Neurological care
Neurological care is the practice of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and function of diseases relating to the nerves and nervous system. Neurologists and neurosurgeons treat disorders that affect the brain or spinal cord.
Neurology specialists in Independence, Missouri
Neurologists at Centerpoint Medical Center are trained to diagnose and treat disorders and diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles.
They examine the nerves in the head and neck and analyze muscle strength and movement, balance, reflexes, sensations, memory, speech, language and other cognitive abilities. Our neurologists frequently consult with neurosurgeons and other neuroscience staff to treat your condition and help you live a normal life.
Neurological screenings
At Centerpoint Medical Center, our neuroradiologists consult with a multidisciplinary team to make an accurate diagnosis and determine the best course of treatment. Tools and tests they use to diagnose conditions include:
- Catheter angiography
- Coil placement
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Embolization
- Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
- Magnetic resonance spectroscopy
- Stent placement
- Ultrasound
- X-ray
Neurological conditions we treat
At Centerpoint Medical Center, our physicians are trained to treat a variety of neurological conditions, including:
Stroke
There are three types of cerebrovascular accident (stroke):
- An ischemic stroke, caused by a blockage in the blood flow of the artery to the brain. It's the most common type of stroke, accounting for about 87 percent of all strokes.
- A hemorrhagic stroke, in which a blood vessel ruptures, preventing blood from flowing to the brain.
- A transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a "warning stroke" or"mini-stroke," which produces stroke-like symptoms but no lasting damage.
A stroke is very serious and needs medical attention as quickly as possible to lessen any brain damage that may result.
Symptoms of a stroke include:
- Sudden numbness or weakness in the arm, leg or face, especially on just one side of the body
- Confusion, difficulty speaking or trouble understanding someone else speak
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden difficulty in walking, dizziness or loss of balance
- Sudden intense headache for no reason
Centerpoint's Stroke Center meets or exceeds all national protocols for the diagnosis and treatment of stroke. We have specially trained staff available 24 hours a day to treat time-sensitive medical emergencies such as a stroke.
TIA Clinic
Recognizing and treating TIAs can reduce your risk of a major stroke. They are important predictors of stroke, so don’t ignore them. If symptoms appear, call 911 to get medical help immediately.
Our TIA Clinic helps patients who have been diagnosed with TIAs or are at risk for stroke. Medical workups are thorough but last only one day and are at a single location.
To see if you are a candidate for our TIA Clinic please speak to your primary care provider.
Join our stroke support group
The purpose of our stroke support group is to provide education for stroke survivors, caregivers and those who want to learn more about stroke. All are welcome to attend. You can socialize with other stroke survivors and caregivers while having access to caregivers to answer your questions.
The class is provided free of charge. For more information, please visit the Centerpoint Medical Center Classes and Events page.
Epilepsy
The epilepsy program at Centerpoint Medical Center is staffed by a highly qualified and compassionate neurologist team. This team offers extensive evaluation and treatment options for adults and children four years old and older with epilepsy and seizure disorders.
All studies are interpreted by an epileptologist (a neurologist with advanced epilepsy experience). The epileptologist works with neuroradiologists to interpret tests such as:
- Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Computerized tomography (CT) scan
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
Consultations are available from neurosurgeons, neurologists, neuroradiologists, psychiatrists, counselors, primary care physicians and social workers.
Parkinson's disease
Centerpoint Medical Center specializes in patients who have Parkinson's disease. The neurologists at Centerpoint Medical Center have developed a wide range of options to treat Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders, including deep-brain stimulation.
Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient to provide relief from symptoms and increase the quality of life.
Neurosurgery
Neurosurgeons surgically treat and eliminate physical causes of diseases and disorders related to the brain, spinal cord and nerves. Centerpoint Medical Center has a neurosurgeon available around the clock for emergencies and trauma.
We provide complete neurosurgery services for conditions including:
- Cerebral aneurysm
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Stroke
- Trauma
- Trigeminal neuralgia
- Tumors of the brain or spine
Neurological rehabilitation
Recovery and rehabilitation from a chronic or acute episode of a brain or nervous system condition may include the following activities, as prescribed by your doctor:
- Physical therapy: To regain as much movement as possible
- Occupational therapy: To assist in everyday tasks and self-care
- Speech therapy: To improve swallowing and speech challenges
How is tPA used to limit stroke damage and speed up recovery?
Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), the only FDA approved treatment for ischemic strokes, dissolves blood clots in the brain, but can only be used within 3 to 4.5 hours of first symptoms. tPA limits stroke damage and speeds up recovery time.