

UVNN neurosurgeons have extensive training in the diagnosis of neurological diseases and disorders and work alongside other medical professionals, like emergency room doctors, internists, family practitioners, and osteopaths to provide consultation and diagnosis of neurological diseases. Neurosurgeons treat patients who are suffering from nerve, spine and joint pain as well as a host of other illnesses. 

UVNN patients will have direct access to our neurosurgeons and physician assistants and when necessary, referral to our neurologist to assist with the diagnostic process. 

Appropriate patients may be offered surgical management at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, Gifford Medical Center, or New London Hospital where our surgeries are routinely performed.

Neurosurgery Treats Conditions Like: 

• Acoustic Neuroma 
• Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM)
• Back Pain 
• Brain Aneurysm
• Brain Tumors 
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome 
• Cervical Radiculopathy
• Compression Fractures 
• Chiari Malformation 
• Degenerative Disc Disease 
• Facet Joint Syndrome 
• Herniated Discs 
• Hydrocephalus
• Neck Pain 
• Neutoarthropathy 
• Pituitary Conditions 
• Post-Laminectomy Syndrome 
• Scoliosis
• Spinal Cord Tumors 
• Spinal Stenosis 
• Spinal Metastasis (cancer) 
• Spinal Trauma
• Spondylolisthesis 
• Subdural Hematoma  

Neurosurgery Consultation: What to Expect?

If your primary care doctor refers you to a neurologist, it’s normal to be a bit apprehensive. Rest assured there’s nothing to fear. Our team of doctors specializes in the non-invasive treatment of brain and nervous system conditions. 

During your consultation, the doctor will talk with you about your medical history and symptoms. You will have a physical exam with special focus given to your mental status, speech, vision, strength, coordination, reflexes, and bodily sensations. 

The exam will give them a better understanding of your condition and help them determine if follow-up tests are necessary. 

Prepare for your neurological consultation by:  

• Making a list of your questions.
• Writing down your symptoms and other health information, such as current medications, known allergies, previous illnesses, and your family’s history of diseases.
• Have your previous test results sent to the neurologist so the doctor can review them before your visit.
• Bring a friend or family member with you if possible. The neurologist will likely share a lot of information with you and it’s helpful to have someone with you to take notes. It will free you up to engage in the conversation fully and ask questions. 

Neurosurgery Rehabilitation Therapy

Patients may require ongoing rehabilitation after neurosurgery, to help them fully recover.  Neurosurgery rehabilitation may require patients to receive specialized support from physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. 

• Physical therapists will assess the patient’s mobility and determine their ability to perform activities like walking and climbing stairs before the patient is released from the hospital. They may also help the patient improve strength and balance in order to care for themselves at home. 
• Occupational therapists will assess the patient’s ability to perform daily activities like getting dressed and personal hygiene. Occupational therapists might also test the patient’s cognitive ability and vision to determine whether the patient can return to their normal activities like working and driving. 

Speech-language pathologists: If neurosurgery affects the patient’s speech, speech-language pathologists will evaluate the patient’s condition and provide treatment for speech, language, cognition, and swallowing disorders.

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