As technology continues to advance, modern procedures continue to evolve and researchers continue to unfold the mysteries of the brain, USC University Hospital and the Neurological Surgery Program are well positioned to maintain a leadership role in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with complex neurological conditions.

Broad Range of Treatment Alternatives

USC University Hospital's Neurological Surgery Program offers a comprehensive management program for cerebrovascular diseases. When a broad range of treatment alternatives for cerebrovascular diseases are offered in one setting, physicians are able to consult on each case and decide as a team which aspect of the treatment will be surgical, which will be interventional and when it may be appropriate to include both. This comprehensive treatment approach became possible because of the advent of neurointerventional radiology.

The goal of the Neurological Surgery Program is to become less invasive in its treatments, by using minimally invasive techniques through stereotactic radiosurgery, neurointerventional techniques, or sometimes, no therapy at all, when the risks are greater than the rewards.

To enhance the imaging capabilities of USC University Hospital, physicians use biplane digital angiography equipment. This system allows physicians to perform some of the most complex of neurointerventional procedures.

High Standards of Neurosurgery

Through the Neurological Surgery Program, patients have access to some of the latest techniques in treating a range of conditions, including neurological spine conditions, movement disorders such as multiple sclerosis and Parkinson's disease, peripheral nerve problems and structural brain lesions. In addition, USC University Hospital has been using the Leksell Gamma Knife since 1994 expanding the physicians' ability to treat challenging brain tumors.

• Learn more about the Gamma Knife, a treatment alternative for the management of both benign and malignant brain lesions.
  
• Get the facts on Deep Brain Stimulation, an option for some patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), essential tremor, dystonia and other movement conditions.

Treatment for Spine Disorders

The Neurosurgical Spine Program at USC University Hospital offers surgical treatment of the spine by physicians with training in both neurosurgical and orthopaedic spine surgery. The Program has integrated the knowledge of both disciplines to provide advanced treatment of spine disease. Program specialists have training in minimally invasive procedures, and are knowlegeable at using many modern forms of instrumentation to treat spine-related problems.

The Neurological Spine Program also offers extensive non-surgical treatment options including weight loss, physical therapy, and orthotics.
In conjunction with other USC University Hospital physicians, the spine specialists attempt to treat most cases initially with conservative treatment. In addition, they continually collaborate with colleagues in orthopaedic surgery to manage problems of the entire spine.

Center for Skull Base Surgery

The highly sensitive intracranial area requires the extensive skill and collaborative approach that can be provided by several specialties working in harmony. In 1990, USC University Hospital organized a specialized group of surgeons to work together as a closely coordinated team.

This group includes specialists from the fields of:

• Neurosurgery
• Plastic and reconstructive surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Neuroanesthesia
• Neuropathology
• Neurointerventional radiology
• Neuro-ophthalmology
• Radiosurgery

The integration of this broad range of experts allows the USC University Hospital Center for Skull Base Surgery to offer a comprehensive, multi-specialty program to manage complicated skull base lesions.

Expertise in Pituitary Tumors

The Neurological Surgery Program at USC University Hospital utilizes its advanced technology and research abilities to treat patients both surgically and medically.

The majority of pituitary tumors are benign. There are, however, two primary reasons to consider treatment:

• First, these lesions may secrete too much of the hormone which can cause damage or create abnormalities.
• Second, the tumor itself may grow large enough to compress brain structures, most commonly the optic nerve, causing visual loss.

In deciding whether a medical or surgical approach would be more beneficial for a patient with a pituitary tumor, the USC University Hospital neurology staff determines whether the patient can tolerate medication, or if the tumor has continued to grow while the patient was taking medication. This initial determination is crucial because once medication is started, it must be taken for life.

Advanced Technology Provides Treatment Alternative

With the acquisition of the Gamma Knife, USC University Hospital continues its leadership role in providing treatment alternatives to patients with arteriovenous malformations (AVMs), as well as brain tumors that are considered inoperable or difficult to completely remove.

USC University Hospital offers both Gamma Knife and linear accelerator to treat structural brain lesions. This combination offers options for both patient and physicians since many of brain lesions can be treated with the Gamma Knife while those that are large or remote from the brain may be treated with the linear accelerator.

Comprehensive Rehabilitation Program

Following treatment, the USC University Hospital Rehabilitation Program team develops a plan of care to meet each individual's specific needs, starting with assessment, education and a customized therapeutic program.

The specially trained rehabilitation team includes a rehabilitation physician, occupational, physical and recreational therapists, rehabilitation nurse specialist, case managers, and medical-social workers who join together to help patients recover to their maximum potential.

For more information

The professionals at the Neurological Surgery Program will meet with patients, discuss their medical condition and help them make an informed decision about the many treatment options available. The Program team is available to answer any questions. To contact us, call 1-888-700-5700.

Related Link: http://www.usc.edu/schools/medicine/departments/neurological_surgery/index.html