Neurosurgeon
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A neurologist is a physician who
specialises in the diagnosis, treatment and management of disorders of the
nervous system, including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and
muscles.
The scope of a neurologist is wide and can include involvement in the
treatment of epilepsy, stroke, cerebral palsy, neural tube defects, muscular
dystrophy, autism spectrum disorder, movement disorders, acquired brain
injury, and speech, language and memory problems.
ANZSCO ID & description:
2533: Investigates, diagnoses and treats diseases and injuries of
the human brain, spinal cord, nervous system and muscle tissue. Registration
or licensing is required.
Alternative names:
Internal Medical Specialist, Medical Practitioner, Physician, Specialist
Specialisations:
-
Neurogeneticist,
-
Neurophysiologist,
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Neuroradiologist,
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Paediatric Neurologist
Knowledge, skills and attributes
A neurologist needs:
-
the intellectual ability to apply the concepts of neurological medicine
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to enjoy finding solutions to problems, dealing with people and directing the work of others
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to be confident and a strong decision maker
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excellent communication and interpersonal skills
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to empathise and be compassionate towards others
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emotional strength and maturity
-
to be able to work under pressure and have the stamina to work long hours
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strong ethics
(Source:
Medical News Today)
Duties and Tasks
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examining patients to determine the nature and extent of problems after referral from General Medical Practitioners and other medical specialists, and undertaking laboratory tests and diagnostic procedures
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analysing test results and other medical information to make diagnoses
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prescribing and administering drugs, and remedial and therapeutic treatment and procedures
-
recording medical information and data
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may admit or refer patients to hospitals
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may consult other medical specialists
Working conditions
Neurologists work in hospitals, private practice or a
combination of both. Some neurologists work 60+ hours a week which can
include shift, weekend and on-call responsibilities.
A typical day involves seeing patients and time spent doing paperwork.
Although the job can be emotionally demanding it can also be emotionally
rewarding.
Neurologists can also evaluate unresponsive patients on life support to
confirm brain death (making a finding of brain death when it is suspected
that a patient has died).
| Did You Know? The Conversation 27 July 2015  We all get headaches from time to time. In fact, nearly every second person in the world had a headache at least once in the past year. But these can feel very different, depending on which of the nearly 200 types of headache you have. More than half (52%) of people will have a tension-type headache at some point in their life, around 18% will get a migraine and 4% will suffer from chronic daily headaches. These are the most common headache-related diagnoses. Although there are some variations globally, the figures seem remarkably consistent across populations. Secondary headaches can be initiated by triggering factors such as medication overuse, medication side effects, neck pain, sinus disease or dental problems. These account for small percentages individually compared to the primary headaches, but may be more treatable if the predisposing problem can be sorted out. Migraine alone is the sixth-most-disabling condition globally. Migraines are usually one-sided, associated with nausea and light sensitivity (photophobia) and may be preceded by idiosyncratic sensory experiences called an “aura”. Aura phenomena can include moods or emotions, such as deja vu, visual symptoms (flashing lights or jagged lines are common) or problems with speech. Migraine is a clinical diagnosis; there is no objective test that can verify it with our current technology. But compared to the frustration of researching and treating tension-type headaches, migraine has been steadily giving up its secrets over the past decade. Migraine physiology is extremely complex. The headaches seem to arise because of dysfunctional regulation of the tone of some of the blood vessels inside the skull. Migraine sufferers – migraineurs – may have genetic vulnerability to migraines because of overly responsive calcium channels in their nerve membranes or other mutations which result in them having overactive signalling pathways in the brain. Environmental or internal triggers can provoke these nerves to over-react, resulting in the activation of a reflex pathway. This dysregulation of normal structures causes the headache, nausea, photophobia and phonophobia (sound sensitivity) typical of an attack. The period of headache in a migraine attack corresponds with a rise in the blood levels in the head of a peptide called calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). CGRP is one of the most common pain-inducing signal molecules in the body. When the CGRP falls, the headache goes away. Where the extra CGRP comes from is not clear but it probably is released from the overactive networks of cells in the brainstem. Triptans work by activating certain subtypes of serotonin receptors in the brain. Taking a triptan early in a migraine attack seems to directly lower the CGRP release and oppose its effects on blood vessels, thereby stopping the attack. Triptans are not useful, however, to prevent frequent attacks of migraine. |
Tools and technologies
Neurologists use specialised equipment including computerised axial tomography (CAT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electronencephalography (EEG). Others tools include molecular biology, electrophysiology and neuroimaging.
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become a neurologist, you must first become a qualified medical
practitioner and then specialise in neurology.
