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15 Best Neurosurgeons in Seattle

Choosing among Seattle neurosurgeons is often about finding the right consultation for a specific spine or brain-related concern. The comparison changes when you need a first evaluation, complex surgical planning, a cervical or lumbar consultation, or an independent second opinion.

Use the visit to understand the proposed approach, alternatives, timing and follow-up. Experience explaining difficult decisions, coordinated referrals and enough time for preoperative questions are especially relevant when the case is complex or longstanding.

How this guide is ordered

In this ranking of neurosurgeons in Seattle, every business is judged on its level of specialization, the feedback it gets from customers, whether its details are complete and its location.

Some businesses may have paid for services to appear featured.

Top 3Full listMapHow to choose

Compare 15 local options

Seattle Spine Surgery#1
What stands out
  • Surgical and conservative spine guidance

Seattle Spine Surgery

4.9127 reviews
Swedish Heath Building, 801 Broadway Ste 617, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
Best for
Back and neck conditionsPatients seeking a second opinion

Seattle Spine Surgery is a Seattle medical clinic focused on surgical and nonsurgical evaluation of back and neck conditions . Its consultations place strong emphasis on reviewing medical history and imaging, explaining the difference between nerves and the spinal cord, and discussing treatment options that may include conservative care rather than surgery.

The practice also supports second opinions and provides procedure-specific guidance for postoperative recovery. Patients seeking care for complex or longstanding spine problems can expect a structured process from assessment through follow-up. Appointments are required and should be arranged in advance.

Elliot T Min, MD, Seattle#2
What stands out
  • Patient, imaging-led surgical discussions

Elliot T Min, MD

5.067 reviews
1135 116th Ave NE Bldg 3, Suite 500, Bellevue, WA 98004, United States
Best for
Cervical spine consultationsLumbar spine procedures

Elliot T. Min, MD is a Seattle neurosurgeon whose consultations center on attentive listening, calm explanations, and thorough preparation for spine procedures. Patients describe a measured approach in which questions receive detailed answers and imaging is used to clarify the source of symptoms and the reasoning behind treatment options.

His care is suited to people considering cervical or lumbar surgery, including minimally invasive procedures, who want to understand the process from consultation through recovery. Appointments are required and should be planned in advance.

Jean-Christophe A Leveque, MD, Seattle#3
What stands out
  • Complex spine care with remote consultations

Jean-Christophe A Leveque, MD

5.061 reviews
1100 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Best for
Complex lumbar or spinal deformity casesOut-of-state patients

Jean-Christophe A. Leveque, MD is a Seattle neurosurgeon with a strong focus on complex spine surgery and carefully staged decision-making. Consultations are marked by detailed explanations, review of imaging, and steady guidance from the first assessment through postoperative follow-up.

The practice is also equipped to support patients who travel for care, with virtual initial visits helping reduce unnecessary trips before an in-person evaluation or procedure. A collaborative surgical approach is available for especially complex cases. Appointments are required and should be arranged well ahead of treatment planning.

Neurological Surgery Clinic at UW Medical Center - Montlake, Seattle#4
What stands out
  • Detailed imaging and treatment explanations

Neurological Surgery Clinic at UW Medical Center - Montlake

4.8201 reviews
1959 NE Pacific St., Fl 3, Surgery Pavilion Garage, Seattle, WA 98195, United States
Best for
Complex neurosurgical consultationsPatients preparing for spine or brain surgery

The Neurological Surgery Clinic at UW Medical Center–Montlake brings neurosurgical care to Seattle within a hospital-based setting. The clinic is particularly notable for careful discussion of imaging, treatment options, and surgical preparation, with clinicians taking time to explain technical details in accessible language and checking that questions have been answered.

A coordinated team approach supports complex consultations and follow-up care. Staff interactions are commonly described as informative, polite, and well organized, with the ability to adjust scheduling when several appointments or hospital steps are involved. A referral or planned procedure should be arranged in advance, as appointments are required.

