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Procedures and Treatments:

Back Pain
Brain and Spinal Tumors
Cranial Trauma
Degenerative Disease of the Spine
Herniated Disc
Hydrocephaly
Intracraneal hypertension
Lumbar Stenosis
Lumbo-sciatica
Microsurgery and minimally invasive surgery
Spinal Trauma

Doctor's Profile

Dr. Julio Pozuelos is one of the most respected neurosurgeons in Guatemala City, a specialist in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the central nervous system and spine. Since 2007 he has corrected many cases of spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, tumors, and other neurological conditions, allowing his numerous patients a second chance at pursuing normal life.

Dr. Pozuelos received extensive training in Madrid, Spain, where he completed neurosurgery residency. During this time, he participated in clinical research, medical research studies and advanced courses in neurosurgical procedures. Currently back in Guatemala, he works as Head of Neurosurgery at both, Hospital Militar and Sanatorio El Pilar, located in zone 16 and 15 respectively.

Patients who arrive at his clinic present a wide array of problems and symptoms: cases range from unusual brain tumors to more commonly seen nerve root lesions,  such as lumbosciatica. This is a very common disease and can manifest as electric shock or burn sensations that start in the lower back or buttocks and extends towards the back of the leg and sole. The pain intensity and affected region may vary depending on which nerve root was damaged. The sciatic nerve is the longest nerve of the human body, coming from several nerve branches that originate in the spine, including the roots of the last two lumbar vertebrae (L4 and L5) and the first three sacral nerves (S1, S2 and S3). Dr. Pozuelos has successfully treated innumerable cases of sciatic nerve injury secondary to vertebral compression.

Dr. Pozuelos also treats cases of cerebrospinal fluid disorders. These disorders may cause an exaggerated increase in the pressure of the cerebrospinal fluid within the cranial cavity. Normally, this liquid protects and cushions the brain inside the cranium, but when it accumulates exaggeratedly it can cause an increase in pressure detrimental to brain tissue. This increase in fluid can be caused by brain injuries, infections, tumors and bleeding in the brain, among other causes. To relieve pressure, a flexible biocompatible shunt or tube is surgically inserted to withdraw fluid from the brain.

Throughout his practice, Dr. Pozuelos has cultivated a solid reputation, characterized by honesty, ethics, and expertise. His patients appreciate the clarity with which he discusses diagnostic implications and his recommended treatments, and his disposal at the slightest sign of doubts or concerns.

 “My patients must put their trust in God since it is he who will do the procedure. I do not have the power over life and death, nor about the future. Each of my surgeries is in His hands. It will be His will that prevails. I trust and surrender to Him. “

– Dr. Julio Pozuelos

Professional Affiliations

Asociación Centroamericana de Neurocirugía, (ASOCAN) Central America Association of Neurosurgeons

  • Presidente, IX Congreso de Neurocirugía 2017
  • Miembro desde 2007, Member since 2001

Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos de Guatemala Guatemalan College of Physicians and Surgeons

  • Miembro desde 1998. Active Member since 1998

Asociación Guatemalteca de Cirugía Neurológica Guatemalan Association of Neurosurgery

  • Actualmente rige como Presidente
  • Miembro desde 2007

AO Spine, Latin America AOspine Latinoamerica

  • Platinum Member since 2006. Miembro Platinum desde 2006
  • Presidente del Capítulo de Guatemala. Chairman of the Guatemala Chapter

Federación Latinoamericana de Neurocirugía. Latin American Federation of Neurosurgery

  • Miembro desde 2006. Member since 2006

Sociedad Española del Dolor. Spanish Society of Pain Doctors

  • Socio Numerario desde 2009. Associate Member since 2009

Universidad Francisco Marroquin, Facultad de Medicina

  • Miembro de la Asociación de Exalumnos

Congreso Centroamericano de Neurocirugía, Guatemala

  • Presidente del IX Congreso

Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas

  • Member of the Global Alliance Miembro de la Alianza Global
  • Neurosurgery Clinical Development Program. July 2016

Experts in Intraspine Biotechnology for Laminar Support

  • Meeting attendee, Nice France, 2014. Asistente al Reunión en Niza Francia, 2014

Academic Affiliations

Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, Texas

  • Neurosurgery Clinical Development Program, 2016

AO Spine Latinoamérica

  • Curso de Formación para Faculties de Centro América, San José, Costa Rica 2010
  • Curso para Profesores, Curitiba, Brasil 2013

Atlas Forum Surgeon Training Course

  • Curso: Complex Lumbar Spine Surgery, Bogota Colombia, 2010

Spinal Microsurgery Seminar #13

  • Anterior Approaches to the thoracic and lumbar spine, Munich, Germany 2010

Pain Associates International Network, Guatemala

  • International Course in Pain Treatment, 2009

Hospital General San Juan de Dios, Guatemala

  • Profesor Adjunto de Neurocirugía, 2006-2009, Adjunct Profesor of Neurosurgery, 2006-2009

Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, España. Rector, Juan Carlos I

  • Doctorado en Cirugía, Cum Laude 2006. Doctorate in Surgery, High Honors 2002-2006

