Whether because of a brain bleed from an aneurysm, debilitating back pain or a cancer diagnosis, more than half a million Americans need neurosurgery each year. For many, the idea of needing surgery on the brain or spine can be nearly as overwhelming as the diagnosis. How do you find a doctor who understands your condition, your expectations and will work closely with you to ensure you have the best outcome possible?
MelroseWakefield Neurosurgeon Mina Safain, MD shares expert advice on how to choose a neurosurgeon and team that you can trust:
- Choose a board-eligible or board-certified neurosurgeon: Dr. Safain calls Board Certification through the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) “the gold standard” for neurosurgeons. Board-certified neurosurgeons undergo a rigorous assessment of their skill and expertise based on the highest standards of care.
- Look for an expert in your condition: Neurosurgery covers a wide-range of conditions—from brain tumors to spinal stenosis, your neurosurgeon should specialize in treating your condition. Dr. Safain encourages patients to ask whether their doctor has completed fellowship training in the sub-specialty you will be treated for and how much experience they have. “You want a busy surgeon,” says Dr. Safain. “Ask them how many of your type of procedure they perform each year and what the outcomes of those procedures are.”
- Align on expectations: Make sure that you and your neurosurgeon are on the same page about what success looks like and the results you expect. For example, operating on a herniated disc is usually aimed at alleviating leg pain from the compression of the nerve by the disc but if your main complaint is back pain—you and your doctor may need to explore other treatment options and interventions.
- Get advice from your primary care doctor: Your primary care doctor knows you best and will most likely have a good sense of the neurosurgeons who are best suited to treat your condition. Your neurosurgeon should work closely with primary care doctors before and after surgery to ensure care is seamless and the results are lasting.
- Work with a strong and empathetic team: The best neurosurgeons have a strong multi-disciplinary team working right beside them. Dr. Safain considers his team at MelroseWakefield Hospital his “right hand” and his patients benefit from the experience, expertise and compassion of our physician assistants, nurses, medical and administrative assistants, surgical technologists and anesthesiologists every day.
Learn more about our compassionate, experienced and board-certified neurosurgeons, and the conditions they treat.
