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Dr. Stephen A. Fletcher, DO is a pediatric neurosurgeon in Houston, TX specializing in pediatric neurosurgery. He graduated from University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1979 and has 47 years of experience. Dr. Stephen A. Fletcher, DO is affiliated with Children's Memorial Hermann Hospital, Memorial Hermann and Memorial Hermann - Texas Medical Center (TMC).
Hydrocephalus
Normally, the brain is bathed in a liquid called cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid cushions and nurtures the brain cells as it flows around and through the brain. Sometimes, cerebrospinal fluid does not get reabsorbed into the body properly, or a blockage in the brain can stop it from flowing. This causes a buildup of pressure called hydrocephalus. This condition affects a wide range of people, but it is much more prevalent among infants and older adults. Left untreated, hydrocephalus can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as headaches and blurred vision, and eventually may cause brain damage.
Hydrocephalus is most often treated with an implanted device called a shunt. A shunt is a long, thin tube that is used to drain excess fluid. One end is placed within the brain. The tube runs under the skin, along the neck behind the ear, and to another part of the body where the fluid can be reabsorbed. Most often this is the abdomen, but the chest or other areas can also be used. Shunts have a valve that allows doctors to monitor and control the pressure within the brain. Insertion of a shunt is a surgical procedure that takes one to two hours. Incisions are made in the head and the abdomen, and the shunt is threaded into place before the openings are stitched closed.
In cases where hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage, a procedure called endoscopic third ventriculostomy, or ETV, may be performed. During this procedure, a surgeon makes a dime-sized hole in the skull and uses a thin tube with a camera on the end (called an endoscope) to see inside the brain. The surgeon punctures a hole in the floor of the third ventricle, a fluid-filled space within the brain. The hole provides an opening for cerebrospinal fluid to flow around the blockage, normalizing pressure. The entire procedure usually takes less than an hour and patients can often go home the following day. ETV can provide a permanent and safe alternative to a shunt, but it is only useful for patients whose hydrocephalus is caused by a blockage.
Stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when a blood vessel supplying oxygen and nutrients to the brain is ruptured or blocked. The brain cannot function without a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients, so when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, even for a brief moment, brain cells begin to die. When a sufficient number of brain cells die, the brain itself can no longer function, meaning that strokes are very dangerous. Strokes can result in impaired movement, speech, cognitive ability, the impairment of important physical functions, and even death.
Anyone can have a stroke, regardless of age and health. Strokes are known to happen at random. However, certain conditions and behaviors can increase one's risk of stroke over time.
Risk factors for stroke include:
There are two main types of stroke: ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke occurs more commonly and is when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked. Blockages are caused by blood clots and built-up plaque (deposits of fat and cholesterol), which leads to atherosclerosis, a condition where the blood vessels narrow and harden. The resultant restricted blood flow may lead to an ischemic stroke by blocking essential oxygen to the brain, causing the heart to exert more effort to pump blood.
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures. The burst vessel leaks blood into surrounding brain tissue, causing irreparable brain damage.
Hemorrhagic strokes are less common and may occur from head injuries, brain aneurysms, brain tumors, and bleeding disorders, amongst other conditions.
Both ischemic and hemorrhagic strokes require immediate medical treatment. Medical intervention can prevent severe and life-threatening brain damage. Signs of stroke include:
-Disorientation or confusion
-Difficulty speaking
-Difficulty walking
-Impaired vision
-Weakness in the face, legs, or arms
-Severe headaches
When someone suspected of having a stroke reaches the hospital, the patient will usually receive a CT or other scan that provides an image of the brain. The scan results can reveal clotted or leaking blood in the brain. Physical exams, neurological exams, and blood tests may also be used to check for blood clotting and sugar. Treatment begins generally immediately if a stroke is detected.
Medical treatment for ischemic strokes includes a thrombolytic medicine which breaks up and disperses blood clots. This medicine can greatly improve stroke recovery and long-term health. However, the thrombolytic medicine must be administered as soon as possible to achieve these results. Other treatments for ischemic strokes are blood thinners and thrombectomy, a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot in the brain. Thrombectomy is performed by inserting a catheter (thin needle) into the artery to reach the blood clot and mechanically remove it. With the clot removed, normal blood flow to the brain resumes. Thrombectomy is typically performed at most six hours after a patient shows signs of a stroke.
