Ballywho News

For centuries, scientists have worked to understand how our brains work. That practice of studying the brain is called neuroscience. Over time the science has evolved, and new technologies called neurointerventions help patients with various neurological conditions maintain brain function and recover more completely.

Common Neurological Conditions

Patients may develop a wide variety of neurological conditions. Usually they affect memory, like Alzheimer’s disease, or movement, like Parkinson’s disease. These diseases cause degeneration in specific areas of the brain. While scientists have yet to understand the mechanisms that cause these diseases, they have developed treatment options that slow their progress.

Some neurological conditions result from a sudden traumatic event in the brain. The most common—and preventable—of these are stroke and aneurysm. These conditions occur when a blood vessel in the brain weakens. If the blood vessel ruptures, the brain is deprived of oxygen, and tissue begins to die. Meanwhile, the patient can also bleed through the ruptured vessel.

Since neurology addresses the entire nervous system, neurologists also treat conditions like peripheral nerve disorder and any ailment that impacts the spinal cord. Patients who develop spinal tumors or other disorders usually see a neurologist to ensure that any treatment protects that central nerve in the spinal cord.

An Interdisciplinary Approach

Treating most neurological conditions requires a highly interdisciplinary approach, because the brain affects how all the body’s systems work—and it’s dependent on those other systems. For example, patients may need physical therapy, guidance from a nutritionist, or other support due to a neurological condition.

Meanwhile, a patient’s risk for stroke or aneurysm is closely tied to cardiovascular health. Poor heart health places extra strain on the entire circulatory system, including the blood vessels in the brain. Over time, these blood vessels can weaken, leading to either stroke or aneurysm. That means doctors who treat these serious conditions must be well versed in both cardiology and neurology.

The Future of Neurology

Interventional neurology offers patients much better outcomes. Doctors trained in this field perform minimally invasive procedures that can be used to diagnose and reverse the effects of blood clots, stroke, and aneurysms in the brain. Patients who get this kind of treatment enjoy shorter and more complete recoveries, without the risk associated with open brain surgery and other traditional treatments.

The cutting-edge technologies used by interventional neurologists include bi-plane scanners, which create 3-D images of the brain, along with several mechanical interventions to remove blood clots in the brain or prevent aneurysms from rupturing. Northside Hospital is one of the few hospitals in west Florida whose team includes specialists who are experts in interventional neurology.

All other hospitals in the division are Certified Advanced Primary Stroke Care Centers. Evaluated by the Joint Commission, these hospitals have met strenuous standards for stroke care, patient outcomes, and staff expertise.

· Central Florida
Central Florida Regional Hospital
Osceola Regional Hospital

· Hernando, Pasco & Citrus Counties
Community Hospital – The Future Medical Center of Trinity
Oak Hill Hospital
Regional Medical Center Bayonet Point

· Hillsborough County
Brandon Regional Hospital
South Bay Hospital

· Manatee, Sarasota & Charlotte Counties
Blake Medical Center
Doctors Hospital of Sarasota
Fawcett Memorial Hospital

· Pinellas County
Edward White Hospital
Largo Medical Center
Northside Hospital

If you have questions about neurology or other health conditions, please visit us online or call Consult-a-Nurse® at1-877-4-HCA-DOCS for answers to your questions and free physician referrals.