BostonPicks

15 Best Neurosurgeons in Boston

Finding neurosurgeons in Boston is less about choosing a general category and more about matching the specialist to the condition under discussion. The options cover complex spine problems, vascular surgery, skull-base and brain tumors, pediatric care, and second opinions.

Before arranging a consultation, prepare imaging and medical records, confirm the relevant subspecialty, and ask whether surgical and nonsurgical paths will be discussed. Availability, communication style, and coordinated care can also matter when decisions are complex.

How this guide is ordered

The guide emphasizes subspecialty fit, consultation focus, communication, and care coordination. It distinguishes spine, vascular, tumor, pediatric, and second-opinion needs so patients can make a more informed first contact. Some eligible businesses may purchase enhanced visibility, which can influence their placement.

Top 3 Ranking Map How to choose

Boston's leading neurosurgical specialists

Open each listing to see services, location, and contact details.

#1
Chima Ohaegbulam MD PC
5221 reviews
Complex spine conditionsPatients considering surgery or nonsurgical alternatives
#2
Ogilvy Christopher MD
529 reviews
Aneurysm and vascular neurosurgeryPatients seeking careful treatment discussions
#3
Carl Heilman, MD
517 reviews
Patient-centered consultations and second opinions
#4
Wenya Linda Bi, MD, PhD
4.819 reviews
Skull-base tumorsMeningioma and other complex brain tumors
#5
Lissa C. Baird, MD
514 reviews
Pediatric neurosurgeryChildren with complex brain tumors
#6
Ron Riesenburger, MD
4.915 reviews
Challenging spinal conditions and surgical consultations
#7
Brian Nahed, MD, MSC FACS FAANS
4.718 reviews
Brain tumor consultationsSecond opinions
#8
Dr. William E Butler
511 reviews
Pediatric neurosurgical care
#9
Benjamin C. Warf, MD
510 reviews
Pediatric neurosurgery and infant hydrocephalus
#10
Nirav J Patel, MD
4.812 reviews
AVM, aneurysm, stroke, and Moyamoya care
#11
Ossama O Al-Mefty, MD
4.713 reviews
Complex or large brain tumorsSpecialist surgical opinions
#12
Alexandra Golby, MD
4.713 reviews
#13
Garth Rees Cosgrove, MD, FRCSC
4.614 reviews
Tremor and movement-disorder surgery
#14
James Kryzanski, MD
4.516 reviews
Pediatric brain surgeryThoracic spine procedures
#15
Hasan A. Zaidi, MD
59 reviews
Adult spinal deformity and imbalanceComplex spine surgery

Explore 15 neurosurgeons in Boston

Chima Ohaegbulam MD PC #1

Chima Ohaegbulam MD PC

5221 reviews
125 Parker Hill Ave Ste Brigham 560, Boston, MA 02120, United States
Best for
Complex spine conditionsPatients considering surgery or nonsurgical alternatives

Chima Ohaegbulam MD PC is a Boston neurosurgery practice centered on spine surgery, diagnosis, nonsurgical care, and operative treatment. Dr. Ohaegbulam’s background includes specialist fellowship training in complex spine surgery, with particular interest in cervical disc replacement and minimally invasive spine procedures.

Consultations are marked by detailed explanations, careful review of MRI and X-ray images, and a measured discussion of treatment options, risks, and recovery. The tone is patient and respectful, with attention to safety, infection control, and continuity of care. Advanced spinal navigation and robotic technologies may be used when they offer a clear benefit for an appropriate case.

OBoston
#2

Ogilvy Christopher MD

529 reviews
110 Francis St, Boston, MA 02215, United States
Best for
Aneurysm and vascular neurosurgeryPatients seeking careful treatment discussions

Christopher Ogilvy, MD is a Boston neurosurgeon affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess, with a practice shaped around complex neurological surgery. His work includes the treatment of serious cerebrovascular conditions, including aneurysms and dural arteriovenous malformations.

Clear communication is a defining part of the care experience: complex diagnoses and procedures are explained in straightforward language, with time devoted to questions, family concerns, and the stages of recovery. The clinical team is also associated with attentive follow-up and a calm, considerate manner during difficult treatment decisions.

