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In the U.S., neurological health issues are on the rise. Eight in ten people will have a spine injury at some time in their lives. Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability and head injury is the leading cause of death in young adults. Alzheimer’s Disease affects one in 10 people age 65 and older and is the sixth leading cause of death.
Here in Louisiana, we have more than our fair share of neurological issues. Studies show that our state is ranked #50 in brain health. Fortunately, New Orleans is home to the only hospital in the Gulf South nationally ranked in neurology by U.S. News & World Report.
Patients can receive Neurology care from the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute in the following regions:
- Greater New Orleans area (New Orleans, Jefferson Hwy., Metairie, West Bank, Kenner)
- Baton Rouge
- North Shore (Slidell and Covington)
Why Ochsner for Neurology Care?
Ochsner’s reputation for comprehensive, clinical care has made it a nationwide destination center for adult and pediatric patients with a wide range of brain and spine injuries and diseases. You don’t need to leave the region to get world-class care. You’ll find it right here at Ochsner.
Award-Winning Care
- Neurology: U.S. News & World Report 2018-2019 Best Hospitals listing ranks Ochsner as #38 in the entire United States for neurology and neurosurgery, and Ochsner is the only hospital ranked in Louisiana.
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Stroke Care: - Recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s for achieving the "Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award."
- Ranked by Healthgrades as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care (TM) for seven years in a row (2012-2018)
- Spine Care: Becker’s Hospital Review named Ochsner on its list of 100 hospitals & health systems with great spine programs (2017)
- Epilepsy: Accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) and received the highest designation for a comprehensive epilepsy program as evident by our level 4 status
- ALS: The Ochsner ALS Center has been designated as a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence through the ALS Association's Certified Center Program.
Conditions Treated
Our multidisciplinary team treats more than 500 neurological conditions, including even the most complex, rare and most difficult to diagnose.
Conditions we treat include but aren’t limited to:
- ALS
- Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Epilepsy in Adults and Children
- General Neurology Care for Adults and Children
- Headache/Migraine
- Interventional Neuroradiology
- Memory Disorders (including: Memory Loss, Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease)
- Movement Disorders (including: Tremor, Parkinson’s Disease)
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuromuscular Disorders (including: Neuropathy, Myasthenia Gravis, Muscle Disorders)
- Neuropsychology
- Vascular Neurology/Stroke Care
Tests & Procedures
Neurological tests and procedures performed by our team include but aren’t limited to the following:
Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS)
What is it for?
This 30-minute to two-hour test done by a physician evaluates the function of nerves and muscles. It is used to locate a problem or to categorize the type of problem.
What is the test like?
There are two parts, the EMG and the NCS. The NCS involves stimulating a nerve in the arm or leg with a small current of electricity that lasts microseconds. Depending on the problem, the physician will determine how many nerves he/she must evaluate. The EMG does not involve any current, but instead the doctor uses a fine needle to "listen" to muscles.
How do I prepare?
If you take aspirin, coumadin, or other blood thinners you should call us prior to the test to determine if these need to be stopped. If you have a pacemaker or a defibrillator, please tell the physician before starting the test. Otherwise, there is nothing else you need to do and you will be ready to return home immediately after the test (no sedation is used). The results of this test is typically available to the ordering physician within two to three working days.
Transcranial Doppler (TCD)
What is it for?
Doppler uses soundwaves to evaluate the flow in your blood vessels. It is used to look for blockages, irregular or abnormal vessels and heart abnormalities.
What is the test like?
A trained technician or physician will roll a transducer over your chest, neck and head as he or she watches a monitor. It is not painful and may take anywhere from just a few minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the studies ordered.
How do I prepare?
Just come as you are; there is nothing to prepare in advance.
Medical Botulinum Toxin
What is it for?
Botulinum toxin is used to treat migraines and severe muscle contractions as in cervical dystonia, writer's cramp, blepharospasm, spasticity and hemifacial spasm. The toxin weakens the target muscles.
What is the procedure like?
The medicine is injected into the affected muscles. It usually takes about one to two weeks to take effect and then lasts for two to three months.
How do I prepare?
If you take aspirin, or another anti-platelet, do not take the day of the procedure. If you take coumadin or another anticoagulant, please tell your doctor before the procedure.
Clinical Trials
The Ochsner Neuroscience Institute has teams of doctors, scientists, clinical research professionals and pharmacists who work together to improve patient care through clinical research.
Our researchers study new treatments for illnesses and diseases. Each research study is conducted to learn more about the treatment of a specific illness or disease.
For Referring Physicians
Physicians may fax referrals to 504-842-0041.
Residencies
Neurology Residency Program at Ochsner is a dynamic program that offers residents superb, state-of-the-art training at one of the largest private academic medical centers in the South. The Neurology Residency Program is a fully accredited program by ACGME. We accept three residents per year. Our four-year program includes the preliminary Internal Medicine year.
Fellowships
Neurocritical Care Fellowship
The Ochsner neurocritical care fellowship program is a United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS) accredited program. Our program prepares physicians for the independent practice of neurological intensive care through a structured combination of cognitive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and the procedural skills training. Our fellows learn through treating a wide array of patient with both acute medical and acute neurological illness.
Vascular Neurology Fellowship
The Ochsner vascular neurology fellowship is a one-year program. This fellowship is designed to provide extensive exposure to cerebrovascular diseases and prepare the fellow for independent care of complex disease processes.
