MR MIKE HART

MIKE HART

Neurosurgeon Functional Academic Consultant

Contact Me

About Me

Hello, my name is Mike Hart. I am a consultant neurosurgeon with a specialist interest in treating pain, movement disorders, and epilepsy.

My aim is to provide a full repertoire of treatments to help best manage symptoms & facilitate faster recovery. To do this I pursue not just standard neurosurgical treatments but also the latest neuro devices and minimally invasive technologies.

Together, I help empower people to make personal treatment decisions, then deliver them in a timely and compassionate manner.

For more information on my endorsements and patient reviews please see my Doctify profile.

Name:Mike Hart
Address:New Victoria Hospital, London, UK
Study:Cambridge, Vancouver, London
Degree:PhD FRCSEd
Mail:info@mrmikehart.com
Phone:0203 815 7975

Neurosurgery

General Neurosurgery
Spinal Neurosurgery
Functional Neurosurgery
Deep Brain Stimulation
Spinal Cord Stimulation
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation
Vagal Nerve Stimulation

Academic Interests

Ultra-high field 7 Tesla MRI
Connectomics
Tractography
Machine Learning
Clinical trials
Digital Technology
Neuro devices

Education

2006

University of Edinburgh
Medical degree
2014-2017

University of Cambridge
PhD
2009-2020

Cambridge
Neurosurgery training

Fellowships

2017

Awake brain mapping
Prof Hugus Duffau, Montpellier
2020

Functional Neurosurgery
Prof Chris Honey, University of British Columbia
2021

Neuromodulation
St George's, University of London

Memberships

Testimonials

"...kind & considerate, I was so well informed of all that was going on"

Happy patient #1
Lumbar discectomy
"...thank you for giving me the opportunity to see what a difference DBS has made to my life"

Happy patient #2
DBS

Conditions

Cervical Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal with cord compression due to spondylotic or 'degenerative' disease.
In order to decide on the best management, it is important to have an in-depth consultation with a neurosurgeon or spinal surgeon, which may include multiple opinions. It is important that advice is tailored to the individual. Firstly, one needs to know the relationship by the scan findings and symptoms, and the natural history of the disease ('what happens if left alone'). Next, if any intervention is proposed, then this needs to have a clear justification, and discussion of the pros and cons of this approach. Broadly speaking, management can be conservative ('non-operative') or operative. Here the aim is essentially to decompress the spinal cord and exiting nerve roots in order to prevent deterioration and facilitate recovery. Options include (for example) going from the front or the back of the spine, which depend on a number of factors.

Resources The best independent, impartial advice in the UK is from the British Association of Spinal Surgeons (BASS) and specifically their booklet: Cervical Stenosis & Myelopathy
Cervical Disc Disease
Compression of the cervical spinal cord or nerve roots from a prolapsed or 'slipped' disc.
In order to decide on the best management, it is important to have an in-depth consultation with a neurosurgeon or spinal surgeon, which may include multiple opinions. It is important that advice is tailored to the individual. Firstly, one needs to know the relationship by the scan findings and symptoms, and the natural history of the disease ('what happens if left alone') which is often favourable if it is mainly causing arm pain. Next, if any intervention is proposed, then this needs to have a clear justification, and discussion of the pros and cons of this approach.

Broadly speaking, management can be conservative ('non-operative'), interventional ('injections'), or operative. Here the aim is to decompress the spinal cord and exiting nerve roots (the main focus if it is arm pain). Options including going from the front to remove the disc and either fuse or less commonly replace the disc space. Alternatively we can go from the back to open up the foramen (or canal) that the nerve travels in and giving it more space. Occasionally, injections (usually under CT guidance) can be useful for pain relief.

Resources
The best independent, impartial advice in the UK is from the British Association of Spinal Surgeons (BASS) and specifically their booklet: Cervical Disc Protrusion

GIRFT Pathway Cervical Discectomy
Lumbar Stenosis
Narrowing of the lumbar spinal canal from mixed degenerative disease including facet arthritis & hypertrophy of the ligamentum flavum
In order to decide on the best management, it is important to have an in-depth consultation with a neurosurgeon or spinal surgeon, which may include multiple opinions. It is important that advice is tailored to the individual. Firstly, one needs to know the relationship by the scan findings and symptoms, and the natural history of the disease ('what happens if left alone'). Next, if any intervention is proposed, then this needs to have a clear justification, and discussion of the pros and cons of this approach. Broadly speaking, management can be conservative ('non-operative') or operative, with interventional approaches ('injections') less commonly used. Here the aim is to decompress the spinal nerve roots. This involves removing a degree of bone, ligament, and facet joint depending on the individual nature of the condition.

