Being diagnosed with a brain tumor is often very stressful and overwhelming. A large contributor to the anxiety one feels is the fear associated with the unknown, but the unknown can be mitigated with the help of the right neurologist.
Here is a quick and easy list of dos and don’ts to remember as you find the neurosurgeon that is right for you.
The Don’ts
- Don’t feel like you have to rush finding the right neurologist. If your diagnosis is serious enough, you will be treated immediately, but a lot of times, you need to take the time to find the right team.
- Don’t settle for one opinion. If anybody discourages you from getting another perspective that should be a serious cause of concern. You are seeking the best possible health care you can get, so don’t feel bad if that includes looking to additional experts as well.
- Don’t look to family or friends for recommended professionals. Often people will hear of your diagnosis and suggest a friend or colleague who also had a brain tumor, and really loved their surgeon. Brain tumors are very unique and there is no guarantee that professional will be experienced with what you are experiencing.
- Don’t research your diagnosis looking for your own solution. We live in a very do it yourself era, but when it comes to a tumor, it is more than likely you’ll get overwhelmed and convoluted by problems and conditions that are completely unrelated to your unique diagnosis.
- Don’t rely on only the best neurosurgeon. An amazing neurosurgeon isn’t the only necessary requirement to ensure you have a good experience.
The Dos
- Do take a deep breath, relax, and understand that just because your physician has found a potential tumor, brain tumor surgery or treatment may not be the solution. More than half of all brain tumors are benign and are very, very easily treated.
- Do ensure your neurologist is educated, certified and experienced. The American Board of Neurological Surgery is very stringent and requires it’s members to learn, retain and practice the highest level of surgical competence.
- Do look for a center, not just a surgeon. Understand that the reality of your highest probability of successful treatment is the center you chose, not only the surgeon. There are many essential elements to a successful treatment; anesthesiologists, nurses, equipment, postoperative care, etc.
- Do ask your physician which are the major surgical centers in your area. The facilities that treat the highest volume of patients generally have the most cutting edge technologies, accessible resources, and robust and experienced teams. An experienced neurosurgeon is absolutely necessary, but so also is his or her team.
- Do look for a center and surgeon with experience in your diagnosis. There are countless studies that show the number of times a surgeon and their supporting staff perform a particular procedure will have a massive influence on outcomes. So find the center that specializes in your treatment and has a rich history performing that procedure.
Dr. Christopher Duma’s education, experience and excellence provides him opportunities to operate the some of the nation’s leading surgical centers and with the nation’s leading surgical teams. To talk to Dr. Duma, or see if his expertise is a right fit for you, call us at (949) 642-6787.
