Delicate and complex, the skull base area separates the base of the brain from the skull. Diseases of the skull base are rare but potentially life threatening and, often, were considered inoperable because of their sensitive location, as well as the possible effects surgery could have on brain function and complex senses, such as hearing, vision and balance.

Led by Jon H. Robertson, M.D., our Skull Base Surgery Program is a growing part of the Methodist Healthcare Neuroscience Institute. Internationally known for his skills in this field, Dr. Robertson is professor and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery at The University of Tennessee Health Science Center and a member of Semmes-Murphey Clinic. He has done extensive research in neurosurgery with a special interest in skull base tumors and is considered one of the leading skull base surgeons in the country.

Joining him is L. Madison Michael II, M.D. Dr. Michael graduated from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine with high honors and completed his neurosurgical residency at the University of Tennessee in Memphis. Under the influence of Dr. Jon Robertson, he developed a significant interest in skull base neurosurgery. Following completion of his residency, he completed a twelve-month international fellowship in cranial base neurosurgery in Bristol, England, under the guidance of Professor Hugh Coakham and Mr. Richard Nelson. He is currently an active member of the University of Tennessee Department of Neurosurgery and the Semmes- Murphey Neurologic and Spine Clinic.

The Skull Base Tumor Program treats over 40 different types of skull base tumors including:

• Meningioma
• Paranasal Sinus Tumors
• Trigeminal Schwannoma
• Vestibular Schwannoma (Acoustic neuroma)
• Epidermoid
• Chordoma
• Chondrosarcoma
• Glomus Jugulare
• Pituitary Tumors:
• ProlactinomaTSH secreting adenoma (Hyperthyroidism)
• ACTH secreting adenoma (Cushing's disease)
• GH secreting adenoma (Gigantism, Acromegaly)
• Nonsecreting macroadenoma