Neurology
The neurology department specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders relating to the nervous system (conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles). Our neurologists are experts at performing a comprehensive neurological examination to narrow down the location of the illness or injury. Frequently, additional imaging or other testing is required for better understanding of the problem, before treatment is selected.
About our department:
Common examples of neurological disease include:
-
Brain disorders including seizures, inflammatory brain disease, congenital (born with) abnormalities, tumors
-
Spinal disorders including herniated disc disease, fractures, traumatic injury, instability
-
Peripheral nerve disorders including degenerative diseases, tremors, tumors
-
Systemic neuromuscular conditions including myasthenia gravis
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging modality for nervous system disorders, and our neurologists have access to one of the most state of the art units available in the country.
Additional diagnostic procedures available at Summit include:
-
Computed Tomography (CT) imaging
-
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sampling
-
Brainstem auditory response testing (BAER)
-
Nerve/muscle conduction testing
Our neurologists also perform all neurological surgery at Summit. Surgery may be needed to:
-
Relieve spinal cord compression from a displaced disc or spinal tumor
-
Remove a brain or skull-base tumor
-
Stabilize the vertebrae (bones forming our spine) following traumatic injury
Availability and referrals:
Summit’s neurology department sees patients 7 days per week and is available for direct referral of sick patients for consultation. Pets experiencing truly emergent symptoms are admitted through our ER with in-house neurology support as indicated.