Board-Certified Cranial Neurosurgery
Brain Surgery on Long Island
Brain surgery is one of the most consequential decisions a patient and family can face. At Long Island Brain & Spine, Dr. Symeon Missios performs the full range of modern cranial neurosurgical procedures with a focus on precise, technology-guided treatment.
What Is Brain Surgery?
Brain surgery, or cranial neurosurgery, refers to any operation performed on the brain, its surrounding membranes (the meninges), the blood vessels that supply it, or the bony skull that protects it.Today, the vast majority of operations are performed through small, carefully planned openings using image guidance, intraoperative neuromonitoring, and microsurgical technique — preserving as much healthy tissue and function as possible.
Dr. Missios performs cranial surgery at major Long Island hospitals and works closely with multidisciplinary teams to deliver coordinated care.
Modern Techniques
Conditions Treated
Part of our consultation is determining whether watchful waiting, medication, or radiosurgery may be a better fit.
Types of Brain Surgery
Craniotomy
Minimally Invasive
Awake Craniotomy
Image-Guided Surgery
The Surgical Journey
Before Surgery
Detailed neurological exam, MRI/CT imaging, and medical clearance. Dr. Missios discusses diagnosis, risks, benefits, and non-surgical alternatives.
During Surgery
Performed under general anesthesia in specialized suites. Length varies from under 2 hours for shunts to full-day complex skull base cases.
Recovery
Typically one night in Neuro ICU. Hospital stays range 2-7 days. Full recovery often takes 6-12 weeks with coordinated physical and occupational therapy.
What to Expect: The Brain Surgery Process
Consultation
Dr. Missios reviews your imaging, medical history, and prior treatments, and discusses whether brain surgery is the best fit. For cancer-related cases, the recommendation is made in coordination with your oncology team.
Planning Day
A custom immobilization device (typically a facemask) is fabricated. High-resolution MRI and CT scans are obtained and fused. The neurosurgery, radiation oncology, and medical physics team designs a custom treatment plan with multiple beam angles to focus the dose precisely on your target.
Treatment Day
Treatment is painless — most patients describe it as similar to having an MRI. Depending on the target and the technology used, a single session typically lasts 30 to 90 minutes. Most patients drive themselves home the same day.
Follow-Up
Follow-up MRI scans, generally at three-month intervals initially, are used to confirm tumor control. SRS does not typically shrink tumors immediately — the goal is to stop growth and often produce gradual shrinkage over months to years.
Why Patients Choose Dr. Missios
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Many small, slow-growing tumors — especially benign meningiomas and certain pituitary adenomas — can be safely monitored with serial MRI scans, treated with stereotactic radiosurgery, or managed medically. Dr. Missios will discuss all reasonable options with you before recommending surgery.
Recovery depends on the procedure, your overall health, and the location of the surgery. Most patients are discharged within a week and return to light activity within two to four weeks. Full neurological recovery and return to work often take six to twelve weeks, though some patients recover faster.
Preserving neurological function is the central goal of every operation we perform. With modern image guidance, neuromonitoring, and awake mapping when needed, most patients return to their baseline cognitive function. We discuss specific risks tied to your individual case during consultation.
Yes. We accept most major insurance plans. Our office staff can verify your coverage and help you understand what to expect financially before scheduling.
Schedule a Brain Surgery Consultation on Long Island
If you or a loved one has been told you may need brain surgery, you deserve a clear, unhurried conversation with a board-certified neurosurgeon who will explain every option — including whether surgery is truly the right path. Dr. Missios sees patients at three convenient Long Island locations and offers second-opinion consultations.