About Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Fishman — Facial Pain and Cranial Nerve Surgery
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A Specialist at the Intersection of Neurotology and Cranial Nerve Surgery
Facial pain and cranial nerve disorders demand a level of diagnostic precision and surgical breadth that few specialists can offer. At AF Medico Belgrade in Belgrade, Serbia, Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Fishman brings internationally trained expertise in facial pain and cranial nerve surgery to patients across the Balkans, Serbia, and beyond. As a subspecialist in neurotology and skull base surgery, Prof. Dr. Fishman is uniquely positioned to evaluate complex facial pain syndromes — recognizing conditions within his surgical scope, applying evidence-based treatment pathways, and referring conditions that belong with other specialists. Prof. Dr. Fishman evaluates each patient individually to determine the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment plan.
Training, Qualifications, and Academic Appointments
Surgical Subspecialty Training
Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Fishman is a board-certified otolaryngologist with subspecialty training and active surgical practice in:
Otology and neurotology
Lateral, anterior, and central skull base surgery
Head and neck surgery
Facial reconstructive surgery
Sinonasal and maxillary surgery
Prof. Dr. Fishman completed his medical training through the accelerated six-year program at Boston University, followed by otolaryngology residency training in the United States. Fellowship training included foundational work in cochlear implantation and temporal bone surgery at New York University, with subsequent experience across multiple academic centers in the United States and Europe — forming the comprehensive foundation for his current practice in cranial nerve and skull base surgery, including the surgical management of complex facial pain syndromes.
His cranial nerve training spans both lateral skull base work — encompassing the temporal bone, the cerebellopontine angle, and the lower cranial nerves — and anterior and central skull base surgery. Preservation, decompression, and selective surgical treatment of the cranial nerves represent the central goals of surgery within this region.
Academic Appointments and International Research
Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Fishman currently holds the following academic appointments:
Adjunct Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine
Senior Research Associate, Department of Engineering, University of Johannesburg
Prof. Dr. Fishman consults internationally for surgical and medical organizations and maintains active involvement in the development of surgical training programs across multiple countries. His peer-reviewed publications include recent work on artificial intelligence in clinical medicine, published in 2025 and 2026 in COJ Robotics & Artificial Intelligence and the Journal of Surgical Outcomes and Innovation. Earlier publications span facial nerve surgery, intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring, cochlear implantation, skull base radiologic anatomy, and endoscopic skull base surgery — complemented by textbook chapters and invited lectures representing more than two decades of sustained academic engagement.
Who May Be a Candidate for Facial Pain and Cranial Nerve Surgery?
Patients who may benefit from a consultation with Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Fishman for facial pain and cranial nerve surgery in Belgrade include those experiencing:
Classical trigeminal neuralgia — lancinating, electric-shock facial pain distributed along one or more branches of cranial nerve V
Glossopharyngeal neuralgia — severe, episodic pain affecting the throat, ear, or tongue
Hemifacial spasm — involuntary, unilateral facial muscle contractions consistent with neurovascular compression of the facial nerve
Occipital neuralgia — radiating head and posterior neck pain related to the greater or lesser occipital nerves
Facial pain following acoustic neuroma or skull base tumor treatment — including post-surgical or post-radiosurgical pain syndromes
Complex facial pain of uncertain diagnosis — cases requiring comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment before a treatment pathway can be defined
Prof. Dr. Fishman evaluates each patient individually. Conditions outside his surgical subspecialty scope — including temporomandibular joint disorders, primary dental pain, and primary migraine — are referred to the appropriate specialist as part of responsible, patient-centered care.
The Clinical Approach: How Prof. Dr. Fishman Evaluates and Treats Facial Pain
Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Fishman's approach to facial pain and cranial nerve surgery is structured around four core clinical principles:
Accurate diagnosis before any treatment. Many patients arrive with incomplete or inaccurate prior diagnoses. A thorough diagnostic evaluation prevents the compounded delay of treatments directed at the wrong condition.
Appropriate referral when indicated. Recognizing the boundaries of subspecialty scope is integral to responsible patient care. Dental, oral, and temporomandibular conditions are directed to the relevant specialists.
Sequential use of the full treatment spectrum. Medical therapy is prioritized when appropriate. Diagnostic and therapeutic nerve blocks are employed when clinically useful. Surgery is considered when medical and minimally invasive options have not provided adequate relief. Patients are not directed toward surgery as a first-line option.
Individualized treatment selection. For example, microvascular decompression for classical trigeminal neuralgia may be appropriate in a healthy patient with favorable anatomy, while radiosurgery or a percutaneous procedure may better suit patients with significant comorbidities or advanced age. The treatment is matched to the patient — not the reverse.
