The strength of The Alan and Barbara Mirken Department of Neurology is its broad clinical expertise and its patient-centered, proactive approach. In fact, at the department’s core is its ability to deliver not only specialty care, but also general neurology care with equal dedication and passion.

The general adult neurology division provides comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis and treatment for adults with a wide range of neurological conditions. Neurological conditions can affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves and these can impair function and cause pain, numbness or tingling sensations. These conditions may impact a patient’s quality of life and even his or her ability to function independently. Many of our general adult neurologists are also subspecialists in conditions such as Parkinson’s, or stroke. We will help you locate the most appropriate general adult neurologist, and subspecialist, if needed.

Additionally, the department reