What services does Nova Brain and Spine offer?

Nova Brain and Spine of GA offers comprehensive neurosurgical services including brain tumor surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, motion preservation surgery (cervical arthroplasty), MRI reviews and second opinions, concussion evaluations, deep brain stimulation (DBS), epilepsy surgery, skull base surgery, cerebrovascular surgery, spinal fusion, disc replacement, laminectomy, microdiscectomy, spinal cord stimulator placement, and peripheral nerve surgery. We treat conditions of the brain, spine, and peripheral nerves from our Hampton, Georgia location.

Do you offer MRI reviews and second opinions?

Yes! Nova Brain and Spine of GA offers MRI reviews and second opinions for brain and spine conditions. During this visit, our neurosurgeons will review your existing MRI, explain the findings in clear language, and outline your treatment options. This service is available both in-person and via telemedicine.

What brain conditions do you treat?

We specialize in treating brain tumors (benign and malignant), cerebrovascular conditions including aneurysms and stroke, concussion and traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, pituitary tumors, trigeminal neuralgia, and other complex neurological disorders.

What is deep brain stimulation (DBS) and what conditions does it treat?

Deep brain stimulation involves implanting thin electrodes into specific brain targets to deliver controlled electrical impulses. DBS is used to treat Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and medication-resistant epilepsy. The procedure is adjustable and reversible, with most patients experiencing 50-70% improvement in symptoms.

Do you offer epilepsy surgery for drug-resistant seizures?

Yes. Dr. Marcus Stephens provides comprehensive epilepsy surgery evaluation and treatment for patients whose seizures are not controlled by medications. Options include temporal lobectomy, lesionectomy, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Temporal lobectomy achieves seizure freedom in 60-80% of appropriate candidates.

What spine conditions do you treat?

We treat a wide range of spinal conditions including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, spinal fractures, chronic back and neck pain, radiculopathy, myelopathy, and failed back surgery syndrome.

What minimally invasive spine procedures do you offer?

We offer a variety of minimally invasive spine procedures including microdiscectomy, tubular laminectomy, MIS-TLIF fusion, endoscopic spine surgery, epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation. These techniques result in incisions under 1 inch, less pain, and faster recovery — most patients go home the same or next day.

What is cervical arthroplasty (artificial disc replacement)?

Cervical arthroplasty is a motion-preserving alternative to fusion. Instead of locking vertebrae together, a specially engineered artificial disc replaces the damaged one, maintaining natural neck movement and protecting adjacent disc levels from accelerated degeneration. It is ideal for younger, active patients with single or two-level cervical disc disease.

What insurance plans do you accept?

We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, and Tricare. We also handle Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury/Auto Accident cases. Please contact our office to verify your specific plan.

Do you offer telemedicine appointments?

Yes, we offer telemedicine appointments for initial consultations, second opinions, and follow-up visits. This allows patients throughout Georgia to receive expert neurosurgical care from the comfort of their home.

Where is your office located?

Our office is located at 700 Manassas Street, Suite 300, Hampton, GA 30228. We're conveniently situated in the Hampton medical district with easy access from I-75. Free parking is available on-site.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Most patients are seen within one week. For urgent cases, we do our best to accommodate same-week appointments. Contact our office at (770) 515-8770 to schedule your visit.

What services does Nova Brain and Spine offer?

We offer comprehensive neurosurgical services including brain tumor treatment, cerebrovascular care, skull base surgery, spine surgery, concussion and TBI treatment, and facial pain management. We also provide specialized programs for Workers' Compensation cases, Personal Injury evaluations, and Corporate Wellness consultations.

Do you offer MRI reviews and second opinions?

Yes! Nova Brain and Spine of GA offers MRI reviews and second opinions for brain and spine conditions. During this visit, our neurosurgeons will review your existing MRI, explain the findings in clear language, and outline your treatment options. This service is available both in-person and via telemedicine.

What is a second opinion and why should I get one?

A second opinion is an independent evaluation of your diagnosis and treatment plan by another specialist. Getting a second opinion can confirm your diagnosis, reveal alternative treatments, provide peace of mind, or help you better understand complex conditions. We encourage patients to seek second opinions for major surgeries or when uncertain about their current treatment plan.