Resources The best independent, impartial advice in the UK is from the British Association of Spinal Surgeons (BASS) and specifically their booklet: Lumbar Spine Stenosis
Lumbar Disc Disease
Herniated, prolapsed, or 'slipped discs'
In order to decide on the best management, it is important to have an in-depth consultation with a neurosurgeon or spinal surgeon, which may include multiple opinions. It is important that advice is tailored to the individual. Firstly, one needs to know the relationship by the scan findings and symptoms, and the natural history of the disease ('what happens if left alone'). Often, with a slipped disc, this is highly favourable, with many people getting better in a matter of weeks to months. Next, if any intervention is proposed, then this needs to have a clear justification, and discussion of the pros and cons of this approach.

Broadly speaking, all should have conservative measures instigated, including simple pain relief and maintaining physical activity. Next, if pain is severe or persistent, injections such as a transforaminal epidural ('nerve root block') are usually favoured these days. This is because they are highly effective with a low risk of side effects. However, in certain circumstances such as (for example) severe or persistent pain, surgery is preferred. Here the aim is to decompress the spinal nerve roots, known as the cauda equina (so called because they look like a horse's tail), and usually a specific root causing 'sciatica' pain. The aim of surgery is to remove the part of the disc causing the nerve compression, but a variable degree of bone and ligament may also be targeted too. A variety of 'keyhole' or minimally invasive approaches are available these days which have allowed this to become day-case surgery.

If you would like to know more, I am happy to discuss this with you in detail during a clinic appointment.

Resources
The best independent, impartial advice in the UK is from the British Association of Spinal Surgeons (BASS) and their page on Nerve Root Pain

BASS Transforaminal Epidural ('nerve root block')

BASS Lumbar Discectomy

GIRFT Back & radicular pain pathway

GIRFT Lumbar Disectomy
Spinal Surgery
Injections & decompressions
Surgery on the spine is often done to decompress nerves that have become trapped or pinched. The cause of the problem is in the back or neck, but as the pain comes from the nerve, it is often felt in the leg (e.g. sciatica). Deciding to proceed with spinal surgery is clearly a big decision. Fortunately, in the vast majority of cases, there is time to reflect and ensure you are entirely happy with your decision. These days, we know that many conditions of the spine tend to recover by themselves, and good pain relief can be provided through injections at minimal risk. However, in certain cases surgery is still the preferred option.

A good consultation and rapport with your surgeon is paramount to ensure that the best decision is made for your as an individual. There are also multiple independent guidelines we can draw on to help ensure best practice, which I've summarised opposite. Finally, it's really important to record all patient outcomes, in something known as a registry. All my patients are invited to participate in the British Spine Registry BSR , as recommended in national guidelines.

Resources
Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT): Spinal Services

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): Low Back Pain & Sciatica

British Spine Registry (BSR): Outcomes Registry
MRI & Spinal Disease
When to scan & what does it mean?
Many spinal conditions have what we call a favourable natural history: that is, if left alone, they tend to heal themselves over time. It is also very common (essentially inevitable) to develop signs of 'wear and tear' in the spine over time, not all of which cause symptoms. Diagnosing essentially all spinal conditions is almost always by MRI scanning. Often, an MRI is also helpful in ruling out serious disease, or highlighting conditions that we know will resolve, both of which can provide reassurance. Therefore, it is important to be seen and assessed properly.

A common condition of the spine is 'wear and tear' changes, which we call spondylotic disease. This is usually a combination of arthritis in the joints and thickening of the ligaments. The result of this is narrowing or 'pinch points' where nerves leave the spine.
Therefore, much of our attention as surgeons is decompressing nerves in the spine, the purpose of which is usually to relieve pain in the arms and legs.

Sometimes, the problem is purely back pain i.e. without leg or arm pain. In this situation, it can be difficult to reach a diagnosis, and therefore it can be difficult to properly treat. However, we now have a variety of treatments that can be beneficial, albeit in selected patients. These include restorative muscle stimulation, known as ReActiv8 to improve spinal stability and muscle function. Another option is median branch blocks & radiofrequency lesioning (MBB) to dampen down pain from the joints around the spine. Additionally, Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) can be helpful, mainly when there is a neuropathic ('nerve-type pain') element. Finally, there are operative approaches, which are mainly recommended in cases of instability.

