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Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD

Accepting New Patients

(1484 Ratings)

Specializes in: Spine Surgery and Neurosurgery

Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College (1998)

Professional interests include: peripheral nerve surgery, brain surgery, spinal deformity, and more.

3333 North Calvert Street Spine Center, Suite 655
Baltimore, MD 21218

(410) 554-2247

Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD is a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD specializing in spine surgery and neurosurgery. She graduated from Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College in 1998 and has 27 years of experience. Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD is affiliated with MedStar Harbor Hospital, MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, MedStar Health, MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, MEDSTAR MEDICAL GROUP II LLC and LIFEBRIDGE SPORTS MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION LLC.

Office Locations

Unable to locate address.

Address:

3333 North Calvert Street Spine Center, Suite 655
Baltimore, MD 21218

Address:

412 Malcolm Drive Suite 200
Westminster, MD 21157

Address:

1838 Greene Tree Road Suite 245
Pikesville, MD 21208

Some issues Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD can help you with:

Craniotomy

Craniotomy and craniectomy are surgical procedures used to access the brain and treat tumors, intracranial pressure, or other conditions. These surgeries are performed by creating holes in the skull, or cranium, to expose the brain. The opening in the skull can be immediately replaced (craniotomy), or it can be replaced during a later procedure (craniectomy). The following procedures use craniotomy or craniectomy:

Brain biopsy, which is done by guiding a needle through the opening in the skull to the targeted area of the brain. This procedure may be performed through an open or minimally invasive approach. The minimally invasive approach, called stereotactic brain biopsy, uses a computer to guide the needle.
Brain tumor resection, which may be performed following a biopsy with image guidance. Depending on the size and location of the tumor, resection will require 2-5 hours.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak repair, particularly for leaks that continue for a long period of time after a surgery. CSF leaks that are left untreated can lead to complications such as meningitis, an inflammation of the outer layers (meninges) of the brain.
Decompression, often following a stroke or injury. Decompressive craniotomy or craniectomy temporarily removes a flap from the skull to give the brain more room for swelling, which provides pressure relief.
Hematoma evacuation, which can also relieve pressure on the brain. A hematoma is a swelling of clotted blood. It can occur between the skull and the outer covering of the brain, or dura (epidural), between the dura and the brain (subdural), and within the brain (intracerebral). Craniotomy or craniectomy may be used to access and remove the hematoma.

To perform a craniotomy, the surgeon will need to make an incision on the scalp to expose the skull. Some of the hair may be shaved, and the scalp will be cleaned with antiseptic solution. Following the incision, the surgeon will use a drill to remove a piece of the skull, called a bone or skull flap. If the surgeon needs to reach a tumor or perform an aspiration, the dura, which covers the brain, will be incised (cut) to access the lesion. The bone flap will be reattached once the surgeon has completed the procedure. If the surgeon is performing a craniectomy, the same steps will be followed, but a mesh piece will be placed where the bone flap was, and the scalp will be surgically closed. Patients will need to wear a special helmet for a few months after the procedure. The bone flap will be preserved and replaced during a later operation, or it may never be replaced.

Patient recovery period can range from two days to two weeks, depending on the specific procedure and condition. Patient will require monitoring and may be given medication for pain or brain swelling. Patients will have to restrict their physical activity for some time after the procedure, and they may need to work with a physical therapist.

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.

Spinal Fusion

Spinal fusion is a surgical procedure to permanently join together two or more vertebrae, the bones in the spine. Certain spinal disorders can lead to instability and pain, and the idea behind spinal fusion is that fusing vertebrae together can both make them stronger and reduce motion, which can sometimes reduce pain.

There are several different types of spinal fusion surgery available, mostly depending on where a patient's pain is located and whether his or her surgeon will perform the procedure through the back, front, or side. In general, a fusion is performed by packing the vertebrae to be fused with grafted bone. This bone may be taken from the patient's hip, may be donated from a cadaver, or it may be a manufactured synthetic material. The bone is placed along the vertebrae, and sometimes, the disc that lies in between the vertebrae is removed and replaced with grafted bone. The bone material will grow and cement the two vertebrae together. After the bone graft is placed, the vertebrae are sometimes held in place with rods, screws, plates, or cages, depending on the weakness of the spine and needs of the graft.

Spinal fusion is a significant surgery and can take three to four hours or more. Recovery is typically two to four days in the hospital. After surgery, it is important to remember that the fusion takes time to grow from the bone graft. So, the actual fusion is not complete for several months. Patients will probably feel somewhat better right away, but it may take a while to feel the full effects of the fusion as the bone grows into place. In the meantime, doctors might have patients wear a brace to protect their spine and keep it properly aligned.