What spine conditions do you treat?

We treat a wide range of spinal conditions including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease, spinal fractures, chronic back and neck pain, radiculopathy, myelopathy, and failed back surgery syndrome.

What minimally invasive spine procedures do you offer?

We offer minimally invasive spine procedures including microdiscectomy (84% significant improvement per the SPORT trial), tubular laminectomy, MIS-TLIF fusion (68% less blood loss than open), endoscopic spine surgery, epidural steroid injections, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, and spinal cord stimulation. Incisions are typically under 1 inch with same-day or next-day discharge.

What is ACDF surgery and when is it recommended?

ACDF (anterior cervical discectomy and fusion) is performed through a small incision in the front of the neck to remove a damaged cervical disc and fuse the vertebrae with instrumentation. Published studies show 93–97% arm pain relief and > 95% fusion rates. It is recommended for cervical disc herniations, radiculopathy, and myelopathy that have not responded to conservative treatment.

What is cervical arthroplasty (artificial disc replacement)?

Cervical arthroplasty is a motion-preserving alternative to fusion. An artificial disc replaces the damaged one, maintaining 8–12° of natural neck movement and protecting adjacent disc levels. FDA IDE trials with 7-year follow-up show only 2.9% adjacent-level reoperation versus 11.3% for fusion. Ideal for younger, active patients with single or two-level cervical disc disease.

What is lumbar fusion with instrumentation and when is it needed?

Lumbar fusion with instrumentation uses pedicle screws, rods, and interbody cages to permanently stabilize the lumbar spine, achieving 92–96% fusion rates with modern instrumentation. MIS-TLIF reduces blood loss by 68% and hospital stay by 1.4 days versus open approaches. It is recommended for spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease with instability, spinal fractures, and recurrent disc herniations.

What are interlaminar devices used with lumbar laminectomy?

Interlaminar stabilization devices are small spacers placed between the spinous processes during a lumbar decompression surgery. They limit backward bending (which worsens stenosis), maintain disc height, and preserve spinal motion — offering a less invasive alternative to spinal fusion for patients with moderate stenosis and mild instability.

Do you offer spinal injections for pain management?

Yes. We perform fluoroscopy-guided epidural steroid injections (interlaminar, transforaminal, and caudal), facet joint injections, medial branch blocks, and selective nerve root blocks. Spinal injections account for nearly 40% of all neurosurgical procedures nationally and most patients experience 50–80% pain relief. They are highly effective for diagnosing and treating back and neck pain from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and facet arthropathy.

What is cervical myelopathy and why is it urgent?

Cervical myelopathy is compression of the spinal cord in the neck. Unlike pinched nerves, spinal cord damage may be permanent if untreated. Symptoms include difficulty with balance, hand clumsiness, leg stiffness, and urinary changes. Early surgical decompression (ACDF, laminoplasty, or posterior fusion) stops progression in over 90% of patients and often improves function.

Do you treat spine trauma and spinal fractures?

Yes. Our neurosurgeons provide both emergency and elective treatment for spinal fractures, dislocations, and traumatic injuries. Options include bracing for stable fractures, posterior spinal fusion with instrumentation, kyphoplasty/vertebroplasty for compression fractures, and emergency decompression when the spinal cord is at risk.

What is failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS)?

Failed back surgery syndrome refers to persistent or recurrent pain after one or more spinal surgeries. Causes include scar tissue, adjacent segment degeneration, incomplete decompression, or spinal instability. Treatment options include spinal cord stimulation (50-70% meaningful pain relief), revision surgery when a correctable cause is found, intrathecal pain pumps, and comprehensive rehabilitation.

Do you perform revision spine surgery?

Yes. We specialize in revision spine surgery for patients with persistent symptoms after prior operations. This includes treatment for adjacent segment disease, hardware failure, pseudoarthrosis (non-healing fusion), recurrent disc herniation, and persistent stenosis. Our surgeons use advanced imaging and intraoperative monitoring to navigate the challenges of revision cases.

What brain conditions do you treat?