These days, we can draw on many guidelines to help advise us on the best management. Often, because we know spinal conditions can resolve themselves, we advise on conservative or minimally invasive therapies in the first instance. Usually, this consists of physiotherapy, simple pain relief, and continuing with light exercise. However, in certain cases, this isn't enough, or symptoms are persistent. In this situation if is important to have a conversation about the next steps, including injections and spinal surgery.

Resources
British Association of Spinal Surgeons: Acute Back Pain

Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT): Spinal Services

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): Low Back Pain & Sciatica

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE): Neuropathic Pain

Insurance Approved

Functional Neurosurgery Conditions

The following information is provided to be helpful and encourage discussions with healthcare professionals on treatment options. It is not intended to be guidelines or formal medical advice.

Parkinson's Disease

After performing over 200 DBS operations for people with Parkinson's disease, what still amazes me is how the condition is always so individual. We are constantly learning more about the causes, types, and symptoms (many of which have been underappreciated for years). Add into this mix someone's own personality and it should be understandable why it is so individual. However, with all this variation, and the many treatments available, it can make navigating these options daunting. The following information is provided to be helpful and encourage discussions on how to be treated with healthcare professionals, and is not intended to be a substitute for medical consultation.

Parkinson's disease in the vast majority of patients can be well controlled with medications. Nevertheless, in certain situations a surgical device known as deep brain stimulation (DBS) can be highly effective. Originally, this was designed to treat 'motor' or movement related symptoms. The most common of these that benefit are tremor, dyskinesia's (and over abundance of movement), and "on-off" phenomena (where medications don't stay working all the time). More recently, we have gained insight into how DBS can affect other symptoms too. There are variations with DBS in which part of the brain is targeted, the device that is used, and how the surgery is actually involved. Therefore, it is really important to have a thorough conversation with your healthcare team about all of these aspects. These days, there are also alternatives to DBS, some of which will have different pros and cons. These include infusions, gels administered via pumps, and other medical therapies. Finally, in certain cases we can use certain other neurosurgical procedures, known as a lesions. These aim to physically block pathways in the brain, typically by heating using different types of waves (radiofrequency or ultrasound). The most common type of this procedure is known as a thalamotomy.

If you would like some written information to help guide you, I would recommend the resources available from one of the many charities in the field, a few of which are listed below:

Parkinson's UK

Cure Parkinson's

Parkinson's Care & Support UK

I'm sure there are many others too (this list isn't intended to be exhaustive).
Epilepsy

Normally, the brain works with electrical signals in a carefully controlled manner. Sometimes, these electrical signals can go awry, which can then cause a seizure. Epilepsy is a condition where there is a tendency to multiple seizures. It is one of the most common neurological conditions in the world.

Most people will gain control of their seizures with a single medication. In some cases, multiple medications may be required. However, in around 1 in 3 people, there will still be seizures despite even multiple medications. In this situation, neurosurgery options (known as 'epilepsy surgery') may be considered.

Epilepsy surgery can take a few different forms. Normally, further assessments are required to determine the best option for any one individual. In some cases, there is an area of the brain (such as a lesion or tumour) that is believed to be the source and can be removed. In other cases, there isn't a clear source, and other treatments may be more appropriate. These can involve neuromodulation, whereby electricity is used to affect the function of brain circuits involved in seizures. In the UK, vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) is one of the most commonly used treatments. Recently, a new treatment has become available where stimulation can be focused on the area believed to be causing the seizure, known as Easee. Another alternative is deep brain stimulation (DBS) but this isn't routinely available in the UK.
There are lots of excellent epilepsy charities who offer terrific education resources and support, including:

Epilepsy Research Institute

Epilepsy Society

I'm sure there are many others too (this list isn't intended to be exhaustive and I hope to add to it soon).
Chronic Pain
Persistent spinal pain / neuropathic pain / FBSS / CRPS

Chronic pain is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects the quality of life for millions of people worldwide. Globally, approximately 1.5 billion are living with chronic pain, with 1 in 10 developing this condition each year. In the UK, chronic pain is estimated to affect over a third of the population or 28 million.

