Board Certified
American Board of Neurological Surgery
Second Opinions
That Change
First Decisions.
Specializing in acoustic neuromas, trigeminal neuralgia, and cervical disc herniations — conditions where the right surgical decision matters more than almost anything else.
"Most of my patients arrive having Googled their diagnosis at 2am. My job is to replace that fear with a plan."— Dr. Marcus Ellison, MD, FAANS
18 yr
in practice
1,200+
surgeries performed
97%
patient satisfaction
The Comparison Tables
Your Googling Never Found
Every surgical decision involves trade-offs. These tables lay them out plainly — the same information I put in front of patients in my consultation room.
Acoustic Neuroma: Your Two Main Paths
Vestibular schwannomas smaller than 3 cm typically have two credible options. Here is what the evidence actually shows.
Dr. Ellison explains
Dr. Ellison explains how tumor size, your hearing baseline, and your personal risk tolerance together determine which path makes sense for you.
| Criterion | MicrosurgerySingle-session removal under general anesthesia | Radiosurgery (Gamma Knife)Precisely focused radiation over one outpatient session |
|---|---|---|
Tumor removal | Complete in most cases | Growth control, not removal |
Hospital stay | 3–5 days | Outpatient (same day) |
Return to work | 6–10 weeks | 1–3 days |
Hearing preservation | 40–60% (approach-dependent) | 50–70% at 5 years |
Facial nerve risk | 2–5% (experienced surgeon) | <1% acute; 1–3% delayed |
Best for tumors > | 3 cm or cystic | <3 cm, solid |
Long-term follow-up | Annual MRI × 5 years | Annual MRI indefinitely |
Insurance coverage | Standard | Standard |
Dr. Ellison's Clinical Perspective
For most patients under 65 with tumors between 2–3 cm and serviceable hearing, I recommend a detailed conversation about both — not a default to either.
Cervical Disc Herniation: Anterior vs. Posterior
When a cervical disc is compressing your spinal cord or nerve root, the surgical access route matters as much as the procedure itself.
Dr. Ellison explains
Dr. Ellison walks through the MRI findings that tell him which approach is safer for each patient — and why the front-of-neck approach is not always the "standard."
| Criterion | ACDF (Anterior)Disc removed through front of neck; fusion with plate | Posterior ForaminotomyKeyhole decompression through back of neck; disc preserved |
|---|---|---|
Incision location | Front of neck (hidden in crease) | Back of neck (hairline) |
Fusion required | Yes — one or two levels | No — motion preserved |
Best for | Central or bilateral compression | Single-sided arm pain (radiculopathy) |
Hospital stay | 1 night | Outpatient or 1 night |
Collar required | 2–6 weeks | Rarely |
Adjacent level risk | 2–3% per year after fusion | Minimal |
Return to desk work | 2–4 weeks | 1–2 weeks |
Swallowing difficulty | Temporary in ~30% | Not applicable |
Dr. Ellison's Clinical Perspective
If your pain is one-sided arm pain and your MRI shows a soft disc herniation at one level, a posterior foraminotomy preserves your motion and has excellent long-term outcomes.
The Training Behind
Every Decision
Credentials matter in neurosurgery. Not as decoration — as evidence that someone has done this before, in volume, at institutions that hold their surgeons accountable.
Fellowship Training
Stanford Neurosurgery Fellowship
Skull base and cerebrovascular surgery, 2008–2010
Mentored under Dr. Gary Steinberg
Board Certification
American Board of Neurological Surgery
Certified 2011 · Recertified 2021
Diplomate, ABNS
Hospital Affiliation
UCSF Medical Center
Attending Neurosurgeon, Department of Neurological Surgery
U.S. News Honor Roll Hospital
Hospital Affiliation
Marin General Hospital
Chief of Neurosurgery
Comprehensive Stroke Center
Published Research
42 Peer-Reviewed Publications
Neurosurgery, Journal of Neurosurgery, JAMA Neurology
H-index: 18
Case Volume
1,200+ Surgeries Performed
340+ acoustic neuroma resections · 280+ ACDF/posterior cases
97% patient-reported satisfaction
UCSF Medical Center
Active Affiliation
Stanford Medicine
Active Affiliation
Not Ready to Call Yet?
Download the guide for your condition. Written for patients, not for other physicians. No jargon, no false reassurance.
Downloading
Your Complete Guide to Acoustic Neuroma
24 pages · Instant delivery to your inbox
Request a
Consultation
Tell me a little about your situation. I review every request personally and my team will reach out within one business day to schedule your appointment.
Phone or video — your choice
Second opinions welcomed and encouraged
MRI review included at no charge
For Referring Physicians
Fax referrals to (650) 555-0198 or call our physician line at (650) 555-0197. Same-week consultations available for urgent cases.