Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island
SYMEON MISSIOS, M.D., FAANS
Dr. Missios is a board-certified neurosurgeon at
Long Island Brain & Spine, specializing in both cranial and spinal procedures and with subspecialty training in the surgical and radiosurgical management of brain tumors and in minimally invasive endovascular neurosurgery. Click here for Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island!
Dr. Missios received his Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biological and Biochemical Sciences from Duquesne University, in Pittsburgh, PA where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He obtained his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School, in NH, where he was elected as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He graduated medical school with honors and was the recipient of the prestigious Dean’s Medal Award for the highest academic achievement in his class. He completed his internship and residency in neurological surgery at Dartmouth-Hitchcock University Hospital in NH and received his subspecialty training in the field of brain tumors at Cleveland Clinic, in OH, where he completed a fellowship in Neurosurgical Oncology and Stereotactic Radiosurgery. He continued his subspecialty training by completing a second fellowship in the field of Endovascular Neurosurgery and Neurovascular Critical Care at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia.
Dr. Missios’ clinical expertise involves the treatment of benign and malignant tumors that originate in the brain or that have metastasized there. He has extensive experience in the use of advanced intraoperative neuronavigation techniques such as intraoperative tractography, brain mapping and electrocorticography that allow the safe resection of complex brain tumors that occupy critical areas in the brain. He is also an expert in stereotactic radiosurgery, a very precise way of delivering radiation to the tumor while sparing any radiation exposure to the rest of the brain, and is highly effective for the treatment of a variety of intracranial tumors.
Dr. Missios is also a part of the Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Excellence at Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center, the only Joint Commission Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center in the South Shore of Long Island. He received extensive training in endovascular neurosurgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, one of the largest stroke centers in the country, and his expertise involves the surgical and minimally invasive endovascular treatment of stroke, brain aneurysms and other vascular neurosurgical pathologies.
In addition to his clinical expertise in the management of brain tumors, stroke and brain aneurysms, Dr. Missios’ clinical skills span a wide range including spine surgery for degenerative, traumatic or tumor pathologies as well as surgery for peripheral nerve disorders, brain and spine trauma and neuromodulation for intractable back and leg pain.
Dr. Missios has a very strong academic background and has been involved in more than 80 peer-reviewed publications. He serves as a reviewer for multiple neurosurgical journals. He is a member of the Population Health Research Institute of New York at CHS. His academic projects have won several awards including the Kenneth Shulman Award, awarded to the best research project presented at the annual meeting of the Joint Section of Pediatric Neurological Surgery, and 1st place award in the Socioeconomic Category at the 83rd annual meeting of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons.
BOARD CERTIFICATION
Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island
Main Office:
Long Island Brain & Spine
380 Montauk Hwy
West Islip, NY
The Cancer Institute at Good Samaritan Hospital
111 Beach Drive
West Islip, NY
St. Catherine of Siena Medical Building
48 Route 25A, Suite 302
Smithtown, NY
Click Here To Request An Appointment With Our Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island
Does Trigeminal Neuralgia Ever Go Away?
Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by sudden, severe facial pain that feels like electric shocks. At Symeon Missios, MD Neurosurgery, we understand the severe pain and challenges associated with trigeminal neuralgia. These attacks can be triggered by everyday activities such as brushing teeth, chewing, or even a gentle breeze. Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is caused by a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve as it exits the brainstem. This compression causes the nerve to misfire, leading to episodes of intense pain. Here are key aspects of trigeminal neuralgia with our Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island:
- Sudden, severe facial pain resembling electric shocks
- Pain triggered by everyday activities like brushing teeth and chewing
- Caused by a blood vessel pressing on the trigeminal nerve
- This can lead to recurring episodes of intense pain
Treatment Options
Managing trigeminal neuralgia involves a combination of medical and surgical approaches. Medications are often the first line of treatment and can be effective in reducing or even eliminating pain for some patients. Commonly prescribed medications include anticonvulsants and muscle relaxants, which help control nerve pain. For patients who do not respond to medication, surgical options are available. These include microvascular decompression, which involves relocating or removing the blood vessel causing the compression, and other less invasive procedures like Gamma Knife radiosurgery. Consulting with a skilled Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on the severity of the condition and individual patient needs.
