Training is run-through from ST1 and will typically be completed in eight years of full time training.

Neurosurgery encompasses the diagnosis, assessment and surgical management of disorders of the nervous system. The specialty developed in the first half of the twentieth century through the treatment of cranial trauma and intracranial mass lesions. Subsequent advances in microsurgical techniques, non-invasive imaging, neuro-anaesthesia, intensive care, image-guided surgery, and the introduction of sophisticated radio-oncological and interventional treatments have changed and widened the scope of neurosurgical practice.

Neurosurgery is a fast-paced specialty, with emergency and urgent work accounting for more than 50 per cent of the neurosurgical caseload. Almost all neurosurgical consultants are involved in the delivery of emergency services and therefore must be competent to manage a wide range of adult conditions and to provide basic emergency paediatric surgical care.

Vascular neurosurgery is a common procedure, as is spinal surgery for degenerative disease, intracranial tumours and hydrocephalus.

Associated subspecialties include:

• cerebrovascular surgery
• paediatric neurosurgery
• pain and functional surgery
• skull base and pituitary surgery
• spinal surgery

The Neurosurgery curriculum is split into three stages.  Initial covering ST1, 2 and 3 and will focus on the achievement of generic surgical skills in ICU, Neurology, ENT and A&E as well as core neurosurgical competencies.  The intermediate at ST4 and ST5 is develops the trainee further and allows them to consolidate the knowledge and skills gained at the initial level. During the final stage of training (ST5 to 8) trainees will develop specialist interest areas and will under supervision consolidate their advanced operative skills.  Explore the competencies to be completed at various stages of your training on the Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Project website.

Links

• Royal College of Surgeons of England
• Society of British Neurological Surgeons 
• The Society of Neurological Surgeons
• Neurosurgery courses at the college
• Intercollegiate Surgical Curriculum Project (ISCP)
  

Training Programmes