Pain Management Doctors Smithtown NY
Dr. Missios is a board-certified neurosurgeon at Long Island Brain & Spine, pain management doctors Smithtown NY, 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.
Meet Dr. Symeon Missios
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.
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What Are Painful Neurological Symptoms?
While pain typically comes from a clear source – such as injury or disease – there is also neurological pain. Neurological pain often occurs unprompted as the body sends pain signals at random. Symeon Missios is a neurological expert who leads a team of pain management doctors Smithtown NY, capable of treating neurological pains.
Neurological Pain Symptoms
It can be difficult to diagnose neurological pain since the symptoms are shared with other chronic pains and conditions. The main symptoms are shooting or stabbing pains and a sensation of unpleasantness. The other common symptom is feeling pain unprovoked and visiting a doctor who doesn’t diagnose any problems. Although it can be difficult to diagnose, some diseases and conditions typically cause neurological pain.
Neurological Pain Causes
The causes of this kind of pain are numerous and come from various sources. Listed below are a few of the most common sources of neurological pain:
- Diabetes – Chronic diabetes affects how your nerves function, which leads to a loss of feeling and then sudden shooting pains. It’s responsible for 30 percent of neurological pain cases.
- Alcohol – Excessive drinking can cause both neurological damage and nerve damage, both of which can cause random unexplained pains.
- Limb Loss – There is a condition known as phantom limb syndrome, which occurs after a limb has been amputated. Nerves near the severed limb misfire as the brain believes it’s receiving pain signals from the removed body part.
- Spine Injuries – Even after the spine is treated and healed, there may have been permanent nerve damage that will cause pain.
- Injuries – Severe injuries can cause damage to the nerves that may or may not heal. This permanent damage to the nervous system will lead to feeling pain where you were injured even years after the original incident.
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, consider visiting our pain management doctors Smithtown NY.
Treatments
The treatment for neurological pain involves treating the underlying symptoms. Some pain relief methods may be offered; however, the typical strategy is fixing the root problem. Here is a small list of treatments exclusively for neurological pain and not the underlying causes.
- Nerve Blockers – Steroid injections may be used to block nerves and prevent them from sending pain signals back to the brain. The main problem with this treatment method is that it’s temporary.
- Anti Depression Drugs – This can treat the pain itself but also the depression and anxiety that it causes.
- Anticonvulsant Drugs – It’s not entirely clear why this type of medication works. Yet it’s one of the more common treatments for neuropathic pain.
Visit Our Pain Management Doctors Smithtown NY
While neurological pain may require specialized knowledge to diagnose and treat, it is more than possible. Our pain management doctors Smithtown NY have years of experience treating neurological conditions. We will explain the details of what is going on and tailor our treatment to your condition. You shouldn’t wait until the pain disrupts your sleep, as neurological pain gets worse with time; contact us today and live your life pain-free.
Do Neurosurgeons Treat Pain?
Neurosurgeons specialize in diagnosing and treating various conditions that affect parts of the nervous system, such as the brain, nerves, and spinal cord. Thankfully, they are also
successful in treating pain. Throughout this blog, we will be looking at the types of pain that neurosurgeons treat. If this sounds of interest to you, or you are searching for pain management doctors Smithtown NY, please continue reading.
It is correct to say that neurosurgeons can treat pain, especially the kinds felt in neurological disorders, conditions, and syndromes. Since they deal with neurological issues, if there is any pain felt in the nervous system, they are quite capable of providing pain relief. Neurosurgeons treat a multitude of conditions, disorders, and syndromes.
Below are some of these that neurosurgeons are effective at treating and the pain that comes with them:
- Tumors – As tumors grow, they can increase the amount of pressure on surrounding nerves, organs, and bones. This typically results in an excessive amount of pain and discomfort. Neurosurgeons will surgically remove the tumor or use radiosurgery to eliminate tumor cells, resulting in pain relief and a return to healthiness.
