"Ten Neurosurgical Thoughts "

Dr. Bassam Hadi

Neurosurgeons are either "committed or need to be committed," Dr. Bassam Hadi laughingly explained to Rotarians, because those are the only kinds of people that survive the grueling 7 year residency required to become one. As a result of the 100 to 120 hour weeks and being at the beck and call of all other physicians, Dr. Hadi says neurosurgeons tend to have "an unusual look on life."

Here are Dr. Hadi's informative, yet entertaining, Ten Rules of Neurosurgery

Rule #1 "You only use 30% of your brain." "We can lop out whole portions of the brain and you'll still be fine," he said. As long as certain critical areas, which control speech, for example, are not affected. The left side of the brain is the worst side to have injured.

Rules #2 and #3 "If you are going to fall, fall on your face." Dr. Hadi said falling on your face saves the brain. The bones in your face can be fixed, which is not always the case with the brain. Also, "Buy all your enemies ATV's and motorcycles because they won't be around long." Dr. Hadi said these are "death machines." Do not put your children on them.

Rule #4 "Neurosurgery and Pediatrics don't mix." Dr. Hadi said he never, ever gives up on kids, but he doesn't like to perform surgeries on children because it is "heart wrenching" work.

Rule #5 "If you have a headache, don't take an aspirin." If you have a blood clot or aneurysm, an aspirin will make the bleeding worse. Take a Tylenol, instead. An aneurysm is one of the most devastating things that can happen to the brain. If you, or someone you know, has a sudden and very severe headache, go to the ER immediately.

Rule #6 "If the neurosurgeon is coming to speak with you in the ER, it's never good." Chances are you, or a loved one, have a serious brain or spinal injury.

Rule #7 "Horses and trampolines are expensive toys in more than ways than one." Being thrown from either one can lead to devastating head and neck injuries.

Rule #8 "Thinking of playing football? How about basketball instead?" Football players are the most likely of all athletes to suffer neck and back injuries. A whopping 83% of spinal cord injuries are suffered by high school football players. He cautioned that gymnasts are also at risk. Dr. Hadi said he can't "fix" spinal cords, which are not as forgiving as the brain. You may use only 30% of your brain, but you use 99% of your spinal cord, and there is no margin for error. He added that diving accidents are also a common cause of injuries, especially in the summer. You need twice your height in water level to prevent injuries while diving. To be on safe side, just stay home and eat a Twinkie, he joked.

Rule #9 "Neurosurgeons never have back surgery." Dr. Hadi said he didn't know a single neurosurgeon who had a lumbar fusion. He said this surgery is "overdone" and should only be considered if you have a loss of physical function. The affects post-surgery will be probably be worse than the pain pre-surgery.

Rule #10 "All neurosurgeons are in some fashion dysfunctional. "We're a strange group of people," he said. "Keep that mind when you talk with us."