Normally, nerve signals are constantly being passed from the body to the brain. This is helpful as it tells us when we are hurt or injured. However, when nerves become damaged, they may send pain signals to the brain even if an injury is not occurring. This is unhelpful and leads to chronic or long-term nerve (neuropathic) pain. This type of pain can interfere with daily activities such as sleeping, working, and enjoying hobbies. Related problems can then develop including mood disturbances, weight gain, physical de-conditioning due to lack of exercise, and dependence on strong painkillers such as opiates. There are myriad causes, but in many cases reaching a definite diagnosis is not possible. Additionally, there are multiple treatments and pathways available too.

I seek to offer a holistic assessment and individually tailored treatments. In certain patients, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) plays a key role, but other forms of neuromodulation can also be used in the right situation.
Cancer Pain
Benign / Malignant / Acute / Chronic
Pain related to cancer and tumours (either benign or malignant) is common and under-appreciated. Often, it can be treated well with medicine and physical therapies, with good outcomes. There are often teams involved that can offer a variety of treatments.

However, in some circumstances it can prove more different to treat. In these situations, it is important to be seen as part of a multidisciplinary team who can offer a variety of treatment options. I have an interest in operations to treat cancer pain. Options include spinal cord stimulation and other forms of neuromodulation, intrathecal drug delivery, and lesions to the brain and spinal cord. Recommendations are made on an individual taking into account a variety of factors including patient wishes, the type of pain, and any other treatments that are taking place.

One procedure we perform is called a 'thalamotomy' where we block the pain transmission as it goes into the brain. This is a short and routine operation performed while the patient is awake. It usually provides immediate and effective pain relief in otherwise difficult to treat cases, hence it is very useful in cancer pain. A video of what this is like is provided here:
Thalamotomy Video.

YouTube Stereotactic thalamotomy for cancer pain
Thalamotomy Video

Functional Neurosurgery Treatments

The following information is provided to be helpful and encourage discussions with healthcare professionals. These are not formal treatment recommendations, and any proposed operation needs to be fully discussed with the team involved.

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
Parkinson's, Dystonia, Tremor
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) aims to modulate or alter pathways in the brain to relieve symptoms of movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease, dystonia, and tremor. To do this, a device is surgically implanted. It comprises two leads that go into the brain, a battery, and connecting wires (known as extensions). The battery delivers electrical current through the leads into precisely targeted areas deep in the brain. Thus, pathways in the brain are altered to re-balance symptoms. Before surgery a detailed assessment process is performed to determine who will benefit and to what extent.

Resources
Patient information site and booklet from Parkinson's UK on DBS

Globe & Mail article on a patient's experience of having DBS
Thalamotomy
Parkinson's disease, Tremor
A thalalamotomy is a procedure that aims to block the pathways contributing to the symptom of tremor. If does this by using electricity to damage certain cells, ideally permanently but if not for a long time, while preserving those cells that are otherwise working well. Historically, this was the mainstay of treatment for movement disorders, but there were limitations. The advent of DBS moved the field on and thalamotomy became rare. Nowadays, thalamotomy stil has a role to play, particularly if symptoms are mainly bothersome on one side, and one wishes to avoid DBS for whatever reason. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in thalamotomy with the development of MRgFUS or 'HIFU' which is billed as 'non-invasive' surgery. We offer a thalamotomy by radiofrequency, as part of the RAPID-CNS Trial

Here is a paper we published on our thalamotomy lesioning for tremor:

Radiofrequency thalamotomy for tremor produces focused and predictable lesions shown on magnetic resonance images. Brain Comms, 2023

Resources
Video of a thalamotomy (although for pain) from our department onYouTube
Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE)
Epilepsy is a condition of the brain where there is a tendency to have seizures. An excellent introduction to epilepsy is from the Epilepsy Society and from the Epilepsy Research Institute. A summary of surgical intervention and particularly neuromodulatory devices is available in an interview here.

In Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS), electrical therapy is used to alter neural circuits in the brain which in turn reduce the chance of seizures. Other benefits include reducing medications, reducing seizure duration and severity, and improving mood. To do this, a device is surgically implanted. This comprises a lead with coils that wrap around the vagus nerve in the neck, and a battery which sits just under the collar bone. These days, this is a routine day-case procedure. However, it requires close follow-up and programming, with the benefit tending to steadily improve over time. An excellent patient-focused introduction to VNS is available from the Epilepsy Foundation.

