A neurosurgeon is a physician who performs various diagnostic and surgical procedures on the brain and head, spine, spinal cord and spinal discs, peripheral nerves in arms and legs, and blood vessels affecting the brain, such as the carotid artery. This specialist also performs surgery for problems dealing with stroke, neuro-ophthalmology, and neuro-muscular disease.
A neurologist is a medical doctor who is highly trained to identify and treat various diseases of the central nervous system such as headaches, strokes, neck and back pain, dizziness, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, and Epilepsy.
After obtaining a complete neurological and medical history, the neurologist performs a neurological examination and then discusses the findings with the patient and family to advise whether any further diagnostic testing is necessary and/or what medical treatment is indicated.
Division of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (Physiatry)
A physiatrist is a physician specialist whose expertise is managing the problems of patients with physical disabilities from musculo-skeletal, neuromuscular and
cardiovascular disorders such as neck and back pain, stroke, amputation, head injury and spinal cord injury.
The physiatrist's primary goal is comprehensive rehabilitation of patients to achieve maximum physical, social, psychological and vocational functioning as well as the prevention of disabilities. To achieve this goal, the doctor utilizes various health care professionals for therapeutic programs, various therapeutic and diagnostic techniques such as electrodiagnosis (electromyography and nerve conduction studies), nerve blocks, and use of special devices such as splints, braces and artificial limbs.
A pain specialist is a physician who treats patients with chronic pain. A detailed history and examination are performed to help the doctor understand the nature of the pain and the factors related to it. A wide range of therapies may then be available. These include medications, physical and occupational therapy, nerve blocks and trigger point injections, to name a few. In special cases, sophisticated devices such as spinal cord stimulators and intra-spinal infusion pumps may be effectively used.
Among painful conditions commonly treated are chronic back pain and sciatica, nerve pain conditions such as diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathies, reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), shingles and cancer pain that has not responded to standard medications, as well as many other painful conditions.
The doctor works in conjunction with other physicians as needed. These may include the patient's own doctor, neurologists, neurosurgeons, physiatrists, orthopedic surgeons, psychologists, psychiatrists, rheumatologists, to name a few.
Pain is treated using a multidisciplinary approach. The goal of the treatment is control of pain, restoration of function and improvement in the quality of life.
This division includes behavioral neurology, rehabilitation neurology, psychiatry, biological psychiatry, psychology, neuropsychology and the Learning Diagnostic Center. These services are designed to offer comprehensive evaluation of adults and children whose behavior may be impaired by disease, injury, emotional distress or a learning disability.
All phases of psychiatric or psychological treatment are available. As emotional factors can exacerbate or cause physical ailments, psychiatric or psychological services are frequently integrated with medical case management.
Our medical psychologists use psychological testing, biofeedback and other forms of stress management, and will help patients develop an individualized plan for coping with stress and distress. Treatment, which is often only a few sessions, can have a significant therapeutic effect in reducing physical and emotional symptoms.
Neuropsychologists focus on the relation of brain activity and human behavior via a battery of tests of various mental abilities.
All of the neuro-behavioral specialists provide feedback to patients and families in understandable terms. Recommendations could focus on possible lifestyle changes, family adaptations, medication and/or psychotherapy. Routine consultation and collaboration among the staff maximize the potential for patient improvement.
The Learning Diagnostic Center provides evaluation and counseling to children, families and schools regarding academic or behavioral challenges.
The Learning Diagnostic Center provides a comprehensive evaluation for children from kindergarten to college age who are having difficulty in school. The Center offers a multi-disciplinary team approach by a pediatric neurologist, neuropsychologist and learning disability specialist who provide a detailed and coordinated assessment of learning patterns.
By assessing intellectual, academic, social and emotional abilities, the team creates a comprehensive report as the basis for an individually tailored plan of care. Difficulties may range from neurological problems to a specific learning disability, emotional issues or a combination of these factors.
The Center also offers an array of counseling, assessment and education services for parents, schools and gifted individuals.
Disclaimer: The information and references contained
herein are intended solely for the information.
It should not be used for treatment purposes, but rather for
discussion with the patient's own physician.
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