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About SNNS

Sydney North Neurosurgery is a specialist neurosurgical practice based in North Sydney, providing comprehensive assessment and surgical management of conditions affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves.

At SNNS, each patient undergoes a detailed consultation, including review of imaging, neurological examination and discussion of available treatment options. Where appropriate, non-operative management is considered alongside surgical intervention. Recommendations are made based on clinical findings, current medical evidence and the patient’s overall health.

Our practice provides care across a broad range of neurosurgical conditions, including brain tumours, spinal disorders, nerve compression syndromes and movement disorders. Consultations are conducted in North Sydney, with surgery performed at accredited hospitals. We aim to provide clear information to assist patients in understanding their condition and available treatment pathways.

Dr Raymond Cook (OAM)

Dr Raymond Cook (OAM)

Specialty: Neurosurgery
Sub-Speciality: Surgery for Brain Tumours, Pituitary Surgery, Hydrocephalus, Functional Neurosurgery and minimally Invasive Procedures of the Spine for disc prolapse, nerve entrapment causing sciatica or arm pain.

Dr Raymond Cook is an experienced neurosurgeon with over 30 years of practice, specialising in neuro-oncology and functional neurosurgery, including deep brain stimulation (DBS). He is a Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) at Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital, based in St Leonards, NSW.

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Dr Cook graduated in Medicine from the University of Sydney in 1982. Following 10 years of advanced neurosurgical training across Sydney, Perth, London, and Birmingham, Alabama, he was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in Neurosurgery in 1993.

Key milestones in his training include:

  • Senior Registrar roles at Atkinson Morley’s Hospital and The Children’s Hospital at Great Ormond Street in London, UK.

  • Fellowship in Neurosurgery at the University of Alabama, USA.

Since returning to Sydney, Dr Cook has served as a consultant neurosurgeon for over 25 years.

Dr Cook’s extensive surgical repertoire includes:

  • Neuro-Oncology: Advanced management of adult brain tumours, including gliomas, meningiomas, pituitary tumours, and ventricular tumours. He is a recognised expert in awake tumour resections for eloquent brain regions.

  • Functional Neurosurgery: Over 20 years of experience in Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery, treating conditions such as Parkinson’s Disease, dystonia, tremor, and Tourette syndrome.

  • General Neurosurgery: Management of spinal conditions, including disc prolapse, nerve compression, sciatica, and arm pain.

Neurosurgical operative experience
Training

4000 (+) cases (brain, spine, peripheral nerve) as Surgeon or Assistant Surgeon, over ten years in eight neurosurgical units.

Neurosurgical operative experience
Consultant (29 years)

Average of 200 - 300 cases (brain, spine, peripheral nerve) per year

Average of 35 new DBS systems placed annually for Movement Disorders >600patients treated over 20 years - see www.sydneydbs.com for details of this program

Dr Cook is a passionate advocate for brain cancer research and improved patient care:

  • Co-founder and Chairman of The Brain Cancer Group (TBCG), a charity dedicated to brain tumour research, education, and enhanced nursing care.

  • Frequent presenter at the Neurosurgical Association of Australasia, sharing his extensive experience in glioma resection.

Dr Cook is widely published in neuro-oncology and functional neurosurgery, contributing significantly to advancements in these fields.

Details of these can be found further down this page.

Dr. Cook co-founded Sydney DBS in 2002 alongside Dr. Paul Silberstein as part of the Sydney Deep Brain Stimulation program. For more information, visit sydneydbs.com.

Founder / Chairman of Sydney Neuro-oncology Group, a registered charity in NSW focussed on many aspects on brain tumour care including patient and doctor education, research both clinical and more lab based with translational research most important to the group. The group has a brain tumour bank housed at the Kolling Institute (Sydney University) and funds a scientific team researching brain tumours.

In its 21-year existence it has supported multiple PhD students both in Neurosurgery and medical research along with its post-doctoral research scientists. This group often raises>$1M for research annually and has been renamed The Brain Cancer Group.

In 2021 this charity was inducted into “The Founders Circle” at the University of Sydney recognizing contributions made to research conducted at the institution over many years of philanthropy.

 

  1. FELLOWSHIP - BOOK CHAPTERS

    1. Pell T, Williams/Wilkins (Ed.).
      Complications of Stereotactic Biopsy, Handbook of Stereotaxy using the CRW - Apparatus
      Pages 93-103, 1994.

    2. Hadley V (Ed.).
      Complications of Stereotactic Brain Biopsy, Perspectives in Neurological Surgery
      Pages 131-139, 1994.

    PUBLICATIONS - SCIENTIFIC JOURNALS

    1. COOK, R.J.AND BESSER, M
      A 16 year old boy with poor vision and nasal obstruction.
      ANZ J. Surg (1987) 55:485-488
      A review of the current management of invasive pituitary prolactinomas.

    2. COOK, R.J., FEARNSIDE, M.R., DORSCH, N.W. AND CHASELING, R
      Outcome Prediction in Extradural Haematoma
      Acta Neurochir, (1988)95:90-94
      A review of 100 consecutive extradural haematomas managed at Westmead Hospital with formulation of a score, tabulated on initial assessment of the patients, which accurately predicts outcome.

    3. COOK, R.J. AND FEARNSIDE, M.R
      Cervical Cord Extradural Haematomas with Familial Cutaneous Haemangiomas
      J.Neurosurg. (1988) (2):265-268.
      A case report confirming the link between cutaneous haemangiomas and haemangiomas of the extradural space: a review of the management of spontaneous spinal cervical extradural haematoma.