These post-graduate degrees usually take four
years to complete. Entry requirements include completion of a bachelor
degree in any discipline, although studies in neuroscience are recommended.
You must also sit the Graduate Australian Medical Schools Admissions Test
and attend an interview at your chosen institution.
On completion of the postgraduate medical degree, you must work in the
public hospital system for two years (internship and residency). To
specialise in neurology, doctors can apply to the Royal Australasian College
of Physicians to undertake further training and ultimately receive
fellowship.
Did You Know? (Source: Wikipedia) A recent study in Australia revealed there are 5 concussions every 1,000 player hours. Currently, however, there is no single gold standard measure of brain disturbance and recovery following concussion in sport. (Source: Brain Foundation) |
A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of conditions that affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. These medical professionals have extensive training and expertise in performing surgeries and procedures that involve these delicate structures and are responsible for managing some of the most complex and life-threatening conditions in medicine.
A neurosurgeon is a specialist in the surgical treatment of disorders and injury to the brain, spine and nervous system. Neurosurgeons have an extremely high level of responsibility as they operate on or near the brain and spine. They work closely with other medical professionals to treat life-threatening conditions such as head and spine trauma, severe epilepsy, brain aneurysms, congenital disorders, brain and spinal tumours, and clogged arteries in the neck that can lead to stroke.
Neurosurgeons work with a variety of conditions, including brain tumours, spinal cord injuries, aneurysms, strokes, and disorders such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. They work closely with other medical specialists, including neurologists, oncologists, and radiologists, to diagnose and treat these conditions.
(Source:
iDreamCareer)
ANZSCO ID: 253513
Alternative names: Brain surgeon,
Specialisations
There are several types of neurosurgeons who
specialize in specific areas of the brain, spine, and nervous system. Some
of the most common types of neurosurgeons include:
-
Endovascular Neurosurgeons: Endovascular neurosurgeons specialize in the treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels of the brain and spinal cord using minimally invasive techniques such as embolization and angioplasty.
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Functional Neurosurgeons: Functional neurosurgeons specialize in the treatment of movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and chronic pain. They use deep brain stimulation (DBS) and other techniques to stimulate or inhibit specific areas of the brain.
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Neuro-Oncologists: Neuro-oncologists specialize in the treatment of brain tumours and other cancers affecting the nervous system.
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Neurotrauma Surgeons: Neurotrauma surgeons specialize in the treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and spinal cord injuries.
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Paediatric Neurosurgeons: Paediatric neurosurgeons specialize in treating neurological conditions in children, such as congenital abnormalities, tumours, and epilepsy.
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Skull Base Surgeons: Skull base surgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the base of the skull, such as tumours, infections, and abnormalities of the cranial nerves.
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Spinal Neurosurgeons: Spinal neurosurgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the spine, such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spinal cord injuries.
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Vascular Neurosurgeons: Vascular neurosurgeons specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the blood vessels of the brain and spinal cord, such as aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
(Source:
Your Career)
Knowledge, skills and attributes
Neurosurgeons need a special skill set to be successful, including:
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Stamina: Neurosurgeons may be required to perform surgeries that last for several hours. They should be able to maintain their physical and mental stamina to provide the best outcome for their patients.
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Communication: Neurosurgeons communicate constantly with physicians, nurses, other medical professionals and patients. The ability to make succinct requests and listen to symptoms allows them to make quick decisions in emergency scenarios. Neurosurgeons should also be able to explain complicated procedures to patients in simple terms. Neurosurgeons also complete patient medical files regularly, so excellent written skills are necessary.
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Time management: Many healthcare facilities are fast-paced environments, so time management is important for neurosurgeons. They should manage their time so they can talk with patients, perform procedures and complete paperwork. Neurosurgeons may need to work additional hours to ensure they complete all of their administrative duties.
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Dexterity: A critical skill for neurosurgeons, dexterity allows them to perform complicated procedures using specialized tools. They must be able to operate on specific portions of the brain or spinal cord without making mistakes.
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Emotional intelligence: Every healthcare professional should have the emotional intelligence to listen and interpret patients as they explain their symptoms. Neurosurgeons pay attention not only to a patient’s words but also their nonverbal cues to ensure they make the correct judgments. They may also need to deliver results and post-operation updates to patients in a professional manner.
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Critical thinking: In emergencies, neurosurgeons make quick decisions that help patients. Critical thinking allows them to gather and evaluate all of the available information to make thorough, informed judgments. When reading and reviewing diagnostic results, they use critical-thinking skills to make a list of all possible diagnoses.
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Neurosurgeons require a high level of education and training to practice. They should also possess licenses and certifications, and have certain hard and soft skills to excel in the role.
