Dr. Hunt Overview

Dr. Hunt: Spine & Trauma Specialist

He focuses on the treatment of spinal cord injuries and spinal trauma, the treatment of complex spinal disorders, as well as tumors and vascular abnormalities of the skull base, spine, and spinal cord. Known by his patients and peers as one of the most skilled spine doctors, Dr. Hunt believes in utilizing a minimally invasive approach to treat all appropriate spinal disorders. In addition to his private practice with Hunt Spine, he is an attending neurosurgeon at the Cedars-Sinai Department of Neurosurgery and the Cedars-Sinai Spine Center.

Dr. Gabriel Hunt

Who is the Best Neurosurgeon in Southern California?

Dr. Gabriel Hunt, named one of Castle Connolly's top doctors since 2022, is renowned for his expertise in new advances in treating spinal cord injuries and developing new minimally invasive surgical technologies, is widely regarded as one of the best neurosurgeons in Los Angeles and Southern California. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Dr. Hunt aims to utilize minimally invasive techniques to perform neurosurgery treatments, ensuring patients achieve healthier spines and experience reduced pain. With his extensive knowledge of the nervous system, Dr. Hunt ensures that each patient receives the correct and most effective treatment for their condition.

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Expertise & Achievements

Dr. Hunt has written articles for several peer-reviewed publications, including Neurosurgical Focus, American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and Neurological Research. He has given numerous presentations in his areas of expertise in the United States and abroad. He was also a recipient of a Howard Hughes Research Fellowship while attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Medicine. Dr. Hunt began his higher education with a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and his medical degree from the UCLA School of Medicine.

He completed an internship in general surgery and a residency in neurological surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital and the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience in Philadelphia. Dr. Hunt received specialized training in the treatment of complex spinal disorders, spinal trauma, and spinal cord injuries through participation in the Orthopedic and Neurosurgical fellowship program at the Delaware Valley Regional Spinal Cord Injury Center at Thomas Jefferson University. If you're looking for a skilled spine doctor, schedule a consultation today to discuss your spinal condition with Dr. Gabriel Hunt.

Hear From Our Patients

Dr. Hunt, through his skills and knowledge, has given my life back to me! I'm now able to stand and walk without assistance. He has been a real savior! I would recommend the Hunt Team to ANYONE with neck, back or spine issues in general! Thank you!

Dr. Gabriel Hunt and Dr. Leonel Hunt have turned my life 360 degrees. I want to express the respect I have for this team. I recommend these spine gods to everyone in need of help with low back pain. I had my surgery (L5 S1 Discectomy) last year in August and until today I have no complaints. I actua...

Approximately two years ago I was referred to Dr. Leonel Hunt who diagnosed me with Herniated Disc/Spinal Stenosis. Surgery was performed and I've had no more problems. Dr. Hunt is attentive, takes time to listen, thoroughly explains your situation, answers all of your questions and voice any other ...

I went to Dr. Hunt to avoid spine surgery, not to have it. I had already found one top surgeon who recommended fusion--now I hoped one would support me in my decision to do everything but surgery: physical therapy, lifting weights, pain control. Dr. Hunt was that surgeon--he was clear, frank, and ve...

Dr. Hunt first impressed me with the fact that he wanted to try all other treatments before he actually did surgery. To be blunt, his motivation was obviously not to make money but to insure my health first and foremost. Only after all other options were exhausted did he agree to do surgery. Dr. Hun...

Dr Hunt performed surgery on my spine he was MARVELOUS!!! Thanks to him and his knowledge and such precision no one can even tell I had surgery. I'm doing remarkably well and feel like myself again. Thank you, Dr. Hunt, for your outstanding care, knowledge, and ability. The Hunt Brothers are "The Bo...

I cannot thank Drs. Gabriel and Leonel Hunt enough! How do you thank someone who has given you your life back? I am 74 years old and had severe spinal stenosis, made worse by scoliosis. I had been putting off surgery for 40 years because I was so afraid something could go wrong. When I started stayi...

Dr. Hunt has been such a wonderful find. His manner when speaking with the patient, he is so compassionate and so open that it boggles the mind. This man, this doctor I would recommend to anyone who has any severe back problems as someone who should look at it, and that you can trust, I can't speak ...

What is Neurosurgery?

Neurosurgery is the special branch of surgery that is applied to the entire nervous system, which is comprised of the central nervous system (CNS)—the brain and the spinal cord—as well as the skull, the spinal column, and all the peripheral nerves. Peripheral nerves are those that connect the nerves of the central nervous system to the rest of your body, i.e., all joints, muscles, organs, and tissues, including the skin.

The central nervous system then monitors and coordinates all the information it receives and sends back out the signals that enable every part of the body to function with every other part.

What Are Some Signs You Might Need Neurosurgery in Los Angeles?

Some signs indicating a potential need for neurosurgery include persistent and severe back pain or neck pain, weakness or numbness in limbs, difficulty walking, loss of bladder or bowel control, progressive neurological symptoms, and worsening conditions despite non-surgical treatments. It's important to consult with a specialist like Dr. Hunt to evaluate your specific situation and determine the best course of action.

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What Conditions Can Be Addressed By Neurosurgery?

Because every part of the body—from teeth to toes and even the hair follicles—is connected to the central nervous system via the peripheral nerves, an exhaustive list of all the possible conditions would be too long for this article. Below are some of the categories of conditions, with representative disorders.

Disc Problems

The disk is the bony part of the spinal column, called a “vertebra,” and the vertebra surrounds and protects the spinal column. At the center is a small “hole” that contains a gel-like substance that provides a cushion between the vertebrae. There are also cartilage and spiny processes on the outside of the disc that keep them aligned and separate from each other.