We specialize in treating brain tumors (benign and malignant), cerebrovascular conditions including aneurysms and stroke, concussion and traumatic brain injury, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, pituitary tumors, trigeminal neuralgia, and other complex neurological disorders.

What is deep brain stimulation (DBS) and what conditions does it treat?

Deep brain stimulation involves implanting thin electrodes into specific brain targets to deliver controlled electrical impulses. DBS is used to treat Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and medication-resistant epilepsy. The procedure is adjustable and reversible, with most patients experiencing 50-70% improvement in symptoms.

Do you offer epilepsy surgery for drug-resistant seizures?

Yes. Dr. Marcus Stephens provides comprehensive epilepsy surgery evaluation and treatment for patients whose seizures are not controlled by medications. Options include temporal lobectomy, lesionectomy, vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), responsive neurostimulation (RNS), and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Temporal lobectomy achieves seizure freedom in 60-80% of appropriate candidates.

What is cerebrovascular bypass surgery?

Cerebrovascular bypass creates a new blood supply route to the brain by connecting a scalp artery to a brain artery. It is used to treat moyamoya disease, complex giant aneurysms, and conditions requiring blood vessel sacrifice during tumor removal. Dr. Marcus Stephens is fellowship-trained in these highly specialized procedures.

What is the treatment for a subdural hematoma?

Treatment depends on the type. Chronic subdural hematomas — common in elderly patients and those on blood thinners — are often treated with a minimally invasive burr hole drainage procedure with over 85% success rate. Acute subdural and epidural hematomas typically require emergency craniotomy for direct clot evacuation. Speed of surgical intervention is critical for the best outcomes.

Do you perform pituitary tumor surgery?

Yes. Dr. Marcus Stephens performs endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery to remove pituitary adenomas through the nose with no external incisions. This approach is used for prolactinomas, Cushing's disease (ACTH-secreting tumors), acromegaly (growth hormone tumors), and non-functioning adenomas causing vision loss. Cure rates for microadenomas are 80-90%, and over 80% of patients with vision loss experience significant improvement.

What is a VP shunt and how does it treat hydrocephalus?

A ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt is a device that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid from the brain to the abdominal cavity. It is the gold standard treatment for hydrocephalus, including normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) in elderly patients. Modern programmable shunts allow non-invasive pressure adjustments in the office. Over 90% of patients with obstructive hydrocephalus achieve symptom relief with VP shunt placement.

Do you treat carpal tunnel syndrome and cubital tunnel syndrome?

Yes. Our neurosurgeons treat peripheral nerve conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome (median nerve compression at the wrist) and cubital tunnel syndrome (ulnar nerve compression at the elbow). We offer both endoscopic and open surgical release procedures with over 90% success rates. Surgery is typically recommended when conservative treatments such as splinting and injections have failed.

What are peripheral nerve tumors and how are they treated?

Peripheral nerve tumors are growths that develop within or along nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. The most common types are schwannomas and neurofibromas, which are usually benign. Our neurosurgeons use microsurgical techniques with intraoperative nerve monitoring to carefully remove tumors while preserving nerve function, achieving over 95% success rates for benign schwannoma removal.

Where is your office located?

Our office is located at 700 Manassas Street, Suite 300, Hampton, GA 30228. We're conveniently situated in the Hampton medical district with easy access from I-75. Free parking is available on-site.

What are your office hours?

Our office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. We are closed on weekends and major holidays. For emergencies outside office hours, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Please bring your photo ID, insurance card, a list of current medications, any relevant medical records or imaging studies (MRI, CT scans, X-rays), and a list of questions or concerns you'd like to discuss with the doctor.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Most patients are seen within one week. For urgent cases, we do our best to accommodate same-week appointments. Contact our office at (770) 515-8770 to schedule your visit.

What insurance plans do you accept?

We accept most major insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, Humana, and Tricare. We also handle Workers' Compensation and Personal Injury/Auto Accident cases. Please contact our office to verify your specific plan.

Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?

While many insurance plans do not require a referral, some HMO plans may require one. We recommend checking with your insurance provider. You can also contact our office directly, and we'll help guide you through the process.

Do you accept Medicare Advantage plans for neurosurgery in Georgia?

