Are you bothered by neck pain and stiffness? Have you noticed tingling or weakness in your arms? It could be a herniated cervical disc — and you don’t have to live with the discomfort. Learn about the top treatments for herniated cervical discs.
MEET DR. KAKOULIDES
Dr. George Kakoulides is a Board Certified NeuroSurgeon who has successfully treated thousands of patients across Long Island, where he was born and raised. Dr. Kakoulides specializes in the management of spinal and cranial disorders with offices in West Islip, Huntington, and Smithtown, New York. He has advanced specialization in both minimally invasive and complex spine surgery of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine.
Dr. Kakoulides prioritizes thoughtful, individualized treatment based on a patient's diagnosis, lifestyle and goals. When plausible, he supports exploring effective alternatives to surgery, such as epidural injections, acupuncture, yoga and chiropractic treatment. When a patient does require surgery, Dr. Kakoulides offers a full spectrum of surgical procedures that range from minimally invasive surgery to complex spinal reconstruction.
The patient's experience is of utmost importance to Dr. Kakoulides and he is currently pioneering ways in which to enrich this experience from the clinic, to the hospital and to home. Through his research in a landmark study published in The Annals of Surgery that led to the creation of IKONA, a company that utilizes immersive technology to transform the patients journey, Dr. Kakoulides has shown how the patient experience can play a role in the recovery process. As co-founder of IKONA he is now helping to train the next generation of healthcare professionals. Dr. Kakoulides also routinely attends seminars and conferences and is versed in the most up-to-date surgical techniques and has additional expertise in the management of benign and malignant brain tumors as well as radiosurgery.
Dr. Kakoulides completed his residency in neurological surgery at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, where he obtained advanced training in complex spine surgery during a year-long spine fellowship. Prior to that, he obtained his medical degree with high honors from Tufts University School of Medicine, where he also pursued a joint master’s degree in international relations at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
Dr. Kakoulides is board certified and a member of numerous local and national medical and neurosurgical societies, including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.
MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY
Thanks to advancements in technology, minimally-invasive spine surgery has never been more accessible. It is now possible to obtain lasting relief without large incisions, muscle damage and a lengthy recovery period. With the best back surgeons in Long Island, NY on our team, there is no better destination than Dr. Kakoulides for world-class, minimally-invasive back surgery.
PUBLICATIONS
-K. Bekelis, S. Missios, G. Kakoulides, R. Rahmani, N. Simmons. Selection of Patients for Ambulatory Lumbar Discectomy: Results from Four US States. Spine Journal, 2014 Sep 1;14(9):1944-50
-Bekelis K1, Calnan D, Simmons N, MacKenzie TA, Kakoulides G. Effect of an Immersive Preoperative Virtual Reality Experience on Patient Reported Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Annals of Surgery, 2017 Jun;265(6):1068-1073.
George V. Kakoulides, MD accepts all major insurance companies. We have a dedicated patient liaisons (PAL's) to help navigate through questions such as high deductibles, co-insurances, out of network pocket costs. Our PAL is experienced in working with your plans benefits. For more information, please contact our office at 631-482-9977 with your insurance questions and to help you navigate the ever-changing landscape.
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