Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the brain and spinal cord. In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerve fibers. As with any chronic illness, you deserve quality time with our staff and help should urgent problems occur. We offer the most evidence-based treatments including medications to help speed the recovery of attacks, modify the couse or the disease, and manage symptoms.
Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities. In people who have dementia, the symptoms interfere with their daily lives. Dementia isn't one specific disease. Several diseases can cause dementia. We treat by offereing a comprehensive evaluation, medication management, non pharmacological referrals, and caregiver support.
There are many types of seizures, and they have a range of symptoms and severity. Seizure types vary by where they begin in the brain and how far they spread. Most seizures last from 30 seconds to two minutes. A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is a medical emergency.
Most seizures can be controlled with medicine. However, managing seizures can affect your daily life. We work to balance seizure control with medications, resources, education, and healthy lifestyle.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and body parts controlled by the nerves. Symptoms start slowly. The first symptom may be a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. Tremors are common, but the disorder may also cause stiffness or slowing of movement. Although Parkinson's disease can't be cured, we use medications with careful monitoring and close follow to slow and improve symptoms.
Alzheimer's disease is a brain disorder that is characterized by changes in the brain that lead to deposits of specific proteins. Alzheimer's disease causes the brain to shrink and brain cells to eventually die. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia — a gradual decline in memory, thinking, behavior and social skills. These changes affect a person's ability to function. Medicaion management may improve or slow the progression of symptoms.
Migraine headache is a chronic neurological disease. We offer comprehensive workups and treatments, including BOTOX for chronic migraines, occipital nerve blocks, and urgent visits for acute headaches for our established patients. However, not all headaches are migraines. There are diagnostic criteria for approximately 300 headache types; correct diagnosis is critical. Headache is common symptom of many other diseases some of which are serious if not treated early. We are firm in our beliefs that there is no such thing as "just a headache."
Chiari malformation (kee-AH-ree mal-for-MAY-shun) is a condition where brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. It occurs when part of the skull is smaller than is typical, pressing on the brain and forcing it downward. Chiari malformation is uncommon, but increased use of imaging tests has led to more-frequent diagnoses.Treatment of Chiari malformation depends on the form, severity and associated symptoms. Regular monitoring, medications and surgery are treatment options. In some cases, no treatment is needed.
Peripheral neuropathy happens when the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord (peripheral nerves) are damaged. This condition often causes weakness, numbness, and pain, usually in the hands and feet. It also can affect other areas and body functions, including digestion and urination. The peripheral nervous system sends information from the brain and spinal cord, also called the central nervous system, to the rest of the body through motor nerves. The peripheral nerves also send sensory information to the central nervous system through sensory nerves. There can be many underlying causes, so an accurate evaluation is critical. Treatments we use can include medication management, chronic disease management, and non-pharmacological methods.
Optic neuritis occurs when swelling (inflammation) damages the optic nerve — a bundle of nerve fibers that transmits visual information from your eye to your brain. Common symptoms of optic neuritis include pain with eye movement and temporary vision loss in one eye. Symptoms of optic neuritis can include headache, loss of vision, and flashing lights; this can commonly be mistaken for migraine headaches, because of visual disturbances. We collaborate closely with ophthalmologistst for this diagnosis and for the treatment.
Transverse myelitis is an inflammation of both sides of one spinal cord section. This neurological disorder often damages the insulating material covering nerve cell fibers (myelin). Transverse myelitis interrupts the messages that the spinal cord nerves send throughout the body. This can cause pain, muscle weakness, paralysis, sensory problems, or bladder and bowel dysfunction. There are many possible causes of tranverse myelitis. We use treatments including medications and rehabilitative therapy, which can improve or reverse the condition.