Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website. # Long Island Neurosurgical Associates: Leading pediatric and adult neurosurgeons providing advanced brain and spine care for children and adults. Affiliated with Cohen Children’s Medical Center, Northwell Health. ## Sitemaps [XML Sitemap](https://lineurosurgery.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages. ## Posts - [What Happens If Craniosynostosis Is Left Untreated?](https://lineurosurgery.com/blog/untreated-craniosynostosis-risks/): Untreated craniosynostosis can do more than change a child's looks. In some children, limited skull growth may restrict the brain’s growth or raise the pressure. Some babies are doing well, feeding well and reaching milestones and some babies have symptoms that need to be evaluated quickly. That is why careful clinical judgment is key. - [Types of Craniosynostosis: Meaning and Characteristics of Types](https://lineurosurgery.com/blog/types-of-craniosynostosis-explained/): Not all head shape concerns are craniosynostosis. Many babies have flat spots from sleep position. A specialist can make all the difference and give families the confidence to move forward. - [Hydrocephalus Treatment in New York | Pediatric Care at LINA](https://lineurosurgery.com/blog/pediatric-hydrocephalus-treatment-new-york/): When your child is diagnosed with hydrocephalus, you want answers that are clear, timely and based on pediatric neurosurgery experience. At Long Island Neurosurgical Associates (LINA) in New York, our team offers evaluation, treatment planning, surgery and long-term follow-up for infants, children, teens and young adults with conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system. Families seeking hydrocephalus treatment New York may find that LINA offers a care approach that is mindful of the medical needs of the patient and the concerns of the family. - [Craniosynostosis Treatment in New York](https://lineurosurgery.com/blog/craniosynostosis-treatment-in-new-york/):   - [Understanding Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery: Benefits, Risks & Recovery](https://lineurosurgery.com/blog/understanding-minimally-invasive-neurosurgery-benefits-risks-recovery/):   ## Pages - [Blog](https://lineurosurgery.com/blog/): Blogs - [Accessibility Statement](https://lineurosurgery.com/accessibility-statement/): .lina-accessibility-statement h1 { font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; font-size: 32px; font-weight: 700; color: #003087; margin-bottom: 8px; line-height: 1.3; } - [Spinal Infection, Inflammatory, and CSF-Related Disorders](https://lineurosurgery.com/adult-neurosurgery/spinal-infection-csf-disorders/): Spinal infection, inflammatory, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)–related disorders encompass a diverse group of conditions that affect the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding structures. These disorders may arise from bacterial, viral, fungal, or autoimmune processes, or from abnormalities in the circulation and containment of CSF. Without timely diagnosis and treatment, they can lead to progressive neurological injury and long-term disability. - [location](https://lineurosurgery.com/locations/): All appointments across our four office locations are scheduled through our primary New Hyde Park office. Please contact our staff to discuss consultation availability at both our primary location and satellite offices. - [Privacy Policy](https://lineurosurgery.com/privacy-policy/): Long Island Neurosurgical Associates ("LINA") and Cohen Children’s Medical Center ("CCMC") respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the personal information you share with us through this website. - [Notice of Non-Discrimination](https://lineurosurgery.com/notice-of-non-discrimination/): Long Island Neurosurgical Associates ("LINA") andCohen Children’s Medical Center ("CCMC") comply with applicable federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. - [Home](https://lineurosurgery.com/): Dedicated to Exceptional Pediatric and Adult Neurosurgical Care - [Insurances Accepted](https://lineurosurgery.com/patient-resources/accepted-insurances/): Our practice participates in the vast majority of insurance networks, including commercial carriers, Medicaid plans, and Medicare plans. Families can be reassured that we are almost always in-network, and in rare situations where a specific plan is not part of our contracted networks, we are typically able to arrange a single-case agreement when surgery or specialized care is required. - [Cathy Grimm](https://lineurosurgery.com/cathy-grimm/): cathy grimm MEET OUT TEAM Steven J. Schneider, MD, FAANS, FACS, FAAP View PRofile Mark A. Mittler, MD View PRofile Michael A. Lefkowitz, MD View PRofile Shaun D. Rodgers, MD View PRofile Rachel Pruitt,MD View PRofile Shanna Baron, NP View PRofile Yael Horowitz, NP View PRofile cathy grimm View PRofile cathy grimm Practice Administrator – Long Island Neurosurgical Associates About Cathy Grimm Cathy is the Practice Administrator for our neurosurgery office, helping ensure that your experience with us is smooth, effective, and patient-focused from start to finish. With 29 years experience in practice administration, Cathy is experienced with diverse medical environments ranging from internal medicine to multispecialty practices. She has served in her current position at Long Island Neurosurgical Associates for the past 12 years.  