How our brains succeed and fail: a neurosurgeon’s perspective

In this program, we will hear a neurosurgeon’s perspective of the brain based on scientific literature and experience in the operating room. Included in this lecture will be a summary of the most common brain conditions and treatments, along with an overview of preventative measures we can take to avoid injury and optimize our health span and happiness. 

About the Presenter: Dr. Marc Otten is a fellowship-trained, board-certified neurosurgeon who specializes in treating disorders and injuries of the brain and spine, both non-surgically and surgically. He also currently serves as Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery at Columbia University Medical Center.

His research and sub-specialty training focus is on brain tumors and his work with patients with degenerative spine disease, intervertebral disc disease, hydrocephalus, and neuro-trauma. He treats meningiomas, pituitary tumors, acoustic neuromas, craniopharyngiomas, other skull base tumors, gliomas, Chiari malformation, and performs microvascular decompression (MVD) for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm. Dr. Otten utilizes minimally invasive techniques such as endoscopy, laser ablation, and awake craniotomies to minimize risk to patients.