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Dr. Jeffrey Gross, MD

Neurosurgeon

Dr. Jeffrey Gross practices neurological surgery in Newport Beach, CA, and Henderson, NV. As a neurological surgeon, Dr. Gross prevents, diagnoses, evaluates, and treats disorders of the autonomic, peripheral, and central nervous systems. Neurological surgeons are trained to treat such disorders as spinal canal stenosis, herniated discs, tumors, fractures, and spinal deformities, among many others. Dr. Gross focuses mainly on issues involving the spine, its structure, coverings, and neurological structures passing through and beyond. He will see second opinions, including on a remote videoconference basis, and often handles failed surgeries from elsewhere, and complex cases with multiple pain generators. Dr. Gross also applies regenerative stem cell approaches to his patients.
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36 years Experience
Dr. Jeffrey Gross, MD
  • Newport Beach, CA
  • U.C. Berkely
  • Accepting new patients

Can nerve damage cause behavioral issues in children?

This depends on the type of damage and where, but generally, painful or disabling symptoms affiliated with nerve damage often carry psychological coping issues, for children and READ MORE
This depends on the type of damage and where, but generally, painful or disabling symptoms affiliated with nerve damage often carry psychological coping issues, for children and adults. Those can lead to behavioral changes.

Does ulnar nerve surgery work?

If you failed other treatments, and the symptoms are significant, the surgical results are excellent. Nothing is 100% or guaranteed, of course.

Can a pinched nerve affect the whole body?

Probably not, although a pinched SPINAL CORD in the neck can affect MOST of the body. Having said that, a "pinched nerve" can have secondary effects such as compensatory positioning, READ MORE
Probably not, although a pinched SPINAL CORD in the neck can affect MOST of the body. Having said that, a "pinched nerve" can have secondary effects such as compensatory positioning, headaches, and other reflexive adjustments that can effect other parts of the body.

How do you make vertigo go away?

Depends on the type of vertigo and what caused it. Look up Eppley's manuevers.

What happens if you let a herniated disc go untreated?

It all depends on how bad the herniation is (both in size, and on its creation of problematic symptoms) and what the rest of the native disc looks like (such as, is it badly collapsed). READ MORE
It all depends on how bad the herniation is (both in size, and on its creation of problematic symptoms) and what the rest of the native disc looks like (such as, is it badly collapsed). One must take care of his back, especially if is injured with avoiding stress on the spine and rehabilitating the supporting elements through stretching and strengthening. As long as are there are no hard neurological deficits, like weakness, and you can tolerate the pain, things should improve with time. You can speed up the recovery with rehabilitation as noted.

Can vertigo be treated?

It all depends on the cause and type of vertigo. The headaches may not necessarily be the cause of vertigo, but could be another clue or symptom to what is causing all these problems. READ MORE
It all depends on the cause and type of vertigo. The headaches may not necessarily be the cause of vertigo, but could be another clue or symptom to what is causing all these problems. If "pain" is in the neck, this area may be the cause of all three of those symptoms. Further evaluation as to the cause can lead to options to treat the symptoms which are therefore hopefully not permanent.

Will the ER do an MRI for neck pain?

Generally no in most places. The E.R. is more of a triage setting. If you are not in serious or critical condition - you are released to deal with your pain electively. Very READ MORE
Generally no in most places. The E.R. is more of a triage setting. If you are not in serious or critical condition - you are released to deal with your pain electively. Very few emergency rooms have good access to MRI. They may do x-rays, or sometimes, a CT (CAT) scan. It is more likely, you will be recommended to see a spine specialist who will order your MRI.

What causes shooting nerve pain in your back?

Speaking generally, the nerves coming from (and to) your brain to (and from) your body pass through the spine. An issue with a spinal disc, or other forms of narrowed nerve pathways READ MORE
Speaking generally, the nerves coming from (and to) your brain to (and from) your body pass through the spine. An issue with a spinal disc, or other forms of narrowed nerve pathways can bother nerves in the spine and cause various neurological symptoms, including shooting pain. You need a full exam and possibly a lumbar MRI to see if the source of pain can be identified, and then addressed.

Do I need a neurosurgeon or an orthopedic surgeon for back problems?

There is overlap between the two, but as an esteemed colleague of mine once said, if there is going to be a problem, do you want someone more cautious with the nerves or the bones? READ MORE
There is overlap between the two, but as an esteemed colleague of mine once said, if there is going to be a problem, do you want someone more cautious with the nerves or the bones? I will admit my bias as a neurosurgeon and you will find competence in spine doctors in both fields. Always get a second opinion!

What is the recovery time for pinched back nerve surgery?

