Neurology

Why would I be referred to a neurologist? In the world of neurology, headache is the most common condition treated. However, there are hundreds of others. From cerebral palsy to dementia to stroke, we care for them all. A few conditions our neurology team detects and treats include:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease

• Cancers of the brain, spine and central nervous system

• Concussion and traumatic brain injury

• Epilepsy (seizures) in adults and children

• Headache and migraine

• Memory and cognitive disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

• Movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, Tourette syndrome and gait disturbances

• Multiple sclerosis

• Neuromuscular disorders, including peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophies, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myasthenia gravis

• Neuro-ophthalmology

• Stroke

In neurology, providing the proper treatment to the right patient at the right time is essential. Depending on your condition, your Ochsner team may provide one or more of the following treatments:

• Botox (botulinum toxin). When injected into appropriate muscles, it helps relieve headaches or severe muscle cramps caused by conditions such as writer’s cramp.

• Medication. The right medication can help with pain management and symptom reduction. It can also stop a stroke.

• Music therapy. A unique therapy, music therapy treats and improves the lives of those with conditions affecting gait (walking), speech or memory.

• Nerve block. Injected medication targets pain-producing nerves, encouraging them to stop sending pain signals to your brain.

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy. When appropriate, these therapies help you recover or maintain strength, speech and the ability to perform activities of daily living. In essence, they help you maintain maximum independence.

• Surgery. In the event you need surgery, your neurologist will refer you to Ochsner’s team of neurosurgery experts.

In addition to these treatments, Ochsner advances care in the future through clinical neurology trials. If you could benefit from an ongoing clinical trial, your care team will discuss the possibility. By participating, you gain another opportunity for improved health and make more care options available for future generations.

Neurological conditions can be challenging, but Ochsner is here to help you manage symptoms and improve your quality of life. Symptoms you may experience include:

• Abnormally slow movements

• Difficulty maintaining balance

• Dizziness

• Double vision

• Forgetfulness

• Frequent feelings of déjà vu

• Headaches

• Inability to lift and keep both arms overhead

• Light sensitivity

• Loss of consciousness

• Nausea

• Numbness in the face, arms and/or legs

• Personality changes or extreme emotional swings

• Problems speaking or understanding speech

• Uncontrollable tremors or muscle spasms

• Weakness in the face, arms and/or legs

Diagnosing neurologic conditions begins with a physical exam and discussing your medical history. Your neurology team may then prescribe one or more of the following tests:

• CT and MRI angiograms. Advanced CT and MRI technology in our Neuroradiology program creates high-definition images of your brain. These help your neurology team diagnose your condition and determine the best treatment plan.

• Electroencephalography. This test records electrical activity in your brain. It’s often used to diagnose the cause of seizures.

• Electromyography and nerve conduction studies. Electromyography monitors your muscle’s electrical activity when at rest and at work. Nerve conduction studies test the speed at which electrical signals move through your nerves. Your team may perform both tests together.

• Memory testing. This evaluates your brain and emotional health. As part of a neuropsychological evaluation, memory testing helps determine if your condition needs neurological or psychological care.

• Transcranial doppler. Ultrasound technology shows blockages or other abnormalities in the blood vessels in the head.

Experts who may be part of your neurology care team include:

• Advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants)

• Clinical research coordinators

• Medical assistants

• Neuro-oncologists

• Neurologists

• Neurology care navigators

• Neuropsychologists

• Neurosurgeons

• Nurses

• Psychiatrists

• Psychologists

Diagnosing neurological conditions takes teamwork. Skilled experts work together and use different tests to ensure you get the proper diagnosis and care you can count on.

Experts, including neurologists, neurosurgeons and radiologists, discuss complex cases weekly. These meetings ensure patients get the best care, with multiple specialists agreeing on the right path forward. It’s a thoughtful, team-based approach that gives the care plan peace of mind and confidence.

Ochsner neurologists also offer second opinions to patients receiving treatment at other facilities. You or a referring physician can request a second opinion. To request a second opinion, call 504-842-3980.

Choosing Ochsner for neurology care means choosing excellence. Our high-quality care has earned top awards time and again, showing our commitment to helping you get the best treatment possible.

• Nationally ranked in the nation’s top 10% in Neurology and Neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report.

• Recognized by Healthgrades Neurosciences Excellence Award annually since 2012 and named among the top 5% in the nation for Neurosciences

• Ranked by Healthgrades as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care annually since 2012

• Recipient of the Healthgrades Stroke Care Excellence Award annually since 2011

• Named by Healthgrades among the top 5% in the nation for Treatment of a Stroke annually since 2011

• Certified by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Program

• Ochsner named on Becker’s Hospital Review list of 100 hospitals & health systems with great spine programs

• Accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers and received the highest designation for a comprehensive epilepsy program as evident by our Level IV status

• The Ochsner ALS Center has been designated as a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence through the ALS Association’s Certified Center Program.

• Named a Center of Excellence for Spine Care for Employers by Contigo

Neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating brain, spine and nervous system conditions. This includes migraines, epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, ALS and other neurological disorders. They also address spine injuries, memory problems and nerve-related pain.

Standard tests include MRIs or CT scans to take detailed images of your brain or spine, EEGs to monitor brain activity or nerve conduction studies to check nerve function. These tests help provide a clearer picture of what’s happening so the team can customize your care.

Ochsner Health specializes in pediatric neurology, providing expert care for children with brain, spine and nerve-related conditions in Baton Rouge, Shreveport and Slidell. With gentle, child-friendly exams and treatments, we ensure young patients feel comforted and receive the best care possible.