Dr. Daniel Kim, MD

Dr. Daniel Kim, MD Neurosurgeon and Spine Care

Dr. Daniel Kim, MD, is a board-certified neurosurgeon whose clinical work focuses on spine surgery, peripheral nerve care, and complex spinal reconstruction. His professional interests include minimally invasive procedures, endoscopic techniques, robot-assisted surgery, nerve repair, and the evaluation of difficult conditions affecting the spine and nervous system.

Seeing a neurosurgeon does not automatically mean surgery will be recommended. A consultation usually begins with understanding the symptoms, reviewing imaging and earlier treatment, and deciding whether surgical care, rehabilitation, medication, monitoring, or another specialist may be more appropriate.

About Dr. Daniel Kim

Dr. Kim provides specialist care for conditions involving the spine, spinal cord, nerve roots, and peripheral nerves. His work may be relevant for patients with persistent pain, weakness, numbness, balance problems, nerve injuries, or complex findings on an MRI or CT scan.

He is also involved in medical education, clinical research, and the development of advanced surgical methods. His professional background combines direct patient care with an interest in technologies used in spine and nerve treatment.

Dr. Kim’s practice falls within specialized surgical care, where treatment decisions depend on the diagnosis, symptom severity, physical examination, imaging results, general health, and response to earlier care.

Professional Background and Experience

Dr. Kim has held academic and clinical roles involving reconstructive spinal and peripheral nerve surgery. His career includes patient care, surgeon education, clinical research, and the development of minimally invasive techniques.

His areas of professional work include:

• Minimally invasive spine surgery
• Endoscopic spinal procedures
• Robot-assisted surgery
• Complex spinal reconstruction
• Peripheral nerve repair
• Nerve imaging
• Neuromodulation
• Surgical treatment planning
• Postoperative care
• Medical research and education

This background may be particularly useful for patients seeking another opinion about a difficult diagnosis, previous unsuccessful treatment, or a major spinal procedure.

Education and Medical Training

Training Area	Institution	Details
Undergraduate education	University of Oklahoma	Chemical engineering
Medical education	Tulane University School of Medicine	Doctor of Medicine
Residency	Louisiana State University School of Medicine	Neurological surgery
Fellowship	University of Florida	Complex reconstructive spine surgery

Dr. Kim’s early engineering education connects with his later interest in spinal biomechanics, surgical robotics, medical imaging, and technology-assisted procedures.

His neurological surgery training prepared him to assess conditions involving the brain, spinal cord, spine, nerve roots, and peripheral nerves. Fellowship training added focused experience in difficult spinal operations and reconstructive treatment.

Board Certification and Professional Credentials

Dr. Kim is a fellowship-trained and board-certified neurosurgeon.

His professional credentials include:

• MD, meaning Doctor of Medicine
• FAANS, meaning Fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons
• FACS, meaning Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
• Board certification in neurological surgery
• Fellowship training in complex reconstructive spine surgery

Board certification, professional fellowship, and medical licensing are separate credentials. Patients who need current formal verification should consult the relevant professional boards or contact the practice directly.

Main Areas of Spine and Nerve Care

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery

Minimally invasive spine surgery uses specialised instruments and smaller surgical pathways to reach an affected area while limiting disruption to surrounding muscles and tissues.

These techniques may be considered for selected disc problems, nerve compression, spinal narrowing, or instability. A smaller incision does not mean the procedure is suitable for every condition.

The decision may depend on:

• The location of the spinal problem
• The number of levels involved
• The degree of nerve pressure
• Spinal stability
• Previous operations
• Bone strength
• General health
• The expected benefit of treatment

Imaging, symptoms, and examination findings must be considered together before a surgical plan is recommended.

Endoscopic Spine Surgery

Endoscopic spine surgery uses a small camera and specialised instruments inserted through a narrow opening.

It may be used in selected cases to remove tissue pressing on a nerve or address certain disc-related problems. Not every spinal condition can be treated through an endoscopic approach.

Patients should ask why this method is being considered, how it compares with standard surgery, and what result can reasonably be expected.

Robot-Assisted Spine Surgery

Robot-assisted technology may support planning and selected parts of a spinal procedure.

The technology does not perform surgery independently. It helps the surgeon with navigation, planning, or precise placement of instruments.

Whether robotic assistance is useful depends on the type of operation, the patient’s anatomy, the available equipment, and the surgeon’s clinical judgement.

