In many respects the practice of neurosurgery is more art than science. I am reminded of this daily as I specialize in the treatment of patients with back and neck pain. Despite all of the new technologies and innovations used in spine surgery, the ultimate success of the treatment hinges on the development of a personal relationship with each patient. This is critical to a compassionate and effective therapeutic experience. Equally important is an approach which is individualized to each patient’s spinal condition and back or neck pain. What is common to my approach for all the patients that I see at my offices in Vernon Hills and Skokie is an emphasis on conservative management. Only when this is exhausted do I suggest more aggressive and invasive spine surgery options.
Many clinical studies have repeatedly shown that an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) can be safely performed on an outpatient basis. In fact, highly trained spine surgeons throughout the country are increasingly sending these patients home four to six hours following surgery. Dr. Dean Karahalios, fellowship-trained spine surgeon with the NorthShore Neurological Institute at [...]
Weekend Warriors Can Too
A recent study published in the March 2011 issue of the American Journal of Sports Medicine, cited that 80% of NFL lineman are able to return to play after spine surgery. These athletes, who are among the most physically punished athletes on the globe, are also susceptible to spinal disc degeneration. The [...]
North Shore Neurosurgeon Applauds Measure
On March 12, 2011, the Illinois House unanimously passed legislation that would require all Illinois School Districts to adopt the Illinois High School Association’s (IHSA) guidelines on concussions. Under those guidelines, referees must advise coaches when student athletes are showing signs of a concussion and must urge players to be evaluated [...]
Spine industry newsletter, Becker’s Orthopedic & Spine Review, released today their annual list of the top spine surgeons in the country. Once again, Dr. Dean Karahalios, fellowship-trained spine neurosurgeon with the NorthShore Neurological Institute at NorthShore University HealthSystem in Evanston, Skokie and Vernon Hills, has been named to the list. Only three other neurosurgeons in [...]
Regardless of the season, concussion is now a common word seen on the sports pages. We read about it with frequency during football season. Jay Cutler, Aaron Rodgers, Hunter Hillenmeyer, Marcus Trufant, Heath Miller, Will Allen, Mewelde Moore and Isaac Redman, and many others comprise the 159 total concussions reported by the NFL Concussion Report [...]
