A local neurosurgeon is a physician who has taken additional training and education in treating brain, spinal and nerve disorders in patients. A local neurosurgeon performs surgery on the brain and spinal cord to treat a number of conditions, from migraine disorders to epilepsy. In most cases, a local family physician will refer a patient to a local neurosurgeon if they feel it’s necessary, for example if a patient is recovering from a stroke, experiencing symptoms of Lou Gehrig’s disease, dementia, brain tumors, spina bifida or sciatic pain. Despite their name, a local neurosurgeon may recommend non-surgical treatments for a patient’s health condition. Your local neurosurgeon can work with your healthcare team to ensure you're getting comprehensive treatment, whether it's your local psychiatrist, rheumatologist, psychologist, family medicine physician or registered dietitian.