Blog
Trigeminal neuralgia is often described as one of the most severe types of pain a person can experience. It causes sudden, electric shock-like attacks on one side of the face that can make eating, brushing teeth, or even a light breeze feel unbearable. Although it is a rare condition, it has a big impact on…
Spine surgery is a major step, but for most people, it is just the beginning of a longer journey. The real goal is not the operation itself; it is getting back to normal life, work, and the activities you enjoy. Patients in San Diego often ask: “How long before I can drive again? When can…
Choosing a neurosurgeon is one of the most important medical decisions many people will ever make. Neurosurgeons care for conditions that affect the brain, spine, and nerves, areas that control movement, sensation, and even personality. In a city like San Diego, patients have many options. That can be a good thing, but it can also…
Most people hope spine surgery will be a one-time solution. For many, it is. Pain improves, function returns, and life gradually feels normal again. However, some patients continue to have back or leg pain after surgery or feel better at first and then notice symptoms returning months or years later. This situation is sometimes called…
Lumbar fusion surgery can be life-changing for people with severe back or leg pain from conditions such as spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis, or advanced disc degeneration. The goal is to stabilize the spine and relieve pressure on irritated nerves. If you are scheduled for lumbar fusion surgery in San Diego, or you are recovering from a…
“Sciatica” refers to leg pain that travels along the path of the sciatic nerve, typically from your lower back through the buttocks and down one leg. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or weakness; often these start with a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine. Many people recover with time or conservative treatments; however, when pain…
Brain tumors can be primary (originating in the brain) or metastatic (spreading from another part of the body). They can be benign, like meningiomas or pituitary adenomas, or malignant, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In San Diego, patients have access to advanced centers specializing in both complex brain and skull base surgery, which often require…
Neck pain from conditions such as cervical disc herniation or degenerative disc disease can disrupt daily life, often leading patients to explore surgical options. Two common approaches in San Diego are Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion (ACDF) and Artificial Disc Replacement (ADR). Both aim to relieve nerve compression and restore stability, but they differ in…
Minimally invasive spine surgery has transformed how we treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis. Unlike traditional open procedures, these techniques use small incisions, specialized tools, and imaging guidance to access the spine with less disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues. The result is significant: shorter hospital stays, less post-operative pain, and…
Back pain is something most people experience at some point. For many, it fades with time, rest, or physical therapy. However, some symptoms suggest more than a muscle strain or temporary discomfort. Left untreated, they can lead to lasting nerve damage or even loss of function. As a neurosurgeon/spine surgeon in San Diego with over…