ABSTRACT
Many neurological illnesses are debilitating, but within the discipline of neurosurgery there is a broad range of pathology. In a large majority of instances patients under the care of the neurology or neurosurgical service are going through one of the most impactful events in their lives. Families and patients will depend on vigilant providers to walk them through this complex landscape. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, degenerative spinal arthritis, and peripheral nerve disorders all increase with age and have a disproportionate social, economic, and psychological impact on patient populations. The concentration of clinical expertise, basic research labs, and clinical trials in specific centers affords an economy of scale. Seamless communication between members of a neurosurgical team improves patient safety and outcomes. Understanding the importance of neurological illnesses, emergencies, and treatments allows the advanced practitioner to provide prompt attention and consider the potential disasters.