Resources
Patient information site and booklet from the Epilepsy Foundation on VNS
EASEE
Epicranial Application of Stimulation Electrodes for Epilepsy (EASEE)
Epilepsy is a condition of the brain where there is a tendency to have seizures. An excellent introduction to epilepsy is from the Epilepsy Society and from the Epilepsy Research Institute. A summary of surgical intervention and particularly neuromodulatory devices is available in an interview here.

A new therapy for certain types of seizures is known as EASEE(R), which stands for Epicranial Application of Stimulation Electrodes for Epilepsy. This delivers electricity to the part of the brain believed to be causing seizures. This is believed to stabilise the brain's activity and reduce seizures. A major advantage of this procedure is that there is no surgery on the brain, and the effect won't fluctuate like it can with medications.

In terms of benefit, there is one main study that suggests seizures can be reduced by half in about 2 out of every 3 people at 2 years. The results are likely to be best if we know the seizures are coming from a clear area of the brain.

Practically, this involves an operation to place a 5cm pad under the scalp and attached it to the skull, which is then connected to a battery sitting under the collar bone. This is completed as a small operation under general anaesthetic as a day-case procedure. A major advantage to this is there is no brain surgery - everything is placed on the skull - and the chance of any complication is very low.

An excellent patient-focused introduction to the therapy is available at Epilepsy Action and at the Epilepsy Society.

Resources
More information about the EASEE implant from Epilepsy Action

A patient information booklet on EASEE from the Epilepsy Society
Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)
Persistent spinal pain / neuropathic pain / FBSS / CRPS
Here, electrical therapy is used to alter ("dampen down") pathways involved in the transmission of pain in the spinal cord. To do this, a device is surgically implanted. This comprises leads that go near to the lining around the spinal cord, and a battery. The aim is to improve pain control and maximise quality of life in a minimally-invasive manner without the risk of permanent changes to the spine. Not all types of pain are suitable for treatment with SCS, therefore an assessment process is performed, which typically includes a trial of SCS through temporary leads.

All out outcomes are entered on the National Neuromodulation Registry (NNR) as per national (GIRFT) guidelines.

Resources
Blog on Spinal Cord Stimulation: A Light at the End of the Tunnel for Chronic Pain

British Pain Society: Spinal Cord Stimulation

St George's Neuromodulation Team on Instagram
Cingulotomy
Refractory Malignant Cancer Pain
A part of the brain known as the cingulate gyrus is believed to play a key role in the feeling of pain, as well as other emotions. A cingulotomy is where we try to block the function of this part of the brain, thereby improving pain. This is a type of brain lesioning whereby typically radiofrequency waves are used to generate heat and thereby block its function. It is rarely performed and there is less evidence on this procedure than many others. Hence, this procedure is usually best saved for people with very bad pain due to malignancy in which there are few other options. We also perform research as part of this procedure with brain scans which involves a computer-based task and MRI scanning.

Resources
Cingulotomy: Patient Information Booklet
ReActiv8
Multifidus Muscle Dysfunction
In some cases, this is believed to be due to dysfunction of one of the muscles around the spine, known as the multifidus. ReActiv8 is a new form of neuromodulation that aims to restore function by stimulating the nerves that go to the multifidus muscle. Practically, it is a device placed while under general anaesthetic. It involves two wires that sit just on top of the bones of the spine, and are then connected to a battery slightly lower down on the back. The operation takes less than an hour and can be completed as a day-case. There are a variety of tests and assessments we can perform to determine if it is likely ReActiv8 will work for you.

Resources
An introduction to ReActiv8 on Youtube

Patient assessment & suitability by Mainstay Medical
Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)
Chronic Neuropathic Pain
In certain forms of neuropathic ('nerve-related') pain We now have access to new devices that can be charged through the skin and don't need a battery: this makes providing PNS much easier. This makes surgery less painful, recovery faster, and means a lower chance of any complications. Indications for this usually hinge on confirming a specific nerve is responsible for the pain. Assessments usually include a 'test injection' to predict response, and nerve studies to determine the involvement of a particular nerve. Potential sites for stimulation include: brachial plexus; cluneal nerve; intercostal nerve; posterior tibial nerve; and peroneal nere.

Academic

If you are interested in this, see my academic website: www.mrmikehart.com/academia

As well as a functional neurosurgeon, I am a senior lecturer, and academia occupies a significant part of my practice.

