Neurosurgery

Halifax Health neurosurgeons are the leaders in the development of several innovative and patented new techniques for the treatment of brain and spinal cord injuries and strokes, as well as spine surgery with motion preservation.

Halifax Health Medical Center is the only trauma center in area with neurosurgery coverage, involving the critical care team, ICP, EEG and invasive monitoring for head injury patients.

Halifax Health Neurosurgeons have one of the best surgical outcomes in central Florida for the treatment of spinal herniated discs and degeneration (Healthgrade Study results). Spinal surgery for a herniated disc or stenosis from a bone spur can be undertaken using either microsurgical or minimally invasive techniques. Many patients needing spinal reconstruction or fusion for extensive spine degeneration can now also have these procedures undertaken using minimally invasive techniques with small incisions, less pain, and faster recovery times.

Halifax Health neurosurgeons in conjunction with radiation oncologist are the only providers in the area for stereotactic radiosurgery treatment which is also known as "incisionless brain and spine surgery". Stereotatic radiosurgery is used for the treatment of brain tumors, spine tumors, vascular malformations, and trigeminal neuralgia (facial pain).

Halifax Health has the areas only neurosurgical operating rooms equipped with the most advanced equipment. These include:

1. Brain Lab Navigation system which allows for very precise anatomical localization during surgery for brain tumors or spinal instrumentation,
2. Concentric C-arm fluoroscopy system which allows for real time computed tomography quality imaging during the surgical procedure,
3. State of the art microscopes capable of integrating intra-operative navigation and fluorescent imaging of brain tumors which have been tagged with antibodies to allow for resection of tumors that previously could not be seen,
4. Neuro-endoscope with robotic arm which allows brain surgery through a "key-hole" minimally invasive approach.

Neurosurgeons at Halifax Health are performing numerous surgical procedures including:

Spine Procedures:

• Micro discectomies
• Minimally invasive laminectomies
• Spinal fusions, including minimally invasive fusion and instrumentation procedures of the lumbar spine
• Surgical treatment of spine fractures
• Surgical treatment of spine tumors, including reconstructive procedures
• Congenital and acquired cervico-occipital junction abnormalities
• Cervical discectomy, laminectomy and fusion procedures
• Lumbar and cervical artificial disc placement (Patient Story below)

Spinal cord procedures:

• Syringomyelia
• Spinal cord tumors

Brain and cranial surgery:

• Stereotactic Microsurgery for Cerebral AVMs and Aneurysms
• Stereotactic Radiosurgery for AVMs
• Revascularization of the Blood Supply
• Skull lesions
• Brain tumor biopsy and resection including stereotactic procedures
• Intracranial hemorrhages
• Ventriculoperitoneal shunt for hydrocephalus
• Pituitary transphenoidal tumor resection
• Sub-occipital decompression for Chiari Malformation
• Head trauma related surgery including cranial reconstruction
• Carotid Endarterectomy

Peripheral nerve procedures:

• Carpal tunnel release
• Ulnar nerve decompression
• Surgical treatment of peripheral nerve injuries
• Peripheral nerve tumors

Patient Testimonial

Halifax Health Offers New Treatment for Neck Pain

Albert Pagliari, a 54-year-old lieutenant in the Volusia County Sheriff's office, did not know what was causing his neck and shoulder pain — but the discomfort was severe.

"My one relief was holding my arm above my head," Pagliari said. "I ate pain pills like candy and still could only get about two hours of sleep a night."

He thought he might have pulled a muscle. But when the pain progressed down his arm and he lost feeling in two fingers, he went to see William Kuhn, MD, who recommended an artificial disc replacement. Dr. Kuhn is the only neurosurgeon at Halifax Health certified to perform this new procedure.

"After surgery, the pain was gone," Pagliari said. "I didn't have to go to rehab or wear a brace or really even restrict my activities."

Signs of Damaged Discs

The cervical discs are the delicate bone cushions in the neck. They can be damaged by trauma or disease, which may cause:

• Pain
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms and hands
• Incontinence
• Trouble walking

Before disc replacement, cervical disc disease was often treated with fusion, a process that involves securing the spinal bones to each other for support. Pain may be relieved, but natural motion may be lost. In addition, nearby discs may be placed under greater stress, resulting in additional symptoms or the need for further surgery.

The Artificial Disc Advantage

Artificial disc replacement, on the other hand, can help preserve neck motion and offer patients long-term pain relief, according to Dr. Kuhn.

An artificial disc consists of a two-part stainless steel implant. People younger than 65 who have only one damaged disc are potential candidates.

Following his disc replacement, Pagliari has been pain-free and regaining strength. "If you are a candidate for this procedure," he said, "go for it."