Any type of deformity or injury to a disc can cause the spiny process to break or the gel to leak. This causes the discs to compress and, often, to cut off nerve transmissions to the spinal cord or cause constant pressure, resulting in the pain often associated with back problems.

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Other Types of Back and Neck Problems

While disc problems are frequently due to injuries, there are diseases of the back and neck that can cause deformities that put pressure on the spinal column, any of which can cause neck pain.

These include:

  • Scoliosis – An abnormal curvature of the spine, often diagnosed in childhood or early adolescence
  • Spina bifida – A birth defect that typically occurs in the third or fourth week of pregnancy and is caused by the fetal spinal column failing to close
  • Spinal tumors
  • Osteoarthritis

Brain Conditions

Hydrocephalus

Often referred to as “water (hydro) on the brain (Cephalus),” it is actually a build-up of excess cerebrospinal fluid. It can occur at any age but is most often seen in infants and those over 60. If “childhood” hydrocephalus, it is frequently diagnosed before birth.

Cushing’s Syndrome

This is an excess of the hormone cortisol, which is naturally produced by the adrenal glands. It may be the result of the overuse of cortisol medications or a disease of the pituitary gland by which it signals the adrenal glands to produce too much.

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Other Conditions That May Be Treated With Neurosurgery in Los Angeles

For many of these conditions, surgery is a last resort after medications are ineffective:

  • Epilepsy – A disorder in which the patient is subject to periodic seizures
  • Parkinson’s Disease – A progressive disorder of nerve degeneration that reduces the patient’s ability to control movement
  • Dystonia – A disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions. It can affect any part of the body, from the face and vocal cords to the limbs and is the third most common movement disorder in the US.

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What Neurosurgery Procedures Does Hunt Spine Offer in Los Angeles?

The medical team at Hunt Spine offers a range of treatments for spinal conditions, including surgical, neurosurgical, and non-surgical.

How Does One Become a Neurosurgeon?

The road is a long one (in fact, the longest of any medical training) and requires years of commitment. The minimal training takes approximately 15 years and requires the following:

  • An undergraduate degree with a pre-med core curriculum (typically four years)
  • Admission to an accredited medical school (typically four years)
  • A residency in neurosurgery. The total residency takes 7 years, with the first year being an internship, as it is with most residencies.

Why Choose Hunt Spine for Neurosurgery in Los Angeles?

Dr. Gabriel Hunt is a highly respected and reviewed board-certified neurosurgeon in Los Angeles who continues to research and pursue information about advanced techniques for the brain and spine, which are his areas of specialty.

  • He is known for using minimally invasive techniques and has, in fact, developed some of the most advanced procedures in use today.
  • A member of the American Medical Association, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, Dr. Hunt has been awarded several prestigious fellowships.
  • A number of articles containing his research and writings have appeared in professional journals, and they have uniformly received excellent peer reviews.
  • A sought-after speaker, he has also been invited to do numerous presentations on his results and findings both in the United States and abroad.
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Call Us For a Consultation.

Injuries, diseases, and disorders of the brain and spine are some of the most disruptive to the overall quality of a person’s life since they can affect virtually every aspect of it.

Contact Dr. Hunt at Hunt Spine and schedule a consultation today to receive expert care and precision for your neurosurgery in Los Angeles

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Neurosurgery FAQ

What is the most common surgery for neurosurgery?

What is the most common reasons for neurosurgery?

Why would a neurologist refer you to a neurosurgeon?

What can a neurosurgeon do for nerve damage?

Can a neurosurgeon fix a pinched nerve?

Would a neurosurgeon be needed after a concussion?

What technology do neurosurgeons use?

What is the most common surgery for neurosurgery?

The most common surgery for neurosurgery is decompression surgery to alleviate pressure on the spinal cord or nerves.

What is the most common reasons for neurosurgery?

The most common reasons for neurosurgery include treating spinal disorders such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.

Why would a neurologist refer you to a neurosurgeon?

A neurologist might refer a patient to a neurosurgeon for conditions that require surgical intervention, such as kyphosis, severe spinal disorders, or traumatic spine injuries.

What can a neurosurgeon do for nerve damage?

Neurosurgeons can repair nerve damage through procedures like nerve grafting, nerve decompression, or nerve repair surgeries.

Can a neurosurgeon fix a pinched nerve?

Yes, a neurosurgeon can often alleviate symptoms of a pinched nerve through surgical procedures like diskectomy.

Would a neurosurgeon be needed after a concussion?

In most cases, a neurosurgeon would potentially be needed for complex cases of concussion. Concussions are typically managed by neurologists or primary care physicians specializing in sports medicine, who monitor symptoms and provide guidance on recovery.

What technology do neurosurgeons use?

Neurosurgeons use various technologies such as MRI and CT scans for imaging, intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring, and advanced surgical tools like lasers and robotic systems. Also check out our Blog regarding the Impact of Technology on Neurosurgery.

At Hunt Spine, you are what matters most. It is our duty to improve your quality of life by treating back and spine conditions, this is a duty we do not take lightly and it shows in our unique one-on-one consultation. In this consultation, we take as much time as needed to insure we plan out a specialized treatment that will yield optimal results.

Another important factor is you, the patient are fully educated on your condition and its treatment options. You will leave the consultation with a firm understanding and a treatment goal in mind. Dr. Leonel Hunt and Dr. Gabriel Hunt are dedicated to improving your quality of life. Contact us today to learn more, and schedule a consultation with some of the best spine specialists Los Angeles has to offer.

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