Neurosurgeon Jody Leonardo Appointed Director of Newly Established Adult Hydrocephalus Program at Allegheny Health Network
Pittsburgh, PA (PRWEB) June 21, 2016 -- Allegheny Health Network (AHN) today announced the appointment of Jody Leonardo, MD, as Director of the Adult Hydrocephalus Program and Assistant Director of Endoscopic Neurosurgery for the network.
A board-certified neurosurgeon with fellowship training in intraventricular and minimally-invasive, endoscopic skull base surgery, Dr. Leonardo specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system including hydrocephalus, intraventricular tumors, pituitary and skull base tumors, brain tumors, trauma infections of the brain and spine, stroke and other diseases affecting the spine.
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Leonardo to the AHN Neuroscience Institute,” said Donald M. Whiting, MD, Chair, AHN Neuroscience Institute. “Her wealth of clinical experience and her commitment to supporting her patients make her the ideal person to direct our new Adult Hydrocephalus Program.”
Hydrocephalus is the buildup of too much cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, resulting in harmful pressure on the brain. While hydrocephalus can be present at birth, it can also be acquired later in life due to head injuries, stroke, infections, tumors or bleeding in the brain. Treatment usually involves a combination of medical management and surgery to insert a shunt which directs excess cerebrospinal fluid to another area of the body where it can be absorbed.
Hydrocephalus can permanently damage the brain and causes symptoms such as headache, blurred vision, balance disturbances, bladder control problems and memory loss. Because the symptoms of hydrocephalus can mimic symptoms of other conditions, including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases or Multiple Sclerosis, achieving the correct diagnosis can be challenging.
“I’m so pleased to join Allegheny Health Network and the talented neurologists, neurosurgeons and neuroradiologists who work as a team to effectively diagnose and treat this complex condition while exploring new possibilities for furthering our understanding of hydrocephalus,” Dr. Leonardo said.
Dr. Leonardo graduated summa cum laude from Duquesne University and received her medical degree from the Medical College of Pennsylvania and Hahnemann University in Philadelphia.
During her general surgery intern year at Allegheny General Hospital, she received the Golden Apple Award for resident excellence in medical student teaching, the Bronze Torch Award, and the WOW award for excellence in patient care.
She completed her residency in neurosurgery at the University of Buffalo and went on to complete a fellowship in intracranial and skull base neuroendoscopy at St. Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
After her fellowship, she joined the University at Buffalo Neurosurgical Department as an assistant professor specializing in minimally invasive brain and skull base procedures, and served as director of the Adult Hydrocephalus Clinic as well as Brain Endoscopy.
Dr. Leonardo is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and holds professional membership in numerous organizations including the Congress of Neurological Surgeons, The Hydrocephalus Society and The Pituitary Society. She is a fellow of both the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the American College of Surgeons.
She has presented to medical audiences around the country, is a published author of articles in peer-reviewed medical journals, and serves as an avid medical student and resident educator.
Dr. Leonardo has office locations at Allegheny General Hospital and AHN’s Wexford Health + Wellness Pavilion. For an appointment, please call 412.DOCTORS.
About the Neuroscience Institute at AHN
AHN’s Neuroscience Institute integrates renowned experts in the subspecialties of neurology, neurotology, neuro-ophthalmology, neuroradiology, neuro-critical care, and neurosurgery to offer leading-edge care for patients with the most complex neurological disorders. Recognized as both a Neuroscience Center of Excellence and a Spine Center of Excellence, the program serves as a national and international referral center for treatment of all types of neurological conditions.
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Jennifer Davis, Allegheny Health Network, +1 (412) 478-0899, [email protected]
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