She oversees daily operations including scheduling, coordination of care, insurance and billing processes to ensure the highest level of efficiency for our patients. She also works closely with our clinical team to improve workflows, reduce wait times, and enhance communications, providing our doctors sufficient time to focus on what matters most: providing you with superior quality care.  - [Yael Horowitz, NP](https://lineurosurgery.com/yael-horowitz-np/): Yael L. Horowitz, RN, MSN, FNP-C, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in neurosurgery. Her primary focus is adult spine surgery, but she also enjoys caring for pediatric and general neurosurgical patients and supporting their families throughout the treatment process. - [Shanna L. Baron, NP](https://lineurosurgery.com/shanna-l-baron-np/): Shanna L. Baron, NP is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse who has specialized in pediatric neurosurgery since 2012. She serves as the Clinical Coordinator at Long Island Neurosurgical Associates (LINA), functioning as the central organizing force of the pediatric neurosurgery practice. In close partnership with each neurosurgeon, she guides children and their families through every stage of neurosurgical care—from initial consultation to long-term follow-up. - [Rachel M. Pruitt,MD](https://lineurosurgery.com/dr-rachel-pruitt-md/): Dr. Pruitt is actively involved in brain tumor research at the Feinstein Institutes. - [Shaun D. Rodgers,MD](https://lineurosurgery.com/dr-shaun-d-rodgers-md/): Dr. Rodgers has authored multiple peer-reviewed publications with a focus on pediatric brain tumors, epilepsy, and spine surgery. He actively lectures internationally. - [Michael A. Lefkowitz,MD](https://lineurosurgery.com/dr-michael-a-lefkowitz-md/): Dr. Lefkowitz has authored numerous publications and presentations spanning complex spine surgery, interventional neuroradiology, and general neurosurgery. - [Mark A. Mittler,MD](https://lineurosurgery.com/dr-mark-a-mittler-md/): Dr. Mittler has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in pediatric neurosurgery. He is an invited lecturer at regional and national conferences. He has been individually profiled in New York Magazine regarding his humanistic approach to handling the complexities and responsibilities of becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon. - [Congenital and Developmental Spine Disorders (Children and Adults)](https://lineurosurgery.com/adult-neurosurgery/congenital-developmental-spine-disorders/): Congenital and developmental spine disorders are conditions in which the spine or spinal cord forms abnormally during fetal development or early childhood. These disorders may affect the bones of the spine, the spinal cord, or the surrounding tissues, and their severity can range from mild structural differences to complex malformations that significantly impact neurological function, growth, and mobility. - [Spinal Tumors and Intradural Pathology](https://lineurosurgery.com/adult-neurosurgery/spinal-tumors-intradural-pathology/): Spinal tumors and intradural spine pathologies are complex conditions involving abnormal growths or lesions affecting the spinal cord, nerve roots, and surrounding protective structures. These conditions may be benign or malignant and can occur in both children and adults. Because of the critical neurological structures involved, timely diagnosis and expert management are essential to prevent permanent neurological injury and preserve function. - [Spinal Deformity (Adult and Pediatric)](https://lineurosurgery.com/adult-neurosurgery/spinal-deformity-adult-pediatric/): Spinal deformity refers to abnormal curvature or alignment of the spine that can affect posture, balance, mobility, and neurological function. These deformities may be present at birth, develop during childhood and adolescence, or arise later in adulthood as a result of degeneration, trauma, neuromuscular disease, or prior spinal surgery. Common forms of spinal deformity include scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, and complex multiplanar deformities. - [Adult Brain Tumors and Skull Base Tumors](https://lineurosurgery.com/adult-neurosurgery/brain-skull-base-tumors/): Adult brain tumors and skull base tumors encompass a wide range of conditions, both benign and malignant, that can affect critical areas of the brain responsible for essential functions such as vision, balance, hormonal regulation, and cranial nerve function. These tumors often require highly specialized care due to their location and complexity. Our team provides comprehensive evaluation and individualized treatment planning, utilizing advanced imaging, intraoperative navigation, and the latest surgical