Spinal fusion is not used for all kinds of back pain. Changing the way the spine moves can lead to strain on the other joints in the back, and fusion is only performed when the benefits outweigh the risks. Some spine disorders that are treated with fusion include:

Curvature disorders, such as scoliosis and kyphosis
Degenerative disc disease
Spondylolisthesis, a disorder that causes vertebrae to slip over each other
Significant spinal fractures that cause instability
Weakened spine due to infection or tumor
Some cases of spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal column
Chronic lower back pain (although the use of fusion to treat this is controversial)

Regardless of the diagnosis, there is always a possibility of 'failure' with spinal fusion, or of the surgery not fully solving the pain. This is more likely when fusion is used primarily to treat pain instead of structural problems. Patients can improve their chances of a successful outcome by stopping smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, moving their body every day, and following their doctor's instructions for any physical therapy that they are prescribed.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	16
decompression surgery	28
doctor visit	657
neck surgery	16
nerve procedures	28
spinal procedures	38

**Gender**
Male	177
Female	314

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	393
Black	87
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	242
From 75 to 84	129
85 and over	37
Less than 65	83

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	68
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	28
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	37
Dementia	8
Cancer	10

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	13
cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt insertion	12
decompression surgery	26
doctor visit	701
hospital care	21
inpatient care	21
neck surgery	13
nerve procedures	26
spinal procedures	47

**Gender**
Male	198
Female	355

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	446
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	277
From 75 to 84	146
85 and over	42
Less than 65	88

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	10
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	17
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	16
Diabetes	35
Dementia	8
Cancer	10

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	13
decompression surgery	29
doctor visit	693
emergency care	13
hospital care	36
inpatient care	36
neck surgery	13
nerve procedures	29
spinal procedures	26

**Gender**
Male	426
Female	702

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	894
Black	202
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	536
From 75 to 84	340
85 and over	98
Less than 65	154

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	70
Stroke	12
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	30
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	11
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	9
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	37
Dementia	10
Cancer	11

**Gender**
Male	250
Female	322

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	461
Black	92
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	261
From 75 to 84	190
85 and over	36
Less than 65	85

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	64
Stroke	9
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	26
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	17
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	13
Diabetes	41
Dementia	10
Cancer	11

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	27
aspiration	24
bone marrow tests	24
decompression surgery	58
doctor visit	591
neck surgery	27
nerve procedures	58
spinal procedures	75

**Gender**
Male	208
Female	247

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	380
Black	63
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	232
From 75 to 84	131
85 and over	30
Less than 65	62

Hypertension	74
High Cholesterol	60
Stroke	8
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	25
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	8
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	13
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	42
Dementia	9
Cancer	10

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	37
decompression surgery	73
doctor visit	577
neck surgery	37
nerve procedures	73
spinal procedures	140

**Gender**
Male	191
Female	278

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	367
Black	78
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	238
From 75 to 84	152
85 and over	19
Less than 65	60

Hypertension	75
High Cholesterol	72
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	34
Depression	29
Chronic Kidney Disease	25
Asthma	8
Osteoperosis	10
Atrial Fibrilation	7
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	42
Dementia	10
Cancer	12

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	18
decompression surgery	81
doctor visit	644
neck surgery	18
nerve procedures	81
spinal procedures	133

**Gender**
Male	193
Female	333

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	428
Black	78
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	278
From 75 to 84	159
85 and over	24
Less than 65	65

Hypertension	73
High Cholesterol	71
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	36
Depression	27
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	9
Atrial Fibrilation	6
Heart Failure	16
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	12
Diabetes	37
Dementia	7
Cancer	10

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	31
decompression surgery	62
doctor visit	523
neck surgery	31
nerve procedures	62
spinal procedures	114

**Gender**
Male	187
Female	240

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	340
Black	66
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	232
From 75 to 84	133
85 and over	17
Less than 65	45

Hypertension	71
High Cholesterol	67
Stroke	7
Ischemic Heart Disease	35
Depression	23
Chronic Kidney Disease	28
Asthma	9
Osteoperosis	11
Atrial Fibrilation	8
Heart Failure	14
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	11
Diabetes	41
Dementia	11
Cancer	14

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	38
decompression surgery	86
doctor visit	1212
neck surgery	38
nerve procedures	86
spinal procedures	164

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2013 - 2021

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD treated as a spine surgeon in Baltimore, MD were spinal procedures, nerve procedures, decompression surgery and hospital care.

arthrodesis (bone fusion surgery)	25
aspiration	24
bone marrow tests	24
decompression surgery	56
doctor visit	703
emergency care	13
hospital care	28
inpatient care	28
neck surgery	25
nerve procedures	56
spinal procedures	92

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2013 - 2021

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD.

**Gender**
Male	183
Female	279

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	66
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	370
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	0
Other	0

**Age**
85 and over	30
75 to 84	138
Less than 65	64
65 to 74	229

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD From 2013 - 2021

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes and ischemic heart disease.

Hypertension	59
High Cholesterol	53
Stroke	6
Ischemic Heart Disease	28
Depression	22
Chronic Kidney Disease	18
Asthma	8
Osteoporosis	7
Heart Failure	11
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	10
Diabetes	31
Atrial Fibrillation	6
Dementia	7
Cancer	8

Education & Training

Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD graduated from Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College in 1998. She completed residency at University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Affiliated Hospitals. She is certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, Neurological Surgery and has a state license in Maryland.

