15 Best Neurosurgeons in San Diego: 15 Specialists to Compare

Sohaib Kureshi, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a San Diego neurosurgeon specializing in brain, spine, and peripheral nerve disorders through Neurosurgical Medical Clinic. His consultations emphasize understanding the source of a patient’s symptoms, explaining options plainly, and considering whether surgery is genuinely necessary.

The wider practice supports neurosurgical care across San Diego County, with a team of neurosurgeons, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners. Patients seeking an evaluation for complex spine or brain concerns can expect a structured appointment process and detailed discussion of potential next steps.

Brain, Spine & Vascular Neuroscience Institute, led by Sabareesh Natarajan, MD, provides neurosurgical and neurointerventional care in the San Diego area. The practice addresses brain aneurysms, vascular malformations, tumors, strokes, and spinal conditions, with treatment pathways that may include open surgery, catheter-based techniques, or radiation therapy.

Dr. Natarajan’s consultations are marked by clear explanations, prompt coordination of diagnostic steps, and a conservative, personable manner. The team supports patients from initial evaluation through follow-up, making this a relevant choice for complex neurological conditions requiring coordinated specialty care.

Richard C. Ostrup, M.D., F.A.C.S. is a San Diego neurosurgeon with extensive experience in brain tumors, spine surgery, and complex spinal conditions. His approach places emphasis on evaluation and explanation, helping patients understand their condition and available paths before deciding whether surgery is appropriate.

He serves through Neurosurgical Medical Clinic, which provides brain and spinal care across San Diego County. The practice is a strong fit for patients seeking a detailed second opinion or a calm, direct conversation about complex neurosurgical treatment.

Hani Malone, MD is a San Diego neurosurgeon specializing in minimally invasive treatment for complex disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine, with additional general neurosurgical expertise. His approach combines detailed evaluation with clear discussion of treatment options tailored to each patient’s condition.

The consultation style is especially relevant for people weighing surgery or seeking a better understanding of a spinal diagnosis. Dr. Malone’s care emphasizes careful explanation, attentive listening, and a structured path from initial assessment through treatment and recovery.

Dr. Howard Tung is a San Diego neurosurgeon known for a thoughtful approach to complex spine decisions. His consultations center on reviewing findings carefully, explaining the proposed procedure and giving patients room to consider whether surgery is right for them. Surgical care has addressed back pain, nerve symptoms, spinal instability and selected cerebrovascular conditions.

The emphasis is on calm communication before and after treatment, including an explanation of what was found and what was done. Appointments are recommended.

Dr. Vamsidhar Chavakula is a San Diego neurosurgeon with a particular focus on movement disorders and functional neurosurgery. His training in engineering, biology and neurosurgery supports a technology-oriented approach to treatment, including MR-guided Focused Ultrasound and Deep Brain Stimulation for appropriate movement-disorder cases.

Patients can expect thorough explanations, patient questions handled with patience and a plan tailored to the clinical situation. The broader practice also provides brain and spinal care across San Diego County. Appointments are recommended before visiting.

Dr. Michael L. Levy is a pediatric neurosurgeon serving infants, children and adolescents in San Diego through Rady Children’s Health. The program treats conditions affecting the brain, skull, spine and peripheral nerves, including epilepsy, hydrocephalus, tumors, cerebrovascular malformations, craniofacial disorders and traumatic injuries.

The pediatric team performs a broad range of specialized procedures and uses minimally invasive technologies when appropriate, including Visualase laser ablation and the ROSA surgical robot for selected epilepsy cases. Appointments are recommended.

Dr. Sabareesh Natarajan’s Brain, Spine & Vascular Neuroscience Institute provides neurosurgical and neurointerventional care in San Diego. The practice addresses brain tumors, aneurysms, vascular malformations, strokes and spinal conditions, with options that may include open surgery, catheter-based treatment and radiation therapy.

Clear explanations and a reassuring, professional manner are central to the visit. The practice works across the surgical continuum, from initial evaluation through postoperative recovery. Appointments are recommended.

Sanjay Ghosh, MD provides personalized neurosurgical care in San Diego for complex brain and spine conditions. His practice covers brain tumors, aneurysms, skull-base disorders and spinal problems, including minimally invasive spinal surgery and complex procedures such as TLIF. A multidisciplinary support team helps coordinate appointments, answer questions and guide patients through follow-up.

The practice places strong emphasis on detailed explanations, continuity and respectful care. The team also supports patients and families considering treatment for conditions such as acoustic neuroma, hearing loss or dizziness. Appointments are required or recommended.

Scott Leary, MD specializes in neurosurgery and orthopedic complex spine surgery in San Diego. His practice focuses on educating patients and families about the condition, treatment process and available decisions, with support from a team that coordinates referrals, records and appointments.

The approach is especially relevant for complex spinal injuries, disc problems and revision-related questions. Communication and preparation are central to the care process, while appointment scheduling should be arranged in advance.

Frank Coufal, MD is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon in San Diego specializing in complex surgery of the brain and spinal column. His scope includes procedures for brain tumors, neurovascular disease, hydrocephalus, traumatic injury and degenerative spinal conditions. He also provides neurosurgical emergency services through Scripps hospitals and spinal surgical care for work-related injuries.

The practice is characterized by careful preparation, clear procedural explanations and attentive support from the office team. Appointments are required or recommended, making advance scheduling important.