    4. DEANE, S.A., GAUNDRY,P.L., WOODS, P., CASS,D., HOLLANDS, M. AND COOK, R.J.
      The Management of Injuries – A Review of Deaths in Hospital
      ANZ J. Surg. (1988)58:463-469.
      A comprehensive review of the problems with trauma management based on the analysis of more than 100 consecutive deaths in hospital from trauma managed at Westmead Hospital from 1985-1987.

    5. FEARNSIDE,M.R. AND COOK,R.J.
      The Westmead Head Injury Project: “Outcome of Severe Head Injury. A Comparative Analysis of Pre-Hospital, Clinical and CT Variables”
      J.Neurosurgery 1993 7,267-279.
      A paper on head injury from the Westmead Coma Data Base.

    6. FEARNSIDE,M.R., COOK,R.J., MCDOWGALL, P. AND LEWIS, W.A.
      The Westmead Head Injury Project: “Physical and Social Outcomes Following Severe Head Injury”
      J. Neurosurgery. (1993) 7.643-650.
      A paper on head injury from the Westmead Coma Data Base.

    7. COOK, R.J. AND FEARNSIDE, M.R.
      The Westmead Head Injury Project: “Outcome Prediction in Acute Subdural Haematoma”
      Journal of Clinical Neuroscience. Vol 3 No.2 April 1996 143-148.
      A paper on head injury from the Westmead Coma Data Base.

    8. COOK, R.J., UTTLEY, D., ARCHER, D. AND BELL, D
      Surgical Management of Giant Invasive Prolactinoma Presenting as Skull Base Tumours
      British Journal Neurosurgery, Vol 8 No.1 1994 51-55.

    9. FUNG, V., HELY, M., COOK, R.J. ET AL.
      A prospective study of posteroveterbral pallidotomy in the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease
      Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 1996 3:395 Abstract.

    10. BEITH J, COOK R.J, ROBINSON B, LEVI J, BELL D, WHEELER H, ET AL
      Modulation of 06-Methylguanine Methyltransferase Mediated Resistance to BCNU in Recurrent High Grade Gliomas
      Annu. Meet. Am. Soc. Clin. Oncology; 16:A1375 1997 Abstract

    11. SLANCAR M, WHEELER H, COOK R, LEVI J, BELL D, BEITH J.
      Increased pulmonary toxicity with scheduling procarbazine prior to BCNU in patients with high-grade gliomas
      (Abstract) American Society of Cancer and Oncology p. 409a Vol 16 1997

    12. COOK, R.J.
      Stereotactic Neurosurgery: an update.
      Modern Medicine of Australia February 1998, pp 52-58.

    13. COOK RJ, FRACCHIA G, HOBAN P, FUNG V, JOFFE R, MORRIS J, O’SULLIVAN, ET AL
      Evolution of a Surgical Technique for Posteroventral Pallidotomy. Using CT/MRI Fusion with Intraoperative Macrostimulation.”
      Journal of Clinical Neuroscience Vol. 5 No. 1. January 1998.

    14. MARX, G., PAVLAKIS, N., MCCOWATT, S., BOYLE, F., LEVI, J., BELL, D., COOK, R.J., BIGGS, M., LITTLE, NICK., WHEELER, H.
      Phase II study of thalidomide in the treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme
      Journal of Neuro-Oncology, 54(1) 31-38.August 2001.

    15. COOK RJ, BIANCHI R, MORRIS JGL, NGUYEN T.
      Long term Outcome in Parkinsons Disease after Bilateral Pallidotomy. Proceedings of the Twelfth World Congress of Neurosurgery.
      Editors Reilly and McCulloch pp333-338, September 2001.

    16. TURNER KR, REID WG, COOK RJ.
      Neuropsychological sequelae of bilateral posteroventral pallidotomy
      Neurology Neurosurgery and Psychiatry 2002:73:444-446

    17. J.S.CAIRNS, FINFER SR, HARRINGTON TJ, COOK RJ.
      Papaverine Angioplasty to treat Cerebral Vasospasm following traumatic Subarachnoid haemorrhage
      Anaethesia and Intensive Care Vol 312:87-89,2003

    18. McKENZIE CA, COOK R, BRAZIER D, FRYER J.
      Malignant Transformation of a Dysembyoplastic Neuroepithelial Tumour: Pathology International Vol 53, issue 12, December 2003

    19. COUSINS M, BRAZIER D, COOK R.
      Intracranial hypotension due to cervical CSF leak treated with epidural blood patch.
      Anaesthesia/Analgesia, Vol 98: 1794-1797, 2004

    20. HUANG Y,MORRIS J,GARRICK R, O’SULLIVAN D HALLIDAY G, COOK R.
      Pallidal stimulation reduces treatment induced dyskinesia in minimal change multisystem atrophy.
      Movement Disorders: Volume 20,Issue 8,1042-1047,April 2005.

    21. YUILE P, DENT O, COOK R, BIGGS M, LITTLE N.
      Survival of Glioblastoma patients related to presenting symptoms, brain site and treatment variable
      Journal of Clinical Neuroscience. Vol 13, issue 7, August 2006

    22. MAROULIS H, HALMALGYI MG, HEARD R, COOK RJ.
      Sylvian Aqueduct Syndrome with slit ventricles and overdrainage in shunted adult hydrocephalus due to aqueduct
      J. Neurosurgery 109(5):939-43, 2008

    23. MEAGHER l, SILBERSTEIN P, COOK RJ
      Psychiatric Morbidity in Patients with Parkinsons Disease
      Acta Neuropsychiatrica August, 2008

    24. Payne CA, Maleki S, Messina M, O’Sullivan MG, Stone G, Hall N, Parkinson JF, Wheeler HR, Cook RJ, Biggs MT, Little NS,Teo C, Robinson BG, McDonald KL.
      Loss of Prostaglandin D2 Synthase: A key molecular event in the transition of a low grade astrocytoma to an anaplastic astrocytoma.
      Molecular Cancer Therapies. Oct:7(10) :3420-8, 2008