Maximising benefit and minimising harm in functional neurosurgery are the overarching background themes to my academic pursuits.

I leverage cutting-edge neuroimaging methods (ultra-high field 7T MRI, connectomics) to understand both disease mechanisms (thalamic sensori-motor dysintegration) and novel treatment targets (tractography-based stimulation).

Translating technological advances to improved patient care is effected through judicious industry collaborations.

My work leverages consultancy agreements for cell delivery in movement disorders and epilepsy, leading trials on novel electrode design, and app development for surgical planning (NetSym®) and accuracy appraisal (neuroXact).

Overall, my aim is to provide a wide-ranging clinical and academic practice in functional neurosurgery that allows patients to benefit from the latest clinical advances, research discoveries, and technological innovations.

For further information, see my academic website: www.mrmikehart.com/academia

Imaging:7T / Connectomics / Tractography
Analytics:Big Data / Machine Learning / AI
Digital:App Design & Coding
Devices:Trials / Regulatory / Closed-Loop
Website:www.mrmikehart.com/academia
Academic Foundation Programme
Apply:www.oriel.nhs.uk
Prospectus:AFP Neurosurgery

Academic Clinical Fellow
Apply:www.oriel.nhs.uk
Prospectus:ACF Neurosurgery

Papers

Factors affecting targeting accuracy in minimally invasive twist drill deep brain stimulation Surgical Neurology International, 2025

Sympathetic Shift and Insular Alteration: Unravelling the Link Between Anxiety and Heart Rate Variability in Parkinson's Disease. Movement Disorders, 2025

YouTube videos for describing Deep Brain Stimulation: a comprehensive and quantitative review. BJNS, 2025

Deep brain stimulation for epilepsy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized and non-randomized studies of thalamic targeting. Epilepsy Research, 2025

Low/High Multi-Frequency Stimulation of the Subthalamic Nucleus Improves Verbal Fluency Maintaining Motor Control in Parkinson's Disease. Movement Disorders, 2025

Tremor Asymmetry and the Development of Bilateral Phase-Specific Deep Brain Stimulation for Postural Tremor. Movement Disorders, 2025

Cortico-thalamic tremor circuits and their associations with deep brain stimulation effects in essential tremor. Brain, 2025

EANS Epilepsy surgery Brain Dissection Course Vienna 2024. Brain & Spine, 2024

SSpinal Cord Stimulation for Spinal Cord Injury-Related Pain: A Pilot Study. Brain Sci, 2024

Basal ganglia theta power indexes trait anxiety in people with Parkinson's disease. Brain, 2024

Stimulation-Evoked Resonant Neural Activity in the Subthalamic Nucleus Is Modulated by Sleep. Movement Disorders, 2025

Brain tumour microstructure is associated with post-surgical cognition. Scientific Reports, 2024

Directional electrodes in deep brain stimulation: Results of a survey by the European Association of Neurosurgical Societies (EANS). Brain Spine, 2024

Tumour-infiltrated cortex participates in large-scale cognitive circuits. Cortex, 2024

Deep Brain Stimulation Improves Symptoms of Spasmodic Dysphonia Through Targeting of Thalamic Sensorimotor Connectivity. Neurosurgery, 2024

Radiofrequency thalamotomy for tremor produces focused and predictable lesions shown on magnetic resonance images. Brain Comms, 2023

Raising standards of accuracy in deep brain stimulation requires consistent definitions and unbiased reporting. JNNP, 2023

High gamma activity in frontal control regions revealed using intraoperative electrocorticography. Cortex, 2023

Beta-triggered adaptive deep brain stimulation during reaching movement in Parkinson's disease. Brain, 2023

Subthalamic stimulation-induced local field potential changes in dystonia. Movement Disorders, 2023

A fellowship in functional neurosurgery at the University of British Columbia. Surgeons News, 2022

neuroXact

Our latest tech start-up is neuroXact. We provide post-operative appraisal of DBS lead accuracy, targeting, and potential effects of stimulation. For further information, see the neuroXact website

Objective:Independent & without bias
Quantified:Sub-milimeteric anatomical evaluation
Trusted:authentic & assured
Website:www.neuroxact.com

Medicolegal work

I perform work as an expert witness with Eopinex. My aim is to provide specialist information in a clear and timely manner in order to produce the highest standard of court-compliant reports. I am happy to have preliminary discussions regarding suitability of cases and offer pro bono opinions. I offer a fast and reliable turnaround with reports produced in under 4 weeks.

