The Division of Neurosurgery in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toledo Medical Center was founded as a component of the Department of Neuroscience in 1964 and became an independent department in 1985.

Special Programs

Neurostimulation/Spinal Drug Infusion
Patients with chronic spinal pain syndrome are evaluated by a neurosurgeon and neuropsychologist to learn whether they meet criteria for implantation of either a spinal neurostimulator or morphine infusion pump. Patients with spinal spasticity have the option of implantation of a Lioresal subarachnoid infusion pump. Becky A. Beyer, RN, MSN, CCRN, the nurse clinician, participates in the evaluation and programming of the neurostimulators and infusion pumps. Complex programming can vary the dose and delivery rates during periods of increased pain to meet individual requirements.

Spinal Disorder Clinic
An orthopaedic surgeon, neurosurgeon and physiatrist evaluate patients with complex spinal disorders, providing a comprehensive review of the patient with complex disorders of the spine. Case conferences are held regularly where more difficult problems are discussed.

Myelodysplasia
The Department participates in the only multispecialty myelomeningocoele treatment program in northwestern Ohio. Faculty from pediatrics, pediatric urology, orthopaedic surgery and social services are involved. A clinical nurse specialist assists in the coordination of services. Lorraine Fay, MD, Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics directs the clinic program.

The Comprehensive Epilepsy Program
The Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at the University of Toledo Medical Centers has been internally recognized as a major treatment and research center for over 20 years. The program based at UTMC/University of Toledo Medical Centers is recognized by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers as a level 4 medical and surgical tertiary referral center - the highest rating possible. This designation signifies that this center has skills in all aspects of advanced surgical and medical care of epilepsy. The program on the UTMC campus is the only level 4 program in northwestern Ohio. Pediatric and adult patients are managed in either in-patient or outpatient settings.

Radiosurgery
Radiosurgery is a technique for the treatment of small deep-seated tumors or arterial-venous malformations of the brain by ultra accurate delivery of high radiation doses, limiting injury to neighboring brain structures and obviating the need for open surgery. Specially designed software for three dimensional treatment planning is used with a Varian-1800 Linear Accelerator, a Silicon Graphics Indigo2 Workstation, and a Radionics CRW stereotactic frame.

Location
Department of Neurosurgery
University of Toledo Medical Centers
Hospital Building - Room 2195
3000 Arlington Ave. Toledo, OH 43614-2598