techniques to ensure the safest and most effective outcomes for each patient. - [Spinal Trauma and Instability](https://lineurosurgery.com/adult-neurosurgery/spinal-trauma-instability/): Spinal trauma and instability encompass injuries to the vertebral column and supporting structures that compromise the stability of the spine and place the spinal cord and nerve roots at risk. These injuries may occur as a result of motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports-related trauma, violence, or other high-impact events. Because spinal injuries can have immediate and long-term neurological consequences, rapid diagnosis and expert management are critical. - [Degenerative Spine Disorders](https://lineurosurgery.com/adult-neurosurgery/degenerative-spine-disorders/): Degenerative spine disorders are among the most common causes of chronic neck and back pain in adults. These conditions result from the gradual wear and tear of the spine’s discs, joints, ligaments, and supporting structures over time. Aging, genetics, repetitive stress, injury, and lifestyle factors all contribute to the development and progression of degenerative changes in the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine. - [Hydrocephalus and CSF Disorders](https://lineurosurgery.com/pediatric-neurosurgery/hydrocephalus-csf-disorders/): Hydrocephalus and other cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) disorders are conditions in which the normal circulation, absorption, or production of CSF is disrupted, leading to abnormal fluid accumulation within the brain. This imbalance can cause enlargement of the brain’s ventricles and increased pressure on delicate neural tissue, potentially affecting neurological development, vision, mobility, and cognitive function if left untreated. - [Spasticity](https://lineurosurgery.com/pediatric-neurosurgery/spasticity/): Treatment is highly individualized and often requires a multidisciplinary approach. Management options may include physical and occupational therapy, oral medications, targeted injections such as botulinum toxin, and advanced neurosurgical interventions. Surgical treatments for severe spasticity include intrathecal baclofen pump therapy, selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), and other neuromodulation techniques that reduce abnormal muscle tone while preserving strength and voluntary movement. - [Spinal Disorders and Deformities](https://lineurosurgery.com/pediatric-neurosurgery/spinal-disorders-deformities/): Spinal deformity refers to abnormal curvature or alignment of the spine that can affect posture, balance, mobility, and neurological function. These deformities may be present at birth, develop during childhood and adolescence, or arise later in adulthood as a result of degeneration, trauma, neuromuscular disease, or prior spinal surgery. Common forms of spinal deformity include scoliosis, kyphosis, lordosis, and complex multiplanar deformities. - [Vascular Disorders of the Brain and Spine](https://lineurosurgery.com/pediatric-neurosurgery/vascular-brain-spine-disorders/): Vascular disorders of the brain and spinal cord involve abnormalities of the blood vessels that can disrupt normal blood flow and place children at risk for stroke, hemorrhage, seizures, and long-term neurological injury. Although less common in children than in adults, these conditions can be complex and potentially life-threatening, requiring prompt diagnosis and highly specialized care. - [Neurotrauma](https://lineurosurgery.com/pediatric-neurosurgery/neurotrauma/): Neurotrauma refers to injuries affecting the brain, spine, and spinal cord that result from physical trauma. In children, these injuries most commonly occur due to falls, sports-related accidents, motor vehicle collisions, and other high-impact events. Because the developing nervous system is especially vulnerable, timely diagnosis and expert treatment are essential to minimize long-term neurological damage and optimize recovery. - [Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery](https://lineurosurgery.com/pediatric-neurosurgery/epilepsy-functional-neurosurgery/): Epilepsy is a neurological condition characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It affects children of all ages and may arise from many different causes, including congenital brain abnormalities, genetic conditions, tumors, stroke, infection, trauma, or metabolic disorders. For many children, seizures can be effectively controlled with medication. However, approximately one-third of pediatric patients have drug-resistant epilepsy, in which seizures persist despite appropriate medical therapy. - [Pediatric Brain, Skull, Spinal Cord, and Spine Tumors](https://lineurosurgery.com/pediatric-neurosurgery/brain-skull-spinal-cord-tumors/): Tumors of the brain, skull, spine, and spinal cord are among the most complex and challenging conditions affecting children. These tumors may be benign or malignant and can arise from many different tissues within the nervous system or surrounding structures. Because a child’s brain and spinal cord are still