Who’s in your team?
Which health professionals will I see?
If your GP or another doctor suspects you have a brain or spinal cord tumour, they will arrange the first tests to investigate your symptoms. You may then be referred to a neurologist, neurosurgeon or oncologist who will examine you and may do more tests and advise you about your treatment options.
You will be cared for by a range of health professionals who specialise in different aspects of your treatment (called multidisciplinary care). Your team will probably include some or all of the following health professionals.
| Clinical Nurse Specialist | Registered nurses who are clinical experts within their speciality. Some DHB’s may offer a CNS that specialise in brain tumours. |
| Medical Oncologist | Diagnoses and treats people with tumours, mainly using chemotherapy |
| Neurologist | Diagnoses and treats diseases of the brain and nervous system, particularly those not requiring surgery |
| Neuropsychiatrist | A medical doctor who has trained in the field of psychiatry and has a special interest in the behaviour and psychological effects of neurological diseases or injury to the brain |
| Neuropsychologist | Provides assessment and treatment for people who have problems with memory, thinking and reasoning, or with anxiety and depression |
| Neuropathologist | Specialises in examining brain cells and identifying them. |
| Neurosurgeon | Diagnoses and surgically treats diseases and injuries of the brain and nervous system. |
| Oncology nurses | Specialise in the care of patients with cancer. |
| Physiotherapist | Works with people to help restore movement, mobility and normal body function. A physiotherapist who specialises in treating people with neurological conditions is called a neurophysiotherapist. |
| Radiation Oncologist | Specialises in the use of radiation in the treatment of cancer. |
| Registrars and house surgeons | Hospital doctors who work as part of your team delivering your care. |
| Registered nurses | Assess, treat, care for and support patients in hospitals, clinics, and their homes. |
| Social worker | Aims to improve the patient’s social situation and can arrange access to government services such as Work and Income. |