Neurology is a vast specialty dealing with muscle strength (motor) and feeling (sensory). The field is broad because our nervous system spans the entire body, from head to toe. Because individuals are not identical, problems can present in various ways. Essentially, neurology encompasses problems that may affect how you walk, talk, reach, see, or feel.
Patients experiencing neuro-related issues may notice pain, blackouts, feel numbness or trouble moving extremities, seizures or may be survivors of a head trauma. It’s the job of the neuroscience specialists to get to the bottom of your discomfort.
A physician that treats neurology issues is called a neurologist. Based on the description of your symptoms, you and your physician will decide together the best steps to determine a diagnosis. Some tests may include MRI, CT, Nuclear Medicine, Electroencephalogram, nerve conduction, EMG (electromyography), or lumbar puncture with CSF (cerebrospinal fluid testing).
Neurosurgery is a surgical specialty focusing on problems involving the head, spine and peripheral nerves. When possible, the neurosurgical services attempts to solve issues without surgery. But when surgery is required, the team uses minimally invasive procedures, in an attempt to minimize incision size, prevent collateral damage to surrounding structures and reduce the length of hospital stay.
The neurosurgical services are led by Mark Fleming, MD located in the Memorial Professional Building.