As neurosurgeons who have been trained to have an intimate knowledge of the workings of the nervous system, we bring a better understanding of the causes and treatments of pain.

Learn more about our different types of procedures, research and program development.

Spine surgery

A conservative approach, combined with a skill set unique to spinal trained neurosurgeons with many years of experience, makes us the “go to” physicians for patients dealing with spinal problems. We work with physical therapists, chiropractors, rehabilitation physicians and pain management physicians to formulate individualized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique anatomy and symptoms.

Collaborating with all care providers and departments in the hospital to create and improve processes, we are focused on superior outcomes and patient experiences in spine care. Being the neurosurgeons of choice for our fellow physicians and community leaders is affirmation of our skill and dedication.

Stereotactic radiosurgery

Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) is a distinct discipline that utilizes ionizing radiation to inactivate or eradicate defined target(s) in the head or spine without the need to make an incision. The target is defined by high-resolution CT and MRI imaging. To assure quality of patient care the procedure involves a multidisciplinary team consisting of a neurosurgeon, radiation oncologist, and medical physicist. SRS can be performed in a single session, but may be performed in up to a maximum of five sessions. Technologies that are used to perform SRS include a linear accelerator, robotics and real time image-guidance. Learn more about this procedure and technology.

Epilepsy surgery

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that causes recurring seizures. Causes include brain injury, brain tumors, vascular malformations and abnormal brain development. When medical therapy is ineffective, surgery can be an option. We have a weekly multidisciplinary epilepsy conference with various sub specialists to determine best surgical options for patients.

Brain surgery includes resection of the abnormal part or disconnecting the seizure area from normal; a grid and electrodes are often inserted to monitor seizure discharges before surgery is undertaken to remove the abnormal area. Sometimes the surgery is done while the patient is awake so that speech and other functions can be mapped out. If a specific area of abnormality is not found, a vagal nerve stimulator can be inserted in the neck as an outpatient procedure.

Neuro-oncology

ABS has lead the effort in developing a comprehensive neuro-oncology program rivaling that of the major medical institutions in the US. We have developed a multidisciplinary conference to review and recommend treatment for patients suffering from major cancer diagnoses of the brain and spine. Comprised of fellowship-trained specialists in neuro-oncology, pathology, radiation oncology, and surgery, our team works to design treatment plans individualized for each patient.

Our outreach program has participated with various organizations such as Head for a Cure, Livestrong Cancer program, MDAnderson, and The University of Texas. To explore the frontiers in brain and spine cancer treatment, we host academic symposia on current and future therapeutics. Aligned with world-renowned neuro-oncologists, we participate in a Phase I study for malignant brain tumors. We additionally work closely with other head and neck surgeons to provide combined, multispecialty and endoscopic surgical treatments for complex and rare diseases.

Research and Program Development

At Austin Brain & Spine, our goal is to treat every patient like he or she is a friend or family member. To this end, we believe in advancing the field of neurosurgery by participating in research protocols and consulting with companies who are developing new technologies to better serve our patients.

A list of our accomplishments in research and program development includes the following:

Research

  • Principal Investigator for LDR Spine’s Mobi-C one- and two-level Cervical Artificial Disc study. Mobi-C was approved by the FDA in August, 2013.
  • Principal Investigator for NIH STTR Phase 1/2 Fastrack grant to assess the development of a hydrogel polymer film which reduces unwanted scarring.
  • Participation in the Missy Project to analyze rates of aneurysm occurrence in the general population.

Program Development

  • St. David’s Neuro-oncology Program Chairperson
  • St. David’s Spine Committee Co-Chairperson

Please contact our office to talk with one of our neurosurgical specialists.