About Our Practice

Board-certified neurosurgeon Brian R. Gantwerker, MD, specializes in the treatment of spinal and neurological conditions. He is fellowship-trained in complex spinal surgery and has been practicing for well over a decade.

At The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles, patients benefit from his extensive experience treating complex brain and spine problems with minimally invasive techniques, and traditional surgery.  Working with new techniques such as neuro navigation, spinal endoscopy, and also providing direct patient care with a physician, Dr. Gantwerker makes the patient paramount.

Well-respected in his field, Dr. Gantwerker has authored several book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles. He has also appeared on podcasts, television, and radio interviews and has instructed undergraduates, medical students, and residents in various neurosurgical topics.

A Chicago native, Dr. Gantwerker earned a degree with honors in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to receive his medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago, where he focused on peripheral nerve regeneration research.

After completing his neurosurgical residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland / Case Western, Dr. Gantwerker studied spinal cord regeneration with stem cells at Case Western School of Medicine. He completed a complex spine fellowship at the world-renowned Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dr. Gantwerker is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key honor societies. He is an active member of key esteemed professional organizations, including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS),  and the North American Spine Society (NASS).  He’s also a board member of the California Association of Neurological Surgeons (CANS). Dr. Gantwerker is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons (ABNS). 

The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles

Board-certified neurosurgeon Brian R. Gantwerker, MD, specializes in the treatment of spinal and neurological conditions. He is fellowship-trained in complex spinal surgery and has been practicing for well over a decade.

At The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles, patients benefit from his extensive experience treating complex brain and spine problems with minimally invasive techniques, and traditional surgery.  Working with new techniques such as neuro navigation, spinal endoscopy, and also providing direct patient care with a physician, Dr. Gantwerker makes the patient paramount.

Well-respected in his field, Dr. Gantwerker has authored several book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles. He has also appeared on podcasts, television, and radio interviews and has instructed undergraduates, medical students, and residents in various neurosurgical topics.

A Chicago native, Dr. Gantwerker earned a degree with honors in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and graduated magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He went on to receive his medical degree from Rush Medical College in Chicago, where he focused on peripheral nerve regeneration research.

After completing his neurosurgical residency at University Hospitals of Cleveland / Case Western, Dr. Gantwerker studied spinal cord regeneration with stem cells at Case Western School of Medicine. He completed a complex spine fellowship at the world-renowned Barrow Neurological Institute in Phoenix, Arizona.

Dr. Gantwerker is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key honor societies. He is an active member of key esteemed professional organizations, including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS),  and the North American Spine Society (NASS).  He’s also a board member of the California Association of Neurological Surgeons (CANS). Dr. Gantwerker is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons (ABNS). 


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Check out Dr. Gantwerker's podcast!
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4 unique things that separate us from the rest...

 

Patient-centric philosophy

Hands-on treatment
by the surgeon,
not a PA or NP

Personalized
post-operative
treatment plans

We offer concierge treatment and are deeply vested in patient outcomes

  • Motion Preservation Surgery


    Minimally Invasive approach
    Linked to better outcomes
    Shorter hospital stays
    Smoother Recovery

We Are Affiliated With The Following Associations:

Accepted Insurance Providers

We accept some Anthem Blue Cross plans, and self-pay. Please contact our office directly for any coverage-related questions. Thank you.

Some Blue Cross Plans

The Aging Spine

What makes the spine age? Why do some people get it and some don't? What are potential tools to slow it down?

Testimonials

Words from our patients

  • Google

    "Out of every doctor I have seen thus far, Dr. Gantwerker is truly one of the few doctors who takes the time to go beyond examining a patient."

    Elisa C.
  • Healthgrades

    "Dr. Gantwerker assisted during my spinal fusion surgery[...]. I highly recommend this doctor and the surgery has improved my quality of life immeasurably."

    Pamela J.
  • Healthgrades

    "Dr. Gantwerker was the 6th neurosurgeon I had consulted. Thank heaven for finding him. He is kind, explains well and experienced."

    Debbie
  • Vitals

    "Dr. Gantwerker is a miracle worker. I was completely paralyzed for a year from a spinal cord issue. The morning after his surgery I walked."

    Verified Patient
  • "I had a great experience with the doctor and have scheduled my surgery . Could not ask for a more informative surgeon. Look forward to getting my life back."

    Larry J.
  • "Dr. Gantwerker was very knowledgeable about my issue. He looked up dosages to fit me as a diabetic. He was engaged in our conversation at all times."

    Jennifer Y.
  • I felt respected and cared about. I believe after our visit that you have my best interests at heart, and that you know what you’re doing. I’m going to have the procedure

    Eleanor P.

Location

The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles
2811 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 840
Santa Monica, CA 90403
Phone: 310-694-8300
Fax: 310-694-8357

Office Hours

Get in touch

310-694-8300