General neurological care
The NorthShore Neurological Institute (NNI) at Northwest Community Healthcare (NCH) provides the latest diagnostic and treatment options for basic and complex general neurological conditions.
Defining terms
What is included in general neurology?
General neurology is a broad specialty encompassing conditions and disorders affecting the brain, spinal cord and/or nerves.
The general neurology patient journey begins with a general neurologist, who determines the best course of action. If needed, the neurologist may enlist the help and opinion of additional subspecialists and/or neurosurgeons.
Conditions
General neurological conditions affect the brain, spinal cord and/or nerves, including:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Bell’s palsy
- Blood clots
- Brain tumors
- Concussion
- Dementia
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Dizziness (vertigo)
- Epilepsy
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Migraine
- Neuralgia
- Neuropathy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Seizures
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Trigeminal neuralgia
Symptoms
General neurological symptoms are far reaching and may include:
- Amyloid neuropathy
- Amyloidosis
- Changes to memory
- Confusion
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty speaking/slurred speech
- Dizziness
- Fainting
- Headache
- Hearing problems
- Lack of coordination
- Limb weakness
- Seizures
- Tingling, numbness or pain
- Trouble falling or staying asleep
- Trouble swallowing
- Vision changes
Diagnosis
Diagnosing general neurological disorders begins with a physical examination and cognitive assessment. Your care team will complete a medical and family history to help determine the most likely cause of your symptoms.
If further testing is needed, any of the following may be employed:
- Angiography
- Cognitive assessment
- CT scan
- Electroencephalography (EEG)
- Electromyography (EMG)
- Blood or other lab tests
- MRI
- Nerve or skin biopsies
- Neuropsychological testing
- Positron emission tomography (PET)
- Single photon-emission computed tomography (SPECT)
- Toxicology screening
Treatments
Most general neurological conditions are treated with medication, surgery or a combination of the two.
We utilize a multidisciplinary approach, providing every patient with a comprehensive care team, handpicked for their specific condition and needs. Each patient receives a care plan unique to them, which may include collaboration with specialists within and outside NNI at NCH.
Ready to support you
We understand the uncertainty and challenges that come from a neurological diagnosis, and that’s why we believe in putting your comfort and safety first. Our staff is dedicated to treating your condition and to ensuring that you and your family are involved throughout your health journey.
When you choose NNI at NCH for your neurological care, you partner with a comprehensive team of experts in diagnostics, neurology, neurosurgery and more.
This integrated, patient-centered approach streamlines your healing process and allows you to be an active decision maker in your care. We are partners on your health journey, and we work with you and your family to answer any questions you may have and choose the right treatment for you.