Neurosurgery
Surgical and non-surgical care for the brain, spine, and nervous system.
What does a neurosurgeon do?
Neurosurgeons diagnose and treat conditions of the brain, spine, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The name suggests the operating room, but a large share of their work is non-surgical: evaluating back and neck pain, reviewing imaging, and managing nerve-compression problems with medication, injections, and physical-therapy planning before an operation is ever on the table. When surgery is the right call, it can range from a minimally invasive spine procedure to the removal of a brain or spinal tumor.
Many neurosurgeons sub-specialise: spine, brain and skull-base tumors, cerebrovascular conditions, paediatric neurosurgery, peripheral nerve, or functional neurosurgery. A neurosurgeon is also distinct from a neurologist, who diagnoses and treats nervous-system conditions with medication and other non-surgical care and does not operate. For a known issue, confirming the surgeon's sub-specialty matches your concern makes a real difference.
When to see a neurosurgeon vs. start elsewhere
Most people reach a neurosurgeon by referral, often after a primary-care provider or neurologist has ordered imaging. Common reasons: persistent back or neck pain with nerve symptoms (numbness, weakness, shooting pain), a lesion found on a brain or spine scan, or a second opinion on a recommended spine operation. Many spine problems are managed first with physical therapy, medication, and time, so a first appointment is not necessarily a step toward surgery. Bring any imaging you already have so the surgeon can review it directly.
Some neurological symptoms are emergencies, not a directory search. Sudden face, arm, or leg weakness, sudden trouble speaking or seeing, the 'worst headache of your life,' a serious head injury, or new numbness in the groin or saddle area or loss of bladder or bowel control with leg weakness all need immediate care. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department right away.
Neurosurgery on ProviderQuoHealth
Paul D Boone, MD
Paul D Boone is a neurosurgeon based in Fayetteville, NC. He provides clinical care in his specialty.
Cynthia Zane Africk, MD
Cynthia Zane Africk is a neurosurgeon based in Pinehurst, NC. She provides patient care in her specialty.
FirstHealth Neurosurgery — Neurosurgery
FirstHealth Neurosurgery provides neurosurgical care in Pinehurst, NC. The practice specializes in neurosurgery.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon?
A neurologist diagnoses and treats conditions of the brain, spine, and nerves using medication and other non-surgical care, and does not perform surgery. A neurosurgeon operates on the brain, spine, and nerves. Many patients see both: a neurologist may manage a condition over time and refer to a neurosurgeon if and when an operation is being considered.
Will I need surgery?
Most neurosurgical consultations do not lead straight to surgery. For many spine and nerve problems, non-surgical options (physical therapy, medication, injections, activity changes) are tried first and often help. Surgery is a serious decision; a good neurosurgeon will lay out the non-surgical alternatives and only recommend an operation when the evidence supports it for your specific condition.
Should I get a second opinion before brain or spine surgery?
For elective procedures, yes — a second neurosurgical opinion is a reasonable step and most surgeons expect it. Bring your imaging and the notes from your first visit, and insurance usually covers a second opinion when the surgery is non-emergent. The [American Association of Neurological Surgeons](https://www.aans.org/) publishes patient education to help you understand your condition and questions to ask.
Do I need a referral to see a neurosurgeon?
Most PPO plans allow self-referral; HMOs typically require a primary-care referral first. Check the surgeon's profile for accepted insurance, or call your insurer to confirm. Either way, neurosurgical care is usually coordinated through your primary-care provider or neurologist, who arranges the imaging and follow-up the surgeon will need.
Are you a neurosurgery practice?
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Important: Not Medical Advice
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you have about a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice, or delay seeking it, because of something you have read on ProviderQuoHealth. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.