Physical Conditions
New Hope for Epilepsy Patients
Epilepsy doesn't always respond to medications. Carilion is one of few U.S. hospitals that offer deep brain stimulation (DBS) for epilepsy. Th...
- Atypical Facial Pain
- Benign Tremor
- Dystonia
- Essential Tremor and Familial Tremor
- Generalized Epilepsy
- Lesional and Non-Lesional Epilepsy
- Pain Disorders
- Parkinson's Disease
- Radiculopathy
- Stroke Paralysis
- Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
- TGN Facial Pain
- Trigeminal Neuralgia
Shining a light on excellence
Mark Witcher, MD, PhDCranial and Functional Neurosurgery
Physician Spotlight
Mark Witcher, MD, PhDCranial and Functional Neurosurgery"Patients impacted by movement disorders, chronic pain disorders and epilepsy often find their quality of life tremendously affected. By providing world-class, personalized treatments, we can help them reclaim the most important aspects of their lives."
Deep Brain Stimulation
DBS surgery implants a neurostimulator and electrodes which sends electrical impulses to targets in the brain responsible for movement control.
Focused Ultrasound
Carilion Clinic Neurosurgery offers focused ultrasound--an incisionless treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease patients who have not responded to medication. Patients typically return home the same or next day following the procedure with immediate results.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small laser to destroy unhealthy brain tissue. It can be an effective treatment option for recurrent brain tumors, radiation necrosis, and tumors that form deep within the brain. It is also used to treat certain types of epilepsy.
Robotic Surgery
ROSA, the Robotic Surgical Assistant, allows neurosurgeons to treat multiple conditions using the most advanced technology for minimally invasive procedures. ROSA is routinely used for functional and stereotactic neurosurgery, endoscopic surgery and open skull procedures.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), a small device similar to a pacemaker, is implanted under the skin in the chest area. A lead wire is attached to the vagus nerve in the neck and connected to the device. The device is programmed to deliver regular electrical impulses to the vagus nerve. It is used to treat epilepsy, depression, and arm and hand function restoration after a stroke.
Facial Pain Treatment
Microvascular decompression is an operation that can help relieve trigeminal neuralgia pain without intentionally damaging the trigeminal nerve. The procedure relieves the pressure placed on the trigeminal nerve by blood vessels that are touching the nerve or are wrapped around it. Side effects may include tingling or numbness in the face though this is usually mild and temporary.
Deep Brain Stimulation
DBS surgery implants a neurostimulator and electrodes which sends electrical impulses to targets in the brain responsible for movement control.
Focused Ultrasound
Carilion Clinic Neurosurgery offers focused ultrasound--an incisionless treatment for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson's disease patients who have not responded to medication. Patients typically return home the same or next day following the procedure with immediate results.
Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT)
Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive surgical technique that uses a small laser to destroy unhealthy brain tissue. It can be an effective treatment option for recurrent brain tumors, radiation necrosis, and tumors that form deep within the brain. It is also used to treat certain types of epilepsy.
Robotic Surgery
ROSA, the Robotic Surgical Assistant, allows neurosurgeons to treat multiple conditions using the most advanced technology for minimally invasive procedures. ROSA is routinely used for functional and stereotactic neurosurgery, endoscopic surgery and open skull procedures.
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS), a small device similar to a pacemaker, is implanted under the skin in the chest area. A lead wire is attached to the vagus nerve in the neck and connected to the device. The device is programmed to deliver regular electrical impulses to the vagus nerve. It is used to treat epilepsy, depression, and arm and hand function restoration after a stroke.
Facial Pain Treatment
Microvascular decompression is an operation that can help relieve trigeminal neuralgia pain without intentionally damaging the trigeminal nerve. The procedure relieves the pressure placed on the trigeminal nerve by blood vessels that are touching the nerve or are wrapped around it. Side effects may include tingling or numbness in the face though this is usually mild and temporary.
Neurosurgeons work closely with interventional radiologists, neurologists, oncologists and staff. Specialists contribute expertise in brain anatomy, skull base pathology, imaging, neurological function and oncological considerations.
Established
Our skilled team of neurosurgeons, neurologists and other specialists work collaboratively to diagnose and treat patients of all ages.
Specialized
State-of-the-art expertise in treating brain tumors, spinal disorders, cancers, vascular issues and other complex neurological conditions.
Experienced
1st in VA to offer deep brain stimulation for epilepsy, and 1st in VA to implant a Vagal Nerve Stimulator for depression treatment.
Innovative
Regional leader in neurosurgical research and clinical trials.
Established
Our skilled team of neurosurgeons, neurologists and other specialists work collaboratively to diagnose and treat patients of all ages.
Specialized
State-of-the-art expertise in treating brain tumors, spinal disorders, cancers, vascular issues and other complex neurological conditions.
Experienced
1st in VA to offer deep brain stimulation for epilepsy, and 1st in VA to implant a Vagal Nerve Stimulator for depression treatment.
Innovative
Regional leader in neurosurgical research and clinical trials.
Learn about your diagnosis and symptoms
Patient Education
Carilion Clinic believes that education empowers patients to take an active role in their health. Patients and families can learn more about medical conditions and healthy living to better care for themselves.
Experts leading the way with
Innovative Research
Patient Stories
To have someone say they could take away 80% of my tremor… it was like a miracle."
Joe Santos
, Focused Ultrasound, Neurosurgery
[Following surgery] I haven't had any seizures that I had to pray about. I don't feel as worried as before."
Chelsey Mayew
, Functional Neurosurgery
Meet Our Team
Our Functional Neurosurgery team includes specialists in neurosurgery, neurology, neuroradiology and neuropsychology. Nurse practitioners and other care team members carefully coordinate related tests and appointments to ensure seamless care for our patients.
Contact usYour surgeon will talk to you about your diagnosis, surgical options and answer your questions.
Carilion Clinic Neurosurgery is a top destination regionally for treating degenerative spine and disc injury, spinal fracture/dislocation and brain injury.
6 Functional Neurosurgery Locations
To schedule an appointment at a Functional Neurosurgery location
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Access to Care
Call 540-224-5170