Our Specialties Include

• Spinal and Orthopaedic Surgery
• Brain / Neurosurgery
• Intracranial Disease Alternatives
• Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
• Pain Management Services
• Joint Replacement
• Gender Knee Replacements
• Artificial Disc Replacement
• Kyphoplasty
• Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Programs
• Sports Medicine Specialists

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Brain Surgery Revolution

It has been discovered in the "Decade of the Brain" that new neurons are being created throughout our life, and the brain has the ability to create new connections to return function = Plasticity.

The NORTH Institute has embraced the future of cranial surgery. Incorporating exciting new technologies that allow minimally invasive neurosurgery combined with advanced radiologic imaging produce a "State of the Art" service now available on the Northshore.

This technology is managed by a Multidisciplinary Approach, both within the NORTH Institute and within the medical community. This approach optimizes the outcomes from our treatment of Neurological Surgery Disorders - the functional recovery and return to normalcy.

The NORTH Cranial Program is buttressed by our experience in a multidisciplinary spinal program that combines the expertise of both Neurological Surgery and Orthopedic Surgery. After three years in the making, the Cranial Program is ready to launch and offer elective cranial surgery at "Home."

The addition of Dr. Alan Weems to the NORTH Institute provides the foundation along with Dr. Donald Dietze - Board Certified Neurological Surgeons.

Dr. Alan Weems trained at Tulane University Department of Neurosurgery and has dedicated his professional practice to provide the state of the art surgical and medical treatments to maximize functional outcomes. Combining empathy and compassion with clinical and surgical expertise, Dr. Weems is able to partner with his patients and assist them through these difficult times. His professionalism and dedication makes him a leader in cranial neurosurgery.

Dr. Donald Dietze trained at the University of Florida Department of Neurosurgery, the home of the "Brain Institute." As a New Orleans native, he is proud to extend his professional services to include cranial neurosurgery now at "Home."

Dr. Weems specializes in cranial tumors and Dr. Dietze in vascular neurosurgery and skull based surgery. Both physicians have vast experience with Pain Syndromes that are amenable to neurosurgery.

The NORTH Cranial Program

The NORTH Institute is proud to announce the development of a cranial program to offer "Brain Surgery" on the Northshore.

Over the last 3 years since Hurricane Katrina, there has been a growing need for cranial Neurosurgical services on the Northshore. What are these needs?

• "The worst headache of my life."

• "I must have tunnel vision."

• "Let me switch the phone to my other ear."

• "I can't eat or drink because of knife-like face pain."

Brain / Neurological Surgery / Intracranial Disease

These are common problems to many intracranial diseases such as cerebral aneurysm, pituitary and acoustic tumors and pain syndromes.

If you are concerned about the possibility of these diseases, then contact our office or your Primary Physician to have a MRI scan of the brain performed and schedule a clinical evaluation. When elective brain surgery is needed, modern technology diminishes the anxiety and maintains hope.

Brain Surgery on the Northshore

Elective Brain Surgery has evolved similar to orthopedic and spinal surgery incorporating modern technologies. By using computer guidance and endoscopic techniques, smaller incisions are used with less tissue trauma allowing for quicker recovery. Shaving the hair on the head is not routinely required and often the sutures are under the skin making it hard to know that the brain surgery was performed.

These surgeries can be performed within hours and the hospital stay is generally 1-3 days. After the first day, patients are walking and their families can be with them. Often patients can return to work within 6-8 weeks. When elective brain surgery is needed, modern technology diminishes the anxiety and maintains hope.

Intracranial diseases do not always require brain surgery. Modern alternative options such as endovascular (arterial stents), outpatient single treatment focused radiation treatment (Gamma Knife), and medications can be effective treatments.

The NORTH Institute encourages a multidisciplinary approach by involving Neurology, Otolaryngology (ENT), Oncology (Hematology & Radiation), Endocrinology and Radiology / Cardiology.