    25. Fowler AR, Cook RJ, Biggs M, Little N, Assad N, McDonald KL.
      Neurosurgical Colonic Adenocarcinoma Metastasis in Northern Sydney/ Central Coast Area Health Service: A Review.
      J Clinical Neuroscience. Vol 15 (9) : 998-1004 , September 2008

    26. ELSTON MS,GILL AJ,CONAGLEN J,CLARKSON A, SHAW JM, LAW AJ, COOK RJ, LITTLEN, CLIFTON BLIGH R, ROBINSON B, McDONALD KL.
      Wnt pathway inhibitors are strongly down-regulated in pituitary tumours.
      Endocrinolgy March:149(3) : 1235-42 , .2008

    27. Parkinson JF, Wheeler HR, Clarkson A, McKenzie CA, Biggs MT, Little NS, Cook RJ, Messina M, Robinson BG, McDonald KL.
      Variation of 06-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation in serial samples in glioblastoma.
      J Neuroncol. 87:71-8, 2008.

    28. McDonald KL, O’Sullivan MG, Parkinson JF, Shaw JM, Payne CA, Brewer JM, Young L, Reader DJ, Wheeler HT, Cook RJ, Biggs MT, Little NS, Teo C, Stone G, Robinson BG.
      IQGAP1 and IGFBP2: Valuable biomarkers for determining prognosis in glioma patients.
      J Neuropath Exp Neurol 2007; 66:405-17

    29. McCORMACK AI, McDONALD KL, GILL AJ, CLARKS J, BURT MJ, CAMPBELL KA, BRAUND WJ, LITTLE NS, COOK RJ, GROSSMAN AB, ROBINSON BG, CLIFTON-BLIGH RG
      Low MGMT expression and response to temozolomide In aggressive pituitary tumours.
      Clinical Endocrinology : 71(2) :226-233,2009.

    30. MEAGHER LJ, ILCHEF R, SILBERSTEIN P, COOK RJ, WASSON D, MALHI GS.
      Psychiatric morbidity in patients with parkinsons disease following bilateral subthalamic deep brain stimulation: literature review.
      Acta neuropsychiatri 20 : (192), 2008

    31. McCORMACK AL, McDONALD KL, GILL AJ, CLARK SJ, BURT MG, CAMPBELL KA, BRAUND WJ, LITTLE N, COOK RJ, GROSSMAN AB, ROBINSON BG, CLIFTON-BLIGH RJ.
      Low 06-methylguanine transferase (MGMT) expression and response to temozolomide in aggressive pituitary tumours.
      Endocrinol (Oxf) Aug:71(2):226-33 2009

    32. ELSTON MS, GILLAJ, CONAGLENJV, CLARKSON A, COOK RJ, LITTLE N,ROBINSON BG, CLIFTON-BLIGH RJ,McDONALD KL.
      Nuclear accumulation of e-cadherin correlates with loss of cytoplasmic membrane staining and invasion of pituitary adenomas.
      J Clinic Endocrinol Metab. April:94(4) :1436-42 ,2009.

    33. NIELSSEN OB, COOK RJ, JOFFE R,MEAGHER LJ, SILBERSTEIN P. Paraphilia and other disturbed behaviour associated with dopamimetic treatment for Parkinson’s disease.
      Mov Disord, May 15:24(7) :1091-2 2009

    34. SILBERSTEIN P, BITTAR R, BOYLE R, COOK RJ, COYNE T, O’SULLIVAN D, PELL M, PEPPARD R, RODRIGUES J, SILBURN P, STELL R, WATSON P.
      Deep brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s disease: Australian referral guidelines.
      J Clinic Neuroscience August :16(8) :1001-8, 200

    35. MATER E, COOK RJ, FOWLER AR, BIGGS MT, LITTLE N, WHEELER H, ROBINSON B, McDONALD K.
      Post Contrast enhancement as a clinical indicator of prognosis in patients with anaplastic astrocytoma.
      J Clin. Neuroscience Aug:17(8) 993-6, 2010.

    36. McDONALD K. McDONNELL J, MUNTONI A, HENSON JD, HEGI M, von DIEMLING A, WHEELER H, COOK RJ, BIGGS MT, LITTLE N, ROBINSON BG, REDDEL RR, ROYDS JA.
      Presence of alternative lengthening of telomeres mechanism in patients with glioblastoma identifies a less aggressive tumour type with longer survival.
      J Neuropathol Exp Neurol Jul:69(7) 729-36 2010

    37. GONZALVO A, FOWLER A, COOK RJ, LITTLE NS, WHEELER H, MCDONALDK, BIGGS MT.
      Schwannomatosis, sporadic schwannomatosis and familial schwannomatosis: a surgical series with long term follow up. Clinical article.
      J Neurosurg Mar:114(3):756-62, 2011

    38. FOWLER A, THOMSON D, GILES K, MALEKIS M, REICH E, WHEELER H, LEEDMAN P, BIGGS M, LITTLE N, WHEELER H, COOK RJ, MCDONALD KL.
      miR-124a is frequently downregulated in glioblastoma and is involved in migration and invasion.
      Eur J Cancer April: 47(6) 953-63 2011

    39. PARKINSON JF, AFAGHI V, PAYNE CA, BUCKLAND ME, BREWER M, BIGGS M, LITTLE N, WHEELER H, COOK RJ, MCDONALD KL.
      The impact of molecular and clinical factors on patient outcome with oligodendroglioma from 20 years experience at a single centre.
      J Clinic Neuroscience March,18(3) :329-33, 2011

    40. DOBES M, KHURANA V, SHADBOLT B, JAIN S, SMITH SF, SMEE R, DEXTER M, COOK RJ.
      A multicentre study of primary brain tumour incidence in Australia (2000-2008)
      Neuro Oncol. July:13(7) :783-90 ,2011

    41. DOBES M,KHURANA V,SHADBOLT B,JAIN S, SMITH SF, SMEE R, DEXTER M, COOK RJ.
      Increasing incidence of glioblastoma multiforme and meningioma and decreasing incidence of schwannoma (2000-2008): Findings of a multicentre Australian study.
      Surg Neurolog Int. 2;176, 2011.

