Neurosurgeon

Overview

Neurosurgeons perform surgery to correct disorders of the brain, spine and nervous system.

Day-to-day

• examines patients to determine the necessity of operations, estimates and explains risks to patients, and selects the best operational procedures
• reviews reports on patients' general physical condition, reactions to medications and medical histories
• consults with anaesthetists regarding the correct anaesthesia for patients
• performs surgical operations
• examines instruments, equipment, and surgical set-up to ensure that antiseptic and aseptic methods have been followed
• instructs other medical, nursing and associated staff regarding the preparation of patients and instrument and equipment requirements
• prescribes post-operative care, and observes and investigates patients' progress
• maintains records of operations performed
• may specialise in particular types of operations.

Considerations

• stressful.