Neurosurgeon in San Diego, CA | Dr. Sanjay Ghosh 

Advanced Brain & Spine Surgery with a Personalized Approach

When brain or spine symptoms begin affecting your daily life, you deserve answers from someone who listens, explains, and brings years of experience to every decision. Dr. Sanjay Ghosh is a trusted board-certified neurosurgeon in San Diego, known for his precision, minimally invasive techniques, and patient-first approach. 

With more than 20 years of neurosurgical experience, Dr. Ghosh provides advanced treatment for complex brain and spine conditions, helping patients move confidently again and regain control of their health. 

Call (619) 810-1010 to schedule your neurosurgical consultation today. 
Meet Dr. Sanjay Ghosh 

Meet Dr. Sanjay Ghosh 

Dr. Sanjay Ghosh is a practicing neurosurgeon in San Diego county. He was born and raised in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan where he attended North Farmington High School. Dr. Ghosh graduated from North Farmington in the top 1% of his class with awards for being an outstanding student in both mathematics and science. He also was honored to receive the award for outstanding overall graduate from the faculty and his fellow students. During this time, Dr. Ghosh was invited to join MENSA.

Dr. Ghosh received a Regents Alumni Merit Scholarship to attend the University of Michigan Honors College. Dr. Ghosh completed his studies in cellular and molecular biology in just three and a half years, graduating Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa for placing in the top 5% of his class. In college, he received competitive research grants, and a portion of his college honors thesis was published in the peer-reviewed scientific Journal of Hypertension. He went on to attend medical school at the University of Michigan where he was exposed to the field of neurosurgery and later gained acceptance to the top-rated neurosurgery residency program at the University of Southern California. While a resident at USC Dr. Ghosh gained training and considerable expertise in the areas of spinal surgery, cranial and spinal trauma, radiosurgery, and cranial base surgery.

During his residency, Dr. Ghosh completed a fellowship in skull base surgery at the House Ear Clinic under the guidance of Drs. William Hitselberger and John Diaz Day. During this time, he spent hundreds of hours in the laboratory mastering the surgical techniques that are necessary for safe and effective treatment of acoustic neuromas, skull base meningiomas, pituitary adenomas, and cerebral aneurysms. He also performed a detailed analysis of the use of endoscopes in skull base surgery and presented this work at several national conferences. Due to his training and expertise in skull base surgery, Dr. Ghosh was then recruited by the physicians of the SENTA Clinic in San Diego to create the only multidisciplinary skull base surgery team in San Diego County. In 2007, Dr. Ghosh was named one of America’s Top Surgeons by the Consumers Research Council.

Dr. Ghosh has been named one of San Diego’s top neurosurgeons by the physicians of the San Diego County Medical Society.

Dr. Ghosh is a board-certified, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in both cranial and spinal surgery. He is recognized throughout San Diego County for his meticulous surgical skill, compassionate communication, and commitment to minimally invasive approaches that reduce pain and speed recovery. 

He performs procedures at: 

  • Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla 
  • University Ambulatory Surgery Center 
  • Outpatient Surgery Center of La Jolla 

Patients appreciate his clear explanations, advanced imaging review, and thoughtful guidance through every step of care. 

What a Neurosurgeon Treats 

Neurosurgeons diagnose and treat conditions affecting the: 

  • Brain 
  • Spine 
  • Spinal cord 
  • Peripheral nerves 

Dr. Ghosh provides comprehensive care for both sudden neurological issues and long-term brain or spine disorders. 

Brain & Spine Conditions Treated 

Brain Conditions 

  • Brain tumors (benign and malignant) 
  • Hydrocephalus 
  • Trigeminal neuralgia 
  • Chiari malformation 
  • Cranial trauma 
  • Pituitary and skull base lesions 
  • Neuralgia and nerve compression disorders 

Spine Conditions 

  • Herniated or bulging discs 
  • Spinal stenosis 
  • Sciatica and radiculopathy 
  • Degenerative disc disease 
  • Spondylolisthesis 
  • Spinal cord compression 
  • Spine trauma 
  • Spine tumors 
  • Failed back surgery (revision cases) 

If you’re experiencing pain, weakness, numbness, or neurological changes, a neurosurgical evaluation can help determine the right next step. 