ULocal option
#5
What stands out
  • Imaging explained with practical clarity

UW Medicine Spine Center at Meridian Pavilion | Seattle

4.8185 reviews
Specialty Care, Meridian Pavilion, 11011 Meridian Ave N Suite 201, Seattle, WA 98133, United States
Best for
Spine surgery second opinionsPatients needing coordinated referrals

UW Medicine Spine Center at Meridian Pavilion provides surgical spine care in Seattle within a coordinated medical setting. The center’s strengths include organized check-in, compassionate staff, and consultations that use imaging, models, and plain-language explanations to clarify the condition and possible next steps.

The team approach can be helpful for patients seeking a second opinion or navigating referrals for complex spine problems. Clinicians aim to listen carefully and identify appropriate referrals when additional expertise is needed. Appointments are required, so advance planning is important.

SLocal option
#6
What stands out
  • Lower-back and complex spine expertise

  • Conservative options considered first

Seattle Spine Institute

4.960 reviews
550 16th Ave #404, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
Best for
Lower-back conditionsPatients comparing surgical options

Seattle Spine Institute specializes in lower-back conditions and spine surgery in Seattle. The team begins with a careful review of each person’s history and imaging, then explains conservative and surgical options without rushing the decision. That emphasis on education can be valuable when treatment choices feel complicated or when a second opinion is needed.

Available surgical expertise includes disc replacement, spinal decompression, sacroiliac joint fusion, and surgery for spondylolisthesis. The practice also addresses complex deformity and minimally invasive care, with clear preparation before surgery and structured follow-up afterward. Appointments are required.

UW Medicine Neurological Surgery Clinic at Harborview, Seattle#7
What stands out
  • Detailed risk and outcome discussions

  • Coordinated pre- and postoperative care

UW Medicine Neurological Surgery Clinic at Harborview

4.7225 reviews
Ninth & Jefferson Building, 908 Jefferson St Fl 5, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
Best for
Neurosurgical evaluationsComplex surgery planning

UW Medicine Neurological Surgery Clinic at Harborview is a Seattle neurosurgical clinic supporting complex neurological care from evaluation through postoperative follow-up. Its team is described as thorough when discussing imaging, medical history, surgical risks and the possible consequences of operating or waiting.

The clinic also coordinates multiple pre-surgery appointments, helping patients who travel for care reduce repeat trips when schedules can be aligned. A multidisciplinary setting and attentive nursing support add continuity around major procedures, while advance booking is required or recommended.

Farrokh Farrokhi, MD, Seattle#8
What stands out
  • Detailed preparation and responsive follow-up

Farrokh Farrokhi, MD

4.937 reviews
1100 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Best for
Spine surgery consultations

Farrokh Farrokhi, MD is a Seattle neurosurgeon known for patient, detailed consultations and careful preparation around spine surgery. The team reviews imaging closely, explains the available options, and sets out what to expect during recovery in language that helps patients make informed decisions.

Communication remains a notable part of the care pathway, including responsive follow-up after procedures. The practice may be especially reassuring for people managing longstanding pain or considering a second opinion, although referral processing can affect how quickly the first appointment is arranged. Appointments are required.

Amitoz Singh Manhas, MD, Seattle#9
What stands out
  • Patient explanations of complex conditions

  • Prepared, question-friendly consultations

Amitoz Singh Manhas, MD

5.022 reviews
1135 116th Ave NE Bldg 3, Suite 500, Bellevue, WA 98004, United States
Best for
Neurological and spine consultationsPatients who want thorough explanations

Amitoz Singh Manhas, MD is a Seattle neurosurgeon whose approach emphasizes preparation, patience, and clear communication. Consultations make room for questions, with imaging and test results reviewed carefully before treatment recommendations are discussed.

His manner is particularly suited to patients who want a calm explanation of a complex neurological or spine issue. The wider team contributes to a respectful, reassuring process, while follow-up guidance helps clarify what to watch for and when further review may be needed. Appointments are recommended.

Katie L. Krause, MD, PhD, Seattle#10
What stands out
  • Individualized, imaging-led spine treatment

Katie L. Krause, MD, PhD

5.021 reviews
1100 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Best for
Patients evaluating minimally invasive optionsPeople wanting close postoperative communication

Katie L. Krause, MD, PhD is a Seattle neurosurgeon with a strong emphasis on individualized spine treatment and close communication. Her consultations draw on MRI, X-rays, and CT imaging to distinguish between treatment paths, including minimally invasive procedures where appropriate rather than defaulting automatically to fusion.

