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Functional Neurosurgery Program

Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute treats patients with movement disorders, epilepsy, psychiatric conditions, and other neurological conditions. We focus on relieving your symptoms while reducing side effects so that you move and feel your best.

Two surgeons in full surgical attire work together in a brightly lit operating room.

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Advanced surgical solutions and collaborative neuroscience care

When medications are not enough to manage your symptoms, our team offers advanced surgical options such as deep brain stimulation and responsive neurostimulation, paired with comprehensive evaluation and follow-up care. We work closely with you to determine the best approach for your needs.

As part of the Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute, we bring together leading clinicians and researchers to advance neurosurgical care for movement disorders, epilepsy, and related conditions.

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Part of the Neuroscience Institute
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Our approach to care

We use a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach to recommend the most effective treatment options for your condition.
Your personalized care plan

Every treatment plan is focused on your personal symptoms, goals, and health needs. Our team meets regularly to discuss each case, and recommend the least invasive, most effective surgical options.

Each patient’s treatment is managed by a team of specialists that includes:

  • Neurosurgeons
  • Neurologists
  • Neuroradiologists
  • Neuropsychologists
  • Nurse practitioners
Surgical treatment for epilepsy
For 20–30% of people with epilepsy, surgery may be required to address seizures. We perform a thorough evaluation to determine whether seizures can be treated by removing or disconnecting the area where they begin, or through neuromodulation therapies such as DBS, VNS, or RNS.
Surgical treatment for movement disorders

DBS can also treat disorders like Parkinson’s disease, dystonia, and essential tremors. It works by regulating abnormal nerve activity in targeted areas of the brain.

Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute doctors were among the first to perform DBS. Today, we use it to treat many different types of dystonia, including:

  • Genetic dystonia
  • Generalized dystonia
  • Hemidystonia
  • Segmental dystonia
  • Focal dystonia
Surgical treatment for psychiatric conditions
For some people with severe and treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions, surgery may be an option. Our specialists offer procedures such as cingulotomy, subcaudate tractotomy, VNS, and, in select cases, DBS through research protocols. These treatments are considered only after a comprehensive evaluation with our multidisciplinary team.
Relief for chronic pain and tics

Tics and facial pain often occur when a blood vessel presses on a nerve. If medication is not effective, our surgeons use a variety of techniques to provide relief, such as:

  • Microvascular decompression to relieve pressure on the nerve
  • Stereotactic radiofrequency thermal lesioning—a minimally invasive technique developed at Mass General—to numb the nerve
  • Botox to control muscle spasms
Highly specialized, high-volume care
Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute is home to one of the largest functional neurosurgery centers in the United States. We treat dozens of patients a day, and perform over 2,500 surgeries a year. This depth of experiences means our clinicians are highly skilled in managing complex and rare cases, allowing us to provide focused care for any patient.
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Our approach
We tailor each treatment to your needs, using proven therapies and leading-edge techniques to help you move and feel your best.
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Conditions

Our neuroscience specialists

Your care is coordinated by a team of specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, advanced brain imaging, and nursing. Depending on your condition, your care team may also include experts in neuropsychology, rehabilitation, genetics, social work, and mental health. This team works together to understand your neurological condition from every angle and develop a care plan tailored to you.
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Find a functional neurosurgery specialist
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Specialists
Mass General Brigham’s movement disorder team supports every aspect of your care, including motor and non-motor symptoms, mental health, and quality of life.

  • Neuroscience Institute

    Get expert care for brain and nervous system disorders at the Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute. Explore programs, find specialists, and request an appointment.

  • Movement Disorders Center

    Expert, compassionate movement disorder care for Parkinson’s, tremor, dystonia, and more. Get a personalized plan—call or find a specialist today.

  • Parkinson's Disease Program

    Find Parkinson’s disease treatment, from medications to advanced procedures such as deep brain stimulation and rehabilitation, designed to help you live fully.

  • Essential Tremor Program

    Essential tremor specialists offer advanced treatment options, including FDA-approved MRI-guided focused ultrasound. Explore treatment today.

  • Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Service

    The Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Service diagnoses and treats epilepsy and other seizure disorders from various causes. Learn more about our seizure care services.

  • Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics

    The Center for Brain Circuit Therapeutics treats brain disorders by directly targeting the brain circuits responsible for neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Learn more.

  • Brain-Computer Interface Clinic

    The Brain-Computer Interface Clinic connects patients with neurologic injuries or diseases to cutting-edge clinical neurotechnology and clinical trials.

  • Pain and Functional Restoration Program

    Get personalized pain management for musculoskeletal pain conditions, including back, neck, and joint problems.

  • Headache and Facial Pain Service

    The Mass General Brigham Headache and Facial Pain Service provides expert diagnosis and treatment for headache, facial pain, and neuropathic pain disorders.

  • Cosmetic and Functional Rhinoplasty Center

    We offer a range of advanced procedures to help you achieve the nasal appearance and functionality you desire.

  • Functional Neurological Disorder Program

    The Functional Neurological Disorders (FND) Program provides treatment for adults seeking diagnostic clarity and treatment for motor functional neurological disorders. Learn more.

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Services and programs

Neuroscience clinical trials and research

Our research is shaping the future of neuroscience care. We offer access to clinical trials and emerging therapies, including treatments that may not yet be widely available. Eligibility depends on a person’s diagnosis, treatment history, and more. Explore our research and clinical trials or talk with your care team to learn about available options.
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Explore our neuroscience research

Learn how neuroscience research informs patient care

https://research.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/institutes-centers/neuroscience-institute
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Search clinical trials

Search open clinical trials for neurological conditions

https://rally.massgeneralbrigham.org/
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Explore articles featuring expert insights on neuroscience, patient experiences, and tips for managing a neurological diagnosis.

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Contact the Functional Neurosurgery Program

Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
Phone

Brigham and Women’s Hospital
617-732-6858

Massachusetts General Hospital
617-726-2937

International
International Patient Services
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Contact