    42. TATTERSALL T, STRATTON P,COYNE T, COOK RJ, SILBERSTEIN P, WINDELS F, SAH P
      Imagined gait modulates neuronal dynamics in the human pedunculopontine nucleus
      Nature Neuroscience 17,449-454 January (2014)

    43. SACHDEV P, MOHAN A,CANNON E, CRAWFORD J, SILBERSTEIN P, COOK RJ, COYNE T, SILBURN P.
      Deep Brain Stimulation of the anteromedial Globus Pallidus Interna for Tourette Syndrome
      PLOS ONE vol 9 issue 8 August (2014)

    44. COOK RJ, JONES L, FRACCHIA G, ANDERSON N, MIU J, MEAGHER L, SILBURN P, SILBERSTEIN P.
      Globus Pallidus Internus Deep Brain Stimulation as Rescue Therapy for Refractory Dyskinesias following Effective Subthalamic Nucleus Stimulation.
      Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, 93:25-29 (2015).

    45. HARRIS G, Cook R, Teo C, JAYAMANNE D, GOU L, BACK M.
      Cerebral Oligometastases: Low Rate of Subsequent Whole Brain Radiotherapy Following Local Therapy.
      J Brain Tumours Neuro Oncol, 1(3), 2016.

    46. HARRIS G, JAYAMANNE D, WHEELER H, GZELL C, KASTALAN M, SCHEMBRI G, BRAZIER D, COOK R, PARKINSON J, KHASRAW M, LOUWS, BACK M.
      Survival Outcome of Elderly Patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme in Their Seventy-Fifth Year or Older Treated with Adjuvant Therapy.
      International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, July 15;98(4):802-810, 2017.

    47. HSIAO E, HAYES A, CHAN D, SHEMBRI G, BAILEY D, ROACH P, LEE A, JAYAMANNE D, GHASEMZADAH M, COOK R, PARKINSON J, DRUMMOND J, IBBETT I, WHEELER H, BACK M.
      FET PET in the Evaluation of Indeterminate Brain Lesions on MRI: Differentiating Glioma from Other Non-Neoplastic Causes.
      Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, Dec;58:130-135, 2018.

    48. GIOMA A, WINDELS F, STRATTON PG, COOK R, et al.
      Single Unit Activity of the Anterior Globus Pallidus Internus in Tourette Patients and Posterior Globus Pallidal Internus in Dystonic Patients.
      Clinical Neurophysiology, 2017 Dec;128(12):2510-2518.

    49. PERERA, TAN JL, COLE MH, YOHANANDAN SAC, SILBERSTEIN P, COOK RJ, PEPPAR R, AZIZ T, COYNE T, BROWN P, SILBURN PA, THEVATHASAN W.
      Balance Control Systems in Parkinson’s Disease and the Impact of Pedunculopontine Area Stimulation.
      Brain, 2018 Oct 1;141(10):3009-3022.

    50. JAYAMANNE D, WHEELER H, COOK R, TEO C, BRAZIER D, SCHEMBRI G, KASTALAN M, GUO L, BACK M.
      Survival Improvements with Adjuvant Therapy in Patients with Glioblastoma.
      ANZ J Surg, 2018 Mar;88(3):196-202.

    51. JAYAMANNE D, GUO L, STEVENS M, PARKINSON J, COOK R, N LITTLE, BACK M.
      Focal Radiation Therapy for Limited Brain Metastases Associated with High Rates of Local Control and Low Subsequent WBRT.
      ANZ J Surg, 2019 Apr;89(4):418-422.

    52. WIJETUNGA A, JAYAMANNE D, COOK R, PARKINSON J, LITTLE N, CURTIS J, BROWN C, BACK M.
      Hypofractionated Adjuvant Surgical Cavity Radiotherapy Following Resection of Limited Brain Metastases.
      J Clin Neuroscience, 2020 Dec;82:155-161.

    53. COOK T, JAYAMANNE D, WHEELER H, WONG M, PARKINSON J, COOK R, KASTALAN M, COVE N, BROWN C, BACK M.
      Redo Craniotomy or Bevacizumab for Symptomatic Steroid Refractory True or Pseudoprogression Following IMRT for Glioblastoma.
      Neuro-Oncology Practice, XX(XX):1-8, 2020.

    54. METZ G, JAYAMANNE D, WHEELER H, WONG M, COOK R, LITTLE N, PARKINSON J, KASTALAN M, BROWN C, BACK M.
      Large Volume Reduction of IDH-Mutated Anaplastic Glioma Involving the Insula Region Following Radiation Therapy: An Alternative to Maximal Surgical Resection.
      BMC Neurology (Preprint), September 2021.
      DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-598305/v1

    55. FRENCH H, PARRATT J, COOK R, et al.
      Tumefactive Multiple Sclerosis Versus High-Grade Glioma: A Diagnostic Dilemma.
      Surgical Neurology International.
      DOI: 10.25259/sni_901_2020

    56. SIDHU, WALKER, RIISFELDT, TWEEDIE, GERBIS, SUTHERLAND, SIMON, SOMERVILLE, COOK, PARKINSON, GOETTI, FRANCIS.
      Successful Management of Acute Streptococcal Meningoencephalitis Complicated by Bilateral Third Nerve Palsies, Wall-Eyed Bilateral Internuclear Ophthalmoplegia (WEBINO), Blindness, and Deafness: Case Report.
      DOI: 10.1159/000538821

    57. R J COOK, N DUTTON, PSILBURN,L MEAGHER G FRACCHIA,N ANDERSON,G COOPER,H DINH SJ COOK,P SILBERSTEIN.
      Minimising the rate of vascular complications in Deep Brain Stimulation surgery for the management of Parkinson’s Disease: a single centre 600 patient case series.
      DOI :10.1136/bmjno-2024-000793

1989:
Outcome Prediction in Extradural Haematoma
NSA, Sydney.