Patients also describe structured preparation before surgery and attentive follow-up afterward, including regular check-ins and practical guidance about recovery. Her approach may suit people who want a careful review of options and ongoing contact through the healing process. Appointments are recommended.

Dr. Louis J. Kim, MD, Seattle#11
What stands out
  • Thorough aneurysm evaluation

Dr. Louis J. Kim, MD

5.010 reviews
325 9th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104, United States

Dr. Louis J. Kim, MD is a Seattle neurosurgeon specializing in neurological surgery, with particular attention to careful investigation and treatment planning for cerebral aneurysm cases. Consultations are described as thorough, with diagnostic testing used to clarify the situation before intervention is considered.

The practice may suit patients seeking a detailed specialist assessment and a team that remains engaged through complex treatment. Appointments are recommended.

Dr. Richard G. Ellenbogen, MD, Seattle#12
What stands out
  • Compassionate care for complex cases

Dr. Richard G. Ellenbogen, MD

4.627 reviews
908 Jefferson St, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
Best for
Families seeking specialist neurosurgical care

Dr. Richard G. Ellenbogen, MD is a Seattle neurosurgeon recognized for a thoughtful, highly communicative approach to complex neurological care. Consultations make space for questions and personal concerns, with attention given to the patient’s symptoms alongside imaging and surgical considerations.

His calm manner and close involvement can be especially valuable for families navigating serious brain or spinal conditions. The practice is best approached as a specialist consultation requiring preparation and advance scheduling. Appointments are recommended.

Ryder P. Gwinn, M.D., Seattle#13
What stands out
  • Brain and spine surgical expertise

  • Reassuring, respectful communication

Ryder P. Gwinn, M.D.

4.712 reviews
12039 NE 128th St Ste 500, Kirkland, WA 98034, United States
Best for
Patients considering neurosurgeryBrain stimulation consultations

Ryder P. Gwinn, M.D. is a Seattle neurosurgeon offering care across complex brain and spine procedures. His approach is marked by clear answers, reassurance, and a compassionate manner that helps patients understand what surgery and recovery may involve.

The practice may be a strong fit for patients considering procedures such as deep brain stimulation, spinal cord stimulator revision, or cervical spine surgery. Appointments are recommended.

Christoph P. Hofstetter, Seattle#14
What stands out
  • Attentive discussion of complex spine cases

Christoph P. Hofstetter

4.516 reviews
908 Jefferson St 5th floor, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
Best for
Complex spine surgery consultationsPatients seeking careful specialist assessment

Christoph P. Hofstetter is a Seattle neurosurgeon focused on spine surgery, with an approach that combines close listening and detailed discussion of complex conditions. Consultations can be useful for patients who want their symptoms, imaging, and treatment concerns considered together rather than handled as isolated details.

The practice is suited to people exploring major spine procedures or seeking clarity about difficult cases. Advance planning is important, as appointments are recommended and initial scheduling may take time.

Rod J. Oskouian, MD, Seattle#15
What stands out
  • Complex spine cases assessed carefully

Rod J. Oskouian, MD

4.150 reviews
550 17th Ave #500, Seattle, WA 98122, United States
Best for
Difficult or recurrent spine conditionsPatients considering alternatives to fusion

Rod J. Oskouian, MD is a Seattle neurosurgeon specializing in complex spine and neurosurgical care. His consultations emphasize careful review of imaging, clear communication, and realistic discussion of surgical options, including situations where a less extensive approach may be considered instead of fusion.

Patients seeking help with difficult or previously treated spinal conditions may value the structured, reassuring process. The team takes time to assess records and determine whether the case is an appropriate fit, so appointments require advance planning.