Complex Spinal Reconstruction

Complex spinal reconstruction may be considered when the spine has significant instability, deformity, degeneration, injury, or changes caused by previous surgery.

These procedures may involve several spinal levels and require detailed planning. Treatment can include decompression, fusion, alignment correction, reconstruction, or a combination of approaches.

Patients deciding whether major surgery is appropriate may find it helpful to read about when to review surgery options with a spine doctor.

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

Peripheral nerves carry signals between the spinal cord, muscles, skin, and other parts of the body.

A damaged or compressed nerve may cause:

• Pain
• Burning
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Muscle weakness
• Reduced grip strength
• Difficulty moving part of the body
• Loss of normal sensation

Peripheral nerve surgery may be considered when a nerve is trapped, injured, cut, scarred, or affected by a growth.

Treatment may involve releasing pressure, repairing the nerve, removing abnormal tissue, or using nerve grafting or transfer techniques. The right approach depends on the nerve involved, the cause of damage, the time since injury, and the remaining level of function.

Neuromodulation

Neuromodulation refers to treatment that changes nerve activity through controlled stimulation.

It may be considered for selected pain or nerve conditions when common treatments have not provided enough relief. A detailed assessment is required to determine whether a patient is suitable.

Conditions Dr. Kim May Evaluate

Dr. Kim’s specialty includes conditions involving the spine, spinal cord, nerve roots, and peripheral nerves.

Patients may seek evaluation for:

• Herniated spinal discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Neck pain with arm symptoms
• Lower-back pain with leg symptoms
• Sciatica
• Nerve root compression
• Spinal cord compression
• Spinal instability
• Spinal deformity
• Continuing symptoms after spine surgery
• Peripheral nerve injury
• Nerve entrapment
• Peripheral nerve tumours
• Muscle weakness linked to nerve damage
• Ongoing numbness or tingling
• Difficulty walking
• Balance problems
• Complex conditions requiring spinal reconstruction

Patients may also read about degenerative disc disease and back pain before discussing their symptoms and scan results with a qualified specialist.

Symptoms That May Need Specialist Assessment

Many spinal and nerve symptoms improve with rest, medication, physical therapy, or other nonsurgical treatment. Specialist evaluation may become useful when symptoms continue, worsen, or interfere with daily activities.

Patients may consider an appointment for:

• Pain travelling into an arm or leg
• Persistent numbness
• Repeated tingling
• Noticeable muscle weakness
• Reduced hand coordination
• Difficulty gripping objects
• Problems walking
• Changes in balance
• Pain that interrupts sleep
• Symptoms limiting work or movement
• Recurring pain after treatment
• New symptoms after spinal surgery
• Loss of function following a nerve injury

A scan result alone may not fully explain pain or weakness. The doctor must compare imaging with the patient’s history, examination, symptom location, and changes in physical function.

Who May Benefit From Seeing Dr. Kim

A consultation may be useful for patients who:

• Have symptoms that have not improved with nonsurgical care
• Have been referred by a primary care doctor
• Need an opinion from a neurosurgeon
• Have abnormal MRI or CT findings
• Are developing increasing weakness or numbness
• Have been advised to consider spine surgery
• Want another opinion before a major operation
• Have continuing symptoms after previous surgery
• Have experienced a serious nerve injury
• Need assessment for complex spinal reconstruction
• Are uncertain about different treatment options

A neurosurgical consultation does not mean surgery is unavoidable. Dr. Kim may recommend observation, physical therapy, medication, injections, rehabilitation, pain management, further testing, or assessment by another specialist.

Services and Treatment Planning

Services connected with Dr. Kim’s area of practice may include:

• Review of spinal and nerve symptoms
• Neurological examination
• Physical examination
• Review of medical records
• MRI and CT review
• Evaluation of X-rays
• Review of nerve-conduction studies
• Electromyography review
• Minimally invasive spine surgery
• Endoscopic spine procedures
• Robot-assisted surgery
• Spinal decompression
• Complex spinal reconstruction
• Peripheral nerve exploration
• Nerve repair
• Nerve grafting
• Nerve transfer planning
• Evaluation of peripheral nerve tumours
• Second opinions
• Postoperative follow-up
• Rehabilitation planning

The actual services offered depend on the diagnosis, clinical findings, and treatment facility.

What Patients Can Expect During an Appointment

A first consultation usually begins with a discussion of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, earlier treatment, and daily limitations.

