Authors: Vivek Deshmukh, M.D., FACS, FAANS, Providence Brain and Spine Institute; The Oregon Clinic
Jane Ng, M.D., MBBS, MRCP, MRCS, Ph.D., Providence Brain and Spine Institute; The Oregon Clinic
The Providence Brain and Spine Institute Second Opinion Program gives patients timely, affordable access to a highly experienced multidisciplinary team of brain disease experts. Providence and non-Providence patients in select areas of Oregon and southwest Washington are eligible for the service.
The Providence Second Opinion Program recently added two new brain conditions that its multidisciplinary team can review and consult on for an initial diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Brain aneurysms consist of a bulge or ballooning in a blood vessel in the brain. It can leak or rupture, causing hemorrhagic stroke. Most often, a ruptured brain aneurysm occurs in the space between the brain and the thin tissues covering the brain. A ruptured aneurysm quickly becomes life-threatening and requires prompt medical treatment.
- Moyamoya disease is a rare, progressive cerebrovascular disorder caused by blocked arteries at the base of the brain in an area called the basal ganglia. Moyamoya means “puff of smoke” in Japanese and is used to describe the tangled appearance of tiny vessels compensating for the blockage.
Moyamoya disease was first described in Japan and is found in individuals around the world, although its incidence is higher in Asian countries than in Europe or North America. The disease primarily affects children but can also occur in adults.
Addition of neuro-oncologist
Prakash Ambady, M.D., and his interdisciplinary team of providers, nurses and social work support are located at Providence Neurological Specialties-West. He and his team collaborate with providers from Providence Cancer Institute to provide oncology care and offer the latest clinical trial opportunities through both Providence Brain and Spine Institute Clinical Research and the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, a part of Providence Cancer Institute.
Dr. Ambady trained at Johns Hopkins University and the National Institutes of Health; previously built a strong program and team at OHSU; and has conducted investigator-initiated trials and an NIH-supported study.
As a neuro-oncologist for the second opinion program, Dr. Ambady is part of the review panel for patients seeking a second opinion related to their brain tumor and neuro-oncology cases.
How the second opinion program works
Patients pay $150 to have their case reviewed and questions answered about their diagnosis and treatment within seven to 10 business days. The team of experts is headed by neurosurgeons and neuro-oncologists, in consultation with other specialties as needed for each individual case.
After the medical records are reviewed, a video visit is scheduled with the patient. Our specialists may agree with the original diagnosis and treatment plan, or agree with the initial diagnosis but recommend different or additional treatments, or offer a different diagnosis and treatment plan.
Whatever the result of the second opinion, patients are encouraged to schedule time with their own health care provider to review the recommendation and work together to come up with the best treatment approach.
If a patient decides to come to Providence Brain and Spine Institute in Portland, Oregon, for treatment, their personal care coordinator will help schedule an in-person appointment.
List of brain tumor types
In addition to aneurysms and moyamoya disease, the multidisciplinary team consults on a wide range of brain tumor types including:
Acoustic neuroma
Astrocytoma
Chondrosarcoma
Chordoma
Choroid plexus papilloma
Colloid cyst
Craniopharyngioma
Ependymoma
Epidermoid tumors
Esthesioneuroblastoma
Ganglioglioma
Germinoma
Glioma/glioblastoma
Hemangioblastoma
Lymphoma
Medulloblastoma
Meningioma
Metastatic brain tumor
Metastatic germ cell tumor
Neuroepithelial tumor
Oligodendroglioma
Pineal tumors
Pituitary tumor and related conditions:
Cushing’s disease
Acromegaly
Prolactinoma
Pituitary adenoma
Rathke’s cleft cyst
Sinonasal carcinoma
Spinal cord tumors
For more information
Frank J. Krause, senior director, Clinical Programs, Providence Brain and Spine Institute
(503) 216-0967
If you have a patient recently diagnosed with any of the brain conditions listed above, including aneurysm or moyamoya disease, they can request a second opinion through the Providence Second Opinion Program or call us at 503-216-1055. Our team will work closely with you and your patient to ensure they have the information they need to make an informed decision about next steps.
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For more information or to request a referral:
Vivek Deshmukh, M.D., FACS, FAANS, is director of neurosurgery, Providence Brain and Spine Institute; and a neurosurgeon with The Oregon Clinic.
https://www.oregonclinic.com/our-team/vivek-deshmukh
Jane Ng, M.D., M.B.B.S, MRCP, MRCS, Ph.D., is a neurosurgeon at Providence Brain and Spine Institute and at The Oregon Clinic-Neurosurgery & Spine West
The Oregon Clinic - Neurosurgery & Spine West
About the Author
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