Innovative Neurological Care
About 50 million people in the United States suffer from neurological conditions, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Neurological conditions affect the brain, central nervous system, nerve cells throughout part of the body and the spinal cord.
Many neurological conditions are often severe. However, with the right diagnosis and treatment, they do not not have to be debilitating.
As the population of older adults continues to grow, the need for advanced neurological treatments is escalating. As a result, neuroscience has emerged as a top priority in healthcare.
Aiken Physicians Alliance provides a comprehensive approach to diagnosing, treating and managing a variety of adult neurological disorders. Our neurologists partner with other specialities and the patients to reach an accurate diagnosis. We offer a wide variety of neurological services.
Neurological Conditions Treated
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s is a neurological disease characterized by a deterioration of brain function, including memory.
There are multiple stages of Alzheimer’s: preclinical, mild (early-stage), moderate, and severe (late-stage). Although Alzheimer’s does not currently have a cure, early detection is key to coming up with a medication and management plan.
Bell’s Palsy
Bell’s palsy is a sudden weakening of the muscles in one half of the face, causing it to droop. Bell’s palsy typically resolves on its own in six months. However, your doctor may recommend physical therapy to prevent muscles from permanently contracting.
Brain Tumor
Brain tumors are a mass or growth of abnormal cells in the brain. These tumors can be cancerous or benign.
Depending on the type of tumor, your doctor may recommend different surgical procedures or treatment options. Other treatments for brain tumors include radiation and chemotherapy.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs when the median nerve becomes squeezed at the wrist. This causes numbness and tingling in the arm and hand. The median nerve has nerve cells that run from the forearm into the palm of the hand.
Your doctor may present surgical and non-surgical options for treating CTS.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological condition in which cell activity in the brain is disrupted, causing seizures. Epilepsy can be the result of a stroke or other neurological issues. However, about half of all cases have no obvious cause.
Although there is no cure for epilepsy, it is a manageable condition. Your physician can help you control it with medications, diets, devices and surgical options.
Essential Tremor
An essential tremor is a movement disorder that causes involuntary trembling or shaking. It can affect different parts of the body but is most commonly seen in the hands.
While essential tremors are not life-threatening, they can interfere with daily activities. An adult neurologist may prescribe medication like beta blockers to help control these tremors.
Language Disorders
Language and speech disorders can occur when the part of the brain that controls languages does not function properly. These disorders are typically diagnosed in children and are treated with the help of speech-language pathologists.
Migraines
Migraines are a type of severe headache that cause pain and throbbing, typically in one particular area. Migraines can be singular incidents and do not always require medical treatment. However, certain people may develop chronic migraines, which can range from painful to debilitating.
Our physicians offer traditional treatments, like medications, as well as Botox® injections for migraine.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (commonly referred to as MS) is an autoimmune disorder that affects the central nervous system. In patients with MS, their immune system attacks the protective nerve-covering, leading to a wide range of symptoms.
Symptoms of MS range from mild to severe and include:
- Blurred vision
- Numbness in limbs
- Tingling in limbs
- Mobility problems (rare)
- Paralysis (rare)
- Loss of vision (rare)
There is no known cure for MS. However, new treatment options and medications have been proven effective in slowing the progression of the disease.
Parkinson’s disease and Other Movement Disorders
Parkinson’s disease is a nervous system disorder caused by nerve cell damage in the brain. As the disease progresses, brain cells called neurons degenerate over time. Neurons are responsible for producing a chemical messenger in your brain called dopamine. Without enough dopamine, your brain can not send the right messages to your body to move and function normally.
There are no cures for Parkinson’s Disease. However, medications may slow the progression of the disease and lessen the severity of symptoms.
Stroke
Strokes are a serious neurological condition that occurs when a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain. Strokes can cause long-term brain damage and disability or result in death. Understanding the signs and symptoms of stroke can help you or your loved ones receive urgent medical attention as fast as possible.
Symptoms of stroke usually come on very suddenly. Common signs of stroke include:
- Numbness or weakness in the face or limbs, especially on one side of the body
- Sudden confusion and difficulty with speech (understanding and speaking)
- Sudden loss of vision or blurriness in one or both eyes
- Sudden trouble with walking, dizziness or balance
- Sudden severe headache
If you suspect you or your loved one is having a stroke, remember to BE FAST:
- Balance is affected. A person may fall or feel unsteady.
- Eyes are blurry or have difficulty seeing when you ask a person about their vision.
- Face droops when you ask a person to smile.
- Arm weakness when you ask a person to raise their arms above their head.
- Speech is slurred when you ask a person to repeat a sentence.
- Time is important. If you notice symptoms of a possible stroke, call 9-1-1 immediately.
Neurological Symptoms
Many neurological conditions present with the same or similar symptoms.
Talk to a doctor Aiken Physicians Alliance today if you have any of the following or have a family history of neurological issues:
- Issues with sleep or wakefulness
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Numbness and tingling
- Loss of coordination
Contact Us
View our locations throughout Aiken, South Carolina, or book an appointment with one of our physicians. Also, download new patient forms or visit the Patient Portal.
