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Home » Medical Staff » Neurosurgery » Muhonen, Michael G. MD

Dr. Michael G. Muhonen, Neurosurgery

Michael Muhonen CHOC Specialists Logo

Michael Muhonen, MD

is on staff at
CHOC Hospital Orange | CHOC Mission Hospital

Appointments:
714-509-7070

Specialty:
Neurosurgery

Board Certified:
Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery Referrals

Physicians can refer patients to CHOC through our eCeptionist Referral Portal.

Refer a Patient

For more than 20 years, Dr. Muhonen’s research interests have included hydrocephalus, cerebral palsy, traumatic head injuries, spina bifida, brain tumors, Moyamoya disease, and vascular malformations of the brain. Dr. Muhonen served as primary investigator for the clinical trials of Medtronic’s Strata Valve, a medical device used to treat hydrocephalus. He led the CHOC research effort on the intrathecal baclofen pump for treatment of spasticity and dystonia of cerebral origin. Dr. Muhonen is also involved in clinical research projects studying the outcomes of hydrocephalus treated with different shunting devices and cerebral injury in children who are victims of child abuse.

An internationally recognized expert in neurosurgery, Dr. Muhonen has published more than 20 original manuscripts and book chapters, and has made more than 100 national and international presentations on various pediatric neurosurgical topics. He has coauthored chapters in the texts Neurosurgical Aspects of Pregnancy for the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, Principles of Surgery for Lippinott-Raven, Pediatric Neurosurgery and Surgery of the Developing Nervous System for W.B. Saunders Co.

Dedicated to clinical excellence, Dr. Muhonen is board certified in neurosurgery. He served as an assistant professor of neurosurgery at the University of Iowa Hospitals. He completed his residency at the same institution after attending medical school at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Locations

CHOC Specialists, Neurosurgery
505 S. Main St., Suite 300
Orange, CA 92868
phone: 714-509-7070
fax: 714-509-7074

Education

  • Medical School
    Oral Roberts University, Tulsa, OK
  • Neurosurgery Residency
    University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
  • Neurosurgery Fellowship
    University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics

Administrative Appointments

  • Neurosurgeon
    CHOC Specialists

Honors and Awards

  • Dr. Muhonen has been recognized as one of the Best Doctors in Orange County, California, specialty of Neurological Surgery as determined by Orange Coast Magazine

Publications

Mathews MS, Loudon WG, Muhonen MG, Sundine MJ. Vault reduction cranioplasty for extreme hydrocephalic macrocephaly. J Neurosurg. 2007 Oct;107(4 Suppl):332-7; discussion 330-1.

Westhout FD, Muhonen MG, Nwagwu CI. Early propofol infusion syndrome following cerebral angiographic embolization for giant aneurysm repair. Case report. J Neurosurg. 2007 Feb;106(2 Suppl):139-42.

Sundine MJ, Wirth GA, Brenner KA, Loudon WG, Muhonen MG, Greene CS, Rowen S, Sabzghagaei N. Cranial vault reduction cranioplasty in children with hydrocephalic macrocephaly. J Craniofac Surg. 2006 Jul;17(4):645-55.

Kestle, JRW, Walker ML, for the Strata investigators. A multicenter prospective cohort study of the Strata valve for the management of hydrocephalus in pediatric patients. J Neurosurg (Pediatrics 2) 102:141-145, 2005.

Muhonen, MG, et al. Giant Intracranial Teratoma and Lack of Cortical Development in a Fetus. J Neurosurg, 103(2):180-183, 2005.

Albright, AL, Awaad, Y, Muhonen, MG, et al. Performance and complications associated with the Synchromed 10-ml infusion pump for intrathecal baclofen administration in children. J Neurosurg (Pediatrics 1) 101:64-68, 2004.

Our neurosurgeons commonly treat:

  • Hydrocephalus
  • Brain tumors
  • Craniosynostosis
  • Misshapen heads
  • Spina bifida
  • Congenital brain anomalies
  • Brain and spine anomalies
  • Epilepsy, with surgical alternative
  • Infants with abnormal head size
Our neurosurgeons commonly treat:
  • Epilepsy
  • Cerebral Palsy and Spasticity
  • Hydrocephalus
  • Tumors of the Brain and Spine
  • Brachial Plexus Nerve Damage
  • Moyamoya Disease
  • Craniosynostosis
  • Birth Defects
  • Brain Cysts
  • Concussion and Head/Spinal Cord Trauma

Videos

When a Child Has Moyamoya Disease
When a Child Has Moyamoya Disease

Dr. Michael Muhonen discusses Moyamoya disease and the innovative ways that CHOC is treating this condition in order to prevent stroke in children.

When a Child Has Hydrocephalus
When a Child Has Hydrocephalus

Dr. Michael Muhonen discusses the symptoms and minimally invasive treatments of hydrocephalus, which is fluid buildup on the brain.

Health Stories

Meet Bethany, a shining example for other complex urogenital and colorectal care patients

Birth Defects

Meet Bethany, a shining example for other complex urogenital and colorectal care patients

Diagnosed in utero with spina bifida, Bethany is living life to the fullest, thanks to CHOC’s expert, multidisciplinary care.

CHOC Logo Icon CHOC Health

A family and care team that never gave up: Kaslyn’s story

Critical Care

A family and care team that never gave up: Kaslyn’s story

After a rare heart condition and strokes almost took her life, Kaslyn is miraculously walking and talking thanks to expert care from CHOC.

CHOC Logo Icon CHOC Health

Once seriously ill as a preemie, CHOC patient off to medical school

Neonatology / NICU

Once seriously ill as a preemie, CHOC patient off to medical school

Eric was expected to have serious neurological dysfunction. Today, after expert care by CHOC, Eric is anticipating medical school this fall.

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1201 W La Veta Ave
Orange, CA 92868

(714) 997-3000

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