Overview

Our investigation includes both bench science research clinical research through the care and interaction with patients. Many of our laboratory discoveries have been translated into technologic and therapeutic advances and integrated into clinical trials and patient care.

Neuroscience in the Department of Neurosurgery focuses on brain disease and injury, with the goals of preventing and repairing damage caused by stroke, cancer, trauma and neurodegenerative diseases.

Particular strengths of the Department of Neurosurgery have included research in traumatic brain injury; awake brain surgery; sterotactic and functional neurosurgery; neuro–oncology; cerebrovascular and skull base neurosurgery; pain; brachial plexus and peripheral nerve disorders; and spine and spinal disorders.

There continues to be a great need for continued research efforts, particularly to elucidate the mechanisms of neurological disease and treatment. Operative advances will continue to improve the care and treatment of patients with neurosurgical disease.

Ongoing research efforts include laboratory studies of the mechanics of neurological disease, as well as clinical and epidemiological research, drawing from more than 100 years of Mayo Clinic patient records.