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Mr James Walkden

Consultant Neurosurgeon

BMedSci, MBChB(Hons), FRCS(SN), FEBNS

Practises at: Albyn Hospital

Mr-James-Walkden-Neurology

Personal Profile

Mr Walkden qualified as a doctor in 2005 and is currently a Consultant Neurosurgeon in the NHS at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. He trained at St Andrews and Manchester medical schools before completing Neurosurgical training in the North West of England. He trained at Salford Royal, Royal Preston and Manchester Childrens Hospitals obtaining a CCT in Neurosurgery in 2014. He subsequently completed a Fellowship in Neuro-oncology surgery at the Walton Centre in Liverpool before starting his Consultant post in Aberdeen in 2015.

He has sub-speciality interests in neuro-oncology, spinal surgery and CSF disorders. He is currently clinical lead for Neuro-oncology in Aberdeen and also contributes to the complex spine service. He regularly perform a wide range of neuro-oncology surgeries including awake craniotomy and utilising neurophysiology monitoring to preserve motor function. He also perform a wide range of degenerative spinal procedures including minimally invasive spinal surgery utilising interbody cages to restore spinal alignment. He also manages a wide range of CSF disorders including hydrocephalus and intracranial hypotension. He is a member of the CSF Leak Association medical advisory committee.

Mr Walkden provides regular training to medical students and Neurosurgery trainees in the region via outpatient clinics, observed surgeries and lectures. He is an examiner for the Royal College of Surgeons FRCS(SN) and contributes regularly to Consultant level exam courses. He is also a regent at Aberdeen University medical school supporting students with mentoring.

Mr Walkden is originally from Kirriemuir, Angus and attended Webster’s High School. His wife is a teacher in the local area and he has 2 young children. His hobbies include football, tennis and watching Formula One.

Clinical Interests

  • Brain Tumours – awake craniotomy, motor mapping
  • Lumbar Spinal Surgery - Low back problems - Sciatica, Disc Prolapse, Spinal Stenosis, Back Pain, Spinal Fusions (TLIF, PLIF).
  • Cervical Spine Surgery - Neck problems - Disc prolapse, Radiculopathy, Myelopathy
  • Spinal Tumours - Metastatic cord compression, Intradural tumours
  • CSF disorders – Hydrocephalus, IIH, VP shunts
  • CSF leak – Myelograms, Dural repairs
  • Intracranial Hypotension - Epidural Blood Patch
  • Chiari Malformation – Foramen Magnum Decompression, spinal cord untethering

Professional Memberships

  • British Society of Neurosurgeons
  • British Association of Spinal Surgeons
  • European Association of Neurosurgeons
  • British Neuro-oncology Society
  • European Association of Neuro-oncology
  • CSF Leak Association
  • Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh

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