Dr. Jeffrey D. Gross, MD
Neurosurgeon
4700 Von Karman Ave Suite 1000 Newport Beach CA, 92660About
Dr. Jeffrey Gross practices Neurological Surgery in Newport Beach, CA and in 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. Jeffrey D. Gross MD focuses mainly on issues involving the spine, its structure, coversings, 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. Jeffrey D. Gross, MD's Videos
Education and Training
U.C. Berkely AB 1988
George Washington Univ Med MD 1992
U. C. Irvine, & Long Beach VA Surgical internship 1993
U. C. Irvine, & Long Beach VA Neurosurgical Residency 1997
Univ of New Mexico & VA Hosp Fellowship Spine Biomechanics 1998
Univ of New Mexico & VA Hosp Chief Residency Neurosurgery 1999
Board Certification
Neurological SurgeryAmerican Board of Neurological SurgeryABNS
Provider Details
Dr. Jeffrey D. Gross, MD's Expert Contributions
Keep Your Golf Game Going Longer
Golf can be a great way to enjoy some time off on the weekend, relaxing time with friends, or work up a great appetite, but the mechanics of a strong golf swing can take their toll on the joints and the spine. Typical issues golfers face include back pain, elbow tendonitis, rotator cuff shoulder...
N is for Neck Pain & for Neurosurgeons, but not Necessarily for Surgery!
Neck pain? Let's figure it out and help you!I hope you benefit from my blog on neck pain:Neck pain may occur in a variety of circumstances and can be associated with headaches, jaw and ear symptoms, upper back pain, stiffness (with reduced neck motion), and shoulder/arm radiating symptoms including...
Second Opinions
Second Opinions Before Surgery! What is a Surgical Second Opinion? A surgical second opinion is a completely separate consultation visit with a different spine surgeon and/or neurosurgeon. During that detailed and thorough consultation, the neurosurgeon or spine surgeon takes a complete history...
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. READ MORE
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, headaches, and other reflexive adjustments that can effect other parts of the body. READ MORE
How do you make vertigo go away?
Depends on the type of vertigo and what caused it. Look up Eppley's manuevers. READ MORE
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). 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. READ MORE
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. 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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? I will admit my bias as a neurosurgeon and you will find competence in spine doctors in both fields. Always get a second opinion! READ MORE
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. That is why we try to offer minimally invasive and less fusion options when possible first! READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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
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 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. READ MORE
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 can show evidence for sympathetic nerve "damage." READ MORE
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 your own education to know exactly what you or others mean by "neuropathy." READ MORE
Does exercise help nerve regeneration?
Generally, the answer is YES. Using muscles stimulates the neuro-muscular junction and biologically enhances nerve root sprouting (regeneration). READ MORE
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 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. READ MORE
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, 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). READ MORE
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. Often the term "damaged" is mis-used to speak to irritated, compressed, inflamed, and/or painful nerves. Always seek a second opinion! READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Awards
- Top Doctor 2020 2020 Top Docs
- NIH research fellow 1983 NIH and American Heart Association
Professional Memberships
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- Joint Section on Spine
- California Association of Neurological Surgeons
Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors
- WHO COVID FUND
- FEMA emergency volunteer
- Access to care champion
Treatments
- Non-surgical and minimally invasive approaches. Second opinions.
Internships
- University of California - 1993Surgical internship
Fellowships
- University of New Mexico - 1998Fellowship Spine Biomechanics
Professional Society Memberships
- Congress of Neurological Surgeons American Association of Neurological Surgeons Joint Section on Spine California Association of Neurological Surgeons
Philanthropic Initiatives
- WHO COVID FUNDFEMA emergency volunteerAccess to care champion
Areas of research
Neurosurgery
Spinal Biomechanis
Stem cell and regenerative medicine
Second Opinions
Biophotonics
Robotics in Medicine
Bio-engeering
Artifical neural networks
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