Whether you have an orthopedic condition such as a concussion or are recovering from a stroke, a local neurosurgeon can be a beneficial member of your healthcare team. A local neurosurgeon is a physician who focuses on brain, spinal and nerve disorders. A local neurosurgeon performs surgery on the brain/spinal cord. Some of the conditions a local neurosurgeon treats include epilepsy, headache and migraine disorders, birth defects, aneurysms and tumours in the spine. If your local family physician feels you could benefit from seeing a local neurosurgeon or neurologist, they may refer you. Or, you may see a local neurosurgeon in an emergency situation, such as if you’ve suffered an aneurysm or stroke. Although a local neurosurgeon is largely focused on surgery for disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves, they may also recommend non-surgical treatments depending on a patient’s condition (e.g., vertigo). Your local neurosurgeon may work with other members of your healthcare team, including your local orthopedic surgeon, cardiologist, rheumatologist, endocrinologist and kinesiologist.