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Dr. David Newell, MD

Bio

David W. Newell, M.D., is co-executive director of the Swedish Neuroscience Institute and is a practicing neurosurgeon with specialties in cerebrovascular neurosurgery, brain aneurysms, spine surgery, stroke, and arteriovenous malformations. Dr. Newell is board certified in neurological surgery and is also certified in Gamma Knife and CyberKnife – two noninvasive treatment technologies offered at the Institute’s Radiosurgery Center. Under his leadership, the Swedish Neuroscience Institute’s ongoing mission is to provide patients with excellent care using the latest technologies, while offering a comprehensive range of services and breadth of experience.



Specialties:

Affiliation:

  • Swedish

Location:

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Activity

  • David Newell, MD
    David Newell, MD of Swedish answered:
    Can a brain aneurysm be prevented?
    A few simple basics may help you avoid a brain aneurysm (also called a cerebral aneurysm) and/or help you receive essential and timely treatment.
    • Know the risk factors and create a lifestyle that helps you avoid an aneurysm in the first place.
    • If you are at risk for brain aneurysm,
    ...  Full Post
  • David Newell, MD
    David Newell, MD of Swedish answered:
    What increases my risk for a brain aneurysm?
    Anyone can develop a brain aneurysm (also called a cerebral aneurysm) at any time. About 1 in 40 people will develop a brain aneurysm, usually between the ages of 40 and 60.

    Sometimes a brain aneurysm is caused by conditions that you cannot control, such as:
    • Family history: If two or
    ...  Full Post
  • David Newell, MD
    David Newell, MD of Swedish answered:
    What are the treatment options for a brain aneurysm?

    Brain aneurysms (also called cerebral aneurysms) are not always treated immediately. Sometimes, if the aneurysm is very small and is not leaking, your doctor may prefer to monitor it for a while, especially if there are other medical conditions that need to be managed. Your doctor may

    ...  Full Post
  • David Newell, MD
    David Newell, MD has posted a blog entry: Using Ultrasound for Treatment of Brain Hemorrhage

    Recently, I co-authored this cover article in the Journal of Neurosurgery on the results of a study using ultrasound for the treatment of brain hemorrhage.

    The study involved 33 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage who were screened for inclusion in a SNI clinical study known as “SLEU

    ...Full Post
  • David Newell, MD
    David Newell, MD has posted a blog entry: Using Ultrasound for Treatment of Brain Hemorrhage

    Recently, I co-authored this cover article in the Journal of Neurosurgery on the results of a study using ultrasound for the treatment of brain hemorrhage.

    The study involved 33 patients with spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage who were screened for inclusion in a SNI clinical study known as “SLEU

    ...Full Post
  • David Newell, MD
    David Newell, MD of Swedish answered:
    What is a brain aneurysm?
    A brain aneurysm (also called a cerebral aneurysm) is a blister-like bulge in a weak part of a blood vessel in the brain. It can go unnoticed for a long time. In fact, 1% to 6% of Americans have an aneurysm they don't know about. If left untreated, however, the pressure of the blood causes that area of the wall of the blood vessel to become even weaker, which allows the aneurysm to grow. Eventually the aneurysm may burst, which causes a stroke.           &...  Full Post
  • David Newell, MD
    David Newell, MD of Swedish answered:
    Where in the brain do aneurysms develop?
    The internal carotid arteries are the two large arteries -- located on either side of the head and neck -- that supply blood to the brain. The most common types of aneurysms are found in the arteries that connect the two internal carotid arteries:

    30% of aneurysms form in the anterior co...  Full Post
  • David Newell, MD
    David Newell, MD of Swedish answered:
    How is a brain aneurysm diagnosed?
    Aneurysm experts use a variety of imaging tests to diagnose a brain aneurysm. You may have one or more of the following imaging exams:
    • CT scan
    • MRI angiography (MRA)
    • Cerebral angiogram
    • Lumbar puncture
    CT scan and CT angiography (CTA): A CT scan of the brain is often the first test your...  Full Post
  • David Newell, MD
    David Newell, MD of Swedish answered:
    How can I reduce my risk for future brain aneurysms?
    There also are many risk factors for a brain aneurysm (also called a cerebral aneurysm) you can control or manage with lifestyle changes. These include:
    • Smoking: If you smoke, STOP. Smoking has been associated with the formation, growth and increased rate of rupture of aneurysms.
    • Alcohol
    ...  Full Post
  • David Newell, MD
    David Newell, MD of Swedish answered:
    What symptoms could indicate a ruptured brain aneurysm?
    An aneurysm that has burst or ruptured allows blood to flow into the space surrounding the brain (subarachnoid space) or directly into the brain. The symptoms of a ruptured aneurysm come on suddenly. You may experience:
    • A sudden, severe headache (many people describe this type of headache
    ...  Full Post
  • David Newell, MD
    David Newell, MD of Swedish answered:
    What are the symptoms of a growing brain aneurysm?
    An aneurysm that is growing, but hasn’t burst, may cause pressure on nerves or tissue in the brain. This pressure may cause:
    • Headache or neck pain
    • Fuzzy or double vision, or loss of vision
    • Numbness in the face
    • Enlarged pupil size
    • Drooping eyelid
    • Severe drowsiness
     Full Post
  • David Newell, MD
    David Newell, MD of Swedish answered:
    What is a brain aneurysm?
    A brain aneurysm (also called a cerebral aneurysm) is a blister-like bulge in a weak part of a blood vessel in the brain. It can go unnoticed for a long time. In fact, 1% to 6% of Americans have an aneurysm they don't know about. If left untreated, however, the pressure of the blood causes that area of the wall of the blood vessel to become even weaker, which allows the aneurysm to grow. Eventually the aneurysm may burst, which causes a stroke.           &...  Full Post