Skip to main content
search

At East Bay Brain & Spine we strive to keep you informed about the latest developments in the neurosurgical world — as well as information about our practice.

Mar 10
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.

Jan 10
Dr. Maxwell Merkow explains the OLIF procedure

Dr. Merkow, Leader in Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery

By Featured

Dr. Maxwell Merkow of East Bay Brain & Spine Medical group is one of leaders in minimally invasive spine surgery in the Bay Area. He performs more OLIF procedures than anyone in the area. OLIF, or oblique lateral interbody fusion, is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that repairs the lower spine.

Learn more about the OLIF procedure in this informative video.

Dr. Maxwell Merkow explains the OLIF procedurePlay Video
Mar 22

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.

Sep 10

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!
Jul 13
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.
Apr 13

Disc surgery leads to better improvement than non-operative treatment in recent New England Journal of Medicine study.

By Articles of Interest

Best management of sciatica (leg pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness) caused by a herniated disc in the lumbar spine is challenging. We spine surgeons incorporate several factors into our decision-making: severity and duration of symptoms as well as imaging findings just to name a few. At East Bay Brain & Spine/BASS Neurosurgery we aim to avoid surgery when a patient will likely improve with physical therapy and other “conservative” treatments. On the other hand, we perform surgery when discectomy will improve a patient’s pain, numbness/tingling, and strength outcome.

This recent study from the New England Journal of Medicine studies patients (a randomized trial) who have sciatica from a herniated disc and do not undergo surgery right away. When these patients do undergo discectomy surgery four to twelve months from when the leg symptoms began, their sciatica, back pain, and level of disability improve as compared to others who were assigned physical therapy, epidural steroids, or other non-surgical treatments. 

This study provides further evidence that surgery for persistent sciatica and herniated disc in the low back is better than non-operative treatment.

Mar 16
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.

Dec 02

Role of Laser Interstitial Thermal Therapy (LITT) in the Treatment of Brain Tumors

By Featured
Dr. Merkow spoke the East Bay cancer community about the role of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) in the treatment of brain tumors. He discussed the common reasons to use LITT in lieu of more traditional surgical or non-surgical interventions. Dr. Merkow believes this cutting-edge tool is an important component in the neuro-oncology armamentarium to fight brain tumors. Dr. Merkow lectured with Drs. Gigi Chen and James Rembert who composed the remainder of the expert panel. Drs. Chen and Rembert discussed updates on medical oncology and radiation oncology, respectively.
Nov 12

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.

Sep 01

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.

Close Menu