Providence Swedish is expanding neurological services on the Eastside
[5 MIN READ]
In this article:
- Advanced neurosurgical and neuro-oncology care is available closer to home for patients across the Eastside, including Issaquah and Bellevue.
- Our physicians have focused training in spine surgery, brain and skull base tumors, neuro-oncology, brain aneurysms and other blood vessel conditions affecting the brain.
- Learn which symptoms may warrant a specialist evaluation, what treatment options may be available and how to find the right physician or advanced practice clinician.
When you are dealing with persistent back or neck pain, a brain tumor diagnosis or a condition such as a brain aneurysm, traveling into Seattle can add stress. Providence Swedish Neuroscience Institute (PSNI) brings advanced neuroscience expertise closer to home for patients on the Eastside.
Our multidisciplinary team includes spine surgeons, brain tumor and skull base specialists, a neuro-oncologist and cerebrovascular neurosurgeons. Together, they evaluate and treat conditions affecting the spine, brain and blood vessels of the brain. Appointment locations vary by provider and clinical need, with Eastside access available in Issaquah and Bellevue.
“Patients historically have had to travel into Seattle to seek this level of advanced care and specialization. At the PSNI, we're bringing that to the Issaquah community," said Michelle Kirkland, MHA, executive director, Clinical Institutes.
Spine care for back pain, neck pain and nerve symptoms
Back or neck pain can affect work, sleep and everyday activities. Pain that travels into an arm or leg, sometimes called sciatica, as well as numbness, weakness, balance problems or difficulty walking may be signs of a spine or nerve condition.
Common conditions include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, pinched nerves, spinal cord compression and age-related changes of the spine. Not every patient needs surgery. Treatment may begin with imaging, medication, physical therapy, rehabilitation or an injection. When surgery is appropriate, options may include minimally invasive procedures or more complex spinal surgery.
Amir Abdul-Jabbar, M.D., and Alexis Falicov, M.D., orthopedic spine surgeons, and Zane Tymchak, M.D., a neurosurgeon, treat conditions affecting the neck, mid-back and lower back. Eastside patients can be evaluated close to home, with a treatment plan tailored to their diagnosis, symptoms and goals.
“Offering nonsurgical management, minimally invasive surgery and complex spinal reconstruction right here in Issaquah means patients get the full continuum of spine care close to home,” said Lorena Eve, RN, MSN, senior manager Clinic Operations, Neurosurgery.
Brain tumor care and skull base surgery
Symptoms of a brain tumor can vary. Some people experience:
- Persistent headaches
- A seizure
- Changes in vision or hearing
- Facial numbness
- Balance problems
- Weakness
- Changes in memory or thinking
These symptoms can have many causes, but symptoms that are new, persistent or worsening should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
If imaging identifies a brain tumor or a tumor located near the base of the brain, a neurosurgical consultation can help determine whether monitoring, surgery or another treatment approach is appropriate.
Zachary Litvack, M.D., specializes in skull base tumors and complex surgery inside the skull, using microsurgical and minimally invasive techniques when appropriate. Miri Kim, M.D., Ph.D, treats brain tumors, including high-grade and complex cases. Both see patients in Issaquah.
Patients also benefit from coordination with the broader PSNI team, including advanced imaging, multidisciplinary review and care planning across specialties when clinically appropriate.
“Our goal is to give Eastside patients access to the same subspecialized expertise they’d find in Seattle, without adding travel time to an already difficult diagnosis,” said Eve.
Neuro-oncology
Surgery is often just one part of treating a brain or spinal tumor. Trusha Shah, DO, a neuro-oncologist, works alongside PSNI's surgical team. Dr. Shah manages the medical side of care, including chemotherapy and targeted therapies and follow-up after treatment for primary or metastatic brain tumors.
Because the neuro-oncologist and surgical team communicate directly, your medical history and care stay connected from diagnosis through treatment and recovery.
“When neurosurgery and neuro-oncology work side by side, patients get one coordinated plan instead of having to manage their care across separate offices,” said Kirkland.
Brain aneurysm and other cerebrovascular care
Cerebrovascular conditions affect the blood vessels of the brain. They include brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations, also called AVMs, and other vascular conditions related to stroke.
Akshal Patel, M.D., treats cerebrovascular conditions and provides specialty care in Bellevue. Dr. Tymchak treats cerebrovascular conditions as well as complex spinal disorders and sees patients in Issaquah. The care team helps patients understand their diagnosis and whether monitoring, a minimally invasive endovascular procedure or surgery may be appropriate.
For patients who have already been diagnosed with an aneurysm, AVM or another cerebrovascular condition, Eastside specialty appointments can reduce travel while keeping care connected to the broader PSNI program.
Emergency Warning
Call 911 immediately if you experience a sudden, severe headache; sudden weakness or numbness; facial drooping; difficulty speaking; sudden vision changes; confusion; or loss of balance.
Do not wait for a clinic appointment.
Why choose Swedish Neuroscience Institute on the Eastside?
- Subspecialized expertise. Our physicians focus on specific spine, brain tumor, skull base, neuro-oncology and cerebrovascular conditions.
- Connected care. Our surgeons, neuro-oncology specialists, advanced practice clinicians and other members of your care team coordinate treatment planning.
- A wide range of treatment options. Depending on the diagnosis, your care may include monitoring, rehabilitation, medication, injections, minimally invasive procedures or surgery.
- Convenient Eastside access. Appointments are available in Issaquah and Bellevue, depending on the provider and service you need.
- Connection to PSNI. Eastside care is part of the broader Swedish Neuroscience Institute program.
If you have a confirmed diagnosis, abnormal imaging or ongoing symptoms that may require specialty evaluation, use the Swedish provider directory to find a physician or advanced practice clinician. Your primary care provider can also help you determine which specialty is most appropriate.
Learn more and find a physician or advanced practice clinician
Learn more about spine care and how our specialists from the Providence Swedish Neuroscience Institute and can help you. Our Swedish provider directory can help you find a specialist or primary care doctor that's right for you. Whether you require an in-person visit or want to consult a doctor virtually, you have options. Swedish Virtual Care connects you face-to-face with a nurse practitioner who can review your symptoms, provide instruction and follow up as needed. If you need to find a doctor, you can use our provider directory.
Additional resources
Seattle World Cup CEO opens up about his life-saving brain surgery at Providence Swedish
Love your spine and it will love you back
Do you know what a meningioma is?
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
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