Nagel, Sean, MD

In 2013, after two years in practice at the regional level I trauma hospital, MetroHealth Medical Center, I joined the Center for Neurological Restoration at the Cleveland Clinic where I now focus on the neurosurgical management of movement disorders, pain, cranial vault reconstruction, spasticity and hydrocephalus in the adult.

In this role, I set the strategic direction for the IFR, establishing partnerships with key stakeholders within industry, foundations, and donors. The IFR works to establish favorable regulatory and reimbursement policies and practices for neuromodulation systems intended to address the needs of orphan markets.

These devices include deep brain stimulator systems, epidural spinal cord stimulators, intrathecal programmable pumps and ventricular shunts. My clinical practice has influenced my clinical research activities. I am studying how implantable neural devices and variations in surgical techniques influence outcomes. In our practice, we have established a model of care designed to improve and optimize outcomes through comprehensive patient evaluation. For example, adult patients with chronic hydrocephalus see a movement disorder neurologist, a neuropsychologist and frequently an expert in neurocognitive impairment.

This multidisciplinary approach has enabled us to tailor and update the care each patient receives as they age. I also currently serve as the Cleveland Clinic site PI for the Adult Hydrocephalus Clinical Research Network. I oversee the post-market analysis of a directional deep brain stimulation lead at the Cleveland Clinic and will be the PI for the forthcoming Placebo-Controlled Effectiveness in INPH Shunting (PENS) Trial. I am also involved in a collaborative effort to test the effect of intradural spinal cord stimulation in spasticity with the University of Iowa in addition to my role as a co-investigator in several other clinical trials based at the Cleveland Clinic main campus.