Department of Neurosurgery

Advanced treatment for complex conditions of the brain and spine

We understand the fear, stress and worry that comes with finding out you may need brain surgery. When you choose Henry Ford Health for neurosurgery, you are in capable and caring hands. We’ll work together to design a treatment plan that’s best for you.

Leaders in the field, our neurosurgeons are among the most experienced in the nation, treating and managing the most serious and complex conditions of the brain and spine. Our comprehensive neurosurgery program is known throughout Michigan and the Midwest, offering patients access to the most advanced treatment options and innovative procedures available.

Neurosurgery at Henry Ford: Why choose us?

Henry Ford is home to highly skilled neurosurgeons with advanced fellowship training and decades of experience treating conditions like brain tumors, epilepsy and spinal disorders. We stay current on the latest research and often have a hand in developments that make neurosurgery safer and more precise. 

Our neurosurgery services cover a broad range of conditions affecting the brain, blood vessels, nerves, neck, skull and spine. When standard treatments have not brought you relief, surgery may offer hope for healing. Our team approach brings together specialists from many areas who work together for your care. Find out more about:

• Conditions our neurosurgeons treat
• Neurosurgical treatments

Innovative neurosurgery services

Henry Ford is often the first in the region to offer new care methods and treatments. Our established history of neurosurgery innovation means you can count on us for exceptional results and a focus on safety.

We were early adopters of many advanced procedures and treatments, including:

• Intraoperative MRI, provides images during brain tumor procedures without leaving the operating room
• Laser ablation, a minimally invasive technique for tumors and epilepsy
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices for epilepsy and movement disorders that do not respond to standard therapies
• Minimally invasive robotic surgery for back and spine issues
• Pivotal clinical trials, such as responsive neurostimulation (RNS) for specific types of epilepsy
• Robotic-assisted surgery for placing wires (electrodes) for epilepsy monitoring and implantable devices like RNS and DBS
• Unique approach for normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) evaluation that rules out other possible causes of symptoms

Our team approach to treating conditions affecting the brain, skull, nerves and spine

At Henry Ford, our team approach means you benefit from the coordinated recommendations of multiple specialists. We work together to determine how surgery fits into your care plan and develop a personalized approach to meet your individual needs. Our team takes time to get to know you and answers questions early in the process so that surgery day is a little less stressful.

In addition to your surgeon, your care team may include:

• Neuropsychologists, who assess the effects of neurologic conditions on thinking and memory
• Neuroradiologists, who evaluate brain imaging studies
• Neuro-intensive care specialists, to monitor your recovery after surgery in our Neuro ICU
• Nurses, to assist specialists in keeping your care moving forward
• Researchers, who can explain clinical trial opportunities
• Physiatrists, physical medicine doctors who specialize in the musculoskeletal system, to help with recovery and function

We also work closely with specialists from our:

• Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
• Headache and Facial Pain Center
• Hermelin Brain Tumor Center
• Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) Clinic
• Pain Center
• Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Center
• Stroke Center and Cerebrovascular Occlusions Clinic
• Skull Base, Pituitary and Endoscopy Center

Neurosurgery research

Neurosurgery research at Henry Ford is advancing the field. Our research scientists receive funding from the National Institutes of Health and other top government funding sources. We also lead national clinical trials testing the next generation of implantable devices for epilepsy, headaches and Parkinson’s disease. These are some of our many neurosurgery research interests.

Second opinions and patient referrals

Neurosurgeons on our team welcome the opportunity to evaluate and treat patients who are new to Henry Ford.

• Second opinions: We offer easy access and thorough evaluations to determine whether surgery is right for you and the type of procedure you need. Insurance typically covers second opinions.
• Patient referrals: Neurosurgeons are available to help guide patient care for physicians who wish to continue managing their patients’ nonsurgical treatment. We can also take over your patient’s care and provide regular updates to keep you informed. Get more information for medical professionals.