Newswise — The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is seeking stories from neurosurgical patients to be submitted electronically on the newly launched online Patient Story Submissions page at http://www.neurosurgerytoday.org/what/patientstory/. The goal of this initiative is to help educate people about the role of the neurosurgeon in treating a wide range of medical conditions and diseases.

This initiative is phase two of ongoing Web site improvements the AANS has implemented over the last two years on http://www.NeurosurgeryToday.org. The section entitled Conditions & Treatments has been completely revised and updated. The most up-to-date information is provided on 50 neurosurgical conditions and diseases. Included are essential components such as prevalence and incidence statistics, risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. In addition, there are color fact sheets available under Patient Safety Tips.

Have you or a family member undergone successful surgery to treat Parkinson's disease, congenital deformities, hydrocephalus, tumors of the central nervous system, low back or neck pain, stroke, cerebral aneurysms, head injuries, or any of the many other conditions treated by neurosurgeons? If so, consider submitting your story and help the AANS reach out to the public. Parents may submit stories on behalf of their children, and family members may submit stories on behalf of immediate relatives.

Submissions will be subject to editorial review by a panel of neurosurgeon experts. Patients whose stories ultimately get posted on the Web site will receive a small honorarium as a token of appreciation. Accepted stories may also be featured in press releases during Neurosurgery Awareness Week, Neurosurgery Outreach Month, or other public awareness campaigns. To view past stories that have been posted, visit http://www.neurosurgerytoday.org/what/neurosurgical_patient_stories.asp.

Founded in 1931 as the Harvey Cushing Society, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is a scientific and educational association with more than 6,800 members worldwide. The AANS is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to provide the highest quality of neurosurgical care to the public. All active members of the AANS are certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Neurosurgery) of Canada or the Mexican Council of Neurological Surgery, AC. Neurological surgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of disorders that affect the entire nervous system, including the spinal column, spinal cord, brain, and peripheral nerves.