Expert: Dina Q Goldin, Ph.D. - 11/22/2008

Question
Now the best neurosurgeons for this type of surgery in the United States?

Answer
For many AN patients, the best is to avoid invasive treatment -- i.e. radiosurgery, GK (Gamma Knife) or FSR (Fractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery). It is true that the skill of a surgeon greatly affects your chances of complications and side effects, for which ANs are notorious; however, avoiding surgery altogether can have even more profound positive implications on your quality of life afterwards.  

So please make sure to speak to the radiosurgeons as well as surgeons in order to be properly informed about your treatment options. Do not let a surgical specialist, no matter how good, tell you about both options; the information you will get about radiosurgery is likely to be outdated and incorrect.  In each case, consult with the best team possible.  Patient-run web sites, such as AN Archive and AN World, may have lists of the best teams around the USA and the world.