Chiari malformations are structural defects in the base of the skull and cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. Normally, the cerebellum and parts of the brain stem sit above an opening in the skull that allows the spinal cord to pass through it (called the foramen magnum). When part of the cerebellum extends below the foramen magnum and into the upper spinal canal, it is called a Chiari malformation (CM). Shown here is a Chiari type I malformation, the most common type of CM. It is usually first noticed in adolescence or adulthood, often by accident during an examination for another condition.

This illustration was published on the August 2016 cover of the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics.

Created using Adobe Photoshop CC.

*Not yet published* 

Text overlay is mock version of Cancer Cell cover.

Created using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop CC.

Neurofibromatoses are genetic disorders of the nervous system. Mainly, these disorders affect the growth and development of nerve cell tissue. The disorders are known as neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).

NF1 is the more common type of neurofibromatosis. NF1 is characterized by multiple café au lait spots (patches of tan or light brown skin) and neurofibromas (soft, fleshy growths) on or under the skin. Enlargement and deformation of bones and curvature of the spine (scoliosis) may also occur. Occasionally, tumors may develop in the brain, on cranial nerves, or on the spinal cord. About 50% to 75% of people with NF1 also have learning disabilities.

NF2 is much less common and is characterized by multiple tumors on the cranial and spinal nerves. Tumors that affect both of the auditory nerves and hearing loss beginning in the teens or early twenties are generally the first symptom of NF2.

Illustration created for a textbook chapter on neurofibromatosis.

Created using Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop CC. 

Encephaloceles are rare birth defects associated with skull defects characterized by partial lacking of bone fusion leaving a gap through which a portion of the brain sticks out (protrudes). In some cases, cerebrospinal fluid or the membranes that cover the brain (meninges) may also protrude through this gap. The portion of the brain that sticks outside the skull is usually covered by skin or a thin membrane so that the defect resembles a small sac. Protruding tissue may be located on any part of the head, but most often, and shown here, it affects the back of the skull (occipital area). Most encephaloceles are large and significant birth defects that are diagnosed before birth. The exact cause of encephaloceles is unknown, but most likely the disorder results from the combination of several factors (multifactorial).

This illustration was published on the September 2016 cover of the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics.

Created using Adobe Photoshop CC.

Illustration of a lumbar pedicle screw and interbody fusion construct for a single spinal segment. The "exploded" image depicts the individual elements, including interbody cage, pedicle screws, rod and locking caps.

Published on the July 2014, Volume 21, Number 1, Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine.

Created using Adobe Photoshop CC.

Illustration for the May 2016 cover of the Journal of Neurosurgery: Pediatrics.

Osteology of cranial suture synostosis. Single suture synostoses are shown as red rectangles in top panel of normal skull vaults. Absence of the corresponding suture is demonstrated in the lower panel. 

Created in Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator.

The primary goal of this conceptual medical illustration is to explain, accurately and in detail, the disease process of dengue fever. Dengue fever is a complex disease that affects the body in many ways and at different levels (molecular, cellular, organ, system). This work intends to solve the visual and conceptual challenges faced when representing this temporal processes at multiple scales, bearing in mind the four aspects of disease: etiology, pathogenesis, morphologic changes and significance. Current illustrations of dengue fever often focus on one aspect of disease (cause, symptom or prevention), whereas this illustration is intended to function as a stand-alone piece; that is, to tell the complete story of dengue fever. Clarity, originality, and use of best practices in layout, typography and design were of utmost importance. The work was created for an educated lay audience, as a double-page spread, in a popular science magazine. The second image is the sketch used to create the final rendered version.

Created using Adobe Photoshop CC and Adobe Illustrator CC.

Illustration for a book chapter on the role of magnetoencephalography (MEG) in pediatric epilepsy surgery.

Shown here is a cross section of the scalp and brain. Electric currents originating from dendrites within the sulci generate fields that are measurable at the surface.

Created using Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator CC.

First Image: Mouse sketch and development of colour palette

Second Image: Mouse embryonic development over time

Created using Adobe Photoshop CC and Adobe Illustrator CC

Surgical illustration of a portion of the Kouch Pouch procedure. The right flap of the pouch is pulled through the stapler over top of the nipple valve. The arm of the stapler is inside the valve, staples pass through both the pouch wall flap and the nipple valve wall for greater stability. The small hole left by the stapler pin is sutured using a purse string suture.

Created in Adobe Photoshop CC and Adobe Illustrator CC.

Created using Autodesk Maya 2015, Adobe Photoshop CC and Adobe Illustrator CC.

Medical legal illustrations are often deployed in courtroom cases to help assist the understanding of complex and unique medical situations. The careful consideration of point of view, colour palette, and language can help strengthen cases for either defense or plaintiff - depending on how they are employed.

The mock panels shown here are an example of a visual aid used by the defense (medical practitioner) in a medical malpractice case to showcase shoulder dystocia, a condition that can cause injury to the brachial plexus.

Created using Adobe Photoshop CC and Adobe Illustrator CC.

Illustration for the cover of the February issue of the Journal of Neurosugery: Pediatrics.