Brainwaves 2026 Brings More Than 120 Neurosurgery Professionals Together at The Spiral

More than 120 physicians, trainees, faculty, industry partners, and students gathered September 18–19 for Brainwaves 2026, Columbia Neurosurgery’s annual practice update, held this year at ZO Clubhouse at The Spiral in Hudson Yards.

With sweeping views of New York City as the backdrop, the two-day meeting brought together experts from across the field to discuss current approaches, emerging technologies, and new directions in neurosurgical care.

The program reflected the breadth of modern neurosurgery, with presentations covering spine surgery and spinal cord recovery, brain tumors, skull base surgery, epilepsy and neuromodulation, pediatric neurosurgery, peripheral nerve disorders, cerebrovascular and endovascular treatment, and more.

Brainwaves 2026 also welcomed two distinguished keynote speakers. Erica Bisson, MD, MPH, shared perspectives on cervical spondylotic myelopathy as well as the intersection of spine surgery, academic healthcare, and a neurosurgical career. Nelson M. Oyesiku, MD, MSc (Lond), PhD, FACS, delivered keynote presentations reflecting on academic surgery and his journey investigating molecular imaging and targeted approaches for pituitary adenomas.

Throughout the meeting, Columbia Neurosurgery faculty highlighted advances and evolving approaches across their specialties. Sessions explored topics ranging from spinal neuromodulation and emerging treatments for spinal cord injury to function-preserving brain tumor surgery, minimally invasive and complex spine techniques, neuromodulation for drug-resistant epilepsy, microvascular decompression, concussion care, pediatric scoliosis, and new endovascular therapies.

Beyond the scientific program, Brainwaves created opportunities for colleagues to connect during sponsored meals, coffee breaks, and an evening networking reception. The open, modern setting at The Spiral offered an especially memorable environment for those conversations — and some remarkable views of the city.

This year’s meeting was supported by 10 industry sponsors: ATEC Spine, Baxter, Carlsmed, Globus Medical, Icotec Medical, Isto Biologics, Leica Microsystems, Medtronic, Providence Medical Technology, and Stryker.

Columbia Neurosurgery extends its thanks to the course directors, faculty, guest speakers, keynote speakers, sponsors, and more than 120 attendees who helped make Brainwaves 2026 a success.

We look forward to continuing the conversations sparked at this year’s meeting — and welcoming colleagues back for Brainwaves next year on September 24, 2027, at the Spiral in NYC.