With the progress in the field of neuroscience, its scope has widening and now includes various other approaches to study the nervous system, such as structural, molecular, cellular, functional, developmental, evolutionary, psychosocial computational, as well as various other medical aspects. Neuroethics, neuroeducation, and neurolaw are just some of the new fields emerging in neuroscience because of the great progress we have made.
During the twentieth century, neuroscience became recognized as a distinct field of medicine. There are many fields within neuroscience, but the following are the most popular:
Affective Neuroscience : Research in affective neuroscience involves using lab animals as test subjects to observe the behaviour of neurons in relation to their emotions.
Behavioral Neuroscience : An examination of how the brain controls behavior is called behavioral neuroscience.
Cellular Neuroscience : Holistic study of neurons and their physiological properties. Clinical neuroscience – Deals with disorders relating to the nervous system.
With the incredible progress made in computational neuroscience, molecular biology, and electrophysiology during the later part of the twentieth century, there has been a notable surge in research on the nervous system. Equipped with advanced technology, scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the nervous system. By studying its structure, they can uncover reasons for disorders and other phenomena. As a result, researchers now possess vast knowledge about the complex functions of the brain.
One of the largest domains in Neurosciences is Neurology. Neurology deals with neurological disorders. Neurology is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of a variety of diseases and conditions related to the peripheral and central nervous systems, including blood vessels, coverings, and effectors. A growing number of branches in neurology have evolved over the years, including adult neurology, paediatric neurology, etc.
In adult neurology, neurological conditions are diagnosed and managed, whereas in paediatric neurology, neurological conditions are diagnosed and managed in newborns, children, infants and adolescents. In most cases, medications do not work when someone is diagnosed with a neurological condition, and surgery is the only option. Since pediatric neurosurgery deals with neurosurgery on infants, newborns, and other children, it requires a special kind of specialisation.
When discussing neuroscience, one cannot overlook the significance of interventional neurology. This specialized branch utilizes minimally invasive and image-guided techniques to address serious and intricate conditions affecting the brain, spine, and neck. The attention this field is receiving is due to its ability to challenge traditional norms in neurosurgery. Unlike open surgeries that pose significant risks and may lead to long-term complications, interventional techniques allow for highly intricate procedures through small incisions or punctures in the body.
Spine surgery is a common procedure for those facing chronic back pain, accidents, and other underlying conditions. Typically, this type of surgery is considered as a last resort after exhausting all other treatment options, from physiotherapy to medication. Non-operative treatments such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory drugs are usually attempted first, with a duration that varies case by case. However, if these methods prove ineffective in providing relief, surgery may be recommended by the doctor. It should be noted that surgery will only be suggested if the source of pain can be accurately identified by the medical team. Thus, it is advisable to seek multiple opinions before making the decision to undergo spine surgery.
