– Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio (a.k.a. “Dr. D”)

MD, MBA, FAANS

Hemifacial Spasm

Microvascular Decompression

Brain Tumors

Facial Wellness

Ridgewood

See all my awards

About Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio

Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio is a fellowship-trained skull base neurosurgeon whose practice is defined by scientific rigor, technical mastery, and an absolute focus on achieving the finest outcomes for patients in need of complex brain surgery.

Dr. D’Ambrosio’s work is specifically focused on patients with hemifacial spasm who are seeking a definitive surgical solution- Microvascular Decompression (MVD)- after conservative therapies have been explored and continue to fail. Every potential surgical candidate of Dr. D’Ambrosio’s undergoes a careful review of their clinical and imaging history. When MVD surgery is recommended, it is performed personally by Dr. D’Ambrosio, from start to finish, without residents or fellows in training. Meticulous microsurgical precision and strict attention to anatomical detail, grounded in disciplined preparation and exacting microsurgical technique, is how Dr. D’Ambrosio achieves the best outcomes for his patients.

Meet Dr. D’Ambrosio

Classic hemifacial spasm and trigeminal neuralgia are most often caused by vascular compression of the facial nerve or trigeminal nerve at the level of the brainstem. Treating them surgically requires a deep understanding of skull base anatomy and refined microsurgical skill.

Dr. D’Ambrosio completed advanced fellowship training in skull base and cerebrovascular surgery, where mastery of delicate cranial nerve anatomy is foundational. This training directly informs his approach to Microvascular Decompression surgery (MVD).

Microvascular decompression surgery is never offered casually. It is recommended by Dr. D’Ambrosio only when the patient’s physical exam, imaging studies and clinical findings align and the probability of meaningful, lasting improvement and recovery of the best quality of life is high. His focus remains on process, preparation, and outcome- not novelty or trend adoption.

When Dr. D’Ambrosio performs Microvascular Decompression surgery, he does so personally- from start to finish, maintaining a controlled, distraction-free environment, ensuring that every step of the procedure is executed with single-minded precision.

Training & Education

Dr. D’Ambrosio received his undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he graduated with honors as a member of Phi Beta Kappa Academic Honor Society and Golden Key National Honor Society.

He was then awarded his doctorate from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine where he also graduated with honors. At Vanderbilt, Dr. D’Ambrosio is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Medical Honors Society.

Dr. D’Ambrosio then began his career at Columbia University, serving as an intern with the Department of Surgery. He was then a Rosenak/Cohen Research Fellowship with the Cerebrovascular Laboratory at Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons at Columbia University.

Dr. D’Ambrosio then served as the resident physician and then chief resident with the Department of Neurological Surgery. He completed his education at Tampa General Hospital as a Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Fellow.

Leadership & Board Certification

Dr. D’Ambrosio is currently active as the Director of Neurosurgery and Co-Director of the Gamma Knife Center at The Valley Hospital. In addition to his work at The Neurosurgeons of New Jersey, Dr. D’Ambrosio is a Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons. He has authored over 25 peer-reviewed journals and six book chapters.

Societies & Organizations

Dr. D’Ambrosio is an active member of many national and international organizations including the Facial Pain Association, the Acoustic Neuroma Association, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons.

Publications

In addition to working out of our Ridgewood, Livingston and Paterson offices, Dr. Anderson has the ability to treat and admit patients at the following area hospitals.

Insurances

Aetna Medicare
Aetna Meritain & Assure
Aetna Signature (1199 & GEHA)
Aetna Whole Health
Clover Medicare – Case by Case exception
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (Blue Card/Suitcase/PPO)
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ (commercial)
Horizon Braven Health (PPO, HMO-POS)
Braven Medicare Choice PPO
Braven Medicare Freedom PPO
Braven Medicare Group HMO-POS
Braven Medicare Access group HMO-POS
Medicare (Part A and Part B)
No Fault (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Accidents Only)
Omnia (tier 1)
Oxford Garden State Health Plan
Oxford Health Plan
UHC under Empire/NYSHIP plan
United HealthCare (commercial, including All Savers) UMR
Worker’s Comp- NJ Only

Dr. D’Ambrosio then served as the resident physician and then chief resident with the Department of Neurological Surgery. He completed his education at Tampa General Hospital as a Cerebrovascular and Skull Base Fellow.

