Neurosurgery

At Mayo Clinic Health System, neurosurgeons diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system. Our teams provide both surgical and nonsurgical care for complex and serious neurological conditions, with a focus on thoughtful evaluation and personalized treatment planning.

Neurosurgery care is delivered by highly trained specialists who work collaboratively across disciplines to manage everything from spine and nerve conditions to complex brain disorders. Using advanced techniques and a team based approach, our neurosurgeons focus on restoring function, relieving pain and supporting long term quality of life — close to home whenever possible.

Find out more about our neurosurgery services:

Conditions and consultations

Our neurosurgeons and specialists evaluate and treat conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system. Through comprehensive consultations, we review symptoms, imaging and medical history to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s needs.

Conditions we treat include:

Aneurysm
Back pain
Brain injury or trauma
Brain lesion
Brain tumor
Cervical radiculopathy
Cervical spondylosis
Chiari malformation
Degenerative disc disease (cervical, thoracic, lumbar)
Glioblastoma
Herniated or ruptured disc
Hydrocephalus
Intracranial hematoma or hygroma
Pinched nerve
Pituitary tumor
Sciatica
Scoliosis
Spina bifida
Spinal fracture or trauma
Spinal stenosis
Spinal tumors
Spondylolisthesis
Spondylosis
Syringomyelia
Trigeminal neuralgia

Diagnosis and treatments

We specialize in diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the brain, spine and nervous system — from life‑threatening concerns to nerve and spine issues that make daily life painful and challenging.

Care plans are individualized and may begin with conservative, nonsurgical treatments when appropriate. Surgery is considered when other options are not effective or when a condition requires more advanced intervention, always with the goal of supporting the best possible outcome.

Many neurosurgical procedures may be performed using minimally invasive techniques, depending on the condition being treated.

Treatments we provide include:

Brain biopsy
Brain surgery
Brain tumor surgical removal (craniotomy)
Diskectomy
Evacuation of intracranial hematoma
Herniated disc and degenerative disc disease treatment
Hydrocephalus treatment (including surgical management of cerebrospinal fluid)
Laminectomy
Laminoplasty
Minimally invasive surgical procedures
Motion-preserving spine surgery
Peripheral nerve procedures
Revision spine surgery
Skull fracture repair
Spinal cord decompression procedure
Spinal fusion
Surgical decompression of the brain (relief of pressure within the skull)

Neurosurgery specialists

Our experienced team of spine, back, brain and nerve specialists collaborate to deliver a seamless experience — from diagnosis to treatment and recovery — so you can get back to doing what you love.

Our specialists include:

Neurosurgeons — surgeons specializing in brain, nerve, back and spine surgery
Nurse practitioners
Physician assistants

Find neurosurgery specialists near you.

Additional care and therapies may be provided by:

Referrals

You can make an appointment without a referral from your provider — simply call the appointment number of your preferred Neurosurgery location.

If you're a provider, you can refer patients to Neurosurgery online, by phone or by fax. We value the opportunity to collaborate with you on a treatment plan.

FAQ

Do neurosurgeons recommend nonsurgical or self‑care options?

Yes. Neurosurgeons often recommend conservative treatment options first when appropriate, such as physical therapy, activity modification or other nonsurgical approaches. Surgery is typically considered when symptoms persist, worsen or affect quality of life despite other treatments.

When should I see a neurosurgeon?

Many spine and nerve conditions improve with time and conservative care. Neurosurgeons often recommend nonsurgical treatment options first when appropriate.

It may be time to see a neurosurgeon if you experience:

A fall, blow to your head, neck or back, or other injury
Constant or intense pain, especially at night or when lying down
Pain that spreads into the arms or legs
Weakness, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
New problems with balance, coordination or walking
Swelling or redness in the back or along the spine, which could indicate infection
Back or neck pain accompanied by unintended weight loss
New bowel or bladder control problems
Headaches, vision changes, seizures or other new neurological symptoms

A consultation allows your care team to review symptoms, imaging and medical history and determine whether further evaluation, monitoring or treatment is needed.

What should I expect during my first appointment, and what should I bring?

At your first Neurosurgery appointment, you'll meet with a nurse practitioner or physician assistant, who will conduct a full history and evaluation with you. Imaging, such as an X-ray, CT scan or MRI, may be needed to support the diagnosis or determine next steps in your treatment plan. Depending on your needs, they may review presurgical recommendations.

Appointment times vary depending on your symptoms or condition. Most initial appointments take 30–60 minutes.

For your first appointment, bring any imaging or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Complete a medical records release form (PDF) to authorize the transfer of health records from another healthcare facility to us. Visit our Medical Record Forms page for this form and other forms in multiple languages.

What are my payment options, and do you offer financial assistance?

Visit the billing page of your preferred location for information on insurance, billing and payments.

We serve patients in difficult financial circumstances and offer financial assistance to those who have an established need to receive medically necessary services. Learn more about financial assistance options.

Can you provide a second opinion?

Yes. Call the appointment number at your preferred Neurosurgery location. See What should I expect during my first appointment? for tips on how to prepare.

What follow-up care do you provide after treatment?

Prior to surgery, your healthcare team will assess your at-home and recovery needs. We partner with physical therapists, occupational therapists and social workers to make recommendations for a successful discharge and safe recovery.

How do I prepare if neurosurgery is recommended?

If surgery is recommended, your neurosurgery team will review your goals and discuss treatment options with you. Before surgery, you’ll meet with your neurosurgeon and care team to review imaging (such as X rays, MRI or CT scans), talk through the benefits and risks, and understand what to expect.

Depending on the procedure, you may go home the same day or stay in the hospital for a short time. Your care team will provide instructions for recovery and follow up, and your plan may vary based on your condition and procedure.

Are neurosurgery clinical trials available to patients?

Yes. Clinical trials may be available for certain neurosurgical conditions and are offered when appropriate. Ongoing research has explored areas such as spine conditions, brain tumors, cerebrovascular disorders, nerve conditions and recovery after neurological injury. Available studies change over time as research continues.

Participation in a clinical trial is always voluntary and is considered alongside standard treatment options. If you’re interested in learning whether a clinical trial may be right for you, talk with your neurosurgery care team. You can also explore current neurosurgery clinical trials through Mayo Clinic’s research programs.

Do you have an after-hours number in case of emergency?

Always call 911 in case of an emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, get virtual care 24/7 through the Primary Care On Demand app or review our convenient care options.