UCLA Health Westwood Neurosurgery Services: Comprehensive Neurological Care

UCLA Health Westwood Neurosurgery Services offers comprehensive and advanced care for a wide range of neurological conditions. With nationally recognized clinicians, cutting-edge technology, and a patient-centered approach, UCLA Health is a leading destination for neurosurgical care. This article explores the services, programs, treatments, and expert team that make UCLA Health a distinguished provider in the field of neurosurgery.

Nationally Recognized Clinicians and Comprehensive Care

UCLA Health neurosurgeons are leaders in their respective fields, with several consistently ranked among the “Best Doctors in America” by the American Health Council. Many researchers and scientists are also recognized leaders in clinical neuroscience and neurobiology. This expertise ensures patients receive the highest level of care. The collaboration with subspecialists in neurology, critical care, and other areas allows UCLA Health to offer targeted, comprehensive care. This team approach is crucial for addressing the complexities of neurological conditions.

Holistic Support and Advanced Services

UCLA Health aims to make the experience as smooth and stress-free as possible for patients and their families. The Peer Support Program connects individuals with former patients or family members who have had similar treatment journeys, providing invaluable emotional support and guidance.

Advanced neuroimaging options and a neurosurgical intensive care unit (ICU) equipped with advanced brain monitoring technology are available. Specialized neuroendovascular suites enable the provision of advanced treatments. UCLA Health neurosurgeons are leaders in clinical research, pioneering new minimally invasive approaches for removing tumors, offering better visualization, freedom of movement, and improved chances of complete tumor removal.

Convenient Locations and Options

To ensure accessibility, some neurologists rotate through outpatient locations outside of Westwood and Santa Monica, bringing world-class care closer to home. Telemedicine (video visit) consultations and remote second opinion appointments are also conveniently available.

Neurosurgery Programs at UCLA Health

UCLA Health neurosurgeons offer their services through multiple centers and programs, including:

Brain Tumor Center: A leading center in the world for brain tumor diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Cerebrovascular Program: Treats a high number of patients with complex cerebrovascular conditions, partnering with industry experts to develop and test the latest tools for cerebrovascular care.
Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery Program: Leaders in adult and pediatric epilepsy treatment for over 30 years, with a high success rate in achieving seizure freedom after surgical treatment.
Pediatric Neurosurgery: Uses advanced, research-driven treatments for children with neurologic disorders, including scoliosis, hydrocephalus, and craniosynostosis.
Peripheral Nerve Program: Cares for patients with complex peripheral nerve conditions, including brachial plexus and peripheral nerve injuries.
Pituitary and Skull Base Tumor Program: An experienced pituitary tumor treatment team collaborates with endocrinologists, neuropathologists, and other specialists to provide coordinated care.
Spine Center: Uses state-of-the-art techniques to treat Chiari malformations, syringomyelia, and a range of spinal disorders, collaborating closely with orthopaedic specialists.

Neurosurgical Critical Care

UCLA Health works closely with the critical care team to treat patients who need emergency neurosurgery. Critical care programs include:

Brain Injury Program: A full team of specialists cares for patients in the neurological ICU, providing critical care for all types of brain injuries, including stroke and spinal cord injuries.
Edie Baskin Bronson and Richard Skip Bronson CBF Laboratory: Uses the latest tools to diagnose conditions that affect blood flow in the brain, with portable equipment for use in the neurological ICU.
Neurocritical Care Program: Neurocritical care specialists use advanced technology to diagnose and treat critically ill patients with neurological conditions.
UCLA Steve Tisch BrainSPORT Program: Researches, treats, and raises awareness about traumatic brain injury (TBI), evaluating and treating patients who have experienced a concussion.

Brain and Spine Conditions Treated

UCLA Health neurosurgeons specialize in treating a variety of brain and spine conditions, including:

Brain tumors: Growths that occur in or near the brain.
Chiari malformations: When brain tissue presses through the base of the skull and extends into the spinal canal.
Epilepsy: A disorder that causes recurring seizures.
Hemifacial spasm: A neuromuscular disorder that causes involuntary twitches in one side of the face.
Pituitary tumors and skull base tumors: Tumors that grow near the base of the skull, possibly in the pituitary gland or near the optic nerve.
Stroke: An emergency interruption of blood flow in the brain.
TBI: A sudden injury that disrupts brain function.

Neurosurgery Treatments Offered

UCLA Health neurosurgeons perform a range of surgeries, including:

Brain bleed stoppage: Emergency surgery to stop bleeding and relieve pressure in the brain.
Brain tumor resection: Removing as much of a brain tumor as possible while keeping healthy tissue intact.
Carotid endarterectomy: Removing plaque from arteries to reduce the risk of stroke.
Craniotomy: Temporarily removing a portion of the skull to operate on the brain.
Stereotactic radiosurgery: Using focused beams of radiation to shrink tumors or other growths.
Vagus nerve stimulation: Implanting a device that sends pulses of energy to the vagus nerve, stopping seizure activity.
Ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VP shunt): Treatment to relieve pressure caused by fluid buildup in the brain.

Expert Team and Innovative Philosophy

UCLA Health neurosurgeons are leaders in research, education, and clinical care. The Wasserman building’s innovative philosophy is reflected on the top two floors housing the UCLA Global Neurosurgery Center.

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Neurology and Neurosurgery Unit (6 North)

The Neurology and Neurosurgery Unit (6 North) at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center provides comprehensive care to individuals with neurological symptoms associated with stroke, neurological diseases, and post-neurosurgical intervention. The unit is specialized to meet the unique needs of patients, providing neurological and cardiac observation, continuous assessment, monitoring, and treatment. The multidisciplinary team strives for optimal patient outcomes with the help of cutting-edge medical science, nursing, and technology, personalizing care to meet the specific needs of the patient and family with cultural sensitivity and understanding.

Appointments with UCLA Neurosurgery

To make an appointment with a UCLA neurosurgeon, please call 310-825-5111. For information about spine-related conditions and treatments, visit the UCLA Spine Center in Santa Monica. Prior to the first visit, patients are required to complete a Health History Form through myUCLAhealth.

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