Neurosurgery

World class neurosurgical care right here in your neighborhood. We are here to help you.

 

CALL 203.276.4884


stamford health and columbia partnership

What Is Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery provides specialized care of the nervous system which includes the spine, brain, and peripheral nerves. Our board-certified neurosurgeons manage a wide spectrum of brain and spine disorders with the best modern methods, including minimally invasive options.

Our team always takes an evidence-based approach, meaning the patient’s individual needs and specific condition are carefully and thoroughly reviewed no matter the course of treatment. We take a team approach and decide together, with the patient and their family, if surgery is the best course of action only after all other options are exhausted.

While open surgery is the best treatment approach for some patients, our board certified neurosurgeons also specialize in minimally invasive and state-of-the art techniques that are less invasive, produce excellent outcomes and rapid recovery.

Through our partnership with Columbia University Irving Medical Center, endovascular neurosurgeons, Dr. Max Shutran and Dr. Kamil W. Nowicki, care for patients with vascular disorders in the brain and spine, including stroke, aneurysms, carotid stenosis, and vascular malformations, using both minimally invasive and open surgical techniques. They also treat other neurosurgical problems including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, brain tumors, and trigeminal neuralgia.

Stamford Health has partnered with Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) to increase its neurosurgical capabilities and expand its clinical team to treat a wider range of cerebrovascular conditions and more complex stroke cases.

What Sets Us Apart

NeuroSurgery 1
Columbia University Irving Medical Center’s skilled neurosurgeons perform both scheduled and emergency neurosurgery at Stamford Health.
NeuroSurgery 2
HSS, America’s No. 1 choice for back and neck care, strengthens its collaboration with Stamford Health to deliver the highest-quality multidisciplinary spine care in Connecticut, with better outcomes through specialization.
NeuroSurgery 3
Our team offers minimally invasive neurosurgery which includes robotic spine surgery, neurosurgical navigation for brain and spine conditions, and interventional radiology.

Learn More About Conditions We Treat

Here are of some of the conditions or diseases we treat. For more information on treatment options, please speak with your health care provider.


  • Aneurysm
    An aneurysm is a bulge in a blood vessel wall caused by a weakened area, most commonly, in the artery. We perform clipping procedures and coiling and stenting to treat an aneurysm.
  • Arteriovenous malformations
    Abnormal tangles of blood vessels that can lead to complications like bleeding the brain or spinal cord.
  • Brain Tumors
    Brain tumors are abnormal growths or masses of cancerous cells that develop in the brain.
  • Carotid stenosis or occlusion
    A narrowing or complete blockage of the carotid arteries, which are the main blood vessels that supply blood to the brain and face.
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    A condition that occurs then the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist, becomes compressed.
  • Chiari Malformation
    A structural defect in the brain where part of the cerebellum, the lower portion of the brain, extends into the spinal canal.
  • Chronic subdural hematoma
    CSDH is a collection of blood that forms between the brain and the outer membrane covering the brain. It can cause symptoms like headaches, confusion, and seizures.
  • Degenerative Cervical & Lumbar Spine Disorders
    These neck and spine disorders can cause pain, numbness and weakness.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
    This condition refers to pain that is caused by a damaged disc.
  • Degenerative Scoliosis
    A type of spinal curvature that develops in adulthood due to wear and tear of the spine over time.
  • Dural arteriovenous fistulas
    Abnormal connections between arteries and veins in the dura, the tough membrane covering the brain and spinal cord, which can lead to neurological symptoms and complications.
  • Herniated Discs
    A herniated disk occurs when the soft, jelly-like center of a disk in your spine pushes against and leaks out of its outer ring leading to pain, numbness, or weakness in an arm or leg.
  • Hydrocephalus
    Buildup of fluid in the brain.
  • Moyamoya disease
    A rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder where the main arteries supplying blood to the brain narrow or become blocked. This can cause reduced blood flow which can lead to stroke, seizures, or other issues.
  • Spinal Tumors
    Abnormal growths that develop in or around the spinal cord; they can be cancerous or non-cancerous.
  • Stroke
    A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced.
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
    A chronic pain disorder that affects the trigeminal nerve, the main sensory nerve in the face. It causes sudden, intense, and excruciating pain that typically occurs on one side of the face.
  • Vascular lesions of the brain and spinal cord
    There are many types of vascular lesions, abnormality of blood vessels, that can cause weakness, numbness, loss of coordination, seizures, headaches and more, depending on location and severity.
  • Vasculitis
    A group of diseases characterized by inflammation of blood vessels. This inflammation can lead to issues like organ damage.