Advanced Neurosurgical Procedures 

Brain Procedures 

  • Brain tumor microsurgery using high-precision techniques 
  • Stereotactic radiosurgery (CyberKnife) for select tumor types 
  • Hydrocephalus surgery (shunt placement, ETV) 
  • Cranial nerve decompression, including trigeminal neuralgia 
  • Minimally invasive cranial approaches to reduce recovery time 

Spine Procedures 

  • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery (MISS) 
  • Microdiscectomy for herniated discs 
  • Laminectomy for stenosis and nerve decompression 
  • Spinal Fusion (ACDF, TLIF, XLIF, ALIF) 
  • Artificial Disc Replacement 
  • Revision Spine Surgery for persistent symptoms after prior procedures 
  • Spinal cord stimulation for chronic nerve pain 

Each treatment plan is built around your goals, imaging, and long-term health. 

Dr. Ghosh’s Approach to Care 

Patients choose Dr. Ghosh not only for his surgical skill, but for his commitment to personalized care. His approach includes: 

  • Clear communication without rushed appointments 
  • A conservative-first philosophy: surgery only when appropriate 
  • Minimally invasive options whenever possible 
  • Detailed review of MRI/CT imaging 
  • Individualized recovery plans 
  • A focus on restoring mobility and function 

His goal is to help you understand your condition and move forward with confidence. 

What to Expect as a New Patient 

Your experience is designed to provide clarity and comfort: 

  • Same-Week Appointments (as availability allows) 
  • Comprehensive Imaging Review 
  • Straightforward Explanation of Diagnosis 
  • Non-Surgical and Surgical Options Outlined Clearly 
  • If surgery is needed: minimally invasive approach when possible 
  • Follow-up and recovery support at the Mission Valley clinic 

From your first visit to your final follow-up, you will always know where your treatment plan stands. 

Call (619) 810-1010 to schedule a neurosurgical evaluation. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Dr. Ghosh offer second opinions?

Yes. Many patients come to Dr. Ghosh for a second opinion before proceeding with brain or spine surgery. He reviews imaging, explains findings clearly, and helps you make an informed decision. 

Neurosurgeons are trained in brain, spine, and peripheral nerve surgery, while orthopedic surgeons focus on bones and joints. For nerve-related spine pain or brain conditions, a neurosurgeon is often preferred. 

Recovery varies, but minimally invasive procedures typically allow patients to resume light activity within one to two weeks. Your plan will be customized based on your condition. 

Yes. Patients travel from Carlsbad, Encinitas, Poway, Rancho Bernardo, Chula Vista, and other San Diego communities for neurosurgical care. His Mission Valley clinic is easily accessible. 

Bring recent imaging, a list of symptoms, medications, and notes from previous specialists. This helps Dr. Ghosh create the most accurate treatment plan. 

At Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s neurosurgery practice in Mission Valley, San Diego, our physician assistants and support staff work closely with Dr. Ghosh to care for patients with complex brain and spine conditions. From your first phone call to post-operative follow-up, this experienced team helps coordinate appointments, answer questions, and support you and your family through every step of treatment. 
Awards & Recognition
NEUROSURGERY TEAM
Amanda W. Gumbert
M.M.S, PA-C
Felix Regala
MPAP, PA-C
Deborah Updike
M.M.S, M.S., PA-C
Edith Smith
Director of Operations
Melissa Padilla
Surgery Coordinator

At Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s neurosurgery practice in Mission Valley, San Diego, our physician assistants and support staff work closely with Dr. Ghosh to care for patients with complex brain and spine conditions. From your first phone call to post-operative follow-up, this experienced team helps coordinate appointments, answer questions, and support you and your family through every step of treatment. 