1990:
Outcome Prediction in Acute Subdural Haematoma
NSA, Alice Springs.

1990:
Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography
NSA, Alice Springs.

1990:
Severe Head Injury - Westmead Head Injury Project
Pan Pacific Surgical Conference, Hawaii.
(Co-Author: M.R. Fearnsides)

1991:
Physical and Social Outcomes Following Severe Head Injury
NSA, Hobart.
(Co-Author: M.R. Fearnsides)

1992:
Acute Subdural Haematoma
Society British Neurosurgeons, Lausanne, Switzerland.

1995:
Posterior Ventral Pallidotomy in Parkinson’s Disease
NSA Meeting, Broome.

1996:
Posterior Ventral Pallidotomy in Parkinson’s Disease
ANA Meeting, Broome.

1999:
Complications of Bilateral Pallidotomy
Royal Australian College of Surgeons, Auckland.

2000:
Peter Leach Prize Winner (Dr Curtis presenting)
Thalidomide in High Grade Glioma
NSA, Fraser Island.

2001:
Long-Term Outcome in Parkinson’s Disease after Bilateral Pallidotomy
WFNS, Sydney.

2002:
Neuro-stimulation / Lesions of the Deep Nuclei in Parkinson’s Disease
Movement Disorder Society of Australasia
AGM, Melbourne.

2003:
Awake Craniotomy in Tumour Resection
Neurosurgical Society of Australasia. AGM
Queenstown, New Zealand.

2003:
Surgery for Cerebral Metastasis - Topic Review
COSA AGM - Perth.

2005:
Technique and Indications for Awake Craniotomy in Glioma Surgery
Glioma 2005 – Sydney.

2005:
A Rapid Low Morbidity Technique for STN Deep Brain Stimulation Utilizing Novel MRI Techniques, CT/MR Fusion, and Usually a Single Microelectrode Pass.
World Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery - Rome.

2008:
Surgery for Intrinsic Glial Tumours of the Cerebral Cortex.
Invited Speaker in Neuro-Oncology
NSA September, Auckland, New Zealand.

2009:

  1. Predicting Motor Outcomes for STN DBS – A Probabilistic Approach

  2. Complications of STN DBS - 100 Cases
    World Society Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Toronto, Canada.

2011:
Deep Brain Stimulation for Parkinson’s Disease – Review of 242 Cases
Neurosurgical Society of Australasia, Fiji.

2011:
Deep Brain Stimulation for Essential Tremor
National DBS Forum, Gold Coast.

2011:
Deep Brain Stimulation for Neurological Disorders
AOA/RACS/Medlaw: Annual Clinical Meeting, Sydney.

2012:
Complications of STN-DBS Experience with 250 Patients
ASSFN, San Francisco (Poster) June 2012.

2013:

  1. Infections Following DBS: Proposed Classification System

  2. GPI Rescue after STN DBS for Dyskinesia
    Presented at World Society for Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery: Japan and International Movement Disorder Society Meeting, Sydney.

2014:
Convenor Australasian DBS User Group Annual Meeting, Sydney.
Presentation on DBS Electrode Revisions for Suboptimal Effect of Stimulation and DBS for Tourette Syndrome
February 2014.

2014:
Convenor Section on Functional Neurosurgery
NSA Perth September 2014.

2014:
Parkinson’s Masterclass Symposium
Newcastle December 2014.

2015:
Treatment Algorithm for Managing Infections in a DBS System
Queenstown, NZ, August 2015.

2016:
Functional Neurosurgery – Overview
SONS: January, Japan.

2016:
Deep Brain Surgery Complications and Management
Asian Australian Society Stereotactic Functional Neurosurgery – Cairns, February 2016.

2017:
Dual Pallidal and Subthalamic DBS Indications/Results/Analysis
World Society Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, Berlin, June 2017.

2018:
Dual Pallidal and Subthalamic DBS Indications/Results/Analysis
Canadian Neuromodulation Society, Whistler, Canada – January 2018.

2019:
Lifelong Management of DBS Infection/Erosions in Parkinson’s Disease
World Society Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, New York City, June 2019.

2019:
Decision Making in the Optimal Treatment of Low / Mid-Grade Glioma
COGNO AGM, Sydney, October 2019.

2020/21:
Covid – Meetings Postponed.

2022:
Evolution of Deep Brain Surgery for Parkinson’s Disease Over the Past 25 Years
Neurosurgical Society Australia AGM, Sydney.

2023:
COGNO ASM Sydney
Invited Speaker Neuro-Oncology (Panel).

Dr Jonathon Parkinson

Dr Jonathon Parkinson

Special Interest: Brain and Spinal Tumours, Skull Base Surgery, Spinal Surgery

Dr Jonathon Parkinson is a highly experienced neurosurgeon with a focus on brain tumours, skull base surgery, and a full spectrum of spine surgeries, including minimally invasive (keyhole) techniques. He holds appointments at Royal North Shore Hospital, North Shore Private Hospital, Gosford Private Hospital, and Sydney Adventist Hospital.