Hemorrhagic strokes are treated with blood-saving medication and surgery. For a hemorrhagic stroke caused by the rupture of an aneurysm (blood vessel bulges), surgery to stem the bleeding aneurysm and vessel may be used. One surgical technique is stent-assisted coiling, which adds a stent (small wire-meshed tube) into the blood vessel to block the leaking opening of the aneurysm. A non-surgical procedure is endovascular coiling, where a catheter (thin, hollow needle) places a platinum wire coil at the spot of the aneurysm. The coil blocks bleeding and prevents the aneurysm from continuing to leak blood. These procedures are usually combined with blood-thickening medications. Blood transfusions may be administered if substantial blood loss has occurred.
Since stroke patients may have lost some essential functions while the blood flow to their brains was obstructed, both ischemic stroke and hemorrhage stroke patients may receive post-stroke rehabilitation to rebuild their physical and mental abilities. Some restorative treatments include occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Patients may also receive care from neurologists, who can assist patients in recovering certain brain functions and cognitive abilities, and rehabilitation psychologists, who may help patients with their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive recovery. Some stroke patients require lengthy rehabilitation and may never fully regain function, while others may recover more quickly. While the fastest recovery improvements are usually seen in the first three or four months, stroke rehabilitation can last for years.
If someone begins to show signs of stroke, contact emergency services and call 9-1-1 immediately since blood flow must be restored as soon as possible to help avoid significant brain damage. If an ambulance takes the person to the hospital, paramedics can initiate stroke treatment as soon as the patient enters the ambulance, allowing for more prompt medical intervention and care.
Dr. Stephen A. Fletcher, DO graduated from University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1979. He completed residency at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. He has a state license in Texas.
Medical School: University of North Texas Health Science Center, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine (1979)
Residency: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center (1984)
Licensed In: Texas
Dr. Stephen A. Fletcher, DO appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna Medicare, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Superior Health Plan, Amerigroup Star Plus, Amerigroup Star, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), WellCare, Medicare Advantage, MultiPlan, AARP, United Healthcare Medicare Complete, HealthSpring, US Family Health Plan, Amerigroup, United Healthcare, Galaxy Health Network, Medicaid, Humana, Cigna, Coventry, HealthSmart, First Health, Beech Street, HealthLink, Memorial Hermann Solutions, Memorial Hermann Advantage HMO, Memorial Hermann Advantage PPO, Blue Exchange PPO, Community Health Choice Chip, Independant Medical Systems, Community Health Choice Marketplace QHP, Community Health Choice, Amerivantage, Aetna Most Benefit Plans, Reny Company Worker's Comp, WorkLink Worker's Comp, OccuNet PPO - PPO Network, Coastal Comp Healthnetworks Work Comp, Medicare Traditional, Aetna Signature Administrators PPO, Community Health Choice Marketplace Kelsey QHP, USA Managed Care Organization - PPO Network, Medicus International - PPO Network and Community Health Choice Star.
According to our sources, Dr. Stephen A. Fletcher, DO accepts the following insurance providers:
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These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Stephen A. Fletcher, DO. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
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$22
SURGICAL PAIN REGIONAL ANESTHESIA $22 |
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Stephen A. Fletcher, DO, is a board-certified and fellowship-trained neurosurgeon specializing in brain tumors, fetal neurosurgery, and vascular disorders in children. He treats patients from fetuses to young adults and some adults and is committed to providing outstanding pediatric neurosurgical care, including: Chiari malformation in children Pediatric brain tumors Congenital anomalies Medical management of trauma-associated brain swelling Spina bifida Fetal neurosurgery Fletcher is also a professor in the Department of Pediatric Surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. His research interests include Chiari malformation, medical management of trauma-associated brain swelling, attempts at culturing brain tumor cell lines in collaboration with The University of Texas MD Anderson Children’s Cancer Center, and the development of innovative surgical options for the management of fetal spina bifida patients. He received his medical degree at The University of North Texas Health Science Center’s Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. He completed his neurosurgery residency at The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston/Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center and Oklahoma State University/Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital. He also completed fellowship training in pediatric neurosurgery at the Children’s Medical Center of Dallas.
