"Neurologic surgery involves the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with diseases or injuries to the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves. Neurosurgeons thrive upon the elegant complexity of the nervous system. They love being able to correct abnormalities of this organ system by using their hands, surgical instruments, and the latest operative technology. This specialty deals with the entire nervous system – not simply the anatomic region of the body where its primary components (brain and spinal cord) are located. In a given week, a neurosurgeon might operate on a patient’s brain, spine, face, arms, or legs. Their patients may range in age from newborns to adults" (Freeman, p. 267).

-- Freeman, B. (2004). The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Medical Specialty. Lange Medical Books/McGraw-Hill: New York.