Dr. John Cummings MD
Neurosurgeon
Indianapolis Indiana, 46219About
John T. Cummings Jr., MD, is a neurological surgeon working in Indianapolis, Indiana. As a neurosurgeon, he specializes in minimally invasive surgery, as well as general neurosurgery. Procedures he commonly performs include cerebral and spinal shunts, craniotomy, craniectomy, surgery of skull base, neuroendoscopy, epidural block, facet blocks, herniated disc surgery, lamina procedures, nerve block, neuroplasty, neurostimulation, spinal neurostimulation, spinal compression fracture repair, spinal fusion, or spinal reconstructive surgery for deformities. Conditions Dr. Cummings Jr. treats encompass brain and nervous system cancer, brain aneurysm, cerebral vascular disease, Cerebrospinal Fluid Leak (CSF Leak), Craniopharyngioma, Degenerative Disc Disease, Epilepsy, Hydrocephalus, Intervertebral Disc Herniation, Low Back Pain, Meningiomas, Myelopathy, Nerve Sheath Tumors, Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus, Osteoarthritis of Spine, Pathological Spine Fracture, Post-Laminectomy Syndrome, Pseudotumor Cerebri, Radiculopathy (not Due to Disc Displacement), Scoliosis, Spinal Cord Injury, Spinal Stenosis, Spine Deformities, Spine Fractures, Spondylolisthesis, and Stroke. Dr. Cummings Jr. studied at Indiana University and graduated in 1982. He is certified in Neurological Surgery by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and remains an active member of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, and the Society of Lateral Access Surgery.
Education and Training
Indiana University
Board Certification
American Board of Neurological Surgery- Neurological Surgery
Provider Details
Dr. John Cummings MD's Expert Contributions
What is causing my headache?
I certainly recommend that you do. READ MORE
Is a brain aneurysm serious?
It certainly merits an evaluation to put the risk of it rupturing in to perspective. Only 50% of people survive the first rupture. READ MORE
Can brain-eating amoeba cause opsoclonus?
Not a recognized cause READ MORE
Should all brain tumors be removed in children?
No. With MRIs available, benign tumors in benign locations can be followed. READ MORE
Is surgery necessary for herniated disk?
Physical therapy, anti inflammatory meds, steroid injections and time. Sometimes up to more than 60% of patients will improve. READ MORE
How many tests do brain tumor evaluations involve?
A brain MRI may be all that you need. READ MORE
Should I see a doctor after a possible concussion?
It’s also safer to see your doctor as even a minor hit to the head can cause post concussion headaches and some type of bleeding may have occurred. READ MORE
What is causing my headache and numbness?
Ask your MDs to evaluate you for a Chiari I malformation. READ MORE
Is it possible to lose your ability to talk after neurosurgery?
Yes and it depends on what part of the brain was worked on. There is a speech center normally on the left side in the temporal lobe region. There can be damage done that can affect the ability to talk and or understand what someone else is saying. READ MORE
Does a tumor always need surgery to be removed?
Not all tumors need to be removed. Depending on the tumors location and suspected pathology is important to take into account. An acoustic neuroma can be treated with radiosurgery in some instances. Menigomas can be followed with MRIs under certain circumstances. For malignant tumors, some could ultimately be treated with a vaccine or immune therapy. Hopefully this is helpful and, if surgery is needed, I hope all goes well. Dr. Cummings, MD READ MORE
Is weakness after a brain surgery normal?
Being weak after brain surgery is not unexpected. Provided hypothyroidism is not a problem the weakness should improve with time. If the weakness continues, a follow up head CT is warranted. READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Faculty Titles & Positions
- Founding Member, Society of Lateral Access Surgery (SOLAS) -
- Guest Lecturer, Fusions for SI Bone -
Internships
- Indiana University
Professional Society Memberships
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Society of Lateral Access Surgery
What do you attribute your success to?
- The willingness of taking on new techniques and procedures to improve the quality of life of his patients.
Hobbies / Sports
- Reading, Water Skiing, Golfing
Favorite professional publications
- Journal of Neruological Surgeons
Dr. John Cummings MD's Practice location
Dr. John Cummings MD's reviews
Write ReviewPatient Experience with Dr. Cummings
- Susan
Outstanding neurosurgeon, doctor & man. From rare neurological birth defects to spine fractures Dr. Cummings is a lifesaver!
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