Outpatient Neurology

When first diagnosed, chronic neurological disorders such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease can be scary. Living with them should not be.

Neurologists at Christiana Care’s outpatient neurology practice will partner with you to create a treatment plan that improves function, aids in the development of coping strategies to assist in dealing with your ailments and helps to improve your life. Our neurologists are trained to help you deal effectively with existing symptoms, identify new symptoms, properly treat them and consistently monitor your health to ensure you enjoy the best quality of life possible.

Christiana Care’s outpatient neurology practice can offer assistance with:

Stroke

After having a mild or severe stroke, our neurologists help patients develop the habits and strategies necessary to prevent additional strokes, regain prestroke functioning and improve quality of life.

Seizures and Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that results in seizures, which occur during periods of abnormal brain activity. Anyone can develop epilepsy. The disorder affects people of all ages, races and ethnic backgrounds.

Not all seizures are exactly alike. Some are localized in a particular part of the brain (focal seizures), while others start on both sides of the brain (generalized seizures). Seizures can usually be controlled using medications and sometimes surgery. Neurologists at Christiana Care have worked with many patients with epilepsy, and they have experience treating people who suffer from different types of seizures with different symptoms.

For those patients whose epilepsy is not well controlled by seizure medications, a Christiana Care neurologist may recommend a stay in our epilepsy monitoring unit. This dedicated unit helps doctors to pinpoint the location and type of seizure so they can develop new treatment plans.

Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

Christiana Care’s Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) – the first of its kind in the state of Delaware – offers hope to adults with seizure disorders. The EMU is equipped with special sensors and recording devices that a team of doctors, advanced practice providers, nurses and technicians will use to monitor patients in real time 24 hours a day for up to several days. The data they collect will help them gain a better understanding of the source of seizures so they can develop a more effective treatment plan to manage them.

The EMU offers comfortable, private rooms and special safety equipment. A support person is welcome to stay with the patient overnight. In addition to highly specialized care, our patients’ safety and peace of mind are a top priority during their stay with us.

Headaches and migraines

If you suffer from chronic headaches or migraine headaches, you know how much they can intrude on your life. Migraines, in particular, can rob you of all pleasure when they strike. They can last as long as 72 hours, and in addition to a throbbing head, you may experience nausea and vomiting, lightheadedness, sensitivity to light and vision problems. Neurologists at Christiana Care Health System have the expertise to help identify potential triggers and find the right treatment approach so you can get back to leading a full life.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis, often called MS, is a disabling disease of the central nervous system. MS blocks the flow of information that passes from the brain to the body, which can lead to a loss of coordination and motor skills, pain, tremors, fatigue, vision and speech difficulties, and other problems. Symptoms of MS, as well as the course the disease will take, vary from person to person, and it is not possible to accurately predict how the disease will progress. MS is not curable, but often it can be managed with the help of the right health care team.

MS requires a team approach to manage the disease, slow its progress and help patients maintain the highest level of function possible. At Christiana Care, a neurologist functions as the team’s leader, due to their expertise in diseases of the nervous system. The neurologist works closely with other clinicians as they develop a comprehensive treatment plan for their patients with MS. Other team members may include primary care doctors, physiatrists, and physical and occupational therapists. Working together, they give their patients a chance to live their lives fully as they face this difficult disease.

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that reduces the level of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical that regulates movement and emotions. As dopamine levels drop, people with Parkinson’s disease may develop tremors, slow movements, rigid limbs, gait and balance problems, and limited facial expressions. The disorder can also lead to a variety of non-movement symptoms, such as anxiety, fatigue, hallucinations, vision changes, dizziness and other issues. There is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, although medications, surgery, and physical and occupational therapy can often help to slow or manage the disease.

Neurologists at Christiana Care Health System have expertise managing Parkinson’s disease symptoms and slowing the disease’s progress and the toll it takes on their patients’ lives. A neurologist works with each patient to create a personalized treatment plan; they may also recommend other resources and programs, such as LSVT BIG for Parkinson’s Disease, a program that uses repetitive, exaggerated (BIG) movements that increase dopamine production in the brain.

Sleep medicine

Studies show a person’s impairment from lack of sleep may have effects on motor function and other skills similar to that of moderate to severe intoxication. Lack of sleep can be devastating to health and well-being. Our board-certified sleep specialists can often find the root of the problem and develop effective treatment options.

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

Memory loss can significantly interfere with safety and independence, and may significantly impact a patient’s family. Our neurologists can help to accurately diagnose the cause of the memory loss, offer available treatments and make appropriate referrals for support services.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Physiatry is a branch of medicine that focuses on medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nervous system, bones, joints, tendons and ligaments. Physiatrists are doctors specializing in this branch of medicine; they are also called physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) physicians. Patients may also work with a physiatrist on an outpatient basis.

Testing and lab work

We offer a wide range of neurologic testing to aid in the diagnosis of neurologic disorders. EEGs, both routine and prolonged ambulatory can help to classify seizure types and aid in the diagnosis of some intermittent neurologic disorders. EMGs can aid in the accurate diagnosis of conditions such as neuropathy, radiculopathy, muscle disorders or entrapment syndromes like carpal tunnel.

Our outpatient neurology practice is the largest and most comprehensive in Delaware. It is part of the Christiana Care family of services that include the latest imaging technology and nationally recognized physical rehabilitation services. Our neurologists lead and participate in clinical trials to bring the next generation of treatments to patients. Let us help you live better.

Your doctor may order a type of neurodiagnostic testing to determine if there is a problem with your brain, nerves or muscles. It includes the following procedures:

Electromyography (EMG)

This procedure is used to test the functioning of muscles and the nerves that control the muscles. If you have a feeling of pain, numbness, tingling in your hands, feet or limbs, an EMG can help your provider identify the cause of the problem.

Nerve Conduction Study (NCS)

This test helps your provider assess the ability of the motor neurons to send electrical signals to your muscles. Electrode stickers will be placed on your skin, and mild electric impulses will be sent to the nerves through the electrodes.

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

This is a test that records your brain waves or the electrical activity of your brain. The test can help your doctor to detect potential problems associated with the brain’s abnormal electrical activity.

We also offer comprehensive sleep medicine studies.

Christiana Care Neurology Specialists
200 Hygeia Drive, Suite 1420, Newark, DE 19713 directions
302-623-3017
Fax 302-325-5832