Dr Andrew Gauden
Melbourne
Dual-Trained Cerebrovascular Neurosurgeon B Med Sci (Hons), MBBS (Hons), MA, PhD, FRACS,
Dr Andrew Gauden is a specialist neurosurgeon with dual training in open cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgery. He combines advanced surgical expertise with a patient-centred approach to care, offering evidence-based treatment for a wide range of complex neurovascular conditions.
Dr Gauden completed his medical degree with honours before undertaking specialist neurosurgical training through the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, earning his Fellowship in Neurosurgery in 2020.
Alongside his clinical work, he pursued research excellence, completing a PhD in Clinical Medicine at Macquarie University in Sydney under the supervision of Professor Marcus Stoodley.
His PhD research led to a world-first success in the treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) using a combined approach of stereotactic radiosurgery and vascular targeting. This groundbreaking work has been recognised internationally, receiving awards from the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Neurosurgical Society of Australasia.
To further refine his expertise, Dr Gauden completed two prestigious post-fellowship clinical instructor roles at Stanford University in the United States. He trained in open cerebrovascular surgery under the renowned Professor Gary Steinberg and subsequently completed two additional years in neurointerventional radiology.
Dr Gauden’s Areas of Clinical Interest:
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Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are abnormal connections between the arteries and veins within the brain with associated tangles of vessels. In normal states, arteries carry oxygenated blood away from the heart and veins return deoxygenated blood to the heart and lungs. This process is disrupted in AVMs. Most people are born with AVMs, although they may occur rarely later in life. In rare cases they can occur as a result of a genetic condition.
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Moyamoya disease is a rare disease of the brain arteries where the carotid artery becomes thickened and blocked, with reduced blood flow to the brain. The disease affects children and younger adults and is more common in East Asian countries. The disease may cause stroke and in some cases, brain bleeding. With frequent strokes it can cause neurological problems such as cognitive impairment.
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A brain aneurysm is a weak wall in an artery in the brain which causes it to bulge. Common types of aneurysms include saccular or berry aneurysms, which are sacs that protrude from artery branching points. Brain aneurysms are common, and most are not serious. Some aneurysms can rupture and cause subarachnoid haemorrhage, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Dural arteriovenous fistulae (dAVFs) are abnormal connections between the arteries and veins within the coverings of the brain or spinal cord (the dura mater). This is a rare condition and usually affects patients over the age of 50. They are usually acquired conditions and develop over time. In severe cases they can be a cause of brain bleeding.
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Idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) occurs when the pressure inside your skull increases. In severe cases, this can cause headaches and vision loss. This condition is more common in patients who are overweight, female and of childbearing age. The cause of IIH is unknown.
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Spontaneous intracranial hypotension (SIH) is a rare condition characterised by low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure usually without a clear causative event. This condition typically occurs because of a CSF leak which leads to a reduction in CSF volume and pressure. Other rare causes of this condition include an abnormal connection between the CSF and a spinal vein called a cerebrospinal fluid venous fistula.
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Vertebral body compression fractures occur when the front part of the vertebral bone in the spine collapses. This is often due to osteoporosis, trauma, or cancer. These fractures can cause sudden back pain, reduced mobility and changes in posture.
In 2024, Dr Gauden returned to Australia to take up a dual appointment with the Departments of Neurosurgery and Radiology at Monash Health in Melbourne.
In addition to his subspecialty focus on complex cerebrovascular conditions, Dr Gauden also supports patients requiring general neurosurgical procedures. This includes treatment for degenerative spine conditions such as spinal fusions, nerve decompressions, tumours of the brain and spine and other neurosurgical interventions.
With a commitment to innovation, collaboration and compassionate care, Dr Gauden is dedicated to delivering the highest quality outcomes for patients with complex cerebrovascular conditions.
