What Should I Expect During My First Appointment With A Neurosurgeon?

If you’ve been referred to a neurosurgeon, you might be feeling anxious or uncertain about what lies ahead. The word “neurosurgery” can sound intimidating, but visiting a neurosurgeon doesn’t necessarily mean you’re heading straight to the operating room. Actually, fewer than 10% of the patients who visit need surgery.

Your first appointment is typically an evaluation, focused on understanding your condition, exploring treatment options, and offering clarity.

Let’s break down what a neurosurgeon will do on your first visit, so you can feel more prepared and at ease.

Neurosurgeon - What do they do?

A neurosurgeon is a medical specialist who diagnoses and surgically treats conditions affecting the nervous system, including the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves.

While many people associate neurosurgeons solely with brain surgery, their expertise spans a wide range of neurological disorders, both surgical and non-surgical.

The role of a neurosurgeon includes:

1. Diagnose and treat neurological disorders

They evaluate complex symptoms such as chronic headaches, back and neck pain, numbness, weakness, seizures, and other nervous system-related issues.

They rely on advanced imaging tools like MRI, CT scans, and nerve studies to form accurate diagnoses.

2. Perform surgery on the brain, spine and nerves

They are trained to operate on delicate structures like the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

Common procedures include:

Brain tumour removal
Spinal decompression and fusion
Herniated disc surgery
Aneurysm repair
Surgery for epilepsy and hydrocephalus
Nerve release procedures (e.g., carpal tunnel surgery)

3. Offer non-surgical solutions

Contrary to popular belief, not all visits to a neurosurgeon lead to surgery.

In many cases, they recommend conservative treatments first, such as medication, physiotherapy, injections, lifestyle changes, or referrals to other specialists.

4. Manage long-term neurological health

They also monitor chronic neurological conditions, track disease progression, and help patients manage symptoms over time.

What conditions does a neurosurgeon treat?

Some of the most common neurologic conditions a neurosurgeon treats include:

Brain tumours (benign and malignant)
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Congenital brain diseases
Hydrocephalus (fluid buildup in the brain)
Head epidural hematoma
Subdural hematoma
Herniated discs
Spinal infections
Spondylolisthesis
Degenerative disc disease
Spinal fractures and trauma
Cubital tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Spinal stenosis
Sciatica and nerve compression

When to see a neurosurgeon?

You’re usually referred to a neurosurgeon when your symptoms suggest a possible issue with the brain, spine, or nervous system that may require specialist evaluation or surgical care.

Here are some common reasons to consult:

Persistent neurological symptoms such as numbness, weakness, seizures or even pain due to nerve compression.
Imaging findings (e.g. MRI or CT scans) indicating abnormalities in your brain or spine.
Conditions requiring surgical evaluation, such as herniated discs or brain tumours.

Early consultation can help ensure timely diagnosis and effective treatment—whether surgical or non-surgical—and better long-term outcomes for neurological health.

What will a neurosurgeon do on the first visit?

Visiting a neurosurgeon is similar in structure to any other medical appointment. The focus is on understanding your symptoms and medical background and developing the right course of treatment tailored to your condition.

Typically, a visit to your neurosurgeon involves:

Evaluation of your symptoms and medical history –

Consultation begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms and medical history.

You’ll be asked a series of open- and closed-ended questions to better understand your condition, such as:

What symptoms are you experiencing?
Which one is the most troubling?
What makes the symptoms better or worse?
How long have you had these symptoms?

Additionally, your neurosurgeon will take a comprehensive medical history, which includes your personal health background, family medical history (as some neurological conditions may be hereditary), current medications, and lifestyle habits.

Performing physical examination –

Physical examination plays a vital role in making an accurate diagnosis.

Your neurosurgeon may assess:

Muscle strength and reflexes
Physical sensations and coordination
Speech and communication skills
Cognitive functions such as memory and concentration

Ordering diagnostic tests –

Diagnostic tests—like imaging and laboratory tests—provide valuable insight into what’s happening inside a patient’s body.

They often rely on a combination of lab tests (like blood work) and imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or PET scans to identify the underlying issue.

Once the root cause of your nervous system-related problem is identified, your neurosurgeon will give you an accurate diagnosis and recommend the most effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Developing a treatment plan–

Once your test results are in, your neurosurgeon will explain the diagnosis and walk you through your treatment options. This plan may involve surgical or non-surgical approaches, depending on the nature and severity of your condition.

If surgery is recommended, your neurosurgeon will:

Explain the procedure in detail
Discuss the risks and benefits
Address all your questions and concerns to help you make an informed decision

Contact Dr Martin Liner - Expert Neurosurgeon in Dubai

If you’re seeking expert, compassionate care, consider booking your consultation with Dr Martin Liner.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr Martin combines advanced medical expertise with a patient-centred approach, delivering personalised treatment plans designed to improve your quality of life. Whether you’re dealing with chronic back pain, brain-related concerns, or nerve disorders, you’re in expert hands.

Take the first step toward relief—schedule your visit with Dr Martin Liner today.