A neurosurgeon diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the brain, spine, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. The scope of neurosurgery includes both conservative management and surgical treatment aimed at relieving symptoms, preserving or restoring neurological function, and improving mobility.

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Mashtaler Ortho&Trauma provides neurosurgical consultations in Lviv. The clinic evaluates patients with conditions of varying causes and severity and provides access to diagnostic assessment and modern treatment approaches.

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Consultation with neurosurgeon Oleh Savka

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What Conditions Does a Neurosurgeon Treat?

A neurosurgeon treats structural disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems caused by disease, injury, or compression of neural structures. These include the following groups of conditions:

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Disorders of the Spine and Spinal Cord

Disc herniation, spinal canal stenosis, and spinal instability may compress nerve roots or the spinal cord. In such cases, pain in the neck or lower back may radiate to an arm or leg and may be accompanied by numbness, weakness, gait disturbances, or stiffness.

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The treatment strategy is determined by correlating the findings of the neurological examination with MRI, CT, and other diagnostic results.

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Brain Injuries

After a head injury, a neurosurgeon assesses the risk of brain contusion, intracranial hematoma, skull fracture, and other structural injuries. Some symptoms may develop or worsen after a delay.

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The following symptoms require prompt medical attention:

worsening headache;
repeated vomiting;
pronounced drowsiness;
impaired coordination;
weakness in the arms or legs.

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Peripheral Nerve Injuries

Compression, stretching, rupture, and scar-related changes in peripheral nerves may impair sensation or the function of specific muscles. Depending on the location and severity of the injury, a person may experience:

burning or tingling sensations;
weakness in the hand or foot;
reduced precision of movement;
difficulty holding or manipulating objects.

After determining the location and extent of nerve damage, the doctor may recommend rehabilitation, decompression, nerve repair, or observation.

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Symptoms That May Require a Neurosurgeon Consultation

A neurosurgeon consultation may be recommended when neurological symptoms worsen, recur after treatment, or increasingly interfere with everyday activities.

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You should consider scheduling an appointment if you experience:

neck or back pain radiating to an arm or leg;
persistent numbness, tingling, or reduced sensation;
progressive muscle weakness;
unsteady gait, falls, or impaired coordination;
neurological or cognitive changes after a head injury.

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Diagnosis of Neurosurgical Conditions

The doctor asks when the symptoms began, how they have changed over time, and what treatment has already been provided. During the neurological examination, muscle strength, sensation, reflexes, balance, coordination, and mobility are assessed. The doctor may also perform specific tests or movements to identify factors that provoke or worsen symptoms.

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The next diagnostic step depends on the clinical presentation:

CT provides detailed visualization of bone structures and is particularly useful in assessing acute traumatic injuries;
MRI provides detailed images of the brain, spinal cord, nerve roots, intervertebral discs, and other soft tissues;
electroneuromyography (ENMG) may be performed when indicated to assess peripheral nerve and muscle function.

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What Happens During a Neurosurgeon Consultation and What Related Services Are Available at Our Medical Center?

The consultation follows a structured process, from discussing symptoms to developing an individualized treatment plan:

Medical history. At the beginning of the appointment, the neurosurgeon asks when the symptoms first appeared, how they have changed, and whether there have been previous injuries, surgeries, or treatments.
Review of medical records. The doctor reviews medical reports, MRI or CT images, hospital discharge summaries, and previous examination results and correlates them with the patient’s current symptoms.
Neurological examination. Muscle strength, sensation, reflexes, coordination, balance, and mobility in the affected area are assessed.
Determining the next steps. After evaluating all available information, the patient receives an individualized plan that may include additional diagnostic testing, medication, physical therapy, observation, or preparation for surgery.
Involvement of related specialists. If the condition affects both the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system, the neurosurgeon may work together with an orthopedic traumatologist and physical therapist. This multidisciplinary approach helps coordinate treatment, rehabilitation, and postoperative recovery.

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Why Choose Mashtaler Ortho&Trauma?

A neurosurgeon consultation in Lviv at Mashtaler Ortho&Trauma offers several important advantages:

Experience in neurosurgery. The clinic provides specialist assessment of neurosurgical conditions, including complex cases that require careful correlation of symptoms, neurological findings, and imaging results.
Comprehensive assessment. The neurosurgeon evaluates the patient’s symptoms, examination findings, and available diagnostic results to determine the appropriate next steps.
Team-based approach. If a condition affects both the nervous system and musculoskeletal function, the neurosurgeon can involve other relevant specialists to develop a coordinated treatment plan.
Clear treatment plan. After the consultation, the patient receives recommendations regarding further diagnostics, conservative treatment, rehabilitation, observation, or surgical treatment when indicated.

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How to Prepare for a Neurosurgeon Appointment

To make the consultation as informative as possible:

bring the reports and, if available, the actual MRI, CT, or X-ray images;
bring discharge summaries from previous hospitalizations, injuries, or surgeries;
write down the names and dosages of medications you are currently taking;
note when the symptoms began and which factors make them better or worse.

Special preparation is usually not required.

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Does a Neurosurgeon Consultation Always Lead to Surgery?

No. A neurosurgeon consultation does not necessarily lead to surgery. Surgery may be considered when there is significant compression of neural structures, progressive neurological deficit, an unstable injury, or a risk of permanent loss of function. In other situations, the neurosurgeon may recommend conservative treatment, observation, rehabilitation, or additional diagnostic testing.

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The choice of treatment depends on the diagnosis, severity of symptoms, neurological findings, imaging results, and how quickly the condition is progressing. The decision regarding surgery is made individually.

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When considering surgery, the expected benefits and risks of the procedure are weighed against the possibilities of conservative treatment and the risk of further neurological deterioration.

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Treatment with Physical and Device-Based Therapy

Physical therapy can help restore mobility, muscle strength, coordination, and balance. The exercise program is adapted to the patient’s neurological condition, diagnosis, functional limitations, and recommendations of the treating physician.

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Device-based physical therapy may complement the main treatment when clinically indicated. Depending on the condition and treatment plan, it may be used as part of pain management and rehabilitation.

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After surgery, physical activity is increased gradually according to the surgeon’s recommendations and the patient’s condition. Basic movements and everyday activities are restored first, followed by progressive strengthening, coordination training, and a gradual return to the appropriate level of daily activity.

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