My formal training as an expert witness includes successfully completing the Cardiff University Bond Solon Civil Expert Witness Certificate in 2025. This included 5 days of training and 3 assessments with modules in: Excellence in Report Writing; Courtroom Skills; Cross Examination Day; and Civil Law & Procedure. Additionally, I actively participate in regular formal training from certified providers to keep up to date, as per guidance from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (2019). Furthermore, I have references from instructing solicitors, and my redacted reports have been independently appraised.

Training:Bond Solon
Website:Eopinex
Contact:info@eopinex.com
CV:Mike Hart medicolegal CV
Profile:Expert Witness Profile
Terms:Medicolegal Terms of Reference

Training

Successfully completing the Cardiff University Bond Solon Civil Expert Witness Certificate in 2025 (a total of 5 days training & 3 assessments).
Bond Solon modules completed include: Excellence in Report Writing; Courtroom Skills; Cross Examination Day; and Civil Law & Procedure.
I actively participate in regular formal training from certified providers to keep up to date, as per guidance from the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges (2019).
Furthermore, I have references from instructing solicitors, and my redacted reports have been independently appraised.

Memberships

I am a member of the Expert Witness Institute (EWI).
I am on the UK Register of Expert Witnesses.
I am a member of the Faculty of Expert Witnesses (FEW).
I am registered with Expert Witness.

Areas of Expertise

General neurosurgery including traumatic brain injury, infection, hydrocephalus.
Spinal neurosurgery including back pain, sciatica, lumbar disc disease, lumbar stenosis, whiplash, neck pain, cervical disc disease, cervical myelopathy.
Functional neurosurgery; movement disorders; Parkinson's disease; tremor; dystonia; pain; spinal cord stimulation; epilepsy; vagal nerve stimulation; spasticity; intrathecal drug delivery; peripheral nerve stimulation.
GMC enquiries and fitness to practice.
Legal aid cases at fixed fees.

Accreditation

Privacy Notice

Strict adherence is paid to the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and Data Protection Act 2018.
Personal information is only used for the purposes requested at the time of instruction. I am a registered data controller for these purposes with the Information Commissioner. Data is typically obtained from medical records, other reports and statements provided by the instructing solicitors, and directly from patients and/or those caring for them. Consent to hold personal data from patients I am assessing in this context is confirmed at first assessment, and considered continuing unless otherwise advised.
Electronic notes and copies of final reports are stored and protected including with 256-bit AES encryption. Files are retained for up to 7 years in case of matters arising, and for tax purposes as evidence of work undertaken. Any material retained beyond that for professional development purposes have personal identifiable details redacted.

Consultancy

I have previously worked as an expert consultant for a variety of companies ranging from small tech start-ups to major industry partners. Advice can range from patient pathways, treatment strategies, and operative procedures. For 2024 onwards I have paused all consultancy work while a member of the MHRA IDWG.

Trials:RCT Design, Approval, Statistics
MRI:Sequences, Analysis, 7T
Biomarkers:Neuroimaging, Clinical, LFP
Devices:Approval, Trials, MRI conditionality

Current Committees

Functional Committee of the European Association of Neurological Societies (EANS);
Research & Development lead of the British Society of Stereotactic and Functional Neurosurgeons (BSSFN);
Member of the Interim Devices Working Group (IDWG) of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Authority (MHRA);
Member of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) of the Epilepsy Institute.

Get in Touch

New Victoria Hospital, 184 Coombe Lane, West Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7EG
info@mrmikehart.com
020 8949 9020 (appointments)
0203 815 7975 (secretary)

123movies

MIKE HART

Neurosurgeon Functional Academic Consultant

University of Edinburgh

University of Cambridge

Cambridge

Awake brain mapping

Functional Neurosurgery

Neuromodulation

Happy patient #1

Happy patient #2

Cervical Stenosis

Cervical Disc Disease

Lumbar Stenosis

Lumbar Disc Disease

Spinal Surgery

MRI & Spinal Disease

Parkinson's Disease

Epilepsy

Chronic Pain

Cancer Pain

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)

Thalamotomy

Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS)

EASEE

Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS)

Cingulotomy

ReActiv8

Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (PNS)