Carl Heilman, MD #3

Carl Heilman, MD

517 reviews
800 Washington Street Proger Building, 7th floor, Boston, MA 02111, United States
Best for
Patient-centered consultations and second opinions

Carl Heilman, MD is a Boston neurosurgeon whose approach places compassion, empathy, and patient-centered planning alongside surgical expertise. Consultations are unhurried and focused on answering questions, reviewing options, and explaining when surgery may not be the best route.

His calm, respectful manner is especially valuable for patients and families facing complex neurological conditions, including Chiari-related surgery. The practice is also suited to second opinions when a treatment plan needs a more thoughtful review.

Wenya Linda Bi, MD, PhD #4

Wenya Linda Bi, MD, PhD

4.819 reviews
Department of Neurosurgery, 60 Fenwood Rd, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Best for
Skull-base tumorsMeningioma and other complex brain tumors

Wenya Linda Bi, MD, PhD is a Boston neurosurgeon with a strong focus on skull-base and brain tumors. Her clinical work is complemented by research into meningiomas, gliomas, pituitary tumors, brain metastases, and epidermoid cysts, connecting laboratory findings with efforts to improve patient care.

The care style is reassuring and highly explanatory, helping patients understand a frightening diagnosis and the reasoning behind each step. Detailed imaging review, careful preparation, and attentive follow-up are central to the experience, with a compassionate team supporting patients before and after surgery. Dr. Bi is particularly well suited to families seeking a thoughtful, research-informed approach to complex brain tumor care.

Lissa C. Baird, MD #5

Lissa C. Baird, MD

514 reviews
300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Best for
Pediatric neurosurgeryChildren with complex brain tumors

Lissa C. Baird, MD is a Boston neurosurgeon specializing in complex pediatric care through Boston Children’s Hospital. Her work addresses disorders of the brain, spine, and nervous system, with particular relevance for children facing difficult tumor and cranial surgery.

Families value the calm, informative approach: procedures are explained step by step, questions are handled patiently, and major decisions are presented with clarity and reassurance. The wider pediatric team brings together neurosurgery, imaging, anesthesia, nursing, child life, and social-work support for coordinated care. This is a strong choice for parents seeking a specialist accustomed to rare and technically demanding pediatric cases.

Ron Riesenburger, MD #6

Ron Riesenburger, MD

4.915 reviews
800 Washington Street Proger Building, 7th floor, Boston, MA 02111, United States
Best for
Challenging spinal conditions and surgical consultations

Ron Riesenburger, MD is a Boston neurosurgeon with a strong focus on complex spine surgery. His consultations are described as thorough and easy to understand, balancing careful assessment with a personable manner that helps patients feel at ease.

The practice is a natural fit for challenging spinal cases, including fusion procedures and repeat surgery. A calm explanation of the condition and treatment path makes the consultation easier to navigate, while the clinical team supports patients through the surgical process.

Brian Nahed, MD, MSC FACS FAANS #7

Brian Nahed, MD, MSC FACS FAANS

4.718 reviews
MGH Brain Tumor Center, 55 Fruit St, Boston, MA 02114, United States
Best for
Brain tumor consultationsSecond opinions

Brian Nahed, MD, MSc, FACS, FAANS is a Boston neurosurgeon known for calm communication and compassionate care during serious brain tumor treatment. Consultations give patients time to understand the diagnosis, surgical risks, expected recovery, and available options without feeling rushed.

His manner is reassuring and personable, while the wider team provides attentive support before and after surgery. The practice is also a useful destination for a second opinion when a complex procedure calls for another careful assessment.

DBoston
#8
What stands out
  • Pediatric and Chiari-related neurosurgery

Dr. William E Butler

511 reviews
15 Parkman St, Boston, MA 02114, United States
Best for
Pediatric neurosurgical care

Dr. William E. Butler is a Boston neurosurgeon whose care stands out for its calm, thoughtful communication. Patients and families receive clear explanations, careful attention to concerns, and steady support before and after surgery.

His practice is especially relevant to pediatric and Chiari-related neurosurgery, with a manner that combines technical confidence with genuine compassion. The accompanying team is described as responsive, organized, and supportive throughout the process.