Centro de Cirugía de Mínima Invasión, Cáceres, España

  • Curso teórico-práctico de microcirugía vascular y nerviosa, 2003

Escuela Militar de Sanidad, Hospital Central de la Defensa, Madrid, España

  • Postgrado en Neurocirugía, 2006. Post-grad degree in Neurosurgery, 2001-2006

Universidad de Francisco Marroquín, Guatemala City (UFM)

  • Título de Médico y Cirujano, 1998

Video

Dr. Julio Pozuelos: Causas de dolor de Espalda Baja o Lumbago
Cuando un desmayo no es normal: el caso de Victoria
Dr. Julio Pozuelos: cirugía de Tumor Cerebral con Monitoreo Transoperatorio

Images

Publications

Capitulo: “Meningomas”, del libro Tumores del Sistema Nervioso Central en Niños
Chapter: “Meningiomas”, of the book Tumors of the Central Nervous System in Children

  • Co-autor: Dr Julio Pozuelos. Publicado por Editorial Ergon, Madrid, España.

“Tumores del Tronco Cerebral en Niños, Revision de Casos”
Tumors of the Brain Stem in Children: A Review of Cases

  • Publicado por el Hospital Infantil Niño Jesus. Madrid España
  • Presentado en el Congreso de la Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía

“Estudio Anatomico del Ramo Motor del Nervio Musculocutaneo en Cadavers” por Dr. Julio Pozuelos
Anatomincal Study of Muscular Subcutaneous Nerves in Cadavers

  • Tesis Doctoral presentado a la Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, España
  • Presentado en el Congreso de la Sociedad Española de Neurocirugía

Special Interests

Minimally invasive spine surgery is a technique that does not produce extensive damage to tissues. It is based on small but accurate incisions, without causing damage to the biomechanics of the spine and associated tissues. The microsurgery performed with this procedure allows patients to have a faster recovery and return to their regular work schedule as soon as possible.

Apart from neurosurgery, I also enjoy other hobbies. Reading books, especially historical novels, suspense and self-help, transport me to another dimension where I can find true relaxation. Also, I find that collecting antique medical books and equipment honors the history of medicine as the ancient profession and art that it is. And finally, my most important interest is that I maintain a regular aikido practice, which is a martial art that promotes finding harmony in the universe, especially in situations where violence could arise. For me, aikido has not only meant an effective way of self-defense, but also a mind-body therapy that serves me to release the stress that neurosurgery imposes on me. On several occasions, I’ve recommended this practice to my patients, as a tool for improving physical coordination. Aikido isn’t only about self-defense; it is also a philosophy on life that can be applied on a day to day basis. What I value most about this art is that it has taught me to compete only against myself to become better every single day. And every single day, I apply this principle to my neurosurgery practice.

Testimonials

Please write to us about your experience with the doctor in the “Comments” section below. Other patients will be interested to know more about the doctor’s skill, experience, ethics and personal attention, as they resulted in your successful outcome

In August of 2007, I was the victim of an assault in Alta Verapaz, resulting with a fracture in the base of my skull and the entire right side ( I don’t know the medical terminology). I arrived at the hospital almost dead. I was taken from the emergency room directly into surgery with Dr. Julio Pozuelos.

Three weeks later, I was released from the hospital and started to begin my normal life again. God saved my life using Dr. Pozuelos as his instrument. God bless the hands and the skills of the doctor, that he continues to be the vehicle to save the lives of other patients.

 Julio A. Peláez Pinelo, Guatemala

My name is Paula Mora. I’m 19 years old now (2017), but in 2013 I was with my parents and we were assaulted. I received a bullet in my head. When we arrived to the hospital, my situation was critical, but at the emergency room door I was greeted by Dr. Julio Pozuelos!

My parents told me that he was very special from the moment we arrived. Before giving any certain diagnosis, he had to know how the bullet would affect my brain. When Dr Pozuelos saw the CT scan, he immediately told my parents the gravity of the situation. The right side of my skull was most affected, and the doctor told them he would clean the damaged area without removing the shards that were deep in me, so as to avoid damage to my brain in the best possible way. My parents, together with the doctor, decided to do the surgery, aware of the risks that this entailed.
When the doctor came out from surgery he told them the operation was satisfactory, but that my recovery would be subject to the response of my brain in the days following the surgery. The prognosis indicated that it would most likely require months of recovery, but thanks to God and Dr. Pozuelos the recovery took place in much less time than expected.

For this reason I will always give thanks to God for giving me a second chance at life, and also for putting the hands and the experience of Doctor Julio Pozuelos into my life.

Paula Mora, Guatemala

Charity, Public Service, Donations

Dr. Pozuelos receives pediatric patients from the “Association of Anini Children” who have been abandoned or orphaned, and suffer from neurological problems. At the Military Hospital in Guatemala City, he does exams for children and consults with their families, in addition to performing operations without charging any fees. For several years, Dr. Pozueolos’ family regularly makes bi-annual contributions to sponsor needy children at the Anini home. You can make contributions to the home for children with neuromuscular disabilities by following the link here… Asociación del Niño por el Niño Anini.

Every month a portion of the doctor’s salary is contributed to the National Unit of Pediatric Oncology (UNOP) to support children with cancer.