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Home > CA Providers > Pediatric Neurosurgeons

Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD

Accepting New Patients

(Dr. Michael Gordon Muhonen, MD)

(6 Ratings)

Specializes in: Pediatric Neurosurgery and Pediatrics (Child & Adolescent Medicine)

Oral Roberts University School of Medicine

Professional interests include: peripheral nerve surgery, brain surgery, cervical laminoplasty, and more.

101 East Valencia Mesa Drive
Fullerton, CA 92835

(714) 734-3280

Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD is a pediatric neurosurgeon in Fullerton, CA specializing in pediatric neurosurgery and pediatrics (child & adolescent medicine). He graduated from Oral Roberts University School of Medicine. Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD is affiliated with MemorialCare, MemorialCare Medical Group, Providence Medical Foundation, Greater Newport Physicians, PIH Health, Children's Hospital of Orange County, Providence, West Coast Pediatric Neurosurgical Associates, Edinger Medical Group MemorialCare Independent Physicians, Providence St. Joseph Hospital - Orange and Providence St. Jude Medical Center.

Office Locations

Providence Medical Foundation

101 East Valencia Mesa Drive
Fullerton, CA 92835

(714) 734-3280

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PIH Health

1201 W La Veta Avenue
Orange, CA 92868

(714) 509-7070

(714) 509-7074

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Greater Newport Physicians

1201 W. La Veta Avenue
Orange, CA

(714) 509-3939

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Providence St. Jude Medical Center

505 South Main Street Suite 300
Orange, CA 92868

(714) 509-7070

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Some issues Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, 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.

In The News (see more mentions in the news)

“However, research to improve treatment has been far too scarce, said Michael Muhonen, director of the Neuroscience Institute at Children's Hospital of Orange County.”—"Walk to End Hydrocephalus -- 'water in the brain' -- comes to Orange County", The Orange County Register, October 2019

“Dr. Michael Muhonen, M.D., left, a pediatric neurosurgeon and medical director of the Neuroscience Institute at CHOC Children's Hospital in Orange, checks the movement in the arm of Christa Saul,...”—"Woman with severe back disability gets new life with doctor's high-tech invention", The Orange County Register, December 2018

“The joy Adkins brings to children who are in the darkest moments is "priceless," said Dr. Michael Muhonen, director of neurosurgery at CHOC Children's and medical director of the CHOC Children's...”—"Meet CHOC's 'Dancing Doc,' who livens up hospital rooms for kids who haven't 'smiled in days'", The Orange County Register, September 2018

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2012 Medicare Procedure Volume

The top procedures that Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Fullerton, CA during 2012 were hospital care and inpatient care.

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	99
hospital care	36
inpatient care	36

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2013 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	85

2013 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD.

**Gender**
Male	35
Female	32

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	51
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	19
85 and over	0
Less than 65	34

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD in 2013

Hypertension	60
High Cholesterol	37
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	21
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	24
Dementia	21
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2015 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	121

2015 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD.

**Gender**
Male	60
Female	82

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	112
Black	0
Hispanic	30
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	36
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	74

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD in 2015

Hypertension	51
High Cholesterol	45
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	17
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	15
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	17
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	27
Dementia	20
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2016 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	135

2016 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD.

**Gender**
Male	28
Female	34

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	45
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	11
85 and over	0
Less than 65	38

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD in 2016

Hypertension	53
High Cholesterol	32
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	27
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	24
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	19
Dementia	26
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2017 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	151

2017 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD.

**Gender**
Male	29
Female	40

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	49
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	50

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD in 2017

Hypertension	41
High Cholesterol	36
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	26
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	22
Dementia	22
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2018 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	178

2018 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD.

**Gender**
Male	32
Female	43

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	57
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	15
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	49

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD in 2018

Hypertension	45
High Cholesterol	37
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	21
Depression	33
Chronic Kidney Disease	23
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	20
Dementia	19
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2019 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	173

2019 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD.

**Gender**
Male	37
Female	41

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	54
Black	0
Hispanic	13
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	0
From 75 to 84	11
85 and over	0
Less than 65	54

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD in 2019

Hypertension	42
High Cholesterol	41
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	24
Depression	35
Chronic Kidney Disease	22
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	22
Dementia	21
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2020 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	180

2020 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD.

**Gender**
Male	43
Female	45

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	65
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	19
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	51

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD in 2020

Hypertension	52
High Cholesterol	58
Stroke	13
Ischemic Heart Disease	18
Depression	38
Chronic Kidney Disease	30
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	0
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	15
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	17
Dementia	25
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2021 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	157

2021 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD.

**Gender**
Male	38
Female	46

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	58
Black	0
Hispanic	0
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	17
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	55

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD in 2021

Hypertension	44
High Cholesterol	39
Stroke	0
Ischemic Heart Disease	19
Depression	32
Chronic Kidney Disease	27
Asthma	0
Osteoperosis	13
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	0
Diabetes	0
Dementia	21
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

2022 Medicare Procedure Volume

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD for Medicare patients.

doctor visit	139

2022 Medicare Patient Data

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD.

**Gender**
Male	39
Female	46

**Ethnicity**
Non-Hispanic White	55
Black	0
Hispanic	19
Asian	0
Other	0
Native American	0

**Age**
From 65 to 74	18
From 75 to 84	0
85 and over	0
Less than 65	54

Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD in 2022

Hypertension	52
High Cholesterol	52
Stroke	15
Ischemic Heart Disease	0
Depression	39
Chronic Kidney Disease	15
Asthma	16
Osteoperosis	19
Atrial Fibrilation	0
Heart Failure	0
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	14
Diabetes	16
Dementia	0
Cancer	0

Medicare Procedure and Patient Information

Average Medicare Procedure Volume From 2012 - 2022

Volume of procedures performed by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD for Medicare patients.

