The branch of surgery that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
From Greek 'neuron' meaning nerve and Latin 'chirurgia' meaning surgery. The term emerged in the early 20th century as medical specialization advanced and brain surgery became a distinct field.
Neurosurgery is one of the most demanding medical specialties, with surgeons often operating for 12+ hours while working millimeters from structures that control personality, memory, and movement. The first successful brain tumor removal was performed in 1884, but modern neurosurgery didn't truly emerge until the 1960s with advances in imaging technology.
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