Brain, Spine & Nervous System
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as motor neuron disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease, leads to progressive loss of motor neurons, which are the cells in charge of muscle control.
Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes
Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes are a group of rare neurological diseases that share some of the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but with additional "atypical" signs or symptoms.
Alzheimer's Disease / Dementia
As we age, many of us develop concerns about our memory, especially when it comes to figuring out what are normal “senior moments” versus what may be the beginning of a more serious memory disorder. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are progressive neurodegenerative diseases that usually start off slowly and worsen over time, destroying memory and other mental functions.
Autonomic Dysfunction
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) controls automatic body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, bowel, bladder and sexual function. Autonomic dysfunction occurs when the nerves of the ANS are damaged. This can happen with diseases of the peripheral nervous system as well as diseases of the central nervous system. Diabetes and Parkinson’s disease are two examples of chronic conditions that can lead to autonomic dysfunction.
Brain Aneurysm
A brain aneurysm (or cerebral aneurysm) is a weak area on the wall of a brain artery that balloons out and fills with blood. This bulging pocket or sac can put pressure on other parts of the brain, which may or may not cause symptoms. In some cases the weakened blood vessel may burst (rupture or bleed), spreading blood into the surrounding tissue (called a hemorrhage). Not all brain aneurysms burst or cause symptoms. Approximately 6 million people in the United States (about 1 in 50) are living with an unruptured brain aneurysm. However, nearly one third of those who have a ruptured brain aneurysm will die as a result, and more than half who survive will have some permanent disability.
Brain Tumors
Brain tumors can be benign (non-cancerous, non-aggressive) or malignant (aggressive), but both types are serious conditions that require immediate attention and expert treatment. Brain tumor treatment options vary significantly depending on the specific type of brain tumor and the stage of the disease.
Central Disorders of Hypersomnolence (Narcolepsy and Idiopathic Hypersomnia)
Central disorders of hypersomnolence, including narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia, are characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness in the absence of other sleep disorders but with the setting of adequate and regular sleep habits.
Cervical Radiculopathy
Cervical radiculopathy, commonly called a “pinched nerve,” is a painful condition that involves nerve irritation due to damage on a cervical disc of your spine.
Circadian Rhythm Sleep-Wake Disorders
Circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders are disorders that involve our internal sleep rhythms or our “internal biological clock.”
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
Complex regional pain syndrome is a form of chronic pain that typically affects your arm or leg. It can occur after an injury or surgery, with or without nerve damage.
Concussion and Traumatic Brain Injury
A concussion is a blow or impact to the head that can change the way your brain normally works.
Dystonia
Dystonia is a movement disorder characterized by excessive pulling of muscles, leading to twisting movements or abnormal postures. It affects about 1% of the population and is more common in women than men.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder marked by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy is a common condition that may occur as a result of a genetic disorder or may be caused by a traumatic brain injury.
Headaches/Migraines
A headache is pain or discomfort in the head or face. Headaches can vary in terms of their location, intensity of pain and how frequently they occur. A migraine is a type of headache that includes symptoms other than pain. These may include nausea, lightheadedness and sensitivity to light.
Huntington's Disease
Huntington's disease (HD) is an inherited genetic disorder that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain and deteriorates a person's physical and mental abilities.
Insomnia
Insomnia is a sleep disorder in which an individual has trouble falling or staying asleep. It can be transient (i.e. lasting from one night to several weeks), intermittent (i.e. recurrent bouts of transient insomnia), or chronic (i.e. occurring most nights and lasting for more than three months).
Lumbar Radiculopathy
Lumbar radiculopathy is a painful condition that involves nerve irritation caused by damage to the spinal discs.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease of the central nervous system that disrupts the flow of information within the brain, and between the brain and body. Early MS symptoms include weakness, tingling, numbness, pain, fatigue and blurred vision. Women are at a higher risk for MS than men.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder in which antibodies attack the junction between muscle and the nerves that send information from the muscle to the brain.
Neck Pain
Neck pain is very common. There are many complex and important structures in the neck, including the top seven bones in the spine (vertebrae), the disks between the vertebrae, blood vessels, spinal nerves, muscles and ligaments. Problems with any one of these can result in neck pain. If neck pain is chronic, and doesn't improve with neck exercises or ergonomics, your options might include injections or radiofrequency treatments.
Neuromuscular Disorders
“Neuromuscular disorders” refers to a range of conditions including diseases of the nerves, muscles, motor neurons, and neuromuscular junction.
Parasomnias
Parasomnias are disruptive sleep-related behaviors that occur during or surrounding sleep. They can include abnormal movements (such as sleep walking or acting out dreams) or distressing dream content (nightmare disorder). With these disorders, sleep environment safety is vital to prevent injury.
Parkinson's Disease
Parkinson’s disease affects an estimated 1.5 million Americans, men and women of all ages and races. It is a slowly progressive movement disorder that occurs when a significant number of certain nerve cells in the brain become damaged or die.
Phantom Limb Syndrome
Phantom limb syndrome describes feelings and sensations in limbs that no longer exist.
Restless Leg Syndrome & Periodic Limb Movement Disorder
Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is a sensorimotor disorder that creates abnormal sensations and movements of the legs, usually at night. Periodic limb movements (PLMs) are repetitive movements of the legs seen during in-lab sleep tests.
Sciatica
Sciatica is the sensation of pain along the sciatic nerve, which runs through the lower back, buttocks and down each leg. Most patients who experience sciatica only have pain on one side of their body.
Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders
Sleep-related breathing disorders make up a large group of disorders related to abnormal breathing during sleep with sleep apnea being the most common.
Stroke
Stroke is the 4th leading cause of death in the United States, but the leading cause of disability. Stroke is a brain injury that affects the brain’s blood supply.
Trigeminal Neuralgia
Trigeminal Neuralgia is a chronic pain condition that affects the trigeminal nerve, which carries sensation from your face to your brain. Usually, this condition occurs when a blood vessel (artery or vein) and the trigeminal nerve at the base of your brain make contact. This contact puts pressure on the nerve and causes it to malfunction.