Navigating neurological symptoms can be overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure whether to consult a neurologist or a Neurosurgeon in San Antonio, TX. Should you see a doctor for those persistent headaches or wait until the pain becomes unbearable?
Understanding the difference between these two medical specialists can significantly impact the outcome of your treatment.
Suppose you’re based in San Antonio, TX, or nearby areas like Live Oak, New Braunfels, or Seguin. In that case, you have access to exceptional neurological and neurosurgical care at the Brain and Spine Institute of San Antonio (Brain and Spine Institute San Antonio, Texas), led by Dr. Osama Ahmed, a Board-certified neurosurgeon in San Antonio, TX.
What Does a Neurologist Do?
A neurologist is a physician who specialises in diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves—without surgery. Their primary role is to manage conditions through medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle adjustments.
Common Conditions Treated by Neurologists:
- Migraines and chronic headaches
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Neuropathy and nerve disorders
- Alzheimer’s and other dementias
- Stroke recovery and rehabilitation
Neurologists typically conduct tests such as EEG (electroencephalogram), MRI, CT scans, and nerve conduction studies to determine your condition.
What Does a Neurosurgeon Do?
A neurosurgeon is a medical doctor trained to perform surgeries on the brain, spine, and nerves. While many people associate neurosurgeons with complex brain surgery, a large portion of their work involves spinal procedures.
At Brain and Spine Institute San Antonio, Texas, Dr. Osama Ahmed is known for pioneering Minimally invasive spine surgeries in San Antonio, including robotic OLIF, OptiLIF, and Spine Jack procedures.
Conditions Commonly Treated by Neurosurgeons:
- Herniated discs and spinal stenosis
- Brain and spinal tumours
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Aneurysms and vascular malformations
- Spinal fractures and deformities
- Trigeminal neuralgia and Chiari malformation
Neurosurgeons often use MRI, CT scans, and other imaging techniques to evaluate structural issues that require surgical correction.
Symptoms That Require a Neurologist
You should consider seeing a neurologist if you’re experiencing:
- Recurrent or severe headaches
- Seizures or blackout episodes
- Numbness or tingling in limbs
- Muscle weakness
- Memory loss or confusion
- Balance and coordination issues
These symptoms often signal underlying neurological disorders that may respond well to non-surgical treatment.
Symptoms That Require a Neurosurgeon
Consult a neurosurgeon if:
- You have persistent back or neck pain unrelieved by medication
- Imaging shows a herniated disc or spinal compression
- You experience a sudden loss of bowel or bladder control
- You’ve been diagnosed with a brain tumour
- You’ve had a spinal fracture or traumatic brain injury
In such cases, prompt surgical evaluation could prevent permanent damage.
Neurologist vs Neurosurgeon: Who Treats What?
| Condition | Neurologist | Neurosurgeon |
| Seizures | ✅ | ❌ |
| Brain Tumour | ✅ (Diagnosis) | ✅ (Surgery) |
| Herniated Disc | ❌ | ✅ |
| Chronic Headaches | ✅ | ❌ |
| Stroke | ✅ | Sometimes |
| Spine Fracture | ❌ | ✅ |
Do They Work Together?
Yes, neurologists and neurosurgeons often collaborate. A neurologist may diagnose a condition and then refer the patient to a neurosurgeon if surgical intervention is required. After surgery, the patient might return to the neurologist for long-term medical management.
At Brain and Spine Institute San Antonio, Texas, this collaborative model ensures that patients receive end-to-end care, from diagnosis to recovery.
Why Choose Dr. Osama Ahmed First?
Patients in San Antonio often begin their journey with Dr. Osama Ahmed due to his ability to handle both diagnostics and surgery under one roof. Here’s why he’s a preferred provider:
- Board-certified neurosurgeon with advanced training
- Pioneering robotic and minimally invasive spine surgeries
- Over 5,000 successful procedures
- Short wait times and insurance-friendly options
- Multiple clinic locations across San Antonio and Live Oak
Dr. Ahmed and his team at Brain and Spine Institute San Antonio, Texas are committed to personalised, compassionate, and evidence-based care.
Still Not Sure Who to See?
If you’re experiencing neurological symptoms and are unsure whether you need surgery, the best first step is a comprehensive evaluation. At Brain and Spine Institute of San Antonio, we streamline your care journey—so you get the proper treatment at the right time.
???? Call today to schedule your appointment: (210) 625-4733
???? FAQs
Q1: Can I visit a neurosurgeon directly without seeing a neurologist first?
Yes, especially if you’re experiencing severe symptoms like back pain, weakness, or a known spinal issue. Dr. Osama Ahmed provides direct consultations.
Q2: Are neurologists and neurosurgeons both available at Brain and Spine Institute San Antonio, Texas?
A board-certified neurosurgeon leads Brain and Spine Institute San Antonio, Texas. For non-surgical conditions, we coordinate care with trusted local neurologists.
Q3: What is the difference in treatment between the two?
Neurologists focus on medications and therapy. Neurosurgeons handle surgical treatments. Some patients need both, depending on their diagnosis.
Q4: Do I need a referral?
While many insurance plans require referrals, our office can help verify your coverage—call (210) 625-4733 for insurance assistance.
Q5: Is surgery always necessary if I visit a neurosurgeon?
No. Many patients at Brain and Spine Institute San Antonio, Texas are treated non-surgically first. Surgery is only recommended when truly necessary.
Read More Blogs:
