Neurology is a field of medicine specializing in disorders of the nervous system. A neurologist typically sees patients with brain, spine and some muscular conditions. Community Medical Centers has more than a dozen highly-trained neurologists on staff, each with years of experience in diagnosing and treating a wide variety of neurological disorders. Please explore the links in this section to learn more about common neurological disorders, their symptoms and treatment options.
Stroke
There are two types of stroke: ischemic and hemorrhagic.
Ischemic strokes occur when plaque or a clot interrupts the blood supply to the brain. Within a few minutes, brain cells begin to die due to a loss of oxygen and nutrients. The main cause of ischemic strokes is atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque or fatty deposits build up within the arteries of the brain and lead to narrowing or obstruction. Ischemic strokes account for approximately 80 to 85% of all strokes.
Hemorrhagic strokes involve the leaking or rupturing of a blood vessel in the brain. The blood then accumulates and puts pressure on brain tissue. back to top about our stroke program
Movement Disorders
Symptoms and causes of movement disorders vary widely, but are usually related to a neurologic condition. Tics, tremors and spasms are all symptoms of movement disorders.
Diagnosis: In order to accurately diagnose a movement disorder, neurologists will often order a series of tests, scans and exercises.
Treatment: Can vary depending on the diagnosis. Medication, physical therapy, surgery and behavioral therapy may be effective. back to top
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurologic condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the central nervous system. It causes a variety of physical and mental symptoms and usually results in physical and cognitive impairment. About one in 1,000 people in North America are diagnosed with MS.
Diagnosis: MS is difficult to diagnose as its symptoms can vary significantly. Clinical data is often used, as are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images, spinal fluid examinations and visual tests.
Treatment: Though there is no known cure for MS, several therapies do exist. These include intravenous medications and the use of interferons – proteins injected into the body that can slow the progression of the disease. Drug therapy and neurorehabilitation also can relieve symptoms. back to top
Neuromuscular Disorders
Neuromuscular disorders are a group of diseases affecting the voluntary muscles in the body. These disorders often result in the weakening and eventual loss of muscle movement and cell structure. Two of the most common types of neuromuscular disorders are amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) — also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease and muscular dystrophy.
Diagnosis: A variety of tests and scans are used to determine the nature and severity of a neuromuscular disorder. The creatine kinase blood test is commonly used to determine the type and severity of the disorder. Electrophysiology, muscle biopsies and diagnostic imaging may also be used.
Treatment:Options for neuromuscular disorders vary depending on the type and severity of the disease. While there is no known cure for disorders such as ALS and muscular dystrophy, several therapies have proven useful in helping patients cope with their disease. These include physical and occupational therapies, medications and speech therapies. back to top
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures of varying severity. It’s estimated that 50 million people worldwide have been diagnosed with some form of epilepsy.
Diagnosis: Patients who experience seizures will undergo a series of tests to determine if they are indeed affected with epilepsy. Common tests include electroencephalography (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and other brain scans to discover the affected region of the brain.
Treatment: Several medications have proven to be effective in suppressing epileptic seizures. Specialized diets also can reduce seizures. Surgery can reduce or even eliminate symptoms, but is usually only offered when all other avenues of treatment are unsuccessful. back to top
Sleep Disorders
Recent studies show that nearly 90% of men and close to 70% of women experience some sort of sleep disorder a few times a week. Causes for sleep loss can range from stress or related to the sleeping environment or an underlying medical condition. Lack of sleep is responsible for loss of productivity and traffic accidents and can even speed up the aging process.
Diagnosis: Several tests can be used to determine the cause and severity of your sleep disorder. Your physician may ask you to keep a sleep diary for a few weeks and also provide you with a questionnaire designed to assess your sleepiness during the day. A mental health exam may also be conducted. A polysomnogram may be conducted within a sleep lab. You may also be asked to wear an actigraph–a wrist-worn device designed to measure movement during sleep.
Treatment: Simple lifestyle changes can often lead to better and prolonged nightly sleep. Keeping a regular bedtime schedule, avoiding caffeine and ensuring your bedroom is dark and quiet are just a few tips for better sleep. A physician may prescribe medication or fitted masks to alleviate symptoms for those with medical conditions affecting sleep. back to top
Headaches
By far the most common neurologic condition, headaches occur for a variety of reasons including dehydration and eyestrain. Over-the-counter pain relievers can treat most headaches. However, recurrent, severe headaches could be a sign of a more serious medical condition and require the immediate attention of a neurologist.
Diagnosis: A neurologist will usually perform a thorough medical examination of a patient suffering from recurrent, intense headaches. The physician will often ask the patient to keep a headache journal to log the frequency and severity of headaches. Computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans are also commonly used to diagnose headaches.
Treatment: Over-the-counter and prescription painkillers will relieve most headache symptoms. Massage therapy also has shown to be useful in treating headaches. Proper diet, vitamin supplements and other herbal treatments can help prevent headaches as well. back to top
Memory Disorders
Minor memory lapses — such as remembering where you put your car keys — are a common part of everyday life. However, recurrent, severe memory loss that reduces quality of life could be a sign of a serious illness and demands immediate medical attention.
Diagnosis: There are hundreds of factors that can cause memory loss. They include high blood pressure, diabetes, medication side effects, concussion, alcoholism and depression. More serious disorders that affect memory include Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease. Cognitive tests and imaging scans are usually useful in diagnosing the cause of memory loss.
Treatment: The cause of memory loss varies, and treatments are determined on a case-by-case basis. Medication or lifestyle changes can often remedy the situation. Surgical intervention may be necessary for more serious conditions. back to top