- Spinal Disorders – Herniated discs, spinal tumors, or spinal stenosis are treated by neurosurgeons through procedures such as spinal fusion and decompression.
- Chronic Pain – Syndromes such as complex regional pain syndrome and failed back surgery syndrome are treated by neurosurgeons through spinal cord stimulation and deep brain stimulation. Spinal cord stimulation involves implanting a small device that sends impulses to interrupt pain signals. Deep brain stimulation is done by implanting a device that helps with movement disorders such as Parkinson’s.
- Trigeminal Neuralgia – This is a disorder that causes severe facial pain, usually triggered by simple acts such as eating, talking, or laughing. Neurosurgeons can use both non-surgical and surgical methods to treat the pain caused by this disorder.
- Pinched Nerves – Like Trigeminal Neuralgia, pinched nerves can be treated with both non-surgical and surgical methods. Over-the-counter medications and steroid injections may work, but if not, surgery can help. Thankfully, most surgical procedures for pinched nerves are minimally invasive. This is done by neurosurgeons using microscopes and other instruments to create small incisions to decompress the affected nerves.
- Strokes – Neurosurgeons can treat complications that may arise. For example, they can perform surgeries to drain fluids and relieve pain and pressure.
Remember, neurosurgeons can treat pain depending on what the cause of it is. Pain is a complex issue that encompasses many different kinds of medical professionals due to it having physical, emotional, and social factors. Sometimes, several kinds of medical professionals in different fields may be necessary to involve in recovery.
Contact Us: Pain Management Doctors Smithtown NY
Experiencing pain is an unfortunate reality, but thankfully, there are ways to find the relief that you deserve. Dr. Symeon Missios, MD is a board-certified neurosurgeon that specializes in cranial and spinal procedures. If you are searching for pain management doctors Smithtown NY, Dr. Missios and his team are there for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward pain relief!
When Should You See A Neurologist For Pain?
If you often suffer from chronic headaches or feel muscle weakness or numbness, you may want to visit a neurologist. Neurologists are specialists who focus specifically on the brain and nervous system. Symeon Missios is an experienced neurologist with a team of pain management doctors Smithtown NY, that specializes in treating chronic pains and migraines. Read below to learn more about what neurologists do and what to expect during your visit.
What Is A Neurologist
As stated before, a neurologist is a doctor who specializes in dealing with conditions regarding the spine and nervous system. The nervous system includes conditions that deal with the brain, spine, and nerves. You may consider visiting a neurologist if you feel unexplained pains or often get migraines. They would also treat conditions that suffer symptoms such as memory loss, tremors, and numbness as they signify nervous system damage or a brain condition. Listed below are a collection of conditions that neurologists treat.
- Migraine – Migraines are one of the most common reasons to meet a neurologist. They cause extreme pain along with dizziness and sensitivity to light. You will likely receive medications to help with the pain and recommendations if you have triggers that cause the migraines.
- Seizures – These often start in the brain and can cause long-term consequences. You will be tested to check for any brain damage and conditions that may have caused the seizure, such as epilepsy.
- Multiple Sclerosis – This chronic condition affects your brain and spine and causes weakness and tingling sensations. Multiple Sclerosis is a progressive condition that worsens over time, but some treatments and medications will help reduce the symptoms.
- Parkinson’s Disease – A condition that people suffer from when the brain doesn’t make dopamine resulting in tremors, stiffness, and a lack of coordination.
Our pain management doctors Smithtown NY are professionals with years of experience treating people for the conditions listed above and have techniques tailor-made to diagnose and treat them.
Typical Neurological Procedures
While neurology is a wide-spanning field with many tests used to diagnose and treat conditions, here are a few more specialized treatments they may use.
- Lumbar Puncture – Involves inserting a needle into the spine to extract spinal fluid. This spinal fluid can detect certain problems in the nervous system.
- Electromyography – EMGs are used to measure the electrical activity from your brain or spine to a peripheral nerve. Small electrodes are placed onto muscles and measure the electrical activity during periods of movement and rest.
