ORANGE PARK, Fla. – The brain and spinal cord control nearly every function of the human body, and doctors say it doesn’t take much for an injury to change a life forever.
From traumatic accidents to degenerative conditions, a local neurosurgeon is sharing the simple steps people can take to help protect themselves.
Dr. Grzegorz Brzezicki, a neuroendovascular surgeon at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital, says his team regularly treats patients across a wide range of neurological cases.
“We do take care of a lot of trauma patients, both head injuries and spinal injuries,” Brzezicki said.
While the titles may sound similar, Brzezicki outlined a key distinction between a neurosurgeon and a neurologist: a neurosurgeon performs operations, while a neurologist uses non-surgical methods, but both specialists treat the same conditions, including injuries and disorders affecting the brain, neck, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
E-bike injuries on the rise
From sports injuries to workplace accidents, Brzezicki sees a wide range of patients at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital. Lately, however, he’s noticing a troubling trend.
“Recently, we see a lot of e-bike injuries, which are very common unfortunately,” Brzezicki said. “People do not realize that those devices can go very fast and they cause a lot of injuries if they’re not operated in a responsible manner.”
That increase isn’t limited to the Jacksonville area. Brzezicki says the spike in e-bike-related injuries is being seen across the country, and that taking proper precautions could be life-saving.
“Wearing a helmet, obeying speed limits, driving safely,” he said.
Robotic surgery
Advances in technology are also bringing new optimism to the field of neurosurgery.
Brzezicki says he’s particularly excited about one emerging area of innovation.
“I think I’m mostly excited about the new developments in computer-brain interface,” he said. “I think that’s probably our best chance to try to help the patients with complete spinal cord injuries. We’ve been trying different approaches in research, trying to give stem cells to the injury of the spinal cord.”
Prevention over treatment
When it comes to everyday health, Brzezicki’s message is straightforward: preventing injuries is always better than treating them.
He encourages athletes to practice and play the right way, and to be thoughtful about physical risks.
“Unfortunately, over time some of these degenerative conditions can appear, but definitely staying fit, staying active is going to help,” Brzezicki said.
For more information on HCA Florida’s neurosurgery and spine treatments in Jacksonville, visit hcafloridaphysicians.com.