Depends on the type of surgery and what you mean by "recovery." A microdiscectomy takes 6-12 weeks to get back to activities. A fusion surgery takes 12 weeks to a year or more. READ MORE
Depends on the type of surgery and what you mean by "recovery." A microdiscectomy takes 6-12 weeks to get back to activities. A fusion surgery takes 12 weeks to a year or more. That is why we try to offer minimally invasive and less fusion options when possible first!

What is the success rate of spinal fusion surgery?

Depends on what your measure of success is. If my patients are 70-80% better in terms of pain and function, then we have succeeded in meeting the literature averages for outcome READ MORE
Depends on what your measure of success is. If my patients are 70-80% better in terms of pain and function, then we have succeeded in meeting the literature averages for outcome measures. Others look at the bone growing in the fusion areas on x-rays as a radiological measure of success. You sound a bit young to need a fusion. Always get a second opinion first. There may be other options to try prior to fusion.

Can I get an MRI for my occipital neuralgia during Covid-19?

Absolutely as long as your local/state pandemic precautions are heeded. (However, MRI is not a good test for occipital neuralgia, unless you are trying to rule out other causes). READ MORE
Absolutely as long as your local/state pandemic precautions are heeded. (However, MRI is not a good test for occipital neuralgia, unless you are trying to rule out other causes).

What is the best vitamin for nerve damage?

B complex, particularly B12 are the best vitamins for NERVES in general within standard dosing. Too much can be problematic. If the "damage" involves other tissues, Vitamin C READ MORE
B complex, particularly B12 are the best vitamins for NERVES in general within standard dosing. Too much can be problematic. If the "damage" involves other tissues, Vitamin C is also good for healing. Also, vitamin D is good in general for cellular health and theoretically promotes nerve health. Therefore, a good multivitamin is a fine start with a little additional supplementation.

What imaging shows nerve damage?

"Damage" is too vague to answer specifically - However, MR Neurography can show nerve irritation/inflammation (which does not determine if damage is permanent or not). Thermography READ MORE
"Damage" is too vague to answer specifically - However, MR Neurography can show nerve irritation/inflammation (which does not determine if damage is permanent or not). Thermography can show evidence for sympathetic nerve "damage."

What can a neurologist do for neuropathy?

Depends on the type of "neuropathy." That word is too vague to give specific advice, as it translates as "problem with nerve(s)." It would be best for your treatment and for READ MORE
Depends on the type of "neuropathy." That word is too vague to give specific advice, as it translates as "problem with nerve(s)." It would be best for your treatment and for your own education to know exactly what you or others mean by "neuropathy."

Does exercise help nerve regeneration?

Generally, the answer is YES. Using muscles stimulates the neuro-muscular junction and biologically enhances nerve root sprouting (regeneration).

Is heat good for back nerve pain?

Heat might help any pains from the local muscles reacting to your nerve issues, particularly if you have muscle spasms. Heat itself is unlikely to directly help the nerve. It READ MORE
Heat might help any pains from the local muscles reacting to your nerve issues, particularly if you have muscle spasms. Heat itself is unlikely to directly help the nerve. It is best to confirm the exact source of nerve pain, and then treat it directly, first with physiotherapy/rehabilitation, time, and anti-inflammatories if tolerated. If not adequate, then specific guided injections to both treat and to confirm the source of nerve pain comes next.

How long does it take to recover from ulnar nerve surgery?

Although your surgeon should advise you prior to surgery as to this question, it depends if you are having a nerve transposition or not. That means the nerve may be moved /re-positioned, READ MORE
Although your surgeon should advise you prior to surgery as to this question, it depends if you are having a nerve transposition or not. That means the nerve may be moved /re-positioned, which takes long to heal. I generally otherwise limit my patients who have simple ulnar nerve decompression for 3-4 weeks with that arm while the skin heals to avoid stretching and opening the wound. I might add 2-4 weeks to that number if there is a transposition. Regarding NERVE healing from being compressed: that could take much longer (the nerve fibers are known to regenerate at about 1 mm a day on average in a healthy person - so measure from your elbow to the tip of your pinky in millimeters and that is how many days).

How do you treat nerve damage in the neck?

Depends on the type of "damage" but if you have pain, it has to be specifically sorted out and confirmed as to the source of pain. Then it can be directly and logically addressed. READ MORE
Depends on the type of "damage" but if you have pain, it has to be specifically sorted out and confirmed as to the source of pain. Then it can be directly and logically addressed. Often the term "damaged" is mis-used to speak to irritated, compressed, inflamed, and/or painful nerves. Always seek a second opinion!