Medical School: Thomas Jefferson University, Jefferson Medical College (1998)

Residency: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas and Affiliated Hospitals (2004)

Board Certification: American Board of Neurological Surgery, Neurological Surgery

Licensed In: Maryland

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MedStar Harbor Hospital

MedStar Good Samaritan Hospital

MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center

MedStar Health

MedStar Union Memorial Hospital

MEDSTAR MEDICAL GROUP II LLC

LIFEBRIDGE SPORTS MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION LLC

Insurance Information

Please note: Insurance information may change at any time, and the provider may accept your insurance plan even if it is not listed below. Please contact the provider's office to confirm that your insurance is accepted.

Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: CIGNA Choice Fund PPO, MAMSI, First Health PPO, Blue Choice, Golden Rule, Great-West Healthcare, TRICARE, Community Care Network (CCN), Coventry, TRICARE Reserve Select, Aetna Managed Choice POS, Beech Street PPO, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Select, Kaiser Permanente, CIGNA EPO, Aetna Medicare PPO, CIGNA Indemnity, AARP, Medicare Advantage, Coventry National Network PPO, United Healthcare, Medicaid, Cigna, Virginia Premier Health Plan, WellPoint, Aetna, CIGNA Network Open Access, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), HealthyBlue PPO, MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, CareFirst NASCO, CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO, Traditional Medicare Fee for Service, United Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO), Innovation Health: Open POS Plus, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families, Carefirst EPO, Innovation Health: HMO & EPO Plus, United Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program, CareFirst Administrators, United Student Resources, United Select HMO - EPO/NPP, United MD IPA Preferred (POS), United Options (PPO) (includes Empire PPO), Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP), Innovation Health: Network Only Plus, United MD IPA (HMO), United Choice Plus, CareFirst Blue Card Program (Out-of-area BCBS plans), Innovation Health: PPO, HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO, MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance, United Choice, United Optimum Choice, Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus), Innovation Health: POS, Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS), Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus, United Select Plus (POS), CareFirst BC/BS Advantage Core/Enhanced, United Erickson Advantage Plans, Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice, Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN), Carefirst Healthy Blue (HMO/POS), D-SNP), I-SNP, CareFirst MedStar PPO, CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity, United Core Essential (HMO), Innovation Health: POS Plus, HumanaChoice PPO, United Nursing Home Plan (C-SNP, Innovation Health: Open POS II, Innovation Health: Indemnity, United GEHA (for all other states) Compass Rose, Veterans Affairs Community Care Network, United Navigate, Carefirst Blue Preferred PPO, Police and Fire Clinic, Employee Health Plan (EHP) and CareFirst MedStar Select PPO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

CIGNA Choice Fund PPO

MAMSI

First Health PPO

Blue Choice

Golden Rule

Great-West Healthcare

TRICARE

Community Care Network (CCN)

Coventry

TRICARE Reserve Select

Aetna Managed Choice POS

Beech Street PPO

Aetna HMO

Kaiser Select

Kaiser Permanente

CIGNA EPO

Aetna Medicare PPO

CIGNA Indemnity

AARP

Medicare Advantage

Coventry National Network PPO

United Healthcare

Medicaid

Cigna

Virginia Premier Health Plan

WellPoint

Aetna

CIGNA Network Open Access

Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS)

HealthyBlue PPO

MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice

CareFirst NASCO

CareFirst Maryland Indemnity or PPO

Traditional Medicare Fee for Service

United Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO)

Innovation Health: Open POS Plus

MedStar Family Choice DC Healthy Families

Carefirst EPO

Innovation Health: HMO & EPO Plus

United Community Plan - Maryland Health Choice Program

CareFirst Administrators

United Student Resources

United Select HMO - EPO/NPP

United MD IPA Preferred (POS)

United Options (PPO) (includes Empire PPO)

Uniformed Services Family Health Plan (USFHP)

Innovation Health: Network Only Plus

United MD IPA (HMO)

United Choice Plus

CareFirst Blue Card Program (Out-of-area BCBS plans)

Innovation Health: PPO

HumanaChoice Honor's plan PPO

MedStar Family Choice DC Healthcare Alliance

United Choice

United Optimum Choice

Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus)

Innovation Health: POS

Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS)

Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus

United Select Plus (POS)

CareFirst BC/BS Advantage Core/Enhanced

United Erickson Advantage Plans

Priority Partners - Maryland Health Choice

Health Services for Children with Special Needs (HSCSN)

Carefirst Healthy Blue (HMO/POS)

D-SNP)

I-SNP

CareFirst MedStar PPO

CareFirst (NCA) Indemnity

United Core Essential (HMO)

Innovation Health: POS Plus

HumanaChoice PPO

United Nursing Home Plan (C-SNP

Innovation Health: Open POS II

Innovation Health: Indemnity

United GEHA (for all other states) Compass Rose

Veterans Affairs Community Care Network

United Navigate

Carefirst Blue Preferred PPO

Police and Fire Clinic

Employee Health Plan (EHP)

CareFirst MedStar Select PPO

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Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 1484 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Zeena Dorai, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Baltimore, MD.

4.8

Overall Rating

(1484 Ratings)

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Reviews From Around The Web

Overall Rating: 5.0 2023-05-27