Benjamin C. Warf, MD #9

Benjamin C. Warf, MD

510 reviews
300 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Best for
Pediatric neurosurgery and infant hydrocephalus

Benjamin C. Warf, MD is a Boston neurosurgeon associated with Boston Children’s Hospital and a family-focused approach to pediatric care. His work is particularly connected with infant hydrocephalus and complex neurological conditions requiring specialist evaluation.

Compassion, patience, and clear explanations are central to the way families describe his consultations. Dr. Warf takes time to listen, translate difficult medical concepts, and help parents understand the reasoning behind treatment. His international work in settings with limited medical resources also informs a practical, globally minded perspective. Families traveling from outside Boston may find the depth of pediatric expertise especially valuable for complex cases.

Nirav J Patel, MD #10

Nirav J Patel, MD

4.812 reviews
60 Fenwood Rd 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Best for
AVM, aneurysm, stroke, and Moyamoya care

Nirav J. Patel, MD is a Boston neurosurgeon specializing in cerebrovascular and skull-base conditions. His clinical focus includes brain arteriovenous malformations, Moyamoya disease, aneurysms, stroke, brain bypass, carotid disease, and complex cranial and skull-base tumors.

Dr. Patel combines careful diagnostic work with direct, understandable discussions of risks, benefits, and treatment alternatives. His style is thoughtful rather than surgery-first, making the consultation useful for patients weighing different paths or seeking a second opinion. A structured focus on outcomes supports individualized planning for demanding cases.

Ossama O Al-Mefty, MD #11

Ossama O Al-Mefty, MD

4.713 reviews
60 Fenwood Rd 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Best for
Complex or large brain tumorsSpecialist surgical opinions

Ossama O. Al-Mefty, MD is a Boston neurosurgeon associated with complex brain tumor surgery. His approach combines advanced surgical expertise with a confident, compassionate bedside manner that helps patients and families navigate difficult diagnoses.

He is particularly relevant for large or technically challenging tumors and cases requiring a highly specialized opinion. Clear reassurance, careful attention, and a strong focus on restoring quality of life shape the overall care experience.

Alexandra Golby, MD #12
What stands out
  • Image-guided surgery for brain tumors and epilepsy

Alexandra Golby, MD

4.713 reviews
60 Fenwood Rd Fl 1, Boston, MA 02115, United States

Alexandra Golby, MD is a Boston neurosurgeon whose practice focuses on image-guided surgery for brain tumors and epilepsy, particularly when disease involves critical brain regions. She is also connected with advanced multimodal imaging, intraoperative image guidance, clinical functional MRI, and the AMIGO operating suite.

Her approach is methodical and personalized. Treatment plans are explained in clear stages, including the procedure, possible risks, and potential follow-up such as radiation. Patients and families can expect precise planning, attentive communication, and a coordinated team that remains responsive after surgery.

Garth Rees Cosgrove, MD, FRCSC #13

Garth Rees Cosgrove, MD, FRCSC

4.614 reviews
60 Fenwood Rd 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Best for
Tremor and movement-disorder surgery

Garth Rees Cosgrove, MD, FRCSC is a Boston neurosurgeon with experience in both complex spine procedures and functional brain surgery. His work includes treatment for severe tremor, with minimally invasive approaches that may produce immediate improvements in hand control.

The practice suits patients looking for a highly specialized opinion on movement disorders or difficult spinal conditions. The emphasis is on advanced neurosurgical technique and carefully considered treatment planning.

James Kryzanski, MD #14

James Kryzanski, MD

4.516 reviews
800 Washington Street Proger Building, 7th floor, Boston, MA 02111, United States
Best for
Pediatric brain surgeryThoracic spine procedures

James Kryzanski, MD is a Boston neurosurgeon who treats complex brain and spine conditions. His care is characterized by patient explanations, an unassuming manner, and close attention from the wider team through surgery and recovery.

He is a relevant option for families seeking pediatric brain surgery, as well as adults considering spinal procedures such as thoracic decompression. A consultation can also be useful when a difficult case calls for a specialist assessment and a clearly explained treatment plan.