Yes. Brain and Spine Specialists of Georgia accepts most Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, including Humana Gold Plus, Aetna Medicare Advantage, UnitedHealthcare AARP Medicare Advantage, WellCare, Cigna Preferred Medicare, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage covers consultations, MRI reviews, minimally invasive spine surgery, brain tumor care, and follow-up visits. Some plans may require prior authorization or a primary care referral — our office verifies benefits and handles authorization before your appointment so there are no surprises at check-in.

Does Medicaid cover brain and spine care at your Hampton, GA practice?

Yes. We accept Georgia Medicaid and most Medicaid Managed Care plans, including Amerigroup, CareSource, Peach State Health Plan, and WellCare of Georgia. Covered services include neurosurgical consultations, diagnostic imaging review, medically necessary spine and brain surgery, and post-operative care. Medicaid patients typically need a referral from their primary care provider — call (770) 515-8770 and our intake team will confirm coverage, request the referral, and schedule your visit.

Do you treat Workers' Compensation injuries for back, neck, and head trauma?

Yes. Brain and Spine Specialists of Georgia is an approved provider for Workers' Compensation claims throughout Georgia. We treat on-the-job spine injuries (herniated discs, lumbar strains, cervical injuries), traumatic brain injury, post-concussion syndrome, and peripheral nerve injuries. Our team coordinates directly with adjusters, nurse case managers, and employers — providing timely Independent Medical Evaluations (IMEs), impairment ratings (AMA Guides 6th Edition), work-status notes, and detailed treatment plans. Most injured workers can be seen within 3–5 business days.

What does your Corporate Wellness program include for employers?

Our Corporate Wellness program helps Georgia employers reduce neck, back, and head-injury claims through on-site ergonomic assessments, lunch-and-learn education sessions on spine health and concussion prevention, executive neurosurgical screenings, expedited MRI reviews for employees, and direct-access scheduling that bypasses long ER and urgent-care waits. Programs are customized for construction, manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and office-based employers, and on-site visits take place at our wheelchair-accessible facility. Contact our practice administrator to design a package for your workforce.

Do you handle Personal Injury and auto accident cases (MVA)?

Yes. We routinely evaluate and treat patients injured in motor vehicle accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, and other personal injury events. Services include detailed neurological exams, MRI and CT review, treatment for whiplash, cervical and lumbar disc injuries, concussion, and traumatic brain injury, plus thorough narrative reports and causation opinions for attorneys. We accept Letters of Protection (LOP) from established Georgia personal injury attorneys, work with MedPay and third-party liability claims, and provide deposition and trial testimony when needed. Most PI patients are scheduled within one week of attorney or self-referral.

Will my Workers' Comp or Personal Injury case affect how quickly I can be seen?

No — in most cases we prioritize injury-related referrals because timely documentation protects both the patient and the claim. Workers' Compensation patients are typically scheduled within 3–5 business days once the panel-of-physicians paperwork is confirmed. Personal Injury patients with an attorney Letter of Protection are usually seen within 5–7 business days. For urgent neurological symptoms (new weakness, loss of bladder/bowel control, severe headache after head trauma), call (770) 515-8770 for same-day triage.

What cities and areas do you serve?

We serve patients throughout Southern Georgia and Metro Atlanta including Hampton (our headquarters), Stockbridge, McDonough, Jonesboro, Fayetteville, Locust Grove, Lovejoy, Griffin, Newnan, Covington, Forsyth, Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, Milledgeville, LaGrange, Midtown Atlanta, and Buckhead. We welcome patients from all surrounding areas.

Do you offer telemedicine for patients outside Hampton?

Yes, we offer telemedicine appointments for initial consultations, second opinions, and follow-up visits. This allows patients throughout Georgia to receive expert neurosurgical care from the comfort of their home, which is especially convenient for those traveling from Macon, Warner Robins, Atlanta, and other distant locations.

Call Now: (770) 515-8770|Fax: (404) 891-8323|Install Mobile App|Schedule Today!|

700 Manassas St, Suite 300, Hampton, GA 30228

|Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM

Neurosurgeon answering questions with patient and family

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