Neurology
General Information

Neurology is the branch of medicine that is concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. We treat all types of neurological disorders with the most prevalent being:

• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease)
• Bell's Palsy
• Brain Tumors
• Epilepsy and Seizures
• Headache
• Head Injury
• Lumbar Disc Disease (Herniated Disc)
• Parkinson's Disease
• Stroke (Brain Attack)

Baptist Medical Center Downtown has a 24-bed Neuroscience unit dedicated to the providing healthcare for neurological conditions. Telemetry and computerized equipment are used to monitor and store readings of electrical brain activity of patients.

The Neuroscience unit staff works with many types of healthcare professionals to provide highly specialized care for neurological patients. Our multidisciplinary healthcare teams often include:

• physicians
• nurses
• physical therapists
• speech therapists
• occupational therapists
• social worker (helps family plan for transition to next level of care)

Neurosurgery

Our team of surgeons, nurses, radiologists, and support staff provide patients with the highest level of specialized skills and leading-edge techniques and equipment.

• Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery - Laminotomy, laminectomy and fusion procedures are routinely performed using minimally invasive techniques. These are procedures performed through small incisions typically measuring from one-half inch to an inch in length. These minimally invasive techniques reduce hospital stays, decrease post-operative pain and improve short-term recovery and return to normal activities.
• Computer Assisted Neurosurgery - Using computer assisted techniques, surgeons perform minimally invasive or less invasive and more accurate cranial surgery. This allows surgeons to be guided by computer tracking as seen through the pre-operative MRI scans or CT scans.

Our Nursing Staff
We are proud to be voted the hospital with the region's most preferred nurses. In addition to having a passion for top quality patient care, our professional staff is trained in the sub-specialty of neuroscience nursing. Our nurses have been trained in stroke assessment and all of our Neuroscience unit registered nurses are Stroke Scale certified (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - NINDS). These specially trained nurses are part of a "code stroke" first responder team that responds to any call.

During their hospitalization, patients and families have the opportunity to meet with the Nurse Hospitalist assigned to work exclusively with neurology patients. This advanced practice nurse serves in many roles and assists the neuroscience healthcare team to provide each patient with high quality care, based upon scientific evidence and best practices. The goal of the Nurse Hospitalist is to ensure continuity of care, favorable outcomes, and patient satisfaction. In assisting the multi-disciplinary team with the plan of care, the Nurse Hospitalist may assess a patient's health status and progress, facilitate care, and provide education regarding medical conditions and the management of those conditions.

Planning for discharge begins upon admission to the hospital. The nursing staff and Social Worker look for and help with any discharge needs. These needs may include equipment, home health care, physical therapy, and/or other rehabilitation needs. It is our goal to assist in any way to optimize the patient's care and facilitate their transition back into their community.