Patient Care Services

The study of the brain, the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves is the domain of the Neurosciences, a branch of medicine that focuses on the central nervous system. At Greenwich Hospital, the neurosciences include neurology, neurosurgery and related departments, such as radiology and rehabilitation, that support their efforts. Using the latest technologies, our neuroscience team diagnoses and treats

• Brain and spinal cord tumors
• Headache
• Epilepsy
• Brain and spinal cord injuries
• Tremor
• Stroke and aneurysms
• Parkinson's disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Alzheimer's disease
• Peripheral nerve diseases
• Birth defects
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Diagnostics
Neurologists can provide ongoing care for a neurological condition, or consult with a primary care doctor on a particular problem a patient is having. They do not perform surgery. Neurosurgeons care for patients with neurological problems and perform surgery on the brain, spinal column or peripheral nerve system.

To obtain a proper diagnosis, it is sometimes necessary to perform one or more of the following special procedures:

• Electroencephalography (EEG)
• Nerve conduction studies
• Electromyography
• Intraoperative neurophysiology
• Evoked potentials
• Cerebral angiography
• Lumbar puncture
• Myelogram
• Magnetic resonance imaging

Magnetic Resonance Imaging
The new advanced magnetic resonance imaging machine at Greenwich Hospital is more patient friendly because it is more open than the old equipment. Also, radiologists are now able to see smaller tumors and lesions. In addition, there is the potential to gather information about the composition of a tumor or lesion than they could before. The new MRI is located in the Radiology Department on the first floor of the new hospital.

Treatment Procedures
Neurosurgeons care for patients with neurological problems and perform surgery on the brain, spinal column or peripheral nerve system. Conditions treated include:

• Cerebrovascular surgery including stroke
• Herniated disks
• Spina bifida
• Head injury
• Carotid artery disease
• Brain and spinal tumor surgery including stereotaxic and ultrasound-guided surgery

Inpatient Care
In the new Greenwich Hospital, the Neurosciences and Orthopedics inpatient unit is on the second floor near the intensive care unit, the telemetry (special monitoring) unit and the operating room. Patients are cared for by specialized teams that include physicians, physician assistants, nurses, physical, occupational and speech therapists, case managers, social workers, dietitians and pharmacists.

Rehabilitation
Sometimes, patients with neurological conditions may benefit from therapy that begins during their hospital stay and may continue on an outpatient basis after they leave the hospital. Your physician will prescribe therapy if necessary. Therapy is provided by the Physical Medicine department at Greenwich Hospital.

Physical and occupational therapy

Autonomic Function Laboratory