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Larry with his family

Collaborative Success Story

By Practice News
Larry with his family
Dr. Merkow and Dr. Kim

John Muir Health recently featured the store of one of East Bay Brain & Spine Medical Group’s patients on their instagram page.

Larry’s life took an unexpected turn after seeking care for what he thought was severe congestion caused by allergies. He was shocked to learn he had a rare and complex cancer that started in his sinuses and spread to his brain. Larry was referred to a surgical team at John Muir Health using advanced techniques that improve outcomes and the patient experience.

Neurosurgeon Dr. Max B. Merkow and ENT Skull Base Surgeon Dr. Jeehong Peter Kim collaborated to remove Larry’s cancer through his nose. This approach avoided traditional brain surgery, which would have required a large opening of his skull. This endoscopic, minimally invasive surgery meant a safer, scarless procedure with less pain and a quicker recovery. Larry was able to leave the hospital just a few days after the operation.

“Drs. Merkow and Kim are amazing – being able to do what they did through the nose, wow!” Larry said. “John Muir Health is a very caring place – the nurses were responsive and took great care of me.”

This complex surgery required close collaboration between two highly specialized surgeons. We are fortunate to have the expertise of Drs. Kim and Merkow, right here in the East Bay.

Patient Success Story

By Practice News

A Patient Success Story

Heather has Parkinson’s Disease, and came to East Bay Brain & Spine in excruciating back pain. She couldn’t even walk. Thanks to a thorough assessment, Dr. Merkow and his team identified the problem. Heather had damaged spinal discs and an arthritic cyst, causing tremendous suffering. Heather gave a painting she created as a gift to Dr. Merkow. Since her successful spine surgery she can paint, and walk, again with minimal pain.

We’re Moving October 1

By Featured, Practice News
Dear patients,
As of Thursday, October 1, 2020, East Bay Brain & Spine/BASS Neurosurgery will be moving to a new location!  We will still be in the same complex, but will be in a different building – Building 2. Our new address will be:
130 La Casa Via
Building 2, Suite 210
Walnut Creek, CA 94598
We look forward to seeing you in our new space!
Covid 19 Update

Covid-19 Update

By Practice News
Dear patients,
East Bay Brain & Spine/BASS Neurosurgery is dedicated to providing outstanding neurosurgical care to our community and simultaneously upholding the highest public health standards. We continue to follow the novel coronavirus and associated COVID-19 illness situation very closely. We currently are providing office consultations and performing necessary procedures while adhering to national, state, and local guidelines.
Sincerely,
Max Merkow M.D. and Matt Piazza M.D.
Covid 19 Update

Covid-19 Update

By Practice News

Dear patients,

The SARS-CoV-2 virus and associated COVID-19 illness are major public health threats both locally and globally. Your well-being is our highest priority, and thus East Bay Brain & Spine/BASS Neurosurgery is postponing all non-emergency surgeries and routine office visits. This temporary policy is in line with our values of caring for you as well as the American College of Surgeons recommendations. Limiting your exposure to the SARS-CoV-2 virus will protect you, your families, and our community. We will work diligently to perform your surgery and evaluate you in our office as soon as is medically safe.

If you develop new or quickly worsening neurologic symptoms please contact our office. If you cannot reach our office please present to an emergency room for evaluation.

We thank you for your understanding as we respond to these unusual circumstances.

Sincerely,
Max Merkow M.D. and Matt Piazza M.D.

VIDEO FEATURE: Dr. Max Merkow speaks about minimally invasive spine techniques

By Featured, Practice News

Dr. Merkow addresses the philosophy behind modern spine procedures that are commonly classified as “minimally invasive.” The tenets of these surgeries include minimizing tissue injury, utilizing neuronavigation (computer/imaging guidance), and maintaining normal spine motion. Examples include tubular retractor systems, artificial disc replacement, and lateral approaches to the spine. These surgeries shorten traditional recovery times. Dr. Merkow believes, when used appropriately, minimally invasive spine surgery improves clinical outcomes by decreasing pain, increasing strength, and raising one’s overall quality of life. East Bay Brain & Spine surgeons couple the latest in surgical technology with sound clinical judgment to better the lives of their patients.

Ehsan Ejaz, PA-C, joins our practice!

By Practice News

East Bay Brain & Spine Medical Group is proud to announce that Ehsan Ejaz, PA-C, has joined our practice. He is a board-certified physician assistant with a passion for neurophysiology and neurosurgery. Ehsan received his B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior at UC Davis where he conducted extensive research at the Medical Investigation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders (M.I.N.D.) Institute at UC Davis and the Institute for Pediatric Regenerative Medicine at Shriners Hospital. Ehsan began gaining experience as a surgical neurophysiologist at Yale New-Haven Hospital.  He has conducted over 2000 intraoperative neuromonitoring consultations on a wide variety of cases. Keen to further his passion for neurosurgery and patient care, Ehsan then completed his Masters in Physician Assistant Studies at Samuel Merritt University. Ehsan’s philosophy for patient care involves empowering patients as equal members of their health care team, as patients are their own best advocates. Ehsan practices evidence-based medicine. He stays abreast of the latest developments and research by reviewing medical and neurosurgical literature as well as attending conferences. When he is not at the bedside or in the operating room, Ehsan can be found traveling to new places, hiking California’s expansive state parks, or capturing the perfect Milky Way photograph.

Visualase Probe

Dr. Merkow brings laser treatment for brain tumors to the East Bay

By Featured, Practice News
In partnership with John Muir Medical Center, Dr. Max Merkow performs treatment of brain tumors with the Visualase laser system. By using a “GPS” imaging map, he places a 1.65mm diameter catheter into the tumor. Dr. Merkow then monitors the ablation (controlled destruction) of the tumor in real-time via an MRI machine. This treatment is particularly well-suited for tumors deep in the brain or tumors that metastasize from other parts of the body. The incision is typically closed with a single stitch and patients spend one night in the hospital before going home.
The laser catheter technology is one more addition to the fight against brain cancer. Dr. Merkow is proud to be the first and only surgeon in the East Bay offering this treatment.

Dr. Merkow interviewed for JMH Newsletter: Minimally invasive spine surgery, deep brain stimulation, and laser thermal ablation

By Articles of Interest, Featured, Practice News

Dr. Merkow was featured in the “Neurosciences 2018 Spotlight” of the John Muir Health newsletter. He discusses several areas of his practice including less invasive spine procedures, deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease and essential tremor, and laser thermal ablation for brain tumor treatment.

Read the newsletter excerpt.