Dr. Todd Shanks is a board-certified neurosurgeon renowned for his expertise in general and complex spine surgeries, as well as cranial procedures. His areas of specialization encompass spinal and cranial oncology, focusing on neoplastic lesions affecting the spine, brain, and spinal cord. Dr. Shanks is dedicated to functional and reparative neurosurgery, particularly for degenerative spine disorders and adult spine deformities. His extensive training includes peripheral nerve surgery, functional neurosurgery, and the management of craniofacial pain disorders.

Throughout his career, Dr. Shanks has made significant clinical research contributions, particularly in the development of novel spinal implants and surface technologies. His work with microneurography has advanced the testing of limb prosthetics, and he has explored the applications of stereotactic radiosurgery and neuromodulation in treating craniofacial pain disorders. His clinical focus extends to conditions such as trigeminal neuralgia, atypical facial pain, cervicogenic headaches, occipital neuralgia, and Chiari malformations.

During his tenure at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. Shanks collaborated with Dr. Peter Konrad on developing robotic prosthetic limbs utilizing microneurography of peripheral nerves. He holds multiple patents for spinal implants and actively collaborates with industry leaders to advance spinal surgery technologies. His participation in craniofacial headache studies underscores his commitment to advancing neurological care.

Dr. Shanks earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 2002. He began his neurosurgical residency at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center in New Orleans, training under Dr. David Kline, a pioneer in peripheral nerve surgery. Following the interruption of his residency due to Hurricane Katrina in 2005, he completed his training at the University of Louisville Department of Neurological Surgery/Leatherman Spine Program. He further specialized by completing a fellowship in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, emphasizing deep brain stimulation and craniofacial pain management.

In 2023, Dr. Shanks established the Restorative Spine and Brain Center of Dallas, a state-of-the-art medical clinic dedicated to providing the highest standard of care for patients with spinal and brain conditions. The center offers a full range of services, including minimally invasive spine surgery, neurosurgery, and craniofacial pain treatment, with a focus on personalized care and cutting-edge techniques.

Dr. Shanks is affiliated with Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Congress of Neurological Surgeons, American Association of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery, North American Neuromodulation Society, and North American Spine Society.

Specialties:

• Neurosurgery
• Complex Spine Surgery
• Cranial Procedures
• Spinal and Cranial Oncology
• Peripheral Nerve Surgery
• Functional Neurosurgery
• Craniofacial Pain Disorders

Practice Highlights:

• Board-certified neurosurgeon with over two decades of experience.
• Founder of the Restorative Spine and Brain Center of Dallas.
• Holds multiple patents for spinal implants.
• Significant contributions to clinical research in spinal implants, microneurography, and neuromodulation.
• Specialized training in deep brain stimulation and craniofacial pain management.

Residency:

• Neurosurgery Residency: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans (2003-2006)
• Neurosurgery Residency: University of Louisville Department of Neurological Surgery/Leatherman Spine Program (2006-2009)

Fellowship:

• Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgery Fellowship: Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2010

Licenses:

• Licensed to practice medicine in Texas

Dr. Shanks’ dedication to advancing neurosurgical care and his compassionate approach to patient treatment make him a leading figure in the field of spine and brain health in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.