Mr Dan Brown is a Consultant Neurosurgeon based in Cambridge with a sub-specialist interest in the assessment and treatment of degenerative spinal conditions. He sees patients privately for a wide range of spinal problems, from common conditions such as back pain and sciatica through to more complex disorders affecting the spinal cord and nerves.
As a neurosurgeon, Mr Brown’s training is focused on the brain, spinal cord and nerves. This gives a particular depth of experience in conditions where the spinal nerves or spinal cord are involved, and in the careful decision making around whether surgery is needed at all. His approach is to recommend the least invasive treatment likely to help, using minimally invasive techniques where appropriate, and to be clear and honest with every patient about what surgery can and cannot achieve.
Both neurosurgeons and orthopaedic surgeons can treat conditions of the spine, and there is a good deal of overlap between the two. The broad distinction is that an orthopaedic spinal surgeon comes from a background of treating bones and joints, while a neurosurgeon comes from a background of treating the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
For spinal conditions where the nerves or spinal cord are being compressed or irritated – such as sciatica, myelopathy or a disc pressing on a nerve – a neurosurgeon’s training is particularly relevant. The most important thing, whichever specialist you see, is a careful assessment and a clear explanation of the right treatment for your individual situation.
Mr Brown assesses and treats a wide range of spinal conditions, including:
Where surgery is appropriate, the aim is always to relieve pressure on the affected nerves or spinal cord and to do so through the least invasive means possible. Procedures include:
Not every patient who is seen will need an operation. In fact, the majority of spinal conditions are managed without surgery, and Mr Brown will always discuss conservative options such as physiotherapy, pain management and injections where these are appropriate before surgery is considered.
Where surgery is needed, Mr Brown adopts a minimally invasive philosophy wherever it is appropriate to do so. Minimally invasive spinal surgery aims to achieve the same result as traditional open surgery, but through smaller incisions and with less disturbance to the surrounding muscles and tissues. For suitable patients, this can mean less pain after the operation, a shorter stay in hospital, and a quicker return to normal activities.
Not every condition or patient is suited to a minimally invasive technique, and the right approach always depends on the individual problem. Mr Brown will explain clearly whether a minimally invasive option is appropriate in your case, and why, so that you can make an informed decision about your treatment.
Mr Brown trained on the National Training Programme for Neurosurgery in Yorkshire and went on to complete two sub-specialist fellowships, including a prestigious and highly competitive Royal College of Surgeons of England fellowship. Alongside his private practice, he holds a full-time NHS consultant post and is actively involved in teaching and training, including undergraduate medical students at the University of Cambridge. This combination of busy clinical practice and academic involvement means patients are seen by a surgeon who is fully up to date with current evidence and techniques.
Mr Brown offers private spinal consultations in Cambridge at the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital, and also practises at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and at Harley Street in London. To arrange a private consultation, his private secretary can be contacted on 01223 655001.
It is sensible to seek a specialist opinion if you have back or neck pain that is severe, that is not settling after several weeks, or that is associated with pain, numbness or weakness travelling into a limb. You should seek urgent medical attention if you experience difficulty controlling your bladder or bowels, numbness around the back passage or inner thighs, or progressive weakness, as these can occasionally indicate a more serious problem requiring prompt treatment.
You do not need a referral to see Mr Brown. Many private medical insurers will ask for a referral letter from your GP, so if you are using insurance it is worth checking what they require. If you are paying for yourself, you are welcome to arrange a consultation directly, and his private secretary can help with this.
No. The majority of spinal conditions are managed without surgery. Seeing a spinal surgeon means you will get a clear assessment of what is causing your symptoms and an honest view of whether surgery would help – and in most cases the recommendation will be conservative treatment first.
Mr Brown offers private consultations and treatment at the Spire Cambridge Lea Hospital, and also practises at Addenbrooke’s Hospital and in Harley Street, London.
Yes. Sciatica and many causes of back pain involve the spinal nerves, which is an area a neurosurgeon is specifically trained in. As with any spinal problem, the most important thing is a thorough assessment and the right treatment for your individual situation.