Learn More

Dr Parkinson completed his medical degree at the University of Sydney in 1998. He undertook advanced neurosurgical training at prestigious hospitals across Sydney, including Royal North Shore and Prince of Wales Hospitals. During this time, he earned a PhD from the Kolling Institute of Medical Research, where he specialised in the molecular biology of brain tumours.

Further refining his expertise, Dr Parkinson pursued a fellowship at the world-renowned University of Calgary Spine Program in Canada, focusing on minimally invasive spine surgery and treatments for degenerative spine conditions and metastatic spine diseases.

Dr Parkinson specialises in:

  • Brain Tumour Surgery: Advanced techniques for managing complex cases.

  • Skull Base Surgery: Expertise in intricate surgical approaches.

  • Spine Surgery: Minimally invasive procedures and treatment of conditions such as sciatica, radiculopathy, and spinal stenosis.

A passionate advocate for research, Dr Parkinson continues his work in brain tumour biology and clinical management. He serves as:

  • Co-Chair of the NSW Oncology Group (Neuro-oncology).

  • Member of the Australasian Neuro-oncology Group (COGNO) management committee.

Dr Parkinson is dedicated to surgical education, serving as:

  • Surgical Supervisor of Training in Neurosurgery at Royal North Shore and North Shore Hospitals.

  • Clinical Senior Lecturer at the Northern Clinical School, University of Sydney.

  • Postgraduate Research and Training Lead at the Surgical Education, Research, and Training (SERT) Institute.

Outside of the operating room, Dr Parkinson enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and basketball.

 

  1. Parkinson JF, Sekhon LHS
    Surgical Management of Spinal Epidural Abscess: Selection of Approach Based on MRI Appearance
    Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 11:130-133, 2004 Feb

  2. Parkinson JF, Sekhon LHS
    Cervical Arthroplasty Complicated By Delayed Spontaneous Fusion Case Report
    Journal of Neurosurgery (Spine) 2(3):377-80, 2005 Mar

  3. Parkinson JF, Sekhon LHS
    Cervical arthroplasty for the treatment of cervical spine disease
    Australasian Musculoskeletal Medicine 9:28-31, 2004

  4. Parkinson JF, Sekhon LHS
    Surgical Management of Spinal Epidural Abscess: Selection of Approach Based on MRI Appearance
    Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 11:130-133, 2004 Feb

  5. Parkinson JF, Sekhon LHS
    Cervical Arthroplasty Complicated By Delayed Spontaneous Fusion Case Report
    Journal of Neurosurgery (Spine) 2(3):377-80, 2005 Mar

  6. Parkinson JF, Sekhon LHS
    Cervical arthroplasty for the treatment of cervical spine disease
    Australasian Musculoskeletal Medicine 9:28-31, 2004

  7. Parkinson JF, Sekhon LHS
    Spinal epidural abscess: appearance on magnetic resonance imaging as a guide to surgical management
    Neurosurgical Focus 17:E12, 2004

  8. McDonald K, Parkinson J, Wheeler H et al.
    Identification of gene /protein sets that discriminate high grade gliomas from low grade
    Neuro-Oncology 8(4):423-423, 2006 Oct (Abstract)

  9. McDonald KL, Parkinson JF, Wheeler HR et al
    Methylation of MGMT promoter in glioblastoma – Correlation between methylation-specific PCR, sequencing, and mRNA expression
    Neuro-Oncology 8(4):461-461, 2006 Oct (Abstract)

  10. Parkinson JF, McDonald KL, Wheeler H, et al
    Variation in methylation status of MGMT promoter in serial glioblastoma specimens
    Neuro-Oncology 8(4):461-462, 2006 Oct (Abstract)

  11. McDonald KL, O’Sullivan MG, Parkinson JF et al
    IQGAP1 and IGFBP2: valuable biomarkers for determining prognosis in glioma patients
    Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology 66(5):405-17, 2007 May

  12. McDonald K, O’Sullivan M, Parkinson J, et al.
    IQGAP1 and IGFBP2: Valuable biomarkers for determining prognosis in glioma patients
    Neuro-Oncology 9(4):541-541, 2007 Oct (Abstract)

  13. Parkinson JF, Wheeler HR, McDonald KL
    Contribution of DNA repair mechanisms to determining chemotherapy response in high-grade glioma
    Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 15(1):1-8, 2008 Jan

  14. Parkinson JF, Wheeler HR, Clarkson A et al.
    Variation of O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation in serial samples in glioblastoma
    Journal of Neuro-oncology 87(1):71-8, 2008 Mar

  15. Payne CA, Maleki S, Messina M, O’Sullivan MG, Stone G, Hall NR, Parkinson JF et al.
    Loss of Prostaglandin D2 Synthase: A key molecular event in the transition of a low grade astrocytoma to an anaplastic astrocytoma
    Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 7(10):3420-8, 2008 Oct

  16. Tacon LJ, Parkinson JF, Hudson BJ et al.
    Headache of a diagnosis: frontotemporal pain and inflammation associated with osteolysis.
    Medical Journal of Australia 189(10):591-2, 2008 Nov 17

  17. Li D, Brennan JW, Buckland, ME, Parkinson JF
    Bronchogenic Carcinoid Metastasis to the Intramedullary Spinal Cord
    Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 17(9):1196-98, 2010 Sept

  18. Parkinson JF, Afaghi V, Payne CA et al.
    The impact of molecular and clinical factors on patient outcome in oligodendroglioma from 20 years experience at a single centre
    Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 18(3):329-33, 2011 March

  19. Tan KL, Parkinson JF, McGee-Collett MG, Buckland ME
    Spinal intradural malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour
    Pathology, 43(3):278-80, 2011 April

  20. Sevim H, Parkinson JF, McDonald KL
    Etoposide-mediated glioblastoma cell death: dependent or independent on the expression of its target, topoisomerase II alpha?
    Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology 137(11):1705-12, 2011 November