 

Schedule a Consultation

If you’ve been diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma or are experiencing symptoms such as hearing loss or dizziness, contact Dr. Ghosh to discuss the best treatment options for you. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s unique condition and lifestyle.

Meet Amanda
Amanda W. Gumbert
M.M.S, PA-C

Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology at San Diego State University in 2002. She worked as an Exercise Physiologist at the Cardiac Treatment Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla before going to PA School. Amanda graduated from Midwestern University in Glendale, Arizona with a Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies in 2005. She began working for Dr. Ghosh in January 2006 working as the senior Physician Assistant and manager of the PAs.   Amanda has spoken at the national level at the AAPA conference on various neurosurgical topics. She is highly committed to the future Physician Assistants and frequently has students shadow her and acts as a PA student preceptor. She is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants, Association of Neurosurgical Physician Assistants, and The San Diego Society of Physician Assistants.  Amanda is honored to be a finalist for San Diego Magazine’s Woman of the Year— 2025 Healthcare Pioneer.

When not working, Amanda enjoys hiking, mountain biking, stand up paddle boarding, snowboarding, playing with her dogs and spending time with her family.

San Diego Magazine’s Celebrating Women
2025 Healthcare Pioneer Finalist
Meet Felix
Felix Regala
MPAP, PA-C

Felix was born and raised in Abilene, Texas where he graduated from Abilene High School in 2001. He was honored with the Chuck and Doris Moser Scholarship for his accomplishments as a varsity athlete in baseball and his excellence in academics and community service. He then attended Baylor University where he graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. Felix then spent a couple of years working in the laboratory at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and Johnson & Johnson. He then went on to the Keck School of Medicine at University of Southern California to obtain his Master of Physician Assistant Practice degree. Felix graduated from physician assistant school in 2010. While pursuing his PA degree at USC, Felix served as class president and spent time training in neurosurgery and orthopedic spine.  Felix has been a PA with Dr. Ghosh since May 2011.

Felix enjoys being active, including playing basketball, surfing, snowboarding, golfing, and exercising. Felix is also a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and the California Academy of Physician Assistants.

Meet Deborah
Deborah Updike
M.M.S, M.S., PA-C

Deborah is a California native. She attended American University in Washington, DC graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Marine Science and Environmental Studies. She was a college athlete, playing NCAA D1 volleyball all four years. She then attended California State University, Long Beach where she received a Masters of Marine Science in Shark Reproductive Physiology. During her first masters degree, she began transitioning into medicine and went on to receive her Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant studies at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, IL. Deborah served as class Vice President. She graduated in 2017 and has been working at Senta Neurosurgery ever since. Deborah is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants.

Meet Edith
Edith Smith
Director of Operations

Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child.  She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.

When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.

Meet Melissa
Melissa Padilla
Surgery Coordinator

Melissa has an Associate of Science Degree in Medical Office Administration. She has worked in healthcare for over 25 years. She started out working in a radiology department processing film and scheduling exams. Melissa joined Dr. Ghosh’s team in 2003 and uses her skills and experience to schedule Dr. Ghosh’s patients for surgery.  She is a fierce advocate for our patients throughout the entire prior authorization and scheduling process, and her goal is to make the scheduling of our patients’ surgeries organized and stress free so that our patients can focus on healing.

Meet Elisha
Elisha G.
Practice Relations Liaison

Proudly partnering with Elisha Green – Practice Relations Liaison.

Meet Lauren
Lauren G.
Assistant Office Manager

Lauren was born and raised in San Diego, California. She attended San Diego State University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication in 2013. She began her professional journey in the hospitality field where she discovered her passion for helping others and building relationships. This eventually inspired her to pursue a career in healthcare, joining Sharp Healthcare in 2016 where she found great fulfillment in learning and growing within the medical field. Lauren began working with Senta Neurosurgery in 2017 supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh.

