Neurosurgery Expert: Brain, Spine & Sports TBI

Specialties & Experience of this Expert Witness

Additional Information

Thorkild Vad Norregaard, M.D. Professor of Neurosurgery | Board-Certified Neurosurgeon Dr. Thorkild Vad Norregaard is a board-certified neurosurgeon and researcher with over 40 years of clinical experience in complex surgical interventions and medical innovation. Currently, he serves as a Professor in the Department of Neurosurgery at the University of Missouri School of Medicine, where he also previously held the role of Interim Chief. Dr. Norregaard is a Diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgeons, a credential he has maintained since 1992. Clinical Expertise and Case Portfolio Dr. Norregaard has maintained a high-volume academic practice, performing approximately 450 surgical cases per year, half of which are complex tertiary referrals. spinal pain through minimally invasive surgical procedures, including spinal instrumentation. Recently Dr. Norregaard has scaled back his clinical practice and added additional academic activities including teaching medical students as well as neurosurgical residents, providing continuing education modules for mid-level providers, and increased research activities. His clinical expertise is categorized into three primary pillars essential for medical-legal review: Functional Neurosurgery: He specializes in the surgical management of chronic pain, movement disorders (Parkinson’s disease and essential tremors), and affective disorders. He is an expert in the application of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) and lesioning of central and peripheral neural structures Vascular Neurosurgery: His practice includes the treatment of high-risk vascular lesions such as cerebral aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs), as well as brain revascularization through carotid endarterectomy. Spinal Neurosurgery: Dr. Norregaard focuses on the direct repair of degenerative spinal disorders, spinal tumors, spinal infection and the palliation of spinal pain through minimally invasive surgical procedures, complex spinal instrumentation and spinal cord stimulation. Specialized Expert Niches Dr. Norregaard offers unique expertise in specialized areas frequently involved in personal injury and medical malpractice litigation: Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) & Sports Safety: He is a leading authority on concussions and head injuries in sports. He currently serves as the Safety Director of the United States Polo Association and collaborated with Virginia Tech researchers to develop the NOCSAE standard for testing polo helmets. Neuromodulation & Implantable Devices: With extensive experience in Spinal Cord Stimulators and DBS systems, he is well-versed in the complications, failures, and clinical outcomes associated with these implantable technologies. Peripheral Nerve Regeneration: Dr. Norregaard has conducted foundational research at MIT and holds U.S. Patent 4,955,893 for a prosthesis designed to promote nerve regeneration. Academic and Professional Foundation Dr. Norregaard’s distinguished career is built upon a foundation of elite academic appointments and rigorous training: Academic Leadership: He served as an Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School for 14 years and as a Visiting Scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Educational Background: He earned his M.D. from Aarhus University in Denmark and completed multiple residencies in Neurosurgery, Neurology, General Surgery, and Orthopedic Surgery. Prolific Scholar: He has authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and is a frequent lecturer at international neurosurgical symposia. Professional Memberships Active Member, American Association of Neurological Surgeons (since 1989). Active Member, Congress of Neurological Surgeons. Member, North American Neuromodulation Society. Member, International Association for the Study of Pain.