Stephen A. Johnson, MD, Joins Atlantic Brain and Spine as Specialist in Facial Pain Treatment and Named Director of Skull Base Surgery at the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center

Subspecialty expertise, minimally invasive techniques, and a personalized approach bring world-class, patient-centered neurosurgical care to Central New Jersey

Stephen A. Johnson, MD

Stephen A. Johnson, MD, has been named the Director of Skull Base Surgery at the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center and joins Atlantic Brain and Spine (ABS), a trusted provider of world-class neurosurgical care focused on innovative, cutting-edge techniques and a personalized approach.

Johnson’s extensive experience in neurosurgery and his commitment to tailored care make him a trusted choice for patients and a strong addition to the team of nationally recognized neurosurgeons at ABS. It also further expands the practice’s footprint within New Jersey.

“Dr. Johnson exemplifies the patient-centric, personalized care philosophy around which ABS was built,” said Samantha Kelly, CEO of ABS. “In addition, Dr. Johnson’s dual locations in New Brunswick and Manalapan, New Jersey, allow us to offer a unique combination of convenience and access to best-in-class care for brain tumor, facial pain, and spine surgery patients in the central and southern counties of New Jersey. Patients benefit from local access to a world-class neurosurgeon with the flexibility to undergo surgery at top-tier hospitals across the state.”

At the Glasser Brain Tumor Center, Johnson will offer patients the full spectrum of care, from incisionless CyberKnife® and TrueBeam™ radiosurgery to keyhole and complex surgeries. The Glasser Brain Tumor Center is one of the flagship multidisciplinary programs of Atlantic Health System’s neuroscience and oncology offerings, which have been ranked number one for neurosurgery in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania, and among the top five percent of the nation’s neuroscience programs five years in a row.

“Dr. Johnson’s expertise with advanced techniques, such as minimally invasive keyhole skull base approaches, enables precise tumor removal and improved patient outcomes,” said Yaron Moshel, MD, PhD, Director of the Gerald J. Glasser Brain Tumor Center. “His combination of innovation, experience, and patient-focused care will strengthen and treatment to the central New Jersey community.”

Dr. Johnson is an expert in managing facial pain conditions, including trigeminal and glossopharyngeal neuralgia, as well as facial spasms. His specialization in minimally invasive procedures ensures quicker recovery times and reduced discomfort. These include injections, nerve blocks, and microvascular decompression—a state-of-the-art surgical solution that has improved the lives of thousands of his patients. This advanced technique involves small, nearly invisible incisions and typically requires only a brief 24-hour hospital stay. Dr. Johnson’s approach not only speeds up recovery, but also offers superior cosmetic results compared to traditional approaches.

“Facial pain can be debilitating, but finding relief begins with an accurate diagnosis,” said Dr. Johnson. “What drew me to ABS is its truly collaborative approach. At the ABS Facial Pain and Spasm Center, our neurosurgeons work closely with a network of specialists, including radiation oncologists, neurologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and dentists. Together, we identify the root cause of each patient’s pain—whether it’s dental, shingles-related, atypical, or microvascular nerve compression—and collaborate to craft the most effective treatment plan tailored to their needs.”

Johnson is also a minimally invasive spine specialist, with a focus on motion-preserving techniques and advanced spinal navigation technology. His expertise with tumors extends to spinal oncology, using surgical resection and advanced spine treatments for the removal of spine tumors.

Prior to joining ABS, Johnson served as the Director of the Trigeminal Neuralgia Cranial Nerve Disorder Program at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. He completed his fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and earned his degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

ABS is committed to providing world-class neurosurgical care that puts the patient and their well-being at the center of every decision we make.

About Atlantic Brain and Spine

Atlantic Brain and Spine is New Jersey’s premier neurosurgery practice, specializing in complex brain, spine, and neurovascular conditions. Our subspecialized neurosurgeons are among the nation’s most highly trained, delivering patient outcomes that consistently rank among the best in the country.

What sets ABS apart is its subspecialized approach, ensuring patients receive care from experts focused on their specific conditions. From conservative treatments to advanced, minimally invasive procedures, we address a broad range of conditions, including back and neck pain, brain and spine tumors, strokes, aneurysms, facial pain, and epilepsy.