When not at work, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, being an Auntie, traveling, and being outdoors.

Dr. Ghosh, I just wanted to take a moment & thank you again for all you have done for my husband, Benton (Rick) Coulter. June 26th he was brought by ambulance to Grossmont Hospital. That was the beginning of the scariest days of our lives. When we were told he needed brain surgery we were stunned, confused & not sure what to do. We asked for a second opinion by you. Within 30 minutes you were at Rick’s bedside. You were friendly, caring & confident. After examining him you told us he would need two surgeries instead of one. You even called me at home to answer our many questions. Thank you for treating us with such respect. You were available & patient as we tried to make a decision. Once we decided you were the right Dr. we had continuous confirmations that we had chosen the right one. We will be forever grateful to you! You saved my husband’s life and his sight. God used you in a mighty way & He answered our prayers. Thank you for all the work it took to be a Brain Surgeon & to help others like us. You are not only skilled but you are also caring. We appreciate you so much.
Sincerely, Karen Coulter
So far I have been taken great care of by Dr. Ghosh and his staff. Dr. G has spent quality time with me reviewing my symptoms and MRI’s etc that are a result of a day at a water park turn into one of the worst injuries I have ever had. What I appreciated the most was our efforts as a team to exhaust all options of pain management and PT before coming to the decision that no relief is in sight without surgery. I had already been referred to Dr. G’s office by other friends and patients so I’m very comfortable moving forward with Dr. Ghosh and his team.
Former Patient
I was referred to Dr. Ghosh by my corporate physician. She had heard good things about Dr. Ghosh. I went to several other neurosurgeons. They were all excellent but I just liked Dr. Ghosh’s confidence and frank manner. My surgery was quick and the result was excellent. My recovery time was minimal. The incision, with a little more time will be minimal and not noticeable. The pain I have felt for a long time is gone. I’ve noticed that others feel that Dr. Ghosh and Amanda did not spend enough quality time with them. My time with them was brief. I don’t need alot of hugs and hand holding. I just needed them to provide me with the information I needed to make decisions, which they did to my satisfaction. They are seeing alot of patients. I don’t think it would be fair to others if Dr. Ghosh and Amanda had to spend several hours caring for my psychological needs when all they really needed to do is fix my neck. Amanda is truly capable. I had an issue late on a holiday night. I called. They transferred me to her even though she was at a social event. I explained to her my concerns. She told me what to expect and under what circumstances to come back to the office.For those who felt abandoned and that they didn’t get enough time, you might find other surgeons even more unavailable. Dr. Ghosh stated he was starting to take less patients to try and spend a little more time with each patient. I hope he doesn’t. It won’t be fair to the people who won’t benefit from his talents. A special thank you to Dr. Ghosh and his team.
Former Patient
Meet Edith
Edith Smith
Director of Operations

Edith was born in Budapest, Hungary and immigrated to Los Angeles, CA as a small child.  She later received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, San Diego in 1996. From 1997 to 2002, she worked as a Program Manager at Qualcomm, during which time she also obtained a Certificate in Project Management from the University of San Diego. Edith took some time off to start her family but remained active in her volunteer efforts supporting Rady Children’s Hospital Auxiliary, where she co-chaired nine large fundraising events and served on the Board of Directors for 5 years. During her time at Rady Children’s, Edith became passionate about healthcare and neurosurgery in particular when her daughter became a neurosurgical patient at Radys. Edith joined Senta Neurosurgery’s team supporting Dr. Sanjay Ghosh’s practice in 2019. Given her personal experiences, Edith knows that getting a referral to neurosurgery is a stressful, life altering event, so she truly appreciates being part of the patient care process for Dr. Ghosh’s patients.

When not at work, Edith enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, cooking, and entertaining.