A neurosurgeon is a surgical specialist who diagnoses and treats conditions of the brain, spine, spinal cord and nerves, and who can operate when surgery is genuinely needed. Many patients who see a neurosurgeon in Lahore do not end up having an operation at all; a large part of the work is explaining the scan, ruling out serious problems and planning the right non-surgical or surgical treatment.
This page gives an overview of what a neurosurgeon treats, how a neurosurgeon differs from a neurologist, and when it makes sense to book a consultation. Each condition group below links to its own detailed page.
Neurosurgery covers two broad areas: the brain and skull, and the spine and spinal nerves. Some problems are long-standing and slowly progressive, such as a disc prolapse or a slow-growing tumour. Others are emergencies, such as bleeding inside the head after a fall or a burst blood vessel. A neurosurgeon is trained to manage both, working alongside neurologists, radiologists, oncologists, anaesthetists and physiotherapists.
Tumours inside the skull range from benign, slow-growing growths to aggressive cancers. Treatment may involve surgery to remove the tumour, a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis, or close monitoring for very small benign lesions. Read more about brain tumour surgery, including pituitary tumours, meningiomas, gliomas and skull base tumours.
Some deep or central problems can be reached with a thin endoscope instead of a large skull opening, for example through the nose for pituitary tumours or through a small burr hole for hydrocephalus. See endoscopic brain surgery for who may be suitable and when a conventional approach is safer.
Aneurysms, brain haemorrhage, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and cavernomas fall under vascular neurosurgery. These conditions are often managed jointly by neurosurgeons and interventional neuroradiologists, and some present as emergencies.
Neurosurgeons also manage bleeding after head injury, chronic subdural haematoma in older adults, and build-up of fluid in the brain (hydrocephalus), which may need a shunt or an endoscopic procedure.
Slip disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, cervical spondylosis, spondylolisthesis and spinal fractures are among the most common reasons patients see a neurosurgeon. Most back and neck pain settles without an operation. When surgery is needed, the aim is to relieve pressure on nerves and keep the spine stable. Our spine surgery page explains each condition and its treatment options.
For selected patients, a disc or bony narrowing can be treated through a small incision using an endoscope, which may mean less muscle disruption and a shorter hospital stay. Learn more about endoscopic spine surgery and whether it suits your scan findings.
Both specialists treat the nervous system, but in different ways. A neurologist is a medical (non-surgical) doctor who manages conditions such as migraine, epilepsy, stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and nerve disorders, mainly with medicines and tests. A neurosurgeon sees patients who have, or may have, a structural problem that could need an operation, such as a tumour, a compressed nerve, a bleed or an unstable spine.
In practice, it is reasonable to see a neurosurgeon if:
If you are unsure, a neurosurgeon can review your scans and refer you to a neurologist if your problem is better managed medically.
Some symptoms should not wait for a clinic appointment. Go to the nearest emergency department if you or a family member has:
At consultation, Dr. Khawar Anwar takes a detailed history, examines your nervous system (strength, sensation, reflexes, walking and balance) and reviews your scans and reports. Please bring all MRI and CT films or CDs, previous reports, a list of medicines and any discharge summaries.
You will usually leave with a clear explanation of what the scan shows, whether further tests are needed (for example an MRI with contrast, nerve conduction studies or blood tests), and a treatment plan. If surgery is recommended, the reasons, the expected benefits, the risks and the alternatives are discussed so that you and your family can make an informed decision.
Surgery is not the first answer for most patients. Many spine conditions improve with time, medicines, physiotherapy and activity changes. Some benign brain lesions only need periodic scans. When an operation is the right choice, the least invasive safe option is preferred, such as endoscopic or minimally invasive techniques, with tools like neuronavigation used where appropriate. Conventional open surgery is still the best route for some problems, and the choice is always based on your condition rather than the technique.
Clinic details are on our locations page, and you can book an appointment online or by phone.
No referral is required. Many patients come directly with their MRI or CT scan. If you have a letter from your doctor or neurologist, please bring it, as it helps with planning.
Not necessarily. Many patients are advised non-surgical treatment, monitoring or referral to another specialist. Surgery is recommended only when the expected benefit outweighs the risks.
Yes. Most back and neck pain is treated with medicines, physiotherapy, posture and activity advice, and sometimes injections. Surgery is usually considered when nerve pain or weakness persists or worsens despite this.
Bring all scan films or CDs and reports, previous operation notes if any, current medicines, and a family member if possible to help remember the discussion.
Yes. A second opinion is a reasonable step before any brain or spine operation. Bring your scans and the advice you were given so the options can be compared.
Dr. Khawar Anwar is a Consultant Neurosurgeon & Spine Surgeon at PINS / Lahore General Hospital, Lahore, with over 10 years of experience in brain and spine surgery. He sees patients in Lahore and Gujranwala and focuses on minimally invasive and endoscopic techniques where they are suitable for the patient.
See the full list on the certifications page or read more about Dr. Khawar Anwar.
See all clinics, maps and timings on the locations page.
To book, call or WhatsApp 0333-7574732 and tell us which clinic and day suits you. Please bring your MRI or CT scan (films and CD), reports and a list of your current medicines to the consultation. For sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, a sudden severe headache or a head or spine injury, go to the nearest emergency department first.