What to Expect at a First Consultation
A first consultation for facial pain with Prof. Dr. Fishman is thorough, detailed, and unhurried. Consultations typically last between 60 and 90 minutes and include:
A comprehensive, structured pain history
A thorough head and neck examination with specific cranial nerve assessment
Personal review of all available imaging — extending beyond radiology reports to direct image evaluation
A frank, transparent discussion of diagnosis, all available treatment options, and realistic expected outcomes
Patients seeking a second opinion receive a complete, independent clinical assessment with sufficient time to ask every relevant question. If referral to another specialist is the appropriate next step, that referral is arranged. Patients who travel to Belgrade from elsewhere in Serbia, from across the Balkans, or from further afield leave the consultation with clarity about their diagnosis, their treatment options, and a defined path forward.
Clinical Practice at AF Medico Belgrade
Prof. Dr. Fishman's private surgical practice is based in Belgrade, Serbia, through AF Medico Consulting. Consultations for facial pain and cranial nerve surgery, nerve block procedures, and surgical care are coordinated through the AF Medico team. Surgical procedures are performed at carefully selected private facilities that meet the standards required for modern microsurgical and skull base work, including:
High-magnification operating microscopes
Intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring
Multidisciplinary support for complex and multilevel cases
International and regional patients who travel to Belgrade for consultation receive full administrative support — including pre-consultation imaging review, additional diagnostic workup when required, anesthesia clearance, hospitalization coordination, accommodation assistance, and structured post-operative follow-up. The process is designed so that the medical visit remains the patient's primary focus; logistics are managed by the AF Medico team.
Why Choose Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Fishman at AF Medico Belgrade?
International-standard surgical training across leading academic centers in the United States and Europe
Subspecialty depth in neurotology, skull base surgery, and cranial nerve surgery — the disciplines most directly relevant to facial pain evaluation and treatment
Active academic appointments and peer-reviewed research ensuring alignment with current surgical evidence and emerging technique
Full-spectrum clinical capability — from diagnostic evaluation and nerve blocks through to open microsurgical and skull base procedures
Integrated international patient support through AF Medico Belgrade for patients traveling from outside Serbia
Ethical, transparent clinical communication — Prof. Dr. Fishman is committed to honest discussion of realistic outcomes before any treatment decision is made
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of facial pain does Prof. Dr. Fishman treat?
Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Fishman specializes in facial pain and cranial nerve surgery for conditions including trigeminal neuralgia, glossopharyngeal neuralgia, hemifacial spasm, and occipital neuralgia. Conditions outside this subspecialty scope — including primary dental pain, temporomandibular joint disorders, and primary migraine — are referred to the appropriate specialist as part of comprehensive patient care.
Is surgery always required for facial pain?
No. Prof. Dr. Fishman evaluates each patient individually and applies a sequential treatment approach. Medical therapy and minimally invasive procedures, including diagnostic and therapeutic nerve blocks, are considered before surgery. In appropriate candidates, surgical options such as microvascular decompression may be recommended when conservative measures have not provided sufficient and sustained relief.
Can I travel to Belgrade, Serbia, from another country for a consultation?
Yes. Prof. Dr. Fishman at AF Medico Belgrade regularly evaluates patients traveling from across the Balkans and internationally. The AF Medico team provides comprehensive logistical coordination — including pre-visit imaging review, accommodation guidance, and structured follow-up support — to make the process as straightforward as possible for international patients.
How long does a facial pain consultation take?
A first consultation with Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Fishman typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, allowing adequate time for a complete pain history, cranial nerve examination, personal imaging review, and a thorough discussion of diagnosis and all available treatment options.
Is Prof. Dr. Fishman's practice suitable for second opinions?
Yes. Patients seeking a second opinion on a facial pain diagnosis or proposed treatment plan receive a complete, independent clinical assessment. Prof. Dr. Fishman evaluates each case on its own clinical merits and provides honest, transparent guidance — whether or not further treatment at AF Medico Belgrade is ultimately indicated.
Book a Consultation with Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Fishman in Belgrade
If you are experiencing complex facial pain, cranial nerve symptoms, or are seeking a specialist opinion on a diagnosis you have already received, Prof. Dr. Andrew J. Fishman at AF Medico Belgrade offers internationally trained subspecialty expertise in facial pain and cranial nerve surgery in Belgrade, Serbia.
Prof. Dr. Fishman evaluates each patient individually. Whether you are based in Belgrade, traveling from elsewhere in Serbia, or arriving from abroad, the AF Medico team is prepared to support every step of your visit — so that your focus remains where it belongs: on your health.
Contact AF Medico Belgrade today to schedule your consultation.
Visit: [www.andrewfishmanmd.com]
