About Barrow Neurological Institute
Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona is an international leader in the treatment, research, and education of brain and spinal diseases, conditions, and injuries. Led by Barrow President and CEO Michael T. Lawton, MD, one of the world’s top neurosurgeons, the Institute is one of the busiest centers for neurology and neurosurgery in the United States.
Each year, we treat more than 73,000 patients, and our surgeons perform more than 6,000 brain, spine, head, and neck surgeries. Because of our high volume, our physicians and clinicians are familiar with the rarest and most challenging conditions. It’s not uncommon for patients from around the globe to be treated here.
Our Mission
To advance the knowledge and practice of medicine in neuroscience through basic and clinical research, education of medical professionals, and innovation in clinical techniques and technology.
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Accreditations & Recognitions
Newsweek ranks Barrow as one of the best specialty hospitals in the world for both neurosurgery and neurology, while also being ranked as one of the top neurological hospitals in the world overall. In addition, U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Barrow as a top center for neuro-rehabilitation in the country. We are certified by The Joint Commission in Comprehensive Stroke. Barrow boasts a Level I trauma center, CARF-accredited neuro-rehabilitation programs, and more certified neuroscience registered nurses (CNRN) than any other hospital in the world. Highly regarded for neuroscience education for decades, Barrow is ranked first in the nation by Doximity for its neurosurgery residency program and 45th for neurology.
Barrow has contributed to many breakthroughs in neuroscience and neurosurgery, including refining the cardiac standstill procedure, isolating the gene for the inherited form of cerebral cavernous malformations, and pioneering thoracoscopic spinal surgery. We are a leader in harnessing innovative technologies and procedures, such as minimally invasive spine surgery, microscopic techniques, and robotic spine surgery.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Barrow Neurological Institute
2910 North 3rd Avenue
Phoenix, Arizona 85013
Appointments:
BarrowNeuro.org/ContactUs
Second Opinion:
BarrowNeuro.org/SecondOpinion
Telephone Directory:
1-800-227-7691
Barrow Transfer Center:
1-844-BNI-XFER (844-264-9337)
Map & Directions:
BarrowNeuro.org/Map
Designated Centers of Excellence
ALS
ALS Association Certified Treatment Center of Excellence
Alzheimer’s Disease & Cognitive Disorders
Lewy Body Dementia Association Center of Excellence
Cavernous Malformation
Alliance to Cure Cavernous Malformation Center of Excellence
Epilepsy
National Association of Epilepsy Centers – Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Center
Huntington’s Disease
Huntington’s Disease Society of America Center of Excellence
Multiple Sclerosis
National Multiple Sclerosis Society Center for Comprehensive Care
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy Association Care Center
Skull Base Surgery
North American Skull Base Society Multidisciplinary Team of Distinction
Stroke
The Joint Commission and American Heart Association/American Stroke Association Certified Comprehensive Stroke Center
American Heart Association 2024 Get With The Guidelines Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award; Target: Stroke Honor Roll; Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Departments, Centers & Programs, Education, and Research
Barrow Second Opinion
Get a fast and secure second opinion from our renowned neurosurgeons for any of the following conditions:
- Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma)
- Cancer, Tumors, and Oncology, including:
- Astrocytoma
- Brain metastases
- Chordoma
- Colloid cyst
- Gliomas and glioblastoma multiforme (GBM)
- Meningioma
- Metastatic spine cancer
- Metastatic brain cancer
- Rare brain tumors
- Schwannoma
- Spinal cord and spine tumors
- Cerebrovascular disorders, including:
- Arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the brain and spinal cord
- Brain aneurysms
- Carotid artery disease
- Cavernous malformations of the brain and spinal cord
- Dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF)
- Moyamoya Disease
- Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) lead placement for Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor**
- Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT)
- Hypothalamic hamartoma
- Peripheral nerve disorders of the hand and arm, including:
- Brachial plexus injury
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Disorders of the nerve root or plexus
- Peripheral nerve injury
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Pituitary tumors and disorders, including
- Acromegaly
- Craniopharyngioma
- Cushing’s disease
- Gigantism
- Nonfunctioning Pituitary Adenomas
- Pituitary Macroadenoma
- Pituitary Microadenoma
- Prolactinoma
- Rathke Cleft Cyst
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) Tumor
- Spinal disorders and procedures, including:
- Chiari malformation
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated disc, including thoracic herniated disc
- Lumbar spondylolisthesis
- Scoliosis, spinal deformities
- Spinal stenosis
- Spinal trauma and injuries
Barrow Second Opinion is vastly different from the second opinion programs offered at many other destination medical centers. Because most insurance plans don’t cover second opinions, we offer a flat, transparent, and affordable fee of $100 up front.
We also believe that, as a potential patient, you deserve to know which of our physicians is reviewing your records and providing your opinion. As part of this commitment, we provide you with a list of our participating neurosurgeons on the Barrow Second Opinion home page. We also include the name and office contact information for the neurosurgeon who reviews your case in the event you have additional questions or would like to schedule a formal consult.
Finally, and most importantly, we understand that neurological disorders and the prospect of having neurosurgery can make you anxious for answers to your questions. That is why we’re committed to providing you with answers—and peace of mind—just 7 to 10 business days after receipt of your medical records and imaging.
Visiting Barrow
Barrow Neurological Institute is located on the Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center campus in Phoenix, Arizona. It is approximately 7 miles from the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport, in a metropolitan area with many choices for food, lodging, and tourism.
Opened in 2021, the Barrow Neuroplex serves as a grand entry to our Institute and presently houses the Department of Neurosurgery, a neuro-infusion suite, the Pre-Admission Testing Clinic, and the neuro-oncology, stroke, and neuro-endocrinology divisions of the Department of Neurology. In 2022 the Department of ENT and Skull Base Surgery and the ambulatory surgery center will move to the building.
The institute’s 430,300-square-foot, 176- bed Robert F. Spetzler Neuroscience Tower is the largest neuroscience center in the nation. It features 11 of the most advanced dedicated neurosurgical operating rooms in the world, a 64-bed designated Neuro-Intensive Care Unit, and a 32-bed state-of-the art neuro-telemetry unit.
All rooms in the neuroscience tower are private and spacious with ample room for an adult guest to stay overnight with the patient. Additionally, Barrow is home to 46 Inpatient Neuro-Rehabilitation beds.
Our Campus
Situated in vibrant midtown Phoenix, our campus conveniently locates all of your neurological care under one roof while placing you close to all of the amenities and entertainment options of the fastest growing city in the United States. Use the map below to find information about the locations of provider’s offices and clinics, parking, and administrative services.
Outreach, Affiliates, and Foundation
Community Outreach
Because brain and spinal cord injuries are among the most devastating and preventable injuries, our mission includes an extensive community outreach program dedicated to education and prevention. Barrow programs reach thousands of children, adults, and medical professionals each year by sponsoring educational programs and support groups on a variety of topics.
Pediatric Services
Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital has a joint pediatric partnership with Phoenix Children’s. The combined program represents the second largest pediatric neuroscience program in the nation, based on patient volume.
Barrow Neurological Foundation
Barrow Neurological Foundation is a non-profit support foundation dedicated to raising funds for research, medical education and clinical programs at Barrow Neurological Institute. For information on how you can contribute to Barrow, visit the Barrow Foundation Website or call the Foundation office at (602) 406-3041. Gifts to Barrow Neurological Foundation are tax deductible as provided in 501(c)(3) of the Federal Tax Code.
Our History
The history of Barrow Neurological Institute is one of growth from our opening in 1962 as a small, regional specialty center for the neurosciences to one of the largest and most prestigious centers for neurology and neurosurgery in the world.
For nearly 60 years, we have expanded, along with Phoenix and the rest of the country, to meet the demand for novel and creative ways to treat, understand, and teach about the most wonderous, mysterious system of the human body and the conditions that afflict it.
We don’t know exactly what our next 60 years will bring, but we do know that our commitment to accept challenges, reject norms, and push boundaries in the dogged pursuit of providing the best care and cures for people living with neurological disease will never waver.
