Neurosurgery

Top 10 Nationally in Neurosurgery

UT Southwestern Medical Center is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as one of the nation's top 10 hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery (#9).

Neurosurgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center is a hub for high quality, advanced neurosurgical care and innovation. By always placing patients first and integrating the talents of world-renowned surgeons and nonsurgical experts and researchers, our team offers the latest innovative treatments and comprehensive management of brain and spinal conditions, disorders, and injuries.

We’re ranked as the top neurosurgery program in North Texas, performing about 2,000 complex surgeries a year at UT Southwestern’s University Hospitals. We've been recognized by Healthgrades with a 2019 Cranial Neurosurgery Excellence Award.

Specialty Programs

Brain scan displaying yellow and green areas, possibly highlighting regions affected by brain tumors.

Brain Tumor Program

Our brain tumor specialists have established seven Centers of Excellence to provide patients with comprehensive treatment strategies, working to achieve the best possible result for each patient.

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Cerebrovascular and Endovascular Program

We offer specialized expertise in diagnosing and treating these diseases at all stages, whether a patient needs immediate neurosurgical care or long-term monitoring. We are a regional referral center for cerebrovascular diseases, helping patients from all parts of Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Arkansas, and beyond.

An image of a brain against a backdrop resembling a constellation.

Epilepsy Program

The National Association of Epilepsy Centers has designated UT Southwestern's Epilepsy Program as a Level 4 center, the highest ranking possible. This means we have the expertise and facilities to provide the highest level evaluations and treatment for patients with complex epilepsy.

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Movement Disorders and Deep Brain Stimulation Program

Our program is a major regional referral center for diagnosing and treating movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. The team offers state-of-the-art care for more than 4,000 patient visits a year. We also use deep brain stimulation (DBS) as an advanced treatment for diseases such as Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and other movement disorders.

This image shows multiple black and white medical brain scans.

Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH) Program

We provide expert care for NPH. a condition in which excess fluid collects in the brain. With diagnosis and care from our multidisciplinary team, patients can stabilize their condition and even reverse the symptoms to some degree. Few health care centers have the NPH expertise that UT Southwestern does.

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Pediatric Neurosurgery Program

Our pediatric neurosurgeons are some of the most gifted neurosurgeons in the country and have, along with their colleagues in neuro-oncology, radiation oncology, and neuroradiology, dedicated their lives to the care of children with brain tumors. Together, our team provides excellent care for each child.

An intricate network of glowing, interconnected neurons, with vibrant colors highlighting the neural pathways.

Peripheral Nerve Surgery Program

We offer a team approach to care. A patient’s care team includes a peripheral nerve specialist as well as doctors and medical professionals in plastic surgery, neurosurgery, neurology, internal medicine, pain management, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and rehabilitation, as needed.

A series of MRI brain scans showing detailed images of different sections of the brain, relevant to the diagnosis and treatment of skull base tumors.

Skull Base Neurosurgery Program

Our program meets the unique challenges of skull base disorders by combining a multidisciplinary approach with the latest techniques and technology. We are home to one of the world’s premier neurological surgery centers an Neurological Intensive Care Unit. When needed, we work with specialists at the Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center.

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Spine Surgery Program

Our team focuses on delivering the care that’s right for each patient and making each patient’s experience the best possible. Our treatment plans are rooted in the latest research and based on our years of expertise. With one call, patients can connect with all the specialists they need for spine care.

Neurosurgery at UT Southwestern

Our physicians provide the full spectrum of neurosurgical care, including spine, brain, and peripheral nerve procedures.

Experience, Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence in Neurosurgery

Neurosurgeons at UT Southwestern are highly skilled in diagnosing and treating the full range of neurological conditions, from the common to the complex. The focus is always on the individual patient – delivering the care you need each time.

Our neurosurgeons collaborate with specialists in neurology, neuro-oncology, interventional radiology, pathology, neurocritical care, and physical medicine and rehabilitation to offer excellence in the management of conditions such as:

Brain aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)
Brain or spinal cord injuries
Brain swelling
Brachial plexus and other nerve injuries
Brain tumors, including gliomas, brain metastases, and acoustic neuromas
Carpal tunnel and cubital tunnel syndrome
Cerebrovascular disorders

Chronic pain
Deep brain stimulation
Essential tremor
Epilepsy, including partial and generalized seizures
Intracranial hemorrhages
Intracranial vascular stenosis
Migraine, tension, cluster, or other headaches
Movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease
Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)

Scoliosis and spinal deformity
Skull base tumors
Spasticity
Spinal cord tumors and other disorders
Spine and disc degeneration
Stroke
Trauma
Trigeminal neuralgia

A story of Hope and teamwork: Facing a brain tumor at 24

Hope Anderson, an SMU graduate student, was diagnosed with a low-grade glioma in 2019. The O'Donnell Brain Institute's epilepsy and neurosurgery specialists helped the 24-year-old get her "wild and precious" life back on track with a combination of clinical expertise, advanced technology, and long-term support.