Our neurosurgeons are trained in the full scope of cranial surgery. While spinal care is our primary practice emphasis, we continue to evaluate and treat select cranial conditions — bringing the same board-certified expertise to every case.
Neuroscience Specialists has been a comprehensive neurosurgical practice since 1948. Our surgeons hold board certification in neurological surgery and are trained in cranial procedures alongside our primary focus in spinal surgery. For patients with cranial diagnoses, we offer thorough evaluation, honest assessment of whether surgery is indicated, and — when it is — highly skilled operative care.
We believe in clarity: if your condition is better served by another specialist or a major academic center, we will tell you that. When we can help, we bring the same precision and conservative philosophy we apply to every case in our practice.
This information is for general educational purposes. Please consult one of our physicians to discuss your specific condition and treatment options.
Chiari malformation occurs when brain tissue — specifically the cerebellar tonsils — extends into the spinal canal, disrupting normal cerebrospinal fluid flow and placing pressure on the brainstem. Surgical decompression is the definitive treatment for symptomatic Chiari malformation when conservative management has failed or when neurological deficits are present.
The procedure enlarges the space at the back of the skull and upper cervical spine to relieve compression and restore normal CSF circulation. When associated with syringomyelia (a fluid-filled cavity within the spinal cord), successful decompression often leads to gradual resolution of the syrinx.
Microvascular decompression (MVD) is a surgical treatment for cranial nerve pain syndromes caused by compression of a nerve by a blood vessel near the brainstem. It is most commonly performed for trigeminal neuralgia — one of the most severe pain conditions known — and is also used for hemifacial spasm. MVD offers the highest long-term cure rates of any treatment for these conditions.
A small opening is made behind the ear, the offending blood vessel is identified under the operative microscope, and a small cushion is placed between the vessel and the nerve to permanently relieve the compression. MVD avoids the facial numbness associated with percutaneous procedures and is appropriate for healthy patients who have failed medical therapy.
Brain tumor surgery — craniotomy for tumor resection — involves opening the skull to access, biopsy, or remove a tumor affecting the brain. The goal varies by tumor type: benign tumors may be curable with complete resection, while malignant tumors require a multidisciplinary approach that includes surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Safe maximal resection is the surgical objective in most cases.
Our surgeons evaluate patients with intracranial masses — including meningiomas, metastatic lesions, and other accessible brain tumors — and perform resections when surgery is the appropriate next step. Complex or high-grade primary brain tumors may warrant referral to a neuro-oncology center for combined care.
Our team will review your imaging, give you an honest evaluation, and help you understand your options.