NEW ORLEANS The Second Annual Neurosurgery Awareness Week kicks off this year from April 16-21 during the 73rd Annual Meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) in New Orleans. More than 2,800 neurosurgical medical professionals will meet in New Orleans to further their continuing medical education in specialty areas including trauma, pain, tumor, cerebrovascular, spine and peripheral nerves, stereotactic, and pediatrics. "The goal of Neurosurgery Awareness Week is to help educate people about the role of the neurosurgeon in treating a wide range of medical conditions and diseases," stated Alex Valadka, MD, AANS spokesperson.

When people hear the word "neurosurgeon," most think "brain surgeon." However, neurosurgeons are medical specialists who diagnose and treat disorders of the entire nervous system. Of course, they operate on the brain, but they actually spend about 60 percent of their time treating spine problems, as well as treating patients nonsurgically. For example, the majority of serious cases of back pain are treated with anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, and muscle relaxants. Surgery is necessary only a small percentage of the time for patients with back pain.

A 1999 statistical study by the AANS highlighted the types of surgical procedures performed most commonly by neurosurgeons:

• Spine (including back and neck disorders)
  
• Cranial operations (including aneurysms, tumors and head injuries)
  
• Cerebrospinal fluid shunting (for hydrocephalus)
  
• Peripheral nerve surgery (including carpal tunnel)
  
• Pain-relieving and functional operations (including deep brain stimulation)
  
• Extracranial cerebrovascular surgeries (including carotid artery surgery)

Some of the specific disorders of the brain, spine and nerves commonly treated by neurosurgeons include:

• Parkinson's disease - In the United States, it is estimated that 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year, adding to the estimated one to 1.5 million Americans who currently have the disease. While the condition usually develops after the age of 55, the disease may affect people in their 30's and 40's, as was the case with actor Michael J. Fox, diagnosed at age 30.
  
  
• Epilepsy - about 2.5 million people in the United States have epilepsy. As many as 9 percent of the entire population may experience a seizure at some point in their lives. A few famous writers throughout history with epilepsy were Lord Byron, Agatha Christie, Truman Capote, Dante, and Edgar Allan Poe.
  
  
• Spinal cord injuries - an estimated 11,000 new spinal cord injuries occur in the United States every year, not including those that die at the scene of the accident. Current estimates show that 225,000-285,000 individuals are living with spinal cord injuries. The late actor Christopher Reeve brought this serious medical issue to the forefront as a spinal cord injury patient and advocate.
  
  
• Cerebral aneurysms - every year, an estimated 30,000 people in the United States experience a ruptured cerebral aneurysm, and up to 6 percent of the population may have an unruptured aneurysm. Actress Sharon Stone survived a ruptured brain aneurysm in 2001.
  
  
• Brain tumors - it is estimated that in 2000, more than 359,000 persons were living with a diagnosis of a primary brain tumor in the United States. In 2002, there were nearly 12,800 deaths associated with malignant tumors of the brain and other parts of the central nervous system.
  
  
• Hydrocephalus - approximately one in every 500 children is affected. The number of cases of adult-onset hydrocephalus and acquired hydrocephalus is currently unknown.

Neurosurgeons spend four years in an accredited medical school, complete a one-year internship, and then complete five to seven years in a neurosurgical residency program. In addition, some neurosurgeons undergo an additional fellowship in a specialized area of study after their residency. The 10-12 years of training after college are necessary because of the complexity of the nervous system. This advanced training enables neurosurgeons to use some of the most sophisticated techniques in medicine. Neurosurgeons use three-dimensional brain imaging, incision-free stereotactic neurosurgery, operating microscopes, and other state-of-the-art techniques to treat patients.

To find out more information about neurological disorders or to locate a qualified neurosurgeon in your area, visit: www.NeurosurgeryToday.org.

Founded in 1931 as the Harvey Cushing Society, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is a scientific and educational association with more than 6,800 members worldwide. The AANS is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to provide the highest quality of neurosurgical care to the public. All active members of the AANS are certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Neurosurgery) of Canada, or the Mexican Council of Neurological Surgery, AC. Neurological surgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of disorders that affect the entire nervous system, including the spinal column, spinal cord, brain, and peripheral nerves.