- Electroencephalogram – EEGs measure electrical activity in the brain through small electrodes placed on the scalp.
Visit Our Pain Management Doctors Smithtown NY
If you’re suffering from the symptoms listed in this post or are worried that you’re suffering from nerve damage, consider visiting us. The pain management doctors Smithtown NY have years of experience and utilize advanced techniques to quickly diagnose and treat any conditions you may suffer from. They also maintain high levels of customer care and want to ensure you feel comfortable during your entire stay. So don’t wait until it’s too late; contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Unraveling the Path to Pain Relief with Dr. Missios
Pain can be an unwelcome companion, affecting your daily life and overall well-being. Here we’ll explore the various aspects of pain management, from understanding the role of pain medicine specialists to the treatment options available in Smithtown, NY. If you or a loved one is dealing with chronic pain, this is a must-read, as it offers valuable insights into the road to a pain-free life.
Why Should You Read About Pain Management in Smithtown, NY?
Are you curious about pain management and how it can transform your life? Here’s why you should dive into the world of pain relief:
- Chronic Pain Relief: If you or someone you know is suffering from chronic pain, this article offers insights into managing and potentially alleviating your symptoms.
- Pain Medicine Specialists: Discover the role of pain medicine specialists and how they can address the root causes of your pain.
- Treatment Options: Uncover the diverse range of treatment options available, from minimally invasive procedures to multidisciplinary approaches, all aimed at providing you with relief.
- Quality of Life: Don’t let pain hold you back. Learn how pain management can significantly improve your quality of life.
What is Pain Management, and How Does it Work?
Pain management is a medical specialty focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic pain. It encompasses a multidisciplinary approach and may include medications, therapies, interventional procedures, and lifestyle modifications to help patients achieve relief.
When Should You See a Pain Medicine Specialist?
You should consider seeing a pain medicine specialist when you experience persistent pain that significantly impacts your daily life. Whether it’s chronic back pain, knee pain, or neuropathy, a specialist can help you manage your condition effectively.
What Are the Most Common Pain Conditions Treated?
Pain medicine specialists address a wide range of conditions, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and neuropathy. They also specialize in treating various types of pain, such as spinal pain, nerve pain, and even sports-related injuries.
What Are the Available Treatment Options?
Pain management offers a broad spectrum of treatment options, from physical therapy and medication management to interventional procedures like epidural injections, spinal cord stimulation, and radiofrequency ablation. The choice of treatment depends on your diagnosis and individual needs.
How Can Pain Management Improve Quality of Life?
The ultimate goal of pain management is to enhance your quality of life by reducing pain and restoring function. By addressing the root cause of your pain, these specialists help you regain your independence and sense of well-being.
Why Choose Dr. Missios for Pain Management in Smithtown?
Dr. Missios and his team are board-certified pain medicine specialists with extensive experience in treating pain conditions. They offer minimally invasive procedures such as kyphoplasty, prioritize compassionate care, and understand the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to pain management.
How Does Minimally Invasive Pain Management Work?
Minimally invasive procedures involve small incisions and targeted therapies to address specific pain conditions. They offer quicker recovery times and less post-operative discomfort compared to traditional surgical methods.
What Role Does Physical Therapy Play in Pain Management?
Physical therapy is an integral part of pain management, aiding in the rehabilitation process and promoting mobility. It can be particularly helpful for those with musculoskeletal pain and injuries.
What Are the Benefits of Multidisciplinary Pain Management?
A multidisciplinary approach combines various specialists and therapies to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to the patient’s unique needs. It often leads to more effective pain relief.
Embrace a Pain-Free Future in Smithtown, NY
Pain management offers the promise of a pain-free, improved quality of life. If you’re seeking relief from chronic pain, the dedicated team at Dr. Missios is here to help you on your journey. Don’t let pain hold you back any longer. To manage your pain and take the first step toward a brighter, pain-free future, schedule an appointment with Dr. Missios today. Your path to a more comfortable, fulfilling life starts here.