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Patient Information
Here are a few of the neurological conditions we diagnose and
treat:
Procedures performed most frequently in the
neurology clinic:
Billing Information:
Neurology Associates is a part of
PeaceHealth Medical Group and St. Joseph Hospital. Our clinicians are eligible to
bill patients under Medicare, TRICARE, and Medicaid coverage under
Provider Based Billing status under Medicare. Please refer to the
patient billing explanation letter for more information.
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a
disease of the brain and spinal cord, usually diagnosed between the
ages of 20 and 50. In MS, the covering of the nerves (myelin sheath)
is destroyed. The underlying nerve fiber may also be damaged or
severed. Common symptoms include weakness, numbness, poor
coordination, loss of balance, visual problems, loss of bladder or
bowel control, mood swings, cognitive problems, difficulty speaking
and fatigue. MS is not fatal or contagious. However, a small number
of people have a severe type of MS, which may shorten life
expectancy. Parkinson’s
disease is a serious disorder that affects nerve cells (neurons) in
the part of the brain controlling muscle movement. Parkinson’s may
cause a tremor, muscle rigidity, difficulty walking, and problems
with balance and coordination. These symptoms generally develop
after age 50, although a small percentage of younger people are
affected.
Migraines are a type
of episodic severe headache. In about 15 percent of cases, migraines
are preceded by a sensory warning sign (aura), such as flashes of
light, blind spots or tingling in an arm or leg. Migraines are often
accompanied
by other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and extreme sensitivity
to light and sound. Migraine pain can be excruciating and may be
incapacitating for hours or even days. Although there’s no cure,
medications can prevent or help reduce the frequency of headaches.
Other medications can stop the pain once it’s started.
Seizures or
convulsions can be a sudden, violent, uncontrollable contraction of
a group of muscles. A seizure can also be more subtle, involving
only a brief
“loss of contact” or a few moments of what appears to be
daydreaming. Any mild or major seizure is caused by sudden abnormal
electrical activity of the brain. Types of seizures include
petit mal seizure (brief “loss of contact” type seizures), partial
complex seizure, febrile (fever-caused) seizure in children,
generalized tonic-clonic seizure (grand mal), partial (focal)
seizure and temporal lobe seizure. Epilepsy is a disorder of
recurrent seizures that are usually controlled with medication.
Epilepsy can start at any age, but usually starts during childhood
or as a young adult. Return to top
EEG (electroencephalogram) is a
non-invasive test to evaluate the electrical activity of the brain.
It is often used in the evaluation of confusion, delirium, dementia
(memory problems), decreased levels of consciousness and seizure
disorders. It can be helpful in guiding treatment and therapeutic
choices. EMG (electromyogram)
and NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity) are tests that are performed
together. They are most often used when a patient has symptoms of
weakness and the examination shows impaired muscle strength. They
are also used to detect nerve problems that cause numbness, tingling
or sensory loss, including carpal tunnel syndrome and peripheral
neuropathy.
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