Neurology & Neurosurgery

Minimally Invasive Brain and Spine Surgery

We use minimally invasive neurosurgical approaches whenever possible to treat cerebrovascular disorders, brain and spine tumors and other spine disorders, and certain movement disorders.  Advances in neurosurgery continue to bring innovative solutions for minimizing pain and risk, both in the minimally invasive surgical procedures and in their outcomes which improve patients’ lives.

Brain Cancer Treatment Based on Tumor Biology

The doctors in our Brain Tumor Centers use advanced techniques to treat primary and metastatic tumors that are newly diagnosed as well as cancers that came back after treatment. Through our precision medicine program, our physicians analyze the biology of your tumor and aim to choose treatments that target the molecular signals driving the growth of your cancer. Our neurosurgeons have exceptional experience removing brain tumors safely, using minimally invasive brain tumor surgery whenever possible; for example, they can remove some skull base tumors through the nostrils. We also offer pinpoint stereotactic radiation therapy, the latest chemotherapy drugs, and access to clinical trials.

Internationally Recognized Spine Expertise

NewYork-Presbyterian has one of America's premier programs for the care of neck and spine disorders, from the most common to the most complex. Our world-class spine experts have cared for people with some of the rarest and most difficult-to-treat conditions in the world — including scoliosis and other spine deformities, cervical (neck) spine problems, herniated discs, spinal stenosis and spondylolisthesis, spine trauma, vertebral fractures due to osteoporosis, spinal tumors, and congenital spine abnormalities. They work as a team to restore mobility, function, and quality of life to children and adults of all ages.

• Our physiatrists are experts in interventional treatments for spine pain, such as radiofrequency ablation for spine arthritis, spine and joint injections, nerve blocks, and intrathecal pump therapy (medications given into the spinal canal).
• If you need spine surgery, our internationally renowned orthopedic surgeons and neurosurgeons perform minimally invasive techniques wherever appropriate, including robotic spine surgery.
• Our doctors are also renowned for performing complex spinal deformity surgery with extraordinary precision. We can often treat people whose spinal disorders are considered too complex by other doctors. Our use of computer-assisted 3D spinal navigation surgery optimizes the safety and accuracy of everything we do in the operating room, such as the precise placement of screws and instruments.

Expertise in Hard-to-Treat Epilepsy

NewYork-Presbyterian’s epilepsy experts care for patients of all ages—particularly people with difficult-to-control (intractable) seizures. We have two Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Centers, as designated by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers — the highest rank possible. We use the most advanced testing available to assess brain function and pinpoint the type, number, and location of seizures in your brain. If your epilepsy cannot be controlled with medication, our epilepsy surgeons offer vagus nerve stimulation (the implantation of a small pacemaker-like device that sends electrical signals to control seizures); responsive neurostimulation (a device placed in the skull to control seizures in the brain); minimally invasive laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) or stereotactic radiosurgery (to destroy the brain tissue where seizures are occurring); and traditional surgery to remove the area of the brain where seizures arise. Our neurosurgeons have advanced the use of brain mapping technologies that allow them to remove abnormal tissue in the brain without disturbing areas responsible for vital functions such as speech, memory, and movement.

Working to Slow the Progression of Memory Disorders

We have special expertise evaluating and treating Alzheimer's disease and related memory disorders. We offer advanced neuro-imaging services and testing to make an accurate diagnosis. Once we identify the cause of dementia, your doctors determine the best course of treatment — including the latest medications to treat your symptoms. We are known for our expertise performing surgery for normal pressure hydrocephalus, a reversible disorder that can cause dementia. Our doctors also address risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease that can be changed, such as diet and exercise, at the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine — the first of its kind on the country.

A World Leader in the Care of Movement Disorders

NewYork-Presbyterian cares for one of the world's largest populations of patients with Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, and other movement disorders such as ataxia, dystonia, atypical Parkinson's ("Parkinson's Plus"), Tourette's syndrome, and tremor. Our movement disorders programs are among the oldest and largest in the world. Our neurosurgeons are among the most experienced in the country offering deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease, dystonia, Tourette's syndrome, and tremor. A small device acts like a pacemaker for your brain, reducing your symptoms. NewYork-Presbyterian is one of the busiest and most prestigious centers offering DBS and was one of the first centers to use this technology.