(Source:
ADF)
Duties and Tasks
The duties and responsibilities of a neurosurgeon can vary depending on their specific area of expertise and the type of practice they work in. However, here are some of the key tasks that a neurosurgeon may be responsible for:
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Diagnosing and Evaluating Neurological Conditions: A neurosurgeon is responsible for diagnosing and evaluating a range of neurological conditions, which can include brain tumours, aneurysms, spinal cord injuries, and strokes. They may use a variety of diagnostic tests, such as imaging scans or electrophysiological tests, to evaluate the patient's condition and develop a treatment plan.
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Developing Treatment Plans: Once a diagnosis has been made, a neurosurgeon is responsible for developing a treatment plan that is tailored to the patient's specific needs. This may involve surgery, medication, or other interventions, and the neurosurgeon will work closely with other medical professionals to coordinate care.
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Performing Surgery: One of the primary responsibilities of a neurosurgeon is performing surgery on the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. This can include procedures to remove tumours, repair damage caused by injury, or treat conditions such as epilepsy or Parkinson's disease. Neurosurgeons use a variety of surgical techniques, such as microsurgery or stereotactic surgery, to minimize damage to surrounding tissue and ensure the best possible outcomes for patients.
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Managing Post-Operative Care: After surgery, a neurosurgeon is responsible for managing the patient's post-operative care. This may involve monitoring the patient's condition, adjusting medications or other treatments as necessary, and providing guidance to the patient and their family on how to manage their recovery.
Working conditions
Neurosurgeons usually work for hospitals as surgical specialists. They also supervise and teach medical students, residents and registrars. They may be required to work long shifts, odd hours and weekends.
Neurosurgeons may have to operate for long periods at a time. They operate in completely sterile theatre rooms and must wear protective clothing - such as gloves, close-toed shoes, scrubs, coat, mask and surgical cap.
The workplace of a neurosurgeon is typically dynamic and
demanding, reflecting the critical nature of their profession. Neurosurgeons
commonly work in hospitals, medical centres, or specialized neurological
surgery clinics. These environments are equipped with state-of-the-art
surgical facilities, including operating rooms with advanced imaging
technology such as MRI and CT scanners, necessary for performing intricate
brain and spinal surgeries.
A typical day for a neurosurgeon often involves a mix of surgical
procedures, patient consultations, and administrative tasks. They may
perform complex surgeries to treat conditions such as brain tumours, spinal
cord injuries, or cerebral aneurysms, requiring precision, skill, and
collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals.
Outside of the operating room, neurosurgeons may meet with patients to
discuss treatment options, provide post-operative care, and collaborate with
colleagues to develop comprehensive treatment plans.
The workplace of a neurosurgeon can be emotionally and physically demanding,
as they often deal with high-stakes situations and life-threatening
conditions. They must remain focused and composed under pressure while
delivering compassionate care to patients and their families. Additionally,
neurosurgeons may work long hours, including nights, weekends, and on-call
shifts, to respond to emergencies and provide continuity of care for their
patients. They may be required to be on-call in case of
an emergency. When working in hospitals, they may expect to work extensive
hours, including nights, weekends and holidays. Some shifts may last up to
12 hours in which the neurosurgeon stays within the hospital to respond
quickly to emergencies.
Tools and technologies
Neurosurgeons use a range of specialised surgical instruments while operating on patients, such as scalpels, clamps, shunts, retractors and drills. They must wear sterile surgical attire while operating. They may use intra-operative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), angiography and Computed Tomography (CT) scanning. They may also use robotic radio surgical systems while operating.
(Source:
Aaroncohen-Gadol)
Education and training/entrance requirements
To become a neurosurgeon, you must first become a
qualified medical practitioner and then specialise in neurosurgery.
To become a medical practitioner, you need to study a degree in medicine.
Alternatively, you can study a degree in any discipline followed by a
postgraduate degree in medicine.
To specialise in neurosurgery, doctors must apply to the Royal Australasian
College of Surgeons (RACS) to complete the Neurosurgical Surgical Education
and Training Program and ultimately receive fellowship.
To be eligible for this specialist training, on completion of your medical
degree, you must work in the public hospital system for two years
(internship and residency).
Middle 
Secondary
The Conversation 21 August 2025
An interesting read!
With a partner discuss: What do you think about these flashing mouthguards
for all sports?
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Material sourced
from
Jobs & Skills WA [Neurologist;
Neurosurgeon;
],
Indeed [Neurosurgeon;
]
Career Explorer [Neurosurgeon;
]
Your Career [Neurologist;
Neurosurgeon; ]