  21. Parker NR, Khong P, Parkinson JF, Howell VM, Wheeler HR.
    Molecular heterogeneity in glioblastoma: potential clinical implications.
    Frontiers in Oncology 5:55, 2015 Mar 3

  22. Chan DL, Schembri G, Back M, Bailey DL, Roach PJ, Wheeler H, Cook R, Parkinson J, Lee A, Jayamanne D, Drummond J, Hsiao E.
    FET PET in the evaluation of indeterminate brain lesions on MRI: differentiating glioma from other non-neoplastic causes.
    European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 42:S603, 2015 Oct (Abstract)

  23. Parker NR, Hudson AL, Khong P, Parkinson JF, Dwight T, Ikin RJ, Zhu Y, Cheng ZJ, Vafaee F, Chen J, Wheeler HR, Howell VM.
    Intratumoral heterogeneity identified at the epigenetic, genetic and transcriptional level in glioblastoma.
    Scientific Reports 6:22477, 2016 Mar 4

  24. French H, Somasundaram A, Biggs M, Parkinson J, Allan R, Ball J, Little N.
    Idiopathic intradural dorsal thoracic arachnoid cysts: A case series and review of the literature.
    Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 40:147-152, 2017 Jun

  25. Harris G, Jayamanne D, Wheeler H, Gzell C, Kastelan M, Schembri G, Brazier D, Cook R, Parkinson J, Khasraw M, Louw S, Back M.
    Survival outcome of elderly patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme in their seventy fifth year or older treated with adjuvant therapy.
    International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics In press, Published online 2017 Feb 20

  26. Parkinson JF, Sekhon LHS
    Spinal epidural abscess: appearance on magnetic resonance imaging as a guide to surgical management
    Neurosurgical Focus 17:E12, 2004

  27. McDonald K, Parkinson J, Wheeler H et al.
    Identification of gene /protein sets that discriminate high grade gliomas from low grade
    Neuro-Oncology 8(4):423-423, 2006 Oct (Abstract)

  28. McDonald KL, Parkinson JF, Wheeler HR et al
    Methylation of MGMT promoter in glioblastoma – Correlation between methylation-specific PCR, sequencing, and mRNA expression
    Neuro-Oncology 8(4):461-461, 2006 Oct (Abstract)

  29. Parkinson JF, McDonald KL, Wheeler H, et al
    Variation in methylation status of MGMT promoter in serial glioblastoma specimens
    Neuro-Oncology 8(4):461-462, 2006 Oct (Abstract)

  30. McDonald KL, O’Sullivan MG, Parkinson JF et al
    IQGAP1 and IGFBP2: valuable biomarkers for determining prognosis in glioma patients
    Journal of Neuropathology and Experimental Neurology 66(5):405-17, 2007 May

  31. McDonald K, O’Sullivan M, Parkinson J, et al.
    IQGAP1 and IGFBP2: Valuable biomarkers for determining prognosis in glioma patients
    Neuro-Oncology 9(4):541-541, 2007 Oct (Abstract)

  32. Parkinson JF, Wheeler HR, McDonald KL
    Contribution of DNA repair mechanisms to determining chemotherapy response in high-grade glioma
    Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 15(1):1-8, 2008 Jan

  33. Parkinson JF, Wheeler HR, Clarkson A et al.
    Variation of O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation in serial samples in glioblastoma
    Journal of Neuro-oncology 87(1):71-8, 2008 Mar

  34. Payne CA, Maleki S, Messina M, O’Sullivan MG, Stone G, Hall NR, Parkinson JF et al.
    Loss of Prostaglandin D2 Synthase: A key molecular event in the transition of a low grade astrocytoma to an anaplastic astrocytoma
    Molecular Cancer Therapeutics 7(10):3420-8, 2008 Oct

  35. Tacon LJ, Parkinson JF, Hudson BJ et al.
    Headache of a diagnosis: frontotemporal pain and inflammation associated with osteolysis.
    Medical Journal of Australia 189(10):591-2, 2008 Nov 17

  36. Li D, Brennan JW, Buckland, ME, Parkinson JF
    Bronchogenic Carcinoid Metastasis to the Intramedullary Spinal Cord
    Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 17(9):1196-98, 2010 Sept

  37. Parkinson JF, Afaghi V, Payne CA et al.
    The impact of molecular and clinical factors on patient outcome in oligodendroglioma from 20 years experience at a single centre
    Journal of Clinical Neuroscience, 18(3):329-33, 2011 March

  38. Tan KL, Parkinson JF, McGee-Collett MG, Buckland ME
    Spinal intradural malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumour
    Pathology, 43(3):278-80, 2011 April

  39. Sevim H, Parkinson JF, McDonald KL
    Etoposide-mediated glioblastoma cell death: dependent or independent on the expression of its target, topoisomerase II alpha?
    Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology 137(11):1705-12, 2011 November

  40. Parker NR, Khong P, Parkinson JF, Howell VM, Wheeler HR.
    Molecular heterogeneity in glioblastoma: potential clinical implications.
    Frontiers in Oncology 5:55, 2015 Mar 3

  41. Chan DL, Schembri G, Back M, Bailey DL, Roach PJ, Wheeler H, Cook R, Parkinson J, Lee A, Jayamanne D, Drummond J, Hsiao E.
    FET PET in the evaluation of indeterminate brain lesions on MRI: differentiating glioma from other non-neoplastic causes.
    European Journal of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging 42:S603, 2015 Oct (Abstract)

  42. Parker NR, Hudson AL, Khong P, Parkinson JF, Dwight T, Ikin RJ, Zhu Y, Cheng ZJ, Vafaee F, Chen J, Wheeler HR, Howell VM.
    Intratumoral heterogeneity identified at the epigenetic, genetic and transcriptional level in glioblastoma.
    Scientific Reports 6:22477, 2016 Mar 4