The highest averages for the top procedures that Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD treated as a pediatric neurosurgeon in Fullerton, CA were hospital care and inpatient care.

doctor visit	141
hospital care	36
inpatient care	36

Average Medicare Patient Data From 2012 - 2022

Information about Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD.

**Gender**
Male	34
Female	40

**Ethnicity**
Black / African American	0
Asian / Pacific Islander	0
Non-Hispanic White	54
Native American / Alaskan Native	0
Hispanic	6
Other	0

**Age**
75 to 84	4
85 and over	0
Less than 65	45
65 to 74	10

Average of Total of Conditions of Medicare patients treated by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD From 2012 - 2022

The highest averages of the most common conditions of Medicare patients that Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD treated were hypertension, high cholesterol, depression and chronic kidney disease.

Hypertension	44
High Cholesterol	37
Stroke	2
Ischemic Heart Disease	14
Depression	31
Chronic Kidney Disease	20
Asthma	1
Osteoporosis	4
Heart Failure	1
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease	1
Diabetes	16
Atrial Fibrillation	0
Dementia	17
Cancer	0

Education & Training

Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD graduated from Oral Roberts University School of Medicine. He completed residency at University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. He is certified by the Board Certification: Neurological Surgery and has a state license in California.

Medical School: Oral Roberts University School of Medicine

Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Board Certification: Board Certification: Neurological Surgery

Licensed In: California

Affiliations & Hospitals

Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:

MemorialCare

MemorialCare Medical Group

Providence Medical Foundation

Greater Newport Physicians

PIH Health

Children's Hospital of Orange County

Providence

West Coast Pediatric Neurosurgical Associates

Edinger Medical Group MemorialCare Independent Physicians

Providence St. Joseph Hospital - Orange

Providence St. Jude Medical Center

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. Michael G. Muhonen, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Anthem Blue Cross HMO, Health Net HMO, Aetna HMO, CIGNA HMO, Blue Shield of California and United Healthcare HMO.

Insurance Accepted by Provider includes:

According to our sources, Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD accepts the following insurance providers:

Anthem Blue Cross HMO

Health Net HMO

Aetna HMO

CIGNA HMO

Blue Shield of California

United Healthcare HMO

Ratings & Reviews

Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 6 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Fullerton, CA.

Overall Rating

(6 Ratings)

Leave a Review

Reviews Left On DocSpot

Overall Rating: 5.0 2016-11-05

Dr. Muhonen is the best Dr. I have ever met in my life. I am a BioMedical Engineer, I deal with Doctors all the time.   

He is caring, loving, gentle with kids and parents. It is never about money or business with him. He truly loves and cares about his patients.

I love his style and honesty 

Dr. Muhonen has been treating my girl for over 7 years and he has done a wonderful job. I have recommended him to many people and the response is always the same. "He is the best Pediatric Neurosurgeon in the nation"

We are lucky to have him as our Dr.

General Payments

These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.

**Payments by Company**
Biogen, Inc.	$63,616 SPINRAZA $50,985	$12,632
Medtronic Xomed, Inc.	$10,033 Shunts $9,999	MRI-guided laser ablation $13	Advanced Energy Hemostatic Device $11	Critical Care Products $10
Integra LifeSciences Corporation	$9,976 CUSA Clarity $7,292	CODMAN HAKIM Precision Valve $455	HAKIM $143	CODMAN CERTAS $34	$2,053
Medtronic USA, Inc.	$7,092 STRATA $4,417	SYNCHROMED $1,676	N'VISION $412	RESTORE $141	S7 $129	Other $318
Aesculap, Inc.	$4,123 proGAV 2.0 $4,080	ShuntAssistant $28	proGAV2 $15
Other	$3,044 INTELLIS ADAPTIVESTIM $477	DYSPORT $391	Neuro Procedure Kit $348	GABLOFEN $292	SYNCHROMEDII $242	Other $1,295

**Types of Payments**
Consulting Fee	$67,199
Travel and Lodging	$18,133
Food and Beverage	$7,822
Compensation for services other than consulting, including serving as faculty or as a speaker at a venue other than a continuing education program	$4,600
Education	$130

Ownership and Interest Payments

This table describes ownership payments received by Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, MD.

Silk Road Medical, Inc.

2019

$444,440.00

Physician Covered Recipient

Stock Options

Biography

Dr. Michael Muhonen is a pediatric neurosurgery specialist. Dr. Muhonen speaks Spanish. These areas are among his clinical interests: spinal embolization, bypass surgery, and kyphoplasty (vertebral augmentation). He is affiliated with Greater Newport Physicians, Children's Hospital of Orange County, and PIH Health. Dr. Muhonen's education and training includes medical school at Oral Roberts University School of Medicine and residency at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics. He is rated 5.0 stars (out of 5) by his patients. He appears to be an in-network provider for United Healthcare HMO, Anthem, Blue California, and more. He has received professional recognition including the following: Southern California Super Doctors; Southern California Super Doctors 2008; and California, specialty of Neurological Surgery as determined by Orange Coast Magazine. Dr. Muhonen has an open panel in Orange, CA according to Providence Medical Foundation.