Like a Surgeon
There is a popular, but unkind, saying that the neurosurgeon knows nothing and does everything; the neurologist know everything and does nothing, and the psychiatrist knows nothing and does nothing. This saying, although good for a joke, does not reflect reality. Neurologists and psychiatrists both use drugs. Neurosurgeons have tremendous amounts of knowledge. Unfortunately psychosurgery has been a disaster.
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This illustration shows a superficial dissection of the brainstem. Surgery in this area is extremely dangerous because of the risk of permanent damage. Surgery in the frontal lobes is not as risky.
This is a dorsal view of a dissection of the brainstem.
This figure shows the superior terminations of nerve fibers. The anatomical term "superior" refers to "upper". The term "dorsal" refers to the back. Thus the dorsal fin in a shark is seen above water. Nerve fibers perform the valuable function of neurotransmission. This is done with the aid of neurotransmitters. There are many neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin, etc.
This is a transverse section.
This is a section of the medulla oblongata. The olive is seen.
This is a ventral view of a deep dissection of the brainstem.
Sometimes this is the way the patient views the surgeon.
This is the medication as seen by the doctor.
This is the medication as seen by the patient.
There are a number of problems associated with medication, including drug side effects, patient abuse of medication (such as an overdose), drug interactions, etc. A drug can even interact with certain foods.