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviewsBest for
#1Seattle Spine Surgery 4.9127Back and neck conditions
#2Elliot T Min, MD 5.067Cervical spine consultations
#3Jean-Christophe A Leveque, MD 5.061Complex lumbar or spinal deformity cases
#4Neurological Surgery Clinic at UW Medical Center - Montlake 4.8201Complex neurosurgical consultations
#5UW Medicine Spine Center at Meridian Pavilion | Seattle 4.8185Spine surgery second opinions
#6Seattle Spine Institute 4.960Lower-back conditions
#7UW Medicine Neurological Surgery Clinic at Harborview 4.7225Neurosurgical evaluations
#8Farrokh Farrokhi, MD 4.937Spine surgery consultations
#9Amitoz Singh Manhas, MD 5.022Neurological and spine consultations
#10Katie L. Krause, MD, PhD 5.021Patients evaluating minimally invasive options
#11Dr. Louis J. Kim, MD 5.010—
#12Dr. Richard G. Ellenbogen, MD 4.627Families seeking specialist neurosurgical care
#13Ryder P. Gwinn, M.D. 4.712Patients considering neurosurgery
#14Christoph P. Hofstetter 4.516Complex spine surgery consultations
#15Rod J. Oskouian, MD 4.150Difficult or recurrent spine conditions

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Map of neurosurgeons in Seattle

No verified neighborhood labels are provided, so compare these practices by clinic destination and the likely number of visits. Hospital-based centers may involve coordinated specialty pathways, while focused spine clinics may suit a defined consultation or second opinion. If you are traveling from another state, ask whether records can be reviewed before arrival and how follow-up is handled afterward. For surgery planning, map consultations, imaging and postoperative visits together.

Services to compare

  • Complex neurosurgical consultationsSeek an in-depth evaluation when the condition or proposed treatment involves difficult neurological or spinal questions.
  • Spine and brain surgery planningPrepare for a possible operation with a consultation focused on options, preparation and the expected care pathway.
  • Cervical spine consultationsDiscuss neck and upper-spine conditions with a clinician whose service specifically addresses cervical concerns.
  • Lumbar spine proceduresCompare consultation options for lower-back conditions and procedures affecting the lumbar spine.
  • Spinal deformity careExplore evaluation and planning for complex lumbar or spinal deformity cases.
  • Second surgical opinionsObtain another perspective when comparing surgical options or wanting more clarity before deciding.
  • Coordinated referralsAsk about referral pathways when your case may require imaging, another specialist or a broader surgical team.

How to choose neurosurgeons in Seattle

  1. Name the decision you need help withWhen booking, state whether you need diagnosis, surgical planning, a cervical or lumbar review, or a second opinion so the appointment is assigned appropriately.
  2. Ask what records are requiredConfirm which scans, reports, operative notes and symptom history must arrive before the visit, particularly when the consultation concerns a complex case.
  3. Request the alternatives clearlyAsk what non-surgical and surgical options apply, why one is being considered, and what trade-offs or uncertainties should be discussed.
  4. Check the follow-up pathwayFind out who manages additional imaging, referrals, postoperative reviews and questions if care continues across more than one location.
  5. Plan for travel and timingIf you are coming from outside Seattle, ask whether a records review can happen first and how many in-person visits the proposed plan may require.

Frequently asked questions

When is a second neurosurgical opinion worthwhile?

A second opinion can help when surgery has been proposed, the diagnosis is complex, or you are comparing different approaches. Bring the original imaging and recommendations, and ask the second clinician to explain where the opinions agree or differ.

What should I bring to a spine consultation?

Prepare imaging discs or access details, written reports, prior treatment history, medication information and a timeline of symptoms. A short list of questions about options, recovery and follow-up can make the appointment more productive.

Can neurosurgeons help with both neck and lower-back problems?

Some profiles specifically address cervical spine consultations, lumbar procedures or broader spine conditions. Confirm the exact area and problem handled by the clinician before booking, especially when deformity or a longstanding issue is involved.

How should out-of-state patients arrange care?

Ask whether the practice reviews records before travel, which appointments can be combined and how postoperative or non-surgical follow-up is provided remotely. Also clarify who coordinates referrals and imaging at each stage.

What questions should I ask before agreeing to surgery?

Ask about the goal of surgery, alternatives, expected recovery, important risks, warning signs and the follow-up schedule. You can also request time to review the information and seek another opinion if the decision is not urgent.

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