Hasan A. Zaidi, MD #15

Hasan A. Zaidi, MD

59 reviews
60 Fenwood Rd 1st Floor, Boston, MA 02115, United States
Best for
Adult spinal deformity and imbalanceComplex spine surgery

Hasan A. Zaidi, MD is a Boston neurosurgeon specializing in complex spine conditions, including spinal imbalance, degenerative disease, tumors, and scoliosis. His practice emphasizes individualized surgical planning, with experience in complex spine, adult spinal deformity, endoscopic, and minimally invasive techniques.

Dr. Zaidi is known for thorough explanations, honest discussions, and a thoughtful approach that does not treat surgery as an automatic first step. His research in surgical outcomes and new technologies supports a careful focus on safety, function, and long-term quality of life. He is particularly well suited to patients seeking a detailed spine evaluation or a second opinion on a demanding surgical plan.

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Map of neurosurgeons in Boston

Boston’s neurosurgical options span several highly specific areas rather than a single type of appointment. The group includes specialists in complex spine conditions, aneurysm and vascular care, skull-base tumors, brain tumors, pediatric neurosurgery, and detailed consultations.

Use the map to plan around hospital or office travel, records transfer, and the people accompanying the patient. For urgent symptoms, follow emergency medical guidance instead of waiting for a routine appointment.

Neurosurgical specialties to compare

  • Complex spine careConsultations for challenging spinal conditions and discussion of surgical or nonsurgical alternatives.
  • Vascular neurosurgerySpecialized evaluation for aneurysm and other vascular neurosurgical concerns.
  • Brain tumor careConsultations involving brain tumors, meningioma, and other complex growths.
  • Skull-base surgeryFocused expertise for tumors and conditions affecting the skull base.
  • Pediatric neurosurgeryCare for children with complex brain tumors and other pediatric neurosurgical needs.
  • Second opinionsPatient-centered reviews of imaging, diagnosis, treatment choices, and proposed surgery.
  • Detailed treatment discussionsAppointments built around imaging review, care options, risks, and next steps.

How to choose a neurosurgeon

  1. Identify the relevant subspecialty before contacting a practice: spine, vascular, tumor, or pediatric care.
  2. Ask whether the consultation includes both surgical and nonsurgical treatment options.
  3. Send imaging, reports, operative notes, and medication details ahead of the appointment.
  4. For a second opinion, bring the original recommendation and a focused list of questions.
  5. Confirm experience with the patient’s age, diagnosis, and level of complexity.
  6. Ask how urgent symptoms should be handled while waiting for the consultation.

Frequently asked questions

Which Boston neurosurgeons focus on complex spine conditions?

Chima Ohaegbulam MD PC is associated with complex spine conditions, detailed imaging and treatment discussions, and consideration of surgical or nonsurgical alternatives. Ron Riesenburger, MD is also associated with challenging spinal conditions and surgical consultations.

Bring current imaging and prior treatment records so the specialist can assess the case efficiently.

Where can I seek a neurosurgical second opinion in Boston?

Carl Heilman, MD is associated with patient-centered consultations and second opinions. Brian Nahed, MD is also associated with brain tumor consultations, second opinions, and detailed communication.

Ask in advance which records and images are required, and provide the original diagnosis or proposed treatment plan for review.

Which specialists handle brain tumors or skull-base tumors?

Wenya Linda Bi, MD, PhD is associated with skull-base tumors, meningioma, and other complex brain tumors. Brian Nahed, MD is associated with brain tumor consultations and second opinions.

Confirm the exact diagnosis, imaging requirements, and whether the appointment is intended for evaluation, treatment planning, or review of another recommendation.

Are pediatric neurosurgeons available in Boston?

Lissa C. Baird, MD is associated with pediatric neurosurgery, complex brain tumors in children, and coordinated specialist care. Dr. William E Butler is associated with pediatric neurosurgical care.

When calling, provide the child’s age, diagnosis, imaging history, and the urgency described by the referring clinician.

When should a neurosurgical concern be treated as urgent?

Sudden weakness, trouble speaking, loss of consciousness, a seizure, severe sudden headache, or rapidly worsening neurological symptoms require urgent medical attention rather than a routine consultation. Call emergency services or follow the treating clinician’s instructions.

For non-urgent cases, ask the office how quickly records should be reviewed and an appointment arranged.

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