Aetna Medicare
Aetna Meritain & Assure
Aetna Signature (1199 & GEHA)
Aetna Whole Health
Clover Medicare – Case by Case exception
Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield (Blue Card/Suitcase/PPO)
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ (commercial)
Horizon Braven Health (PPO, HMO-POS)
Braven Medicare Choice PPO
Braven Medicare Freedom PPO

Braven Medicare Group HMO-POS
Braven Medicare Access group HMO-POS
Medicare (Part A and Part B)
No Fault (New Jersey Motor Vehicle Accidents Only)
Omnia (tier 1)
Oxford Garden State Health Plan
Oxford Health Plan
UHC under Empire/NYSHIP plan
United HealthCare (commercial, including All Savers) UMR
Worker’s Comp- NJ Only

The Valley Hospital
NYU Langone Health

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Dr. D’Ambrosio has been awarded (201) Magazine Bergen’s Top Doctor, New Jersey Monthly Best Doctor, NJBIZ’s Physician of the Year, Best Doctors® in America and the award recipient of Patient’s Choice.

Awards

Castle Connolly Top Doctors (2026, 2025, 2024, 2023)
Web MD Preferred Provider
Bergen Magazine Top Doctors (2026, 2025, 2020)
Vitals Patient Choice Award (2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2011)
Best Doctor Award (2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011)
(201) Health Top Doctors (2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014)
New Jersey Monthly Top Doctors (2017, 2016, 2013, 2012, 2011)
HealthGrades Honor Roll (2015, 2014)
Marquis Who’s Who in America (2024, 2023, 2015, 2014, 2013)
Top Surgeons Award (2013, 2012)

National Leadership Position

AANS/CNS Tumor Section – Executive Committee Member

Other Leadership Positions

Director of Neurosurgery at the Valley Hospital
Co-Director of the Gamma Knife Program at the Valley Hospital
President of the New Jersey Neurosurgical Society

Brain Surgery – Program Awards

Cranial Neurosurgery Excellence Award Recipient (2017-2020)
Named Among the Top 10% in the Nation for Cranial Neurosurgery (2017-2020)
Five-Star Recipient for Cranial Neurosurgery (2017-2020)

Patients stories

Meet One of Dr. D’s Patients

A skull base fellowship–trained neurosurgeon, Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio specializes in the precise surgical treatment of cranial nerve compression disorders through Microvascular Decompression surgery (MVD).

Watch Frank’s story and learn how carefully screened evaluation and meticulously executed MVD helped him achieve lasting relief.

Ask the Doctor

Can Hemifacial Spasm go Away by Itself? – Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio

Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio is an accomplished neurosurgeon practicing primarily out of our Ridgewood office. Dr. D’Ambrosio focuses his clinical practice on brain tumors, nervous system disorders, and facial pain disorders.

What is the Microvascular Decompression Surgery Recovery Time? – Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio

Why is MVD a Good Treatment for Trigeminal Neuralgia? – Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio

When Should I Consider Gamma Knife for Trigeminal Neuralgia? – Dr. Anthony D’Ambrosio

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "Human Intelligence" principle in Dr. D’Ambrosio’s practice?

This principle asserts that surgical success is driven by judgment, experience, and focused attention- elements that cannot be automated or outsourced. Dr. D’Ambrosio’s process has been refined through years of research and outcomes. In his view, human intelligence and intention are the most critical factors in preserving the critical areas of the brain, such as hearing and facial nerve function.

What is the primary goal of MVD surgery for Hemifacial Spasm?

The goal is a definitive surgical cure. While first-line therapies like Botox manage symptoms “downstream” at the muscle level, MVD is a “cause-directed” technical operation. It addresses the root of the problem by identifying the neurovascular conflict at the root exit zone (REZ) and placing a permanent buffer between the nerve and the offending vessel.

Does Dr. D’Ambrosio perform the entire surgery himself?

Yes. Dr. D’Ambrosio maintains a personal accountability standard, performing every MVD personally from start to finish. He does not delegate critical surgical steps to others, ensuring that the patient receives the undivided attention of a skull base fellowship-trained surgeon.

Why is "variability" considered the enemy of outcomes?

Mastery in neurosurgery comes from elimination, not addition. By reducing variables, distractions, and novelty, the surgeon creates a controlled environment where precision is predictable. Dr. D’Ambrosio’s process is designed to be systematic and organized, ensuring that every step is carefully considered and exactingly executed.