Enjoying a stroll by the ocean, competing in sports, sipping a rich cup of coffee: These simple acts are all controlled by the brain and spinal cord, which direct everything we do. Together with the nerves that branch out from the spinal cord, they form the body’s central nervous system.
A neurological disorder can significantly impair a patient’s quality of life. This is why it’s critical to seek treatment immediately.
Some neurological disorders develop gradually, as we age. Others occur suddenly, as with a serious injury. They can cause pain, memory loss and movement difficulties in adults, as well as developmental delays in children.
Common causes of neurological disorders include:
- Genetics
- Aging-related degeneration
- Infection
- Injury to the brain or spinal cord
- Cancer
Regardless of the cause or type of disorder, Stormont Vail Health’s Neurology department strives to provide state-of-the-art care to every patient treated here.
The Neurology department provides diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and extended management of both suspected and confirmed neurologic disorders. The Neurology team has special interest in headaches and neuromuscular disorders.
Additionally, our Neurology Lab offers an extensive set of outpatient tests such as electroencephalograms (EEGs) and electromyography (EMGs).
Neurologists at Stormont Vail are also part of an integrated care network. If you need surgery, your neurologist will work closely with your neurosurgeon to develop a personalized surgical plan. Stroke patients are cared for by a team consisting of cardiologists and our stroke care-certified neurologist.
When you are diagnosed with a chronic neurological disease, we understand that you and your family might have a number of questions. Our registered nurses have extensive knowledge in neurology and can provide guidance on your medications, self-care and other topics.
If you see a Stormont Vail primary care provider, they will receive real-time updates on your treatments through our electronic medical records system. We also encourage you to stay in touch with your primary care physician and provide reports on how you’re feeling and progressing.
Conditions We Treat
Adults:
-
Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy)
This disorder involves unpredictable seizures not attributed to a known cause. Brain injury can cause epilepsy and the condition can run in families, but most of of the time, the cause is unknown. -
Migraines and Other Headache Disorders
Migraines occur on one side of your head. They usually last 4 to 72 hours if untreated. Besides pain, other symptoms include extreme sensitivity to light and sound, as well as nausea. The causes of migraines are not well understood, but there are a handful of known triggers:- Hormonal changes
- Certain foods, such as aged cheeses
- Stress
- Drinks (alcohol and highly caffeinated beverages)
- Medications
- A change in weather or barometric pressure
- Physical exertion
- Sensory stimuli such as bright lights and sun glare
-
Stroke (Cerebrovascular Accidents)
There are two types of strokes. The more common one is called transient ischemic attack (TIA), in which blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked by a clot. This type of stroke generally doesn’t cause permanent damage, but can be a warning sign of a more serious event in the future: a hemorrhagic stroke. In this event, a blood vessel bursts and leaks blood into the brain, which can cause death or disability. -
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative condition that affects neurons in your brain. The progression of Parkinson’s disease symptoms can vary from one individual to another. If you feel a tremor at rest, have balance problems or feel difficulty moving, you should talk to a neurologist. Parkinson’s disease is not fatal, but the complications it can cause — including clouded thinking and difficulty swallowing— can be serious. -
Alzheimer’s and Other Forms of Dementia
Dementia is an umbrella term for a group of brain disorders involving mental decline. Alzheimer’s is the most common type. A major symptom of Alzheimer’s is severely deteriorating memory that affects a patient’s daily life. Other symptoms include confusion, difficulty in expressing thoughts and personality changes. -
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
This disease causes the immune system to attack the myelin sheath that protects nerve fibers in your body. Eventually, it can cause permanent nerve damage and disability. The severity of MS varies from person to person, but the symptoms can include fatigue, muscle weakness, spasticity (stiffness or spasms), vision problem, and dizziness. -
Peripheral Neuropathy
This disease involves inflammation of the nerves that carry signals from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Symptoms can include a burning sensation (especially at night), sensitivity to touch, muscle wasting, abnormal function of organs and glands, muscle weakness, sweating, and urinary problems. In diabetic neuropathy, pain or numbness is often first felt in the feet.
Children:
-
Motor and Developmental Delays in Infants
These issues include delays in crawling, walking and grasping. They can signal neurological problems such as brain damage before birth, genetic conditions and cognitive delays. If your child does not grasp, hold objects and support his or her head well by age 3 to 4 months, please take him or her to a physician. -
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
This brain disorder is characterized by lapses in concentration, constant movement (including when it’s not appropriate) and impulsive actions. ADHD can be diagnosed as early as age 3. The symptoms can change as a child ages. Scientists aren’t sure of the causes, but contributing factors can include genetics and exposure to toxins during pregnancy. -
Tourette Syndrome
This disorder becomes clear in early childhood or adolescence and can last into adolescence and adulthood. Children with the disease make sudden movements or sounds — vocal or motor tics. There is no cure for Tourette Syndrome, but there are a number of treatment options. -
Seizure Disorders (Epilepsy)
Fever, infection of the brain, genes, and brain development problems are among the causes of epilepsy or seizure disorders in children. Some childhood seizures won’t persist into adulthood, while some serious cases can affect intellectual disability. -
Macrocephaly and Microcephaly
When an infant’s head is larger than the normal size, the condition is called macrocephaly. Children with heads significantly smaller than normal may be diagnosed with microcephaly. Both conditions can have an impact on children’s development — for example, their ability to stand or walk.
Our Treatments and Services
Our treatments include:
-
Vagus Nerve Stimulator
This is designed to help prevent seizures. A neurosurgeon places a stimulator device under the skin in the chest, and a wire from that device is wound around the vagus nerve in the neck. The device sends regular, mild pulses of energy to your brain through your vagus nerve. The pulses are usually not noticeable. -
Botox for Spasticity
This is a drug prepared using a bacterium called botulinum toxin. The drug comes from a toxin that is a byproduct of the bacterium. Although it’s usually associated with cosmetic uses, botox injections also can help treat stiffness in muscles surrounding the elbow, wrist, finger, thumb, ankle, or toe. -
Botox Injections for Chronic Migraine
These treatments can help prevent migraines from occurring. -
Occipital Nerve Pain Blocks
These are anesthetics that are injected under the skin on the back of the head. They’re used to help prevent headaches or migraines.
Meet Our Neurologists and Providers
Our neurologists have gained years of training during medical school and residency. Some of them have a specialty in pediatric neurology or received training in performing BOTOX procedures for patients with headaches.
