Nexus Neurosurgery

Welcome to Nexus Neurosurgery, where cutting edge technology and advanced skills work together to deliver the best outcome to our patients. We specialize in the surgical treatment of conditions of the neck, spine and brain.

Utilizing minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, we can provide excellent outcomes and minimize recovery time. We believe that decisions about you and your families health are personal, so our approach to your care will also be personal.

What is Neuroscience?

It is the medical specialty focused on the diagnosis and treatment of patients with injury to, or diseases/disorders of the spinal cord and spinal column, peripheral nerves throughout the body and the brain.

What our patients say.

George Marsh 4 months ago   Thorough, caring, listens to what you have to say, shows genuine  concern about what you are  going through.   Posted on Google

Nora Carrion 1 year ago   Dr Gasco is the best. Right on point. Explains what is wrong, provides information on treatment options. After 3 years of excruciating back pain, Dr. Gasco has helped me tremendously. Thank you.   Posted on Google

Chris Knecht 1 year ago   Dr Day was able to extend my wife life to 16 months because of his abilities and skills in being able to remove my wife’s glioblastoma. Her previous team at another hospital would not have extended her life or given her quality life that DrDay was able to accomplish.   Posted on Google

Jaime Gasco, M.D., FAANS, FEBNS

Neurosurgeon

Dr. Gasco has been practicing neurosurgery since 2011. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Valencia Medical School in Spain and then he went on to complete his neurosurgery residency at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Dr. Gasco is one of few neurosurgeons worldwide to be board-certified in two continents, America and Europe. Authored 2 books and has published over 30 articles in the field of Neurosurgery. He specializes in brain, spine and peripheral nerve surgery with emphasis on using the latest minimally invasive technologies including (MIS-TLIF, XLIF, ALIF, CoFlex, Intracept, OLIF) and pain management including ESI injections and blocks. Dr. Gasco has successfully performed over 150 minimally invasive fusions, cutting the patient’s recovery time in half. Dr. Gasco is a leader in bringing endoscopic spine surgery to our region.

Harold K. Smith, M.D., FAANS

Neurosurgeon

Dr. Harold K. Smith received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Arkansas. Dr. Smith completed his residency in neurological surgery at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Dr. Smith is board certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery and has been practicing medicine since 1988. Dr. Smith has extensive experience in spinal and intracranial neurosurgery, skull base, vascular, functional and tumor neurosurgery, as well as stereotactic radiosurgery and image guided robotically assisted spinal surgery. Dr. Smith has pioneered the use of fluorescence guidance and awake techniques for the resection of complex brain tumors.

Patrick Cotton, M.D.

Neurosurgeon

Dr. Patrick Cotton is a native West Texan who returned to the region after joining Nexus Neurosurgery. He offers comprehensive care for a wide range of neurological conditions. Dr. Cotton completed his undergraduate training at the University of Texas in Austin, followed by medical school at the University of Texas Health Science Center Houston. He then completed his neurosurgical residency at the prestigious Baylor College of Medicine/MD Anderson Cancer Center Program, culminating in a fellowship in Endovascular Neurosurgery at Baylor College of Medicine. Dr. Cotton's training provided him with a strong foundation in general neurosurgery, encompassing trauma, spine, cranial, and peripheral nerve procedures. His experience at MD Anderson honed his expertise in neuro-oncology, making him adept in treating brain and spine tumors. Notably, Dr. Cotton is the only CAST accredited and fellowship trained comprehensive cerebrovascular neurosurgeon in the El Paso region. This unique qualification enables him to adopt a patient-centric approach to diseases of the brain, neck, and spine blood vessels. He offers customized recommendations for each patient, determining whether a minimally invasive endovascular procedure or a surgical solution is optimal for their specific condition. Dr. Cotton utilizes cutting-edge techniques such as advanced neuroimaging, computer-assisted navigation, robot assisted spine surgery, and minimally invasive approaches in his practice. Whether addressing common neurological issues or tackling rare and complex cases, Dr. Cotton brings a wealth of knowledge and skill to each patient encounter. His approach combines state-of-the-art techniques with compassionate care, ensuring the best possible outcomes for his patients.

James Lee, M.D.

Neurosurgeon

Dr. James Lee received his undergraduate degree from Fordham University and completed his medical education at the University of Texas Southwestern School of Medicine. He then pursued neurosurgery residency training at Dartmouth, with an infolded fellowship in spine surgery. Dr. Lee specializes in spinal deformity, spinal oncology, intrinsic spinal cord tumors, degenerative spinal stenosis, disc herniations, Chiari malformations, and cranial trauma. He is skilled in complex spinal surgery and minimally invasive techniques, including the use of spinal cord stimulators and epidural steroid injections for pain relief. Additionally, Dr. Lee has expertise in robotic surgery and stereotactic image guidance. Committed to providing advanced, patient-centered care, Dr. Lee continues to integrate the latest innovations in neurosurgery to enhance patient outcomes.

Kristopher G. Hooten, M.D.

Neurosurgeon

Dr. Kristopher G. Hooten is a board-certified neurosurgeon specializing in neurosurgery with subspecialties in complex spine surgery and pediatric neurosurgery. He earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch School of Medicine, completed his neurosurgery residency at the University of Florida, and pursued fellowship training at Duke University. Following training, Dr. Hooten served in the United States Army allowing him to care for patients in many parts of the world. Dr. Hooten has advanced training in pediatric neurosurgery, neurosurgical and orthopedic spine surgery, peripheral nerve and brachial plexus surgery. His clinical expertise includes comprehensive pediatric neurological surgery, minimally invasive spine surgery, neurosurgical trauma and critical care, spine traumatology, scoliosis and spine deformity surgery, spinal tumors, degenerative spine surgery, and Chiari malformations. From his time in United States Army, Dr. Hooten understands the importance of teamwork in medicine and is grateful to work alongside the outstanding team at Nexus to provide world class neurosurgical care here in El Paso. In addition to his surgical practice, Dr. Hooten is an assistant editor and has authored numerous publications in leading neurosurgery journals, with a notable focus on military neurosurgery.