Sydney neurosurgeon
Do I need to see a Sydney neurosurgeon?
Dr Shanu Gambhir
Neurosurgeon Sydney
Many people who attend a consultation with a neurosurgeon do not go on to have surgery.
Wahroonga
Parkway San Clinic
Level 1, Suite 113
172 Fox Valley Road
Wahroonga NSW 2076
Bella Vista
The Bond
Suite 6.05 / 8
Elizabeth Macarthur Dr
Bella Vista NSW 2153
Sydney neurosurgeon
Why your GP may refer you to a neurosurgeon in Sydney
As a Sydney neurosurgeon, my role is to assess, diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves. Surgery is only one part of neurosurgical care. Many patients who see me are reassured, monitored, referred for rehabilitation or advised to continue non-surgical treatment.
Your first appointment is really about understanding what is causing your symptoms and working out the most appropriate next step.
“Your GP may refer you because your symptoms have continued despite treatment, your scans need specialist interpretation or they would like another opinion about your care.”
Dr Shanu Gambhir
Sydney neurosurgeon
A referral does not mean your GP believes you definitely need an operation. It simply means that advice from a Sydney neurosurgeon may help clarify your diagnosis and treatment options.
Common reasons for a neurosurgeon referral include:
- Ongoing neck or back pain
- Pain travelling into an arm or leg
- Numbness, tingling or weakness
- Sciatica
- A herniated or slipped disc
- Spinal stenosis
- Nerve compression
- Balance or walking difficulties
- Brain tumours or other abnormalities found on imaging
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Hydrocephalus
- Questions about MRI or CT scan results
Sometimes symptoms and scan findings do not match clearly. A neurosurgical assessment can help bring the information together and determine whether the changes seen on imaging are actually responsible for how you feel.
Sydney neurosurgeon appointment
What I assess during your neurosurgeon consultation
Your symptoms and how long you have had them
I will ask where your symptoms are located, what they feel like and whether they travel into your arms or legs. We will also discuss when they started, whether they are changing and what makes them better or worse.
Your medical history
Your medical history can affect both your diagnosis and your treatment options. I will ask about previous conditions, operations, injuries and any other health concerns that may be relevant.
Your MRI, CT or other scans
I review your actual scan images alongside the radiology report. This allows me to see whether the findings match your symptoms and whether there is evidence of nerve, spinal cord or brain compression.
Treatments you have already tried
We will discuss treatments such as physiotherapy, medication, injections, exercise or pain management. Understanding what has and has not helped can guide the next step.
The effect your symptoms are having on daily life
I will ask how your symptoms affect your work, sleep, walking, exercise and everyday activities. This is important because treatment decisions should be based on your quality of life, not only what appears on a scan.
In many cases, the safest and most appropriate option is to continue with physiotherapy, exercise, medication, pain management or observation.
My philosophy is that surgery should not be the first step unless there is a clear reason for it. When an operation is discussed, it is because I believe the likely benefits may outweigh the risks for your individual situation.
Non-surgical spine treatment Sydney
Does seeing a neurosurgeon mean I need surgery?
Being referred to a Sydney neurosurgeon can feel worrying. Many people hear the word “neurosurgeon” and immediately assume they need brain or spine surgery. In reality, that is often not the case.
“As a neurosurgeon in Sydney, my role is to assess, diagnose and treat conditions affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves. Surgery is only one part of neurosurgical care. Many patients who see me are reassured, monitored, referred for rehabilitation or advised to continue non-surgical treatment.”
Dr Shanu Gambhir
Sydney neurosurgeon
Your first appointment is really about understanding what is causing your symptoms and working out the most appropriate next step.
Why your scans are only part of the answer
MRI and CT scans provide valuable information, but they do not tell the whole story.
Many people have disc bulges, narrowing or age-related changes on a scan without experiencing pain. Other people may have significant symptoms even when the changes on imaging appear relatively small.
This is why I do not make recommendations based on the scan alone. I compare the images with your symptoms, medical history and physical examination.
The goal is to identify whether a finding on the scan genuinely explains your problem. Treating an image rather than the person can lead to unnecessary procedures, so this clinical assessment is an important part of your consultation.
What happens when surgery is not recommended?
Many patients feel relieved when they learn that surgery is not necessary.
Depending on your condition, I may recommend:
- Continuing physiotherapy or rehabilitation
- A structured exercise program
- Medication or pain management
- Targeted injections
- Further imaging or nerve tests
- Monitoring your symptoms over time
- Referral to another specialist
Sometimes the most useful outcome of an appointment is reassurance. Understanding that your condition can be managed safely without an operation can give you the confidence to stay active and move forward.
When should I see a Sydney neurosurgeon urgently?
Most neurosurgeon referrals are routine and can be booked within the timeframe advised by your GP.
However, some neurological symptoms require urgent medical attention. Seek immediate assessment if you develop:
- Sudden or rapidly worsening weakness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Numbness around the groin or saddle area
- Rapidly worsening difficulty walking
- A severe head injury
- Sudden problems with speech or consciousness
- A sudden, extremely severe headache
These symptoms should generally be assessed through an emergency department rather than waiting for a routine specialist appointment.
Can I see a neurosurgeon for a second opinion?
Absolutely. Seeking a second opinion is a normal part of healthcare, particularly when brain or spine surgery has been recommended.
A second opinion allows another specialist to review your symptoms, examination findings, scans and proposed treatment. It may confirm the original recommendation, identify another option or provide reassurance that non-surgical treatment remains appropriate.
My aim is to explain your choices clearly, including the expected benefits, limitations and risks of each option. You should never feel pressured into making a decision about surgery.
First neurosurgeon appointment Sydney
What to bring to your neurosurgeon appointment
Being prepared can help you get more value from your appointment.
Please bring your GP referral, radiology reports and the actual MRI or CT images where possible. The written report is useful, but reviewing the images myself allows me to assess the area in detail and compare it with your symptoms.
Consulting at
Level 1, Suite 113
172 Fox Valley Road
Wahroonga NSW 2076
Suite 6.05 / 8
Elizabeth Macarthur Dr
Bella Vista NSW 2153
