Medical specialists

If determining the health diagnosis or treatment is outside the primary care doctor's specialty, you will likely be referred to a specialist for medical advice. Depending on the severity and type of the personal injuries sustained the referral might be to an orthopedic physician, neurologist or neurosurgeon. On minor injuries such as a strain, the primary care physician might refer you directly to a physical therapist for treatment or medical advice. Whatever the process, taking an active role a healthy recovery means willing to express your concerns and speak frankly with your doctor.

Find out about:
Orthopedic surgeons
Neurologists
Neurosurgeons
Psychiatrists

Orthopedic Surgeons

These highly trained physicians diagnose, treat,give medical advice and perform surgery on people with bone and joint disorders including nerve impingement conditions of the spine and hip injuries. Not only do they have a wide expertise in treating back and neck personal injuries, they are often called upon to perform spinal surgeries such as the removal of a disk. Orthopedic surgeons have one of the longest training periods. Typically, the orthopedic physician will attend four years of medical school then another four to six years of residency training. Following residency, the surgeon will seek to be board certified in their specialty. Board certification demonstrates the highest level of training possible in the field.

Neurologists

These doctors are skilled in the diagnosis and treatment of disease of the nervous system including the brain. These doctors do not perform surgery. However, Neurologists are often used in helping determine whether a patient is a surgical candidate. They are known to employ a wide variety of diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction studies and are often called upon to make cognitive assessments and offer medical advice.

Neurosurgeons

These doctors are surgical specialists that diagnosis, treat, and rehabilitate disorders of the brain, nervous system and spine. Known by many as "brain surgeons" these doctors have a wide scope of expertise in treating back and neck injuries as well as leg and arm nerve damage such as carpal tunnel and sciatica. Neurosurgery has one of the longest training periods of any medical specialty. Typically, the neurosurgeon will train four years of medical school then five to seven years of residency training. Following residency, the surgeon will seek to be board certified in their specialty. Board certification demonstrates the highest level of training possible in the field.

Psychiatrists

These doctors have been fully trained in general medicine and have elected to specialize in mental conditions and disorders. Board certification in psychiatry requires years of training and testing. Unlike the psychologist, the psychiatrist can prescribe medication such as antidepressants and give medical advice. Psychiatrist can offer a mixture of traditional talk therapy along with medication. Psychiatrists do not traditionally treat brain-injured produced by trauma. Neurologists and neurosurgeons usually treat these types of patients.

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