  43. French H, Somasundaram A, Biggs M, Parkinson J, Allan R, Ball J, Little N.
    Idiopathic intradural dorsal thoracic arachnoid cysts: A case series and review of the literature.
    Journal of Clinical Neuroscience 40:147-152, 2017 Jun

  44. Harris G, Jayamanne D, Wheeler H, Gzell C, Kastelan M, Schembri G, Brazier D, Cook R, Parkinson J, Khasraw M, Louw S, Back M.
    Survival outcome of elderly patients with Glioblastoma Multiforme in their seventy fifth year or older treated with adjuvant therapy.
    International Journal of Radiation Oncology*Biology*Physics In press, Published online 2017 Feb 20

Dr Ragavan (Raj) Manoharan​

Dr Ragavan (Raj) Manoharan

Special Interests: Spinal Surgery

Dr Ragavan (Raj) Manoharan is a highly skilled neurosurgeon with advanced sub-specialisation in spinal surgery. He is dedicated to delivering innovative and effective treatments for complex spinal conditions, with a focus on minimally invasive techniques. Dr Manoharan consults at Royal North Shore Hospital and North Shore Private Hospital.

Learn More

Dr Manoharan graduated from the University of New South Wales with 1st Class Honours in Medicine. He has further advanced his expertise with:

  • A Graduate Diploma in Applied Anatomy by Dissection from Sydney University.

  • A Master of Surgery (MSurg) from Sydney University.

After completing his neurosurgical training in Sydney, he was awarded a Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in 2021. He further honed his skills through dual fellowships in complex spine surgery at:

  • Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney

  • University of Toronto Spine Program, Canada

Dr Manoharan specialises in the management of spinal conditions, including:

  • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: Reducing recovery time and improving outcomes for patients.

  • Motion Preservation Surgery: Techniques aimed at maintaining natural spinal movement.

  • Spinal Deformity Surgery: Correction of scoliosis and other complex spinal deformities.

  • Complex Revision Spinal Surgery: Addressing challenging cases requiring re-operations.

Dr Manoharan combines precision, innovation, and patient-centred care to achieve optimal outcomes for his patients. His expertise in advanced spinal techniques allows him to address a wide range of conditions with tailored solutions.

 

    1. Manoharan R, Cherry A, Raj A, et al.
      Distal Lumbar Lordosis is Associated With Reoperation for Adjacent Segment Disease After Lumbar Fusion for Degenerative Conditions
      Global Spine Journal, 2024.

    2. Manoharan R, Parkinson J.
      Pure epidural spinal cavernous haemangioma
      Surgical Neurology International, 12:523, 2021.

    3. Manoharan R, Parkinson J.
      Sodium Fluorescein in Brain Tumour Surgery: Assessing Relative Fluorescence Intensity at Tumour Margins
      Asian Journal of Neurosurgery, 15(1):88-93, 2020 Feb 25.

    4. Little A, Sheean T, Manoharan R, Darbar A, Teo C.
      The Management of Completely Resected Childhood Intracranial Ependymoma: The Argument for Observation Only
      Child's Nervous System, 25(3):281-284, 2009.

Meet Our Staff

Staff Name
Here

MBBS, PhD, FRACS
Neurosurgeon


Specialist in Brain Tumours, Skull
Base Surgery, and Spinal Surgery.
Read more

STAFF NAME
HERE

MBBS, PhD, FRACS
Neurosurgeon

Specialist in Brain Tumours, Skull
Base Surgery, and Spinal Surgery.
Read more

STAFF NAME
HERE

MBBS, PhD, FRACS
Neurosurgeon

Specialist in Brain Tumours, Skull
Base Surgery, and Spinal Surgery.
Read more

Contact Us

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Faqs

A neurologist is a specialist doctor who diagnoses and manages conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system using non-surgical treatments such as medications and ongoing medical care. A neurosurgeon is a specialist surgeon trained to diagnose and treat neurological conditions that may require surgical intervention. Neurologists and neurosurgeons often work together when managing complex neurological disorders.

Far far away, behind the word mountains, far from the countries Vokalia and Consonantia, there live the blind texts.

You may be referred to a neurosurgeon when symptoms suggest a condition affecting the brain, spine or peripheral nerves that may require specialist assessment. Common reasons for referral include persistent back or neck pain, nerve compression, spinal disorders, brain tumours or neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness or coordination problems. A neurosurgeon will review your symptoms, medical history and imaging to determine the most appropriate management plan.

Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast

A neurosurgeon is a specialist doctor trained in the diagnosis and surgical treatment of conditions affecting the brain, spine and peripheral nerves. This may include conditions such as brain tumours, spinal disorders, nerve compression and movement disorders. Neurosurgeons also assess patients to determine whether surgery or non-surgical management is the most appropriate approach.

No. Many patients who see a neurosurgeon do not require surgery. A consultation allows the neurosurgeon to assess symptoms, review imaging and discuss possible treatment options. In many cases, non-surgical management, monitoring or referral to other specialists may be recommended.

Neurosurgeons complete extensive medical and surgical training before practising independently. This typically includes medical school, specialist surgical training and advanced training in neurosurgery. The training focuses on conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system, as well as complex surgical techniques used to treat them.

During your first consultation, the neurosurgeon will discuss your symptoms, review your medical history and examine any imaging such as MRI or CT scans. A neurological examination may also be performed. The consultation provides an opportunity to discuss potential diagnoses, treatment options and whether further investigations may be required.

our main consulting rooms

Suite 5, Level 5
66-80 Pacific Highway
St Leonards NSW 2065

Parking
On street parking available in Berry Rd and surrounding streets.

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