Prognosis and Long-Term Outlook
The long-term outlook for trigeminal neuralgia varies widely among patients. While some individuals experience long periods of remission with minimal pain, others may have more persistent symptoms. It is important to note that trigeminal neuralgia can recur even if the pain subsides. Regular follow-ups with a Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island are crucial to monitor the condition and adjust treatments as needed.
Contact Us For A Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island
If you or a loved one is suffering from trigeminal neuralgia, don’t hesitate to seek help. Schedule a consultation with our Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island to explore your treatment options and take the first step toward relief. Contact Symeon Missios, MD Neurosurgery today and let us help you on your journey to a pain-free life.
Warning Signs Before Stroke
Have you experienced sudden confusion or difficulty speaking? Are you dealing with severe headaches or numbness in one side of your body? If these symptoms sound familiar, they might be early warning signs of a stroke. At Symeon Missios, MD, our Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island has extensive experience recognizing and treating stroke symptoms. Knowing these warning signs can be crucial in preventing severe brain damage and improving recovery outcomes.
Warning Signs of Stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell death. Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke can be lifesaving. The key symptoms to watch for include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
- Needs for clarity, trouble speaking, or understanding speech.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination.
- Sudden severe headache with no known cause.
If you or someone you know is experiencing any of these symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention from a Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island is essential. Prompt treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term disability or death.
Early Indicators Days Before a Stroke
Many people wonder if there are warning signs days before a stroke. Some potential indicators might manifest days before an actual stroke event. These include transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), often called “mini-strokes.” TIAs are temporary blockages of blood flow to the brain that can cause stroke-like symptoms but do not result in permanent damage. Experiencing a TIA is a serious warning sign that a full-blown stroke could occur shortly. Recognizing and addressing TIAs with the help of a Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island can be crucial in preventing a major stroke.
Symeon Missios, MD | Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early intervention can save lives and reduce the risk of severe complications. If you’re experiencing any warning signs of a stroke, contact Symeon Missios, MD, today to schedule an appointment with our Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island. Taking proactive steps toward your health can make all the difference in preventing a stroke and maintaining your overall well-being.
When Should You Worry About A Meningioma?
Are you curious about when you should worry about meningioma? Meningioma can grow for years without showing symptoms. If you live on Long Island and are worried you might have meningioma, you should visit Symeon Missios, MD, a Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island. When it comes to tumors, it is best to find them sooner rather than later.
What is a Meningioma?
Meningioma is a tumor that arises from the lining of the brain. Meningioma is the most common tumor found in the head and is typically small. The cause of meningioma has not been discovered yet. Exposure to radiation as a child is suspected to be an environmental factor that could contribute to the cause. Women are more likely to get meningioma, which speculates that some female hormones might contribute to the cause. Some other risk factors include:
- Radiation treatment
- Inherited nervous system condition
- Obesity
Symeon Missios, MD, a Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island, has experience in dealing with meningioma and offers services for patients dealing with this tumor.
Symptoms of Meningioma
Symptoms of meningioma might not be apparent at first. It could take time before symptoms start to show. Some meningioma symptoms to look out for include:
- Problems with one’s vision. One could experience blurry vision or see double
- Loss of hearing or ringing in the ears
- Headaches that become worse in the morning
- Loss of smell
- Loss of memory
- Seizures
- Trouble with talking
- Weakness in arms and legs
If memory loss or seizure symptoms occur suddenly, seek medical care immediately.
How to Diagnose Meningioma
To discover if a patient is being affected by meningioma, a few exams will show the tumor. A neurologist will run the patient through a neurological exam and some imaging tests, such as a CT or MRI scan. A biopsy might also be needed.
Contact Symeon Missios, MD | Neurosurgeon Doctor on Long Island
If you have concerns or are struggling with meningioma, visit Symeon Missios, MD. Dr. Missios is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Long Island Brain and Spine and is trained in the surgical and radiological management of brain and head tumors. Dr. Missios cares for his patients and always has their best interests at heart. If you are interested in requesting an appointment, visit our website.