developing, these tumors require highly specialized evaluation and treatment to preserve neurological function, growth, and long-term quality of life. - [Craniosynostosisand Craniofacial Disorders](https://lineurosurgery.com/pediatric-neurosurgery/craniosynostosis-craniofacial-disorders/): Craniosynostosis and other craniofacial disorders are conditions in which the bones of the skull and face develop abnormally, often beginning before birth or during early infancy. In craniosynostosis, one or more of the sutures—the natural growth seams between the skull bones—close prematurely, altering the shape of the skull and potentially restricting normal brain growth. Without timely treatment, this can lead to increased intracranial pressure, developmental delays, visual impairment, breathing difficulties, and long-term neurological complications. - [Congenital Brain and Spinal Malformations](https://lineurosurgery.com/pediatric-neurosurgery/congenital-brain-spinal-malformations/):   - [Steven J. Schneider](https://lineurosurgery.com/dr-steven-j-schneider/): Dr. Schneider has authored peer-reviewed publications and book chapters in pediatric neurosurgery, with particular focus on endoscopic techniques and brain tumor treatment. - [Adult Neurosurgery](https://lineurosurgery.com/adult-neurosurgery/): Adult and congenital Neurosurgical Advanced Care for Adult Neurosurgical Conditions Degenerative Spine Disorders Cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spondylosis, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, myelopathy Adult Brain Tumors and Skull Base Tumors Meningiomas, gliomas, metastatic brain tumors, acoustic neuromas, pituitary tumors, and complex skull base lesions Spinal Tumors and Intradural Pathology Intradural–extramedullary tumors, intramedullary tumors, metastatic disease, cystic spinal lesions Spinal Deformity (Adult and Pediatric) Adult degenerative scoliosis, sagittal imbalance, pediatric and adolescent scoliosis, kyphosis Congenital and Developmental Spine Disorders (Children and Adults) Spinal dysraphism, tethered cord, split cord malformation, congenital scoliosis, craniovertebral junction anomalies Spinal Trauma and Instability Acute fractures, ligamentous injuries, spinal cord injury, post-traumatic deformity Spinal Infection, Inflammatory, and CSF-Related Disorders Discitis, osteomyelitis, epidural abscess, arachnoiditis, CSF leaks, postoperative pseudomeningocele - [Pediatric Neurosurgery](https://lineurosurgery.com/pediatric-neurosurgery/): Pediatric Neurosurgical Care Comprehensive Care for Pediatric Neurosurgical Conditions Congenital Brain and Spinal Malformations Neural tube defects (myelomeningocele), Chiari malformations, Dandy–Walker spectrum, cortical malformations Craniosynostosis and Craniofacial Disorders Single- and multi-suture craniosynostosis, syndromic craniofacial conditions (e.g., Crouzon, Apert), positional skull deformities (in collaboration with craniofacial teams) Pediatric Brain, Skull, Spinal Cord, and Spine Tumors Low- and high-grade gliomas, medulloblastoma, ependymoma, ATRT, spinal cord tumors Hydrocephalus and CSF Disorders Congenital and acquired hydrocephalus, shunt-related pathology, arachnoid cysts, endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV), CSF leaks Epilepsy and Functional Neurosurgery Medically refractory epilepsy, cortical dysplasia, hemispheric syndromes, neurostimulation (VNS, SEEG, DBS, RNS) Neurotrauma Traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, intracranial hemorrhage, spinal trauma Vascular Disorders of the Brain and Spine Arteriovenous malformations, cavernous malformations, moyamoya disease, aneurysms Spinal Disorders and Deformities Tethered cord, scoliosis-related neurosurgical pathology, spinal dysraphism, intradural and extradural spinal lesions Spasticity Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy (SDR), Intrathecal Baclofen (ITB) Pump, Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) - [About Us](https://lineurosurgery.com/about-us/): Long Island Neurosurgical Associates, P.C. (LINA) was incorporated in 1973 and has since grown into one of the most established and respected neurosurgical practices in the New York region. Over the course of its history, 14 neurosurgeons have been part of LINA, reflecting a long legacy of clinical excellence, leadership, and service to the community. ## Elementor Header & Footer Builder - [Footer New](https://lineurosurgery.com/blog/elementor-hf/spinal-tumors-intradural-pathology/): Request An Appointment Today!Excellence by your side Schedule An Appointment Long Island 410 Lakeville Road Suite 204 New Hyde Park, NY 11042 Tel: 516-354-3401 Fax: 516-354-8597 Staten Island 900 South Avenue Suite 103 Staten Island, NY 10314 Tel: 516-354-3401 Fax: 516-354-8597 Manhattan 90 East End Avenue Suite B New York, NY 10028 Tel: 516-354-3401 Fax: 516-354-8597 Smithtown 222 Middle Country Rd SUITE 106 Smithtown, NY 11787 Tel: 516-354-3401 Fax: 516-354-8597 © 2026 Long Island Neurosurgical Associates. All Rights Reserved. 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