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Neurosurgery is the surgical discipline that focused on treating those central, peripheral nervous system and spinal column diseases that are amenable to mechanical intervention.
2. There are many risks to neurosurgery. Any operation dealing with the brain or spinal cord can cause paralysis (systemic), brain damage, infection, psychosis, or even death.
3. In the United States, neurosurgical training usually requires 6 - 8 years of residency after completing medical school, plus the option of a fellowship for subspecialization (lasting an additional 1 - 3 years). Most applicants to neurosurgery training programs have excellent medical school grades and evaluations, have published scientific and/or clinical research, and have obtained board scores of 95 or higher.
4. Pre-historic evidence of brain surgery with remarkable success has been found in many areas throughout the ancient world. Unearthed remains of successful brain operations, as well as surgical implements, were found in France and the success rate was remarkable, even circa 7,000 B.C. Africa showed evidence of brain surgery as early as 3,000 B.C. in papyrus writings found in Egypt. Pre-Incan civilization used brain surgery as an extensive practice as early as 2,000 B.C. In Paracas, Peru, archeologic evidence indicates that brain surgery was used extensively. The treatment was used for mental illnesses, epilepsy, headaches, organic diseases, osteomylitis, as well as head injuries.
5. Asia was home to many talented brain surgeons. An Islamic school of brain surgery flourished from 800 to 1200 A.D., the height of Islamic influence in the world. Abu Bekr Muhammed el Razi, who lived from 852 - 932 A.D., was perhaps the greatest of Islamic brain surgeons. A second Islamic brain surgeon, Abu l'Qluasim Khalaf, lived and practiced in Cordoba, Spain and was one of the great influences on western brain surgery. more... at Wikipedia
