Specialties & Centers

Brain tumors can be found in patients of any age. They can begin in any part of the brain. In addition, a brain tumor may be confined to a single area or infiltrate several areas. Brain tumors also vary in aggressiveness, or speed of growth.

Due to these differences, the treatment of brain tumors must be uniquely tailored to each patient. The location of the tumor and the clinical diagnosis (as determined by diagnostic imaging tests), as well as the patient’s age and general condition, are all important treatment considerations.

Lahey’s Brain Tumor Clinic is based on a multidisciplinary approach to the evaluation and treatment of patients with benign and malignant brain tumors. Brain Tumor Clinic patients are cared for by a neurosurgeon, neuro-oncologist, radiation oncologist, nurse practitioner and a social worker.

Learn more about Lahey's Brain Tumor Clinic.

Members of Lahey Hospital & Medical Center's Neurology, Neurosurgery, Interventional Neuroradiology and Diagnostic Neuroradiology departments work in close collaboration to provide our patients with the most comprehensive diagnoses and specialized, cutting-edge treatments for vascular disorders of the brain and spinal cord. The Cerebrovascular Disease Center offers a complete spectrum of therapies, both state-of-the-art microsurgery and minimally invasive endovascular surgery, enabling us to meet each patient's needs with the highest degree of quality.

The Cerebrovascular Disease Center has become a leading referral center for cerebrovascular diseases in the New England region. Our specialists care for a large volume of aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation (AVM) patients annually. We are accessible at all times to physicians for consultation, referrals and transfers.

Learn more about the Cerebrovascular Disease Center.

Clinical Center for Cranial Base Surgery

At the Clinical Center for Cranial Base Surgery, we know how important it is to not only ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment, but also restore patients to their full appearance and function after surgery. Our team places great importance on maintaining a dialogue with patients' referring physicians. From initial consultation through hospital discharge and associated follow-up treatments, referring physicians are our partners in patient care. Our goal is to serve as a referral center for difficult cranial base problems--also called skull base problems--and return patients to their local medical communities as soon as clinically possible.

Background on Cranial Base Surgery

A subspecialty derived from neurosurgery and otolaryngology, cranial base surgery has evolved rapidly with the development of new surgical techniques, improved technology, and a better understanding of cranial base anatomy. In addition, the emergence of an interdisciplinary surgical team has greatly contributed to success in cranial base surgery.

Cranial base surgery has also been significantly enhanced due to major improvements in microsurgery and anesthesiology related to surgery on the brain, brain stem, nerves and blood vessels associated with cranial base lesions; intraoperative cranial nerve monitoring; and diagnostic and interventional radiology. In addition, the development of microvascular techniques and their application to cranial base surgery permits functional and aesthetic reconstructive options.

Disorders Treated

The Center's multidisciplinary team includes well-known leaders in the fields of otolaryngology, neurosurgery, radiation and medical oncology, head and neck reconstructive surgery, interventional neuroradiology, vestibular and rehabilitation medicine. We treat the comprehensive range of cranial base disorders, including lesions in all of the following areas:

For individuals living with back pain, spine surgery can make an enormous difference in their quality of life. At Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, our neurosurgeons are experts in minimally invasive spine surgery, performed through small skin openings rather than with large incisions.

Minimally invasive spine surgery can result in less post-operative pain and a faster recovery. At Lahey, 50% of our spinal fusion surgeries are performed with minimally invasive techniques. What’s more, our reoperation rates and infection rates are much lower than national averages.

Lahey’s spine surgeons are leaders in outcomes research. Drs. Ghogawala, Magge, and Whitmore are key investigators on the federally sponsored (PCORI) CSM-S study. This study aims to determine the optimal surgery for patients with spinal cord dysfunction from cervical myelopathy, a condition caused by arthritis that puts pressure on the spinal cord.

Featured in The Wall Street Journal, Lahey’s spine surgeons have access to a unique spinal experts network that reviews complex cases to obtain consensus opinion before patients are enrolled in clinical trials. Lahey Hospital & Medical Center has earned national recognition as a Blue Cross Blue Shield Center of Distinction and an Optum Center of Excellence for spinal surgery. We have also been included in Becker's Hospital Review's 100 Hospitals and Health Systems with Great Neurosurgery and Spine Programs for 2015.

Individualized Care

Neurosurgeons at Lahey have the skills and expertise to perform the most complex spinal surgery and restore quality of life for our patients. They deliver this care with the personalized and compassionate approach for which Lahey is known.

At Lahey’s dedicated Spine Center, our team works together to develop individualized care plans for each person. Experienced pain management specialists are part of our department and understand the specific needs of patients who have had spine surgery.

Our neurosurgeons have advanced training in areas such as complex spinal surgery. Among the many state-of-the-art technologies at Lahey is a computerized navigation system that improves surgical accuracy.

Our Outcomes

Lahey is the first hospital in the Boston area with a Spinal Fusion Registry to track and publicly share our outcomes after spine surgery. Our reoperation and infection rates are significantly lower than national rates. At the same time, our patients report a better quality of life and less disability compared to national averages.

Spinal Deformity Correction

A spine deformity can develop in childhood or in adulthood and can gradually worsen as a person ages. Spine deformities can cause significant pain and limited range of motion, and they can have a major effect on the ability to enjoy life to the fullest.

At Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, our neurosurgeons have a proven track record in surgical procedures – often with minimally invasive techniques – to correct spine deformities and stabilize the spine.

Our neurosurgeons, orthopedic specialists, pain management specialists and others work together to provide integrated, coordinated care. They deliver this care with a personalized, compassionate approach that is at the center of Lahey’s philosophy and values.

About Spine Deformities

Conditions that cause a deformity of the spine in adults include scoliosis (curving of the spine), an injury from an accident, arthritis, osteoporosis and others. A condition such as scoliosis can begin in childhood, but in some cases it develops later in life, often after age 40.

Many people have minor symptoms from a spinal deformity and learn to live with it. But when pain is significant, or if the spine continues to curve considerably, surgery can make all the difference. Even people of advanced age can find tremendous relief with spine surgery.