Finding Hope During A Health Crisis

Beth Flatley couldn’t have imagined that her life would take an unexpected turn with a health scare in February 2022. At Stamford Health, following surgery performed by Dr. Andrea Douglas, she underwent a monthslong rehabilitation to recover with the help of her team of caretakers. Watch the video to learn more about Beth’s story – and her inspiring recovery.


Meet Our Chief Of Neurosurgery, Dr. Andrea Douglas

As a board-certified neurosurgeon with a generalized cranial and spinal neurosurgical practice, Dr. Andrea Douglas specializes in minimally invasive spinal decompression and fusion techniques for degenerative, scoliotic, traumatic, and neoplastic spinal disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. She has been on staff at Stamford Hospital since 2009 and was named chief of the division of neurosurgery in 2014.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DR. ANDREA DOUGLAS





Meet Our Providers

C. C. Rosenstein
Neurological Surgery

4.7 / 5 | 58 ratings

203.276.4884

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Max Shutran
Endovascular Neurosurgery, Neurological Surgery

4.8 / 5 | 32 ratings

203.276.4884

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Kamil W. Nowicki
Endovascular Neurosurgery, Neurosurgery

203.276.4884

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Marc Otten
Neurological Surgery

203.869.1145

Alain De Lotbiniere
Neurological Surgery

914.948.8448

Paul J. Apostolides
Neurological Surgery

203.869.1145

Scott L. Simon
Neurological Surgery

203.869.1145

Neurosurgery FAQs

  • When is neurosurgery recommended, and how do you know if it’s the right option?
    Neurosurgery is recommended based on a careful assessment of symptoms, diagnostic tests, and the severity of the neurological condition. We’ll guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring you have a clear understanding of when neurosurgery is the optimal choice for your specific situation.
  • Can you get a second opinion from a neurosurgeon at Stamford Health if you’ve seen another neurosurgeon elsewhere?
    Absolutely. Seeking a second opinion is not only common but highly encouraged. Your health is a top priority, and we support your decision to explore multiple perspectives to make informed choices about your neurosurgical care.
  • How does minimally invasive neurosurgery differ from traditional open surgery?
    During your initial consultations, our neurosurgeons will walk you through the differences and benefits of minimally invasive neurosurgery. There are many benefits of less invasive techniques that often result in quicker recovery, smaller incisions, and reduced postoperative discomfort.
  • How can you prepare for neurosurgery at Stamford Health?
    Preparing for neurosurgery involves a comprehensive approach. Our guidance includes preoperative preparations, necessary tests, medications, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to ensure you’re well-prepared for a successful neurosurgical procedure.
  • What should you expect on the day of surgery?
    On the day of your surgery, our team will ensure you are well prepared for your procedure. From check-in procedures to meeting with our experienced neurosurgical team, we’ll guide you through the process to ensure you feel confident and supported.
  • How long does the recovery process typically take after neurosurgery, and what can you expect during this period?
    Recovery times vary, but we’ll provide a general timeline and discuss potential challenges and expected progression during the recovery period after neurosurgical interventions. Explore more about our recovery programs here.
  • Are there rehabilitation exercises or therapies recommended after neurosurgery?
    Rehabilitation is key post-neurosurgery. We’ll recommend exercises and therapies to support your recovery, along with strategies to stay motivated and engaged. Our team is here to guide you through each step of the rehabilitation process.

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