Board Certified Neurosurgeon
Brian Walcott, MD
Harvard-trained neurosurgeon specializing in vascular diseases and tumors of the brain and spine
Brian Walcott, MD
About Dr. Walcott
I am a Harvard-trained, board certified neurosurgeon with a primary focus on vascular disease and tumors of the brain and spine. My comprehensive expertise also encompasses spine surgery, trauma, surgery for trigeminal neuralgia, pediatric vascular disease, and surgical treatment of spinal fluid disorders.
I have the training, experience, and capability to perform the most complex cases utilizing techniques such as cerebrovascular bypass, flow diverting stents, liquid embolic agents, and intrasaccular devices. I strive to deliver a state of the art, evidence-based practice for my patients in the catheterization lab, the operating room, and during focused radiation treatments.
Throughout my career, I have successfully treated over 750 brain aneurysms and 500 life-threatening ischemic strokes using minimally invasive, image-guided approaches. Additionally, I have provided non-invasive care to hundreds of patients with tumors, vascular disorders, and functional disorders through stereotactic radiosurgery.
I live and work here in Santa Barbara. As a full-time member of this community, I'm here for my patients through every stage of care — from your first consultation through your recovery and beyond.
I currently work at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, a 519 bed acute care teaching hospital that is designated as a Comprehensive Stroke Center and a Level 1 Trauma Center.
Areas of Expertise
Comprehensive neurosurgical care utilizing the most advanced techniques and technologies
Brain Aneurysms
Expert treatment of brain aneurysms using coiling, flow diverting stents, liquid embolic agents, intrasaccular devices, and microsurgical clipping.
Learn more →Stroke Treatment
Life-saving treatment of ischemic strokes using minimally invasive, image-guided mechanical thrombectomy and advanced catheter-based interventions.
Learn more →Arteriovenous Malformations
Comprehensive management of brain AVMs through embolization, microsurgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery approaches.
Learn more →Brain & Spine Tumors
Surgical treatment of tumors affecting the brain and spine, including microsurgery and stereotactic radiosurgery options.
Learn more →Trigeminal Neuralgia
Surgical management of facial pain conditions including microvascular decompression and stereotactic radiosurgery.
Learn more →Cerebrovascular Bypass
Complex revascularization procedures for moyamoya disease, complex intracranial aneurysms, and intracranial atherosclerotic disease.
Learn more →Cavernous Malformations
Advanced cavernoma surgery, including brainstem and giant cavernomas, using MRI-guided navigation, cranial nerve mapping, and CO2 laser precision.
Learn more →Moyamoya Disease
Direct and indirect bypass surgery to restore blood flow to the brain and prevent stroke in adults and children.
Learn more →Subdural Hematoma
Middle meningeal artery embolization, a minimally invasive treatment that can be done on an outpatient basis, alone or alongside surgery.
Learn more →Brain Metastases
Radiosurgery and microsurgery coordinated with our dedicated neuro-oncologist, Dr. Douglas Ney, at Cottage Health.
Learn more →Training & Education
Extensive training at the nation's leading academic medical centers
Board Certifications & Licenses
Maintaining the highest standards of professional credentials
American Board of Neurological Surgery
Board Certified (2020)
Endovascular Neurosurgery Focused Practice
ABNS Recognition (2021)
California Medical License
Active License #136268
California Fluoroscopy License
Active License #RHC 00202960
Pipeline Embolization Device Certified
Medtronic (2018)
CyberKnife Robotic Radiosurgery
Accuray Physician Training (2019)
Military Service
United States Navy (Reserves) — Lieutenant Commander
2011–2019 • Honorable Discharge
Areas Served
Providing expert neurosurgical care throughout Southern California and the Central Coast
Patient Reviews
What patients are saying about their experience
"I experienced a serious problem with blood vessels in my brain that could have been life threatening. After having a CT scan, MRI and angiogram Dr. Walcott determined that surgery was necessary to correct my condition. He explained the procedure in depth and the method used to fix it was minimally invasive even though it felt like science fiction. My outcome could not be any better and I am back to normal. I feel very fortunate to have been treated by Dr. Walcott who had the talent and experience for me to have such a positive conclusion."
"Dr. Walcott is truly outstanding. His calm and confident demeanor gave my family and me a sense of peace during a stressful time. He has a real gift for connecting with people, speaking openly and honestly in a way that made everything easier to understand. He thoroughly explained treatments, and patiently answered questions and it's clear he genuinely cares about you as a person, not just as a patient. I am grateful to Dr Walcott for his expertise and compassionate care, and I recommend him wholeheartedly!"
"Dr Walcott is truly a remarkable physician. He is not only clearly extremely competent, but he also has the natural—and all too rare—ability to exude kindness, compassion and humility. As a result, Dr Walcott exemplifies what it means to truly care for people—mind, body and spirit."
"I was referred to Dr. Walcott by my primary care doctor as I had a brain aneurysm. Needless to say, I was nervous and scared about what that meant for my future health. When Dr. Walcott and his PA, David, came into the room, it was clear that he was prepared and already had a plan for my care. Everything was clearly explained. Every question answered. This alleviated much of my anxiety. Dr. Walcott and his team are incredibly kind and compassionate. My angiogram and subsequent aneurysm repair were managed beautifully. I am grateful beyond words for the wonderful outcome."
Quick Facts
Common questions about Dr. Walcott and his practice
Dr. Brian Walcott is a board-certified cerebrovascular and endovascular neurosurgeon at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, California. He trained at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, UCSF, and USC, with fellowship training in open cerebrovascular and skull base surgery, endovascular neurosurgery, and stereotactic radiosurgery.
Brain aneurysms, ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, arteriovenous malformations, cavernous malformations including brainstem cavernomas, moyamoya disease, subdural hematoma including middle meningeal artery embolization, brain and spine tumors, brain metastases, trigeminal neuralgia, and complex conditions requiring cerebrovascular bypass. He performs both open microsurgery and minimally invasive endovascular procedures.
Yes. Dr. Walcott offers second opinion consultations for patients who have been diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, AVM, cavernoma, stroke, or brain tumor, including patients who have been told elsewhere that they are not surgical candidates.
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital, a Comprehensive Stroke Center. His office is at 2410 Fletcher Avenue, Suite 302, Santa Barbara, CA 93105. He serves patients from Santa Barbara, Ventura, San Luis Obispo, and the greater Central Coast, and sees second opinion patients from across the country.
Call the office at the number listed on this page or use the contact form below. Referring physicians can find direct referral information on the For Physicians page.
Get In Touch
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2410 Fletcher Ave Suite 302
Santa Barbara, CA 93105
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