Skull Base Program

Skull Base Program

  • About
  • Approach
  • Who We Treat
  • Appointments
  • Locations
  • Doctors

    • At U-M Health, our team has decades of combined experience treating tumors and other conditions found in the bottom, or base, of the skull. These tumors can affect sensitive nerves and are often challenging and sometimes dangerous to reach, since they sit under the brain and may be entangled with important nerves and blood vessels. While some skull base tumors don’t cause symptoms, others may affect important functions such as hearing, vision and balance. We can safeguard your health with a level of expertise you can’t find elsewhere in Michigan.

    Our Approach

    When you partner with us for treatment of skull base tumors and conditions, you’ll find:

    • Experience and excellence: Our otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat) program is consistently ranked among the nation’s best by U.S. News & World Report. We also have one of the country’s oldest skull base programs. Our doctors know when to operate and when to observe benign tumors, potentially sparing you from unnecessary surgical risks.
    • Leading treatment: We are a national leader in skull base tumor surgery, particularly in complex cranial surgeries and rare types of skull base tumors. We offer a range of treatments and explore each possibility with you.
    • Comprehensive care: In addition to effective treatments, our team provides thorough follow-up care and long-term monitoring. Support includes audiology and balance assessments and physical therapy to address any after-effects and get you back to daily living.
    • Personal touch: Our focus is the people we care for every day. Nurses and patient care coordinators schedule and streamline your appointments and can help with common questions. Our doctors allot the necessary time required to explain findings and recommendations so you feel comfortable and part of the decision-making process.

    Conditions in the skull base are often complex and require a team of specialists to deliver the best care. Our program brings together a group of doctors and other medical providers who specialize in various aspects to provide the care you need.

    This team works together on your behalf and includes:

    • Otolaryngologists
    • Neurotologists
    • Neurosurgeons
    • Ophthalmologists
    • Imaging specialists
    • Audiologists
    • Speech, balance, and physical therapists
    • Radiation oncologists
    • Medical oncologists
    • Plastic surgeons 

    Who We Treat

    In addition to tumors, our team treats other skull base conditions, including:

    • Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak
    • Encephalocele
    • Face and skull injuries

    Appointment Information

    To schedule an evaluation for a tumor or other skull base condition, please call us at 734-936-8051.

    Locations
    • Otolaryngology Clinic | Northville Health Center 39901 Traditions Dr
      Floor 2
      Northville, MI 48168-9493       Get Directions
    • Otolaryngology Clinic | Taubman Center 1500 E Medical Center Dr
      Floor 1 Reception A
      Ann Arbor, MI 48109-5312       Get Directions

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Wajd Nizar Al-Holou, MD

    Wajd Nizar Al-Holou, MD

    Assistant Professor

    Neurological Surgery

    David Bernard Altshuler, MD

    David Bernard Altshuler, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Neurological Surgery

    Hussam Khalis El-Kashlan, MD

    Hussam Khalil El-Kashlan, MD

    Professor

    Otology-Neurotology, Otolaryngology

    Amarbir Singh Gill, MD

    Amarbir Singh Gill, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Otolaryngology

    Todd Charles Hollon, MD

    Todd Charles Hollon, MD

    Associate Professor

    Neurological Surgery

    Erin Lynn McKean, MD

    Erin Lynn McKean, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Otolaryngology, Facial Plastic Surgery

    Aditya Swarup Pandey, MD

    Aditya Swarup Pandey, MD

    Professor

    Neurological Surgery

    Oren Sagher, MD

    Professor

    Neurological Surgery

    Brooke Elaine Thompson, MD

    Brooke Elaine Thompson, MD

    Clinical Instructor

    Emergency Medicine

    Francis Paul Worden, MD

    Clinical Professor

    Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics

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