Webinars

Neurosurgery Research Update: Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence

Isaac Yang, MD, Quinton Gopen, MD, and Jeremiah Johnson, MD, discuss a disorder termed superior semicircular canal dehiscence (SSCD), its diagnosis, treatments and outcomes of patients undergoing surgery at UCLA. 

More common among older adults, SSCD happens when a small hole develops in the bony layer covering one of the three balance organ canals inside the ear. The hole causes symptoms like hearing loss, vertigo, fatigue, headaches, disequilibrium and more. 

Watch as Dr. Gopen and Dr. Yang explain evidence-based research behind SSCD and how it impacts treatment. SSCD is an active area of clinical research at UCLA Health — Dr. Gopen and Dr. Yang have completed 500 surgeries (at the time of recording) with guidance from revolutionary neuronavigation technology. Surgery is often successful — most patients in the clinical series saw at least one symptom improve following surgical treatment.

Moyamoya

Jeremiah Johnson, MD, FAANS and Anthony Wang, MD explain moyamoya disease, which involves the narrowing of blood vessels in the brain.

Moyomoya is rare and affects people of all ages, but it accounts for 10-20% of all strokes that occur in children. When a person has moyamoya, backup blood vessels form in the brain to make up for the lack of blood and oxygen caused by narrowing. Compared to healthy blood vessels, those backup vessels are smaller and weaker. Over time, moyamoya can cause bleeding in the brain or a stroke. The most common symptoms of moyamoya disease include brain bleeding (hemorrhage), headaches, personality changes, cognitive dysfunction, problems with senses (sight, touch, hearing, taste, smell) and seizures.

There is no cure for moyamoya at this time, but treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent serious complications like seizure and stroke. Bypass surgery using donor arteries can help divert blood flow. In this webinar, Dr. Wang shows a bypass surgery and explains how the procedure is performed.

Surgical Advances: Endoscopic Transnasal Surgery for Pituitary and Anterior Skull Base Tumors

Marvin Bergsneider, MD and Jeremiah Johnson, MD, discuss recent advances in a minimally invasive surgery for brain tumors called endoscopic transnasal surgery. During this procedure, surgeons insert an endoscope (camera) through the nose and expose and remove tumors from base of the brain. Guided by the endoscope camera, specially designed microsurgical instruments are used to dissect and remove the tumor. There is no facial incision, no visible scar and often fewer side effects for patients.

If left untreated, pituitary and anterior skull base tumors can cause many health problems, including Cushing’s disease. In ideal cases, surgery can remove the tumor and resolve symptoms. Endoscopic transnasal surgery is a groundbreaking treatment because it allows doctors to see and remove tumors in otherwise difficult to reach areas — without a skin incision, with increased precision and better results.

Watch the webinar to learn more about how surgeons at UCLA Health use endoscopic transnasal surgery to remove pituitary and skull base tumors.

MMA Embolization: An Emerging Treatment Technique for Chronic Subdural Hematomas

Geoffrey Colby, MD, PhD, FAANS, and Jeremiah Johnson, MD, FAANS, explain a new treatment used to address chronic subdural hematomas. When someone has a subdural hematoma, blood collects in the space between the surface of the brain and the inner lining of the skull. As the subdural hematoma grows, it puts pressure on the brain, and can cause headaches, confusion, seizures, imbalance and more.

By 2030, researchers say that chronic subdural hematomas will be one of the most common surgical conditions requiring treatment by neurosurgeons. One minimally invasive treatment technique is middle meningeal arterial (MMA) embolization. During this procedure, the doctor directs a small catheter through the arteries into the MMA blood vessel in the underlining of the skull called the dura matter. Through the catheter, the surgeon releases particles or glue to reduce MMA blood flow which prevents future bleeding and promotes healing.

Watch the webinar to learn more about how UCLA Health surgeons are using this emerging surgical treatment for chronic subdural hematomas.

Brain Aneurysms: The Basics

UCLA neurosurgeon Geoffrey Colby, MD, PhD, presented a live-streaming webinar overview of what causes an aneurysm, how it is diagnosed and who is most at risk.

Chiari Malformations in Children

UCLA neurosurgeon Anthony Wang, MD, presented a live-streaming webinar to discuss Chiari malformations, diagnosis and treatment options for pediatric patients.

Treatment Options for Moyamoya

UCLA neurosurgeon Anthony Wang, MD, reviews moyamoya disease and moyamoya syndrome, discusses what we know about them and compares treatment options.

Hemispherectomy: When Half the Brain is Better than the Whole

UCLA neurosurgeon Aria Fallah, MD, discusses the latest advancements associated with hemispherectomies, what the operation entails, post-operative recovery and long-term outcomes associated with this procedure.

A Modern and Comprehensive Approach to Pediatric Epilepsy Surgery

UCLA neurosurgeon Aria Fallah, MD presents a live-streaming webinar to discuss a modern and comprehensive approach to pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Management of Pediatric Hydrocephalus

UCLA neurosurgeon Aria Fallah, MD presents a live-streaming webinar to discuss hydrocephalus in children – the buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which can effect physical and mental development. He also reviews underlying causes, signs and symptoms, treatments and the importance of joint decision making with the neurosurgeon.

Treatment of Brain Metastases

UCLA neurosurgeon Won Kim, MD, presents a live-streaming webinar overview of assessing and treating brain metastases, and an update on advancements in the field. 

Cancer Treatment for Brain Metastasis

UCLA Neurosurgeon Isaac Yang, MD presents a live-streaming webinar to discuss treatments for single and multiple metastatic brain cancer. He also discusses and compares whole brain radiation, stereotactic radiosurgery, conventional surgery and other recommended treatment options.

Meningiomas 

Dr. Isaac Yang, expert neurosurgeon at UCLA, presented a free-live streaming webinar to discuss the latest advancements and treatments for meningiomas and ask live questions.

Latest Treatment Options for Pituitary Tumors

UCLA neurosurgeon, Marvin Bergsneider, MD, director of the UCLA Pituitary Tumor Program, discusses advancements in diagnosing, imaging and treating pituitary tumors. He will address the latest in minimally invasive surgery options, non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery and the importance of a multidisciplinary team approach to care.

Minimally Invasive Surgery for Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence

UCLA neurosurgeon Isaac Yang, MD presents a live-streaming webinar to discuss minimally invasive keyhole craniotomy for Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD).

New Treatment for Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence

UCLA Neurosurgeon, Isaac Yang, MD, presents a live-streaming webinar to discuss the common causes and leading treatments for superior semicircular canal dehiscence, a condition triggering vertigo, hearing loss, disequilibrium and other balance and auditory symptoms. In addition, he discusses new data from UCLA showing promising outcomes and recovery times for patients with surgery for this disorder.

Update on Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD) 

Dr. Quinton Gopen and Dr. Isaac Yang discuss the latest surgical approaches and outcomes for the diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes in the management of superior semicircular canal dehiscence.

Acoustic Neuromas

 Isaac Yang, M.D., expert neurosurgeon at UCLA, presents on the "Latest minimally invasive treatments to maximize quality of life for patients with vestibular schwannomas."