You’re in the best hands possible. At Avera, the region's leading neurosurgeons use advanced tools and techniques to care for even the most complex neurological conditions.
Our board-certified neurosurgeons, physicians, advanced practice providers and registered nurses have extensive training and experience. We provide the complete care you need, from evaluation and diagnosis to treatment.
Brain Surgery Expertise
Patients with brain injuries or other neurological symptoms are referred from the emergency department or acute care for evaluation and treatment. Some patients may also be referred from their primary care provider if they have a condition like a brain tumor.
Conditions We Treat
Neurocritical care patients experience complex brain and spine conditions such as:
- Acoustic neuroma, a hearing problem that usually stems from non-cancerous tumors in the brain
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and other blood vessel lesions that disrupt blood flow
- Brain injuries
- Brain, spine, neck and pituitary tumors
- Cerebral aneurysms and vascular issues
- Chronic pain disorders including trigeminal neuralgia
- Cranial and spinal nerve disorders including pinched nerves
- Central, peripheral and autonomic nervous system conditions, including supporting structures and vascular (blood) supply
- Disorders of the brain, meninges, pituitary gland, spine and skull (and their blood supply)
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Parkinson’s disease and essential tremors
- Meningioma
- Metastatic lesions
- Pituitary gland disorders
- Trigeminal neuralgia, a nerve-related condition that causes intense pain in the face
- Stroke and aneurysm
Diagnosis, Treatments & Surgery
The region’s leading neurosurgeons use their expertise and advanced tools and techniques to operate on complex nerve tissue in the brain and spine. We provide evaluation, diagnosis and procedures to treat neurological conditions so you can reach your best possible health.
Presurgery Consultations
Before surgery, you’ll have a new patient appointment to talk with your surgeon. Our neurosurgery team will evaluate if you need surgery and discuss treatment options. This visit is a great time to ask questions on your care plan.
Surgical Services
With innovative diagnosis and surgical technology at the Avera Brain & Spine Institute, our surgical services include:
- Brain, spine and pituitary tumor surgery
- Cervical discectomy and fusion (surgical procedure)
- Complex spine surgery, including lumbar fusion
- Deep brain stimulation
- Endoscopic neurosurgery
- Functional neurosurgery for trigeminal neuralgia, epilepsy and chronic pain
- Peripheral nerve surgery
- Stereotactic radiosurgery (known more commonly as Gamma Knife®)
- Vascular neurosurgery
Therapy & Treatments
Avera Brain & Spine Institute is equipped with the latest in neuroimaging advancements and state-of-the-art technology.
- Neuroendovascular surgery takes place in Sioux Falls, SD, and involves advanced operational tools and high-definition imaging technology.
- Surgeons treat challenging neurovascular disorders with minimally invasive techniques through a remote incision that’s less than a quarter of an inch (smaller than the size of pea).
- Gamma Knife (gold-standard treatment for brain tumors) is a non-invasive approach to deliver a high dose of radiation to tumors or areas of disease with high precision and without damaging nearby tissue.
After Surgery
After a patient has received minimally invasive brain or spine care, such as surgery, they will receive close monitoring of neurological status, vital signs and more as necessary.
Your doctor and care team will explain what to expect and recommend the best recovery treatment plan for your unique situation. Patients may receive a referral to inpatient rehabilitation if needed after surgery. They may also be referred to work with physical therapists to help restore speech, movement or vision as normal.
