Neurologist or Neurosurgeon?

[ahope4us]

Ok...so we had x rays done Friday and they did show some closure. We were then referred to a neurologist not a neurosurgeon. When I asked why, I was told that if surgery was needed then the neurologist would refer us to a neurosurgeon. Does this seem redundant (sp?) to anyone else? I am awaiting a call from our family dr to find out if we can go straight to a neurosurgeon. Isn't a neurosurgeon a neurologist who also does surgery?
Thanks in advance for any insight on this one!
Danielle

[Jennifer]

You want to see a neurosurgeon. I don't believe there is any reason to see a neurologist. The neurologist only really deals with brain function (I believe). The NS would be doing the surgery, would be recommending surgery, etc..... If possible you want to see a pediatric NS. I would push to skip the step of seeing the neurosurgeon as there is no reason to see her/him as there is currently no problem with the brain.......

[Katie]

Definitely want to see a neurosurgeon. We initially made an appointment with a neurologist for Dillon, but they called us to cancel the apopintment saying that we needed to see a neurosurgeon, not a neurologist (we ended up seeing a neurologist anyway, but that's a whole nother story).

[Lauren]

Neurosurgeon. Jennifer is right, neurologists look at how the nervous system functions (brain and nerves). If surgery is needed, it is on his skull only, not his brain so you shouldn't need a neurologist.

[cheryl2]

Yep, unless they are concerned with some aspect of his brain function or nervous system, I can't imagine why there's a need to see a neurologist.

[ahope4us]

Thank you all! That is what I thought. So, I finally (after about 5 or 6 phone calls) found out what was up. The pediatric neurosurgeon in Southern Maine (possibly only one in Maine) is on vacation for the next 2 weeks so they wanted us to see the neurologist to get a diagnosis. We are now pushing for a referral down to Boston. We are not impressed with the help, or lack of, that we have recieved so far up here. Everytime we question something we are met with an attitude or excuse. We are just trying to do what we believe is best. Thanks again
Danielle

[snickers9246]

Keep on them Danielle!! You're so right to follow the Mommy instincts!! Let them be crabby or make excuses, be persistant and get what you need for your little one!!!

[snickers9246]

Keep on them Danielle!! You're so right to follow the Mommy instincts!! Let them be crabby or make excuses, be persistant and get what you need for your little one!!!

[snickers9246]

Darn!! Posted twice...stupid server!!!

[ahope4us]

We finally got an appt with a NS. We are going to try Children's Hospital in Boston and maybe get a 2nd opinion from NEMC. We'll see how it goes, so far Children's has been very helpful with all my questions. Our appt is for Aug. 29
I actually made the appt myself...got tired of waiting for my dr office to do it. I picked up his x rays today and read the radiologist report. He said probable closure of the left and right coronal. Now that we found out Sean's cousin also has a son with cranio we are convinced Trey has it. I would never have know their son had surgery, he's about 4 or 5 now and looks completely 'normal'. Thanks for the support!
I'll keep being persistant! What a journey this is!
Danielle

[Jennifer]

You go momma!!!! I'll add the appointment to our calendar if you don't mind??? That's always helpful to see someone a few years down the road to see how good they look...... What sutures was the fused on his cousins son? (what relation does that make that? anyone?) Being able to talk to them will help also.......I'm glad you've got things going- way to be on the ball and do it yourself...3 weeks out isn't bad for a NS appointment.....start making a list of questions (we have some here to help) and take them in with you.....

It is a journey- you sound as if your handling it okay? It's scary, but it's fixable and we have that to be thankful for- that and these babies are SOOOO STRONG! Amazing.....

[Katie]

Good job being in your persistance, it really does pay off! I look forward to hearing how the appointment goes on the 29th :hugg



(what relation does that make that? anyone?)

2nd cousins?

[ahope4us]

Thanks Jennifer for adding the appt. I asked which sutures were fused on the cousin's son but the mom said she didn't remember. I guess he has a zig zag scar from ear to ear, does that mean it would have been coronal? She said she'll try to look at some old info and find out for us.
I think you are right Katie...they'd be 2nd cousins.
What would I do without this website and all it's info...what great questions for the NS! Trey thanks you!
Danielle

[plukids]

Hi Danielle! Good job Mama! Persistence pays off and I agree ..... go with your gut instinct! Please keep us posted on your appointment and let us know if you need anything!