Patients may be asked:

• When did the symptoms begin?
• Did they start after an injury?
• Where is the pain located?
• Does pain travel into an arm or leg?
• Is there numbness or tingling?
• Has strength changed?
• Have balance or walking been affected?
• Are symptoms becoming worse?
• Which treatments have already been tried?
• Has previous spine surgery been performed?

A neurological examination may assess:

• Muscle strength
• Reflexes
• Sensation
• Coordination
• Balance
• Walking pattern
• Hand movement
• Range of motion
• Signs of nerve compression

The doctor may also review MRI, CT, X-ray, electromyography, or nerve-conduction results.

Treatment recommendations are usually based on how well the history, symptoms, examination, and imaging findings match.

Preparing for the Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A complete medication list
• Medication dosages
• Allergy information
• MRI images
• CT scans
• X-rays
• Imaging reports
• Electromyography results
• Nerve-conduction reports
• Earlier surgical records
• Physical therapy notes
• Injection records
• A symptom timeline
• Referral documents
• Insurance information
• Written questions

It is helpful to explain how symptoms affect everyday life. Patients may mention how far they can walk, whether they drop objects, whether one side feels weaker, or whether pain prevents normal sleep.

Specific examples often provide more useful information than simply describing pain as mild, moderate, or severe.

Questions to Ask Dr. Kim

Patients may consider asking:

• What is the likely cause of my symptoms?
• Do my scan results match what I am feeling?
• Are more tests needed?
• Could the condition improve without surgery?
• Which nonsurgical options remain?
• Why is surgery being considered?
• Is a minimally invasive option suitable?
• What are the main risks?
• What may happen if treatment is delayed?
• How long could recovery take?
• Will physical therapy be needed?
• Could the symptoms return?
• Which activities should I avoid?
• When should I seek urgent care?
• Would another opinion be useful?

Writing questions down before the consultation can help patients remember their main concerns.

Second Opinions for Spine Surgery

A second opinion may be useful before complex spinal reconstruction, fusion, nerve surgery, or another major operation.

Patients may consider another assessment when:

• The diagnosis is unclear
• Several treatment options have been suggested
• A major operation has been recommended
• Previous surgery did not improve symptoms
• The expected benefit is uncertain
• Recovery may be lengthy
• The patient feels unsure about the plan

Another opinion may confirm the original recommendation or identify a different reasonable approach. It does not necessarily mean the first doctor was incorrect.

Recovery and Follow-Up Care

Recovery depends on the condition, type of procedure, number of spinal levels involved, general health, and physical function before treatment.

Follow-up care may include:

• Wound checks
• Medication review
• Repeat imaging
• Physical therapy
• Walking programmes
• Activity restrictions
• Strength and mobility exercises
• Evaluation of nerve recovery
• Return-to-work planning
• Long-term symptom monitoring

Peripheral nerves may recover slowly, and improvement can continue over an extended period. Some symptoms may improve before others.

Patients preparing for postoperative care may find information about virtual follow-ups after surgery useful.

Insurance and Appointment Preparation

Insurance participation, referral requirements, and prior-authorisation rules may vary.

Before arranging an appointment, patients should ask:

• Is Dr. Kim included in my insurance network?
• Is a referral required?
• Does the clinic need imaging before booking?
• Is prior authorisation necessary?
• Will imaging review have a separate charge?
• Which facility is used for surgery?
• Are second opinions covered?
• Which records should be sent in advance?
• Is a telehealth consultation available?
• What payment options are offered?

Patients should confirm current information directly with the clinic and their insurance provider.

Telehealth and Online Consultations

Some follow-up visits, imaging reviews, or treatment discussions may be suitable for telehealth.

An in-person appointment may still be required when the doctor needs to examine strength, reflexes, sensation, balance, coordination, or walking.

Patients should ask whether their appointment type can be completed online and whether location or licensing rules affect availability.

When Symptoms Need Urgent Care

Some spinal and nerve symptoms should not wait for a routine consultation.

Urgent assessment may be needed for:

• Sudden or rapidly increasing weakness
• New loss of bladder control
• New loss of bowel control
• Difficulty urinating with severe back symptoms
• Numbness around the inner thighs or buttocks
• Severe weakness affecting both legs
• Loss of movement after an injury
• Sudden loss of sensation
• Breathing difficulty after a neck injury
• Serious symptoms after a fall or accident

Patients experiencing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should seek immediate medical care.

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