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Skull base conditions involve complex anatomy and often require input from multiple specialties. Our program uses defined care pathways that deliver timely, coordinated, evidence-based, and patient-centered care.
Key elements include:
Review of complex cases at a multidisciplinary skull base tumor board
Joint surgical evaluation by neurosurgery, otolaryngology, and ophthalmology, as indicated
Consensus-based planning for:
-- Timing and sequencing of treatment(s)
-- Surgical approach
-- Anticipation of perioperative risks and rehabilitation needs
Care coordination
RN care coordinators are embedded within the program to support continuity through a patient's diagnosis, surgery, recovery, and long-term monitoring. Their role includes:
Coordinating diagnostic testing and specialty consultation scheduling
Supporting standardized perioperative workflows
Facilitating communication across disciplines and care settings
Ensuring safe and effective transitions of care
Serving as a single point of contact for patients and families, providing education and answering questions
When appropriate, telehealth visits, locally completed testing, and coordination with primary care providers or referring specialists are used to streamline and reduce barriers to care.
Rehabilitation and Functional Outcomes
Skull base conditions may affect hearing, balance, vision, facial movement, swallowing, and other neurologic functions. Rehabilitation is integrated before and after surgery based on tumor location and treatment approach.
Services include:
Audiology and hearing rehabilitation, including device support following cochlear or auditory brainstem implantation
Vestibular (balance) therapy
Facial plastics consultation for facial nerve disorders, offering facial reanimation procedures and facial therapies
Oculoplastic surgical consultation, including eyelid weight surgery
Neuro-ophthalmology evaluation and management of vision disorders
Speech-language pathology (SLP) and laryngology evaluation for voice and swallowing dysfunction
Endocrinology management of pituitary hormone disorders
Early rehabilitation planning is incorporated into treatment pathways to support functional recovery and long-term quality of life.
Long-Term Follow Up and Survivorship
Outcomes extend beyond the immediate postoperative period. Our program emphasizes longitudinal follow up and coordination of ongoing care through:
Structured postoperative follow up and tumor surveillance
Referrals to post-surgical rehabilitation services as needed
Coordination of care with referring and local providers
In person and virtual follow up options to support continuity over time
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