UH Neurological Institute Welcomes Functional and Epilepsy Neurosurgeon Michael. D Staudt, MD, MSc
March 10, 2024
Innovations in Neurology & Neurosurgery | Winter 2024
In January 2024, Michael D. Staudt, MD, MSc, joined the University Hospitals Neurological Institute as Director of Epilepsy Surgery and Co-Director of Pain Surgery and Neuromodulation. He holds the institute’s esteemed George R. and Constance P. Lincoln Endowed Chair.
Michael D. Staudt, MD, MScA board-certified functional and epilepsy neurosurgeon, Dr. Staudt comes to University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center from Beaumont Health (now Corewell Health) outside Detroit. There, he helped grow the largest neuromodulation practice in Michigan. His proficiency in implanting innovative medical devices enables the restoration of neurological function and treats conditions including epilepsy, chronic pain and movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Staudt also has a practice in surgical neuro-oncology and treats benign or malignant brain tumors with open resection or radiosurgery.
“We are thrilled to recruit Dr. Staudt back to University Hospitals,” says Nicholas C. Bambakidis, MD, Chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery, Director and Vice President of the UH Neurological Institute. “He brings expertise in robotic neurosurgery and neuromodulation and will be a tremendous asset as we expand these capabilities within our institute.”
In his new role, Dr. Staudt is reuniting with colleagues he worked with during his fellowship in Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery at University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve School of Medicine in 2017. In 2020, he completed a second fellowship in Functional Neurosurgery at Albany Medical Center in Albany, New York. A 2013 graduate of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada, Dr. Staudt continued there for residency training.
“There is a rich history within the UH Neurological Institute built on the shoulders of giants,” says Dr. Staudt. “The faculty here is well-connected within the neurosurgical world, and the wealth of collaborators and infrastructure creates opportunities for robust clinical and research endeavors.”
Novel Treatment of Epilepsy
University Hospitals holds the National Association of Epilepsy Centers’ highest designation for epilepsy care. “Dr. Hans Lȕders is one of the living legends of epilepsy and has trained a cohort of exceptional epileptologists at University Hospitals,” says Dr. Staudt. “My goal is to continue the tradition of surgical excellence and introduce new robotic and neuromodulation techniques as our understanding of epilepsy surgery continues to evolve.”
He offers leading treatment modalities, including invasive monitoring, laser ablation, resective and disconnective brain surgery and neuromodulation with responsive neurostimulation, deep brain stimulation, and vagal nerve stimulation.
Dr. Staudt also performs deep brain stimulation under general anesthetic. The procedure has traditionally required the patient to be awake and alert.
“For the past number of years, we have innovated ways to perform deep brain stimulation while asleep for better patient comfort,” he says. “These novel techniques have allowed for the same clinical benefit while improving recovery time.”
Advanced Pain Management
University Hospitals offers basic and advanced interventional procedures for pain management. “Dr. Salim Hayek is world-renowned for his pain management techniques and involvement in seminal pain studies,” says Dr. Staudt. “His training practices are very well-respected and are a big driver in my decision to come to Cleveland.
Dr. Staudt often receives referrals for complex neuromodulation implantation and revision cases. He performs intrathecal pump insertions and specializes in spinal cord stimulation, dorsal root ganglion stimulation and peripheral nerve stimulation. “Spinal cord stimulation has garnered significant interest for its potential to improve pain control and quality of life while reducing opioid consumption,” he says.
National Leadership
Dr. Staudt has published numerous articles in peer-reviewed journals and is currently a Director-At-Large for the North American Neuromodulation Society (NANS), as well as a Member-at-Large on the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Pain. He is also the Pain Section Guidelines Chair for the AANS/CNS Joint Guidelines Review Committee.
“There is always interest in refining implantation strategies to treat complex neurological disorders,” he says. “We partner with other physicians and industry to expand device indications and identify opportunities for potential investigator-led and post-market studies.”
Embracing Cleveland
A native of the Windsor, Ontario, Canada, area, Dr. Staudt spent the past three years practicing in metropolitan Detroit. “Cleveland’s vibe is very familiar to me, and I love the revitalization of downtown,” says Dr. Staudt. “There is a certain element to the Midwest that embodies a cozy, tight-knit feel. People are extraordinarily friendly.”
For more information on the UH Neurological Institute or to refer a patient, call 800-552-8338.
Contributing Experts:
Michael D. Staudt, MD, MSc
Functional and Epilepsy Neurosurgeon
University Hospitals Neurological Institute
Nicholas C. Bambakidis, MD
Vice President and Director
University Hospitals Neurological Institute
Professor
Harvey Huntington Brown, Jr. Chair in Neurosurgery
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine