Neurosciences
Department of Neurosurgery at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
The Department of Neurosurgery is one of the nation's leaders in surgery for nervous system disorders in adults and children. This includes brain tumors, blood vessel aneurysms, birth defects, epilepsy, pain, craniosynostosis and hydrocephalus. The department also treats cranial-based tumors such as acoustic neuromas, schwannomas, meningiomas and pituitary tumors, and trigeminal neuralgia (extreme facial pain).
The department also treats cranial-based tumors such as pituitary tumors, congenital craniofacial deformities, microvascular nerve compression syndromes, cranial extensions of head and neck cancers, acoustic neuromas, chordomas and other tumors of the skull base.
Our specialists use the latest imaging technology to do surgery on brain and cranial-based tumors. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is on the leading edge of this field. This process maps the brain structure and function, helping surgeons see vital areas of the brain. Advanced surgical microscopes and instruments are used to remove tumors.
Cedars-Sinai was the first medical center on the West Coast to offer a radiation technology that destroys brain tumors. This approach causes little damage to healthy brain tissue and no discomfort to the patient. We also offer the full range of radiosurgery (surgery that uses radiation) options.
The Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute's research gives our patients entry to the latest treatments. Indeed, due to the efforts of the Institute, there is hope that a vaccine may be able to destroy brain tumors.
The Department of Neurosurgery also treats epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, drug-induced dyskinesias, dystonias and atypical tremors that don't respond to traditional treatment. Each patient is given a tailored treatment plan that takes a holistic approach to his or her care and condition. Both medical and surgical options are considered.
Several new, less invasive methods are also available. Patients with rigidity or akinesia may gain from pallidotomy. Patients with tremors may be suited for thalamotomy. In both cases, the surgeon puts a special frame on the patient's head. This targets the surgical area and gives a three-dimensional image. It's an imaging capability only available at Cedars-Sinai.
Cedars-Sinai Spine Center
The Cedars-Sinai Spine Center is dedicated to diagnosing and treating neck, back and lower back spinal problems. A team of neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, spine rehabilitation specialists and others look at each patient's case to find best treatment.
The Cedars-Sinai Spine Center offers many innovations. These range from surgery to acupuncture, pain management, underwater treadmills and others to find the right solution for each patient. We bring together all disciplines and the latest research findings.
The center is one of top centers in the United States where minimally invasive spine surgery is done using image-guided robotics. Such methods help ease a patient's pain and increase mobility, allowing a faster and better recovery.
The Cedars-Sinai Spine Center is one of the few programs in the United States that does endoscopic scoliosis surgery, a minimally invasive approach that gives better results and faster recovery. The center also uses bone morphogenic protein treatment to grow bones and make them stable after surgery.
Among the research studies at Cedars-Sinai is a clinical trial of an artificial disk. Cedars-Sinai Medical Center is the only center on the West Coast taking part in this study. Additionally, the center uses kyphoplasty to treat disc infections and compression fractures caused by osteoporosis.
Neurology
The Department of Neurology at Cedars-Sinai offer diagnostic services, surgery, physical therapies and rehabilitation for patients with many types of disorders. These include brain tumors, neurovascular diseases (i.e., involving both nervous and blood vessel systems), functional disorders, strokes, trauma and other conditions.
Cedars-Sinai's Department of Neurology has a number of programs and centers. These include the Parkinson's Research and Treatment Center, the Multiple Sclerosis Center, the Muscular Dystrophy Center, the Epilepsy Program and the Neurophysiology Laboratory.
Neurology is at the frontier of nerve research. What is being learned in the laboratory is rapidly applied to the needs of patients. Cedars-Sinai is actively researching Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. In addition, research is being done to use stems cells to regenerate nerve growth. We're also working to identify the genetic causes of neurological disease to develop better treatments. In addition, we're looking for new ways to break through the body's natural barriers to improve how drugs are absorbed. The Department of Neurology also studies medical genetics and cancer-related conditions.
