What is the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon?

The neurologist has a medical training background. A neurosurgeon has a surgical background. The neurologist might do evaluation such as muscle or nerve testing, or electroencephalograms for evaluation of seizures or blackouts or memory loss. She does not do any surgery. She will follow patients with non-surgical problems or she might follow patients after they have had neurosurgery for a continuing problem, such as seizures.

A neurosurgeon might work with a neurologist to arrange diagnostic testing or to adjust medications. The neurosurgeon usually sees the patient pre-operatively. After the
post-operative period is over, the patient is often discharged from the care of a neurosurgeon.