Frequently Asked Questions
How long will my clinic appointment take?
Our goal is to make sure each patient is seen promptly. Stanford neurosurgeons typically devote only one day per week in clinic because they also manage treatment programs, perform surgeries and teach. For this reason, please allow 2-3 hours for your appointment, especially if unscheduled emergencies delay the doctor.
Are there other people who have this problem?
According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, "Some neurological disorders are very common." Studies show that more than 700,000 Americans suffer strokes each year; more than 17,000 people find out they have a brain tumor; and approximately 11,000 people suffer spinal cord injury. In addition, headache and low back pain are the most common symptoms that send people to a doctor. Progress has been made in discovering the causes of some neurological disorders and in developing treatment programs for others.
What is the treatment?
Neurological problems often involve several treatment options. Your doctor will discuss benefits, risks, and results of all treatments with you and will help you evaluate the treatment or combination of treatments best suited to your life style.
How successful is surgery and how long is the recovery process?
Surgical outcomes and the healing process vary from one person to the next depending on genetics, severity of the problem, life style differences and attitude. Your neurosurgical team can tell you what other patients have experienced, and, based on your history, advise you what to expect during your own recovery process. Studies have shown that patients who participate in their health-care decisions and who receive emotional support often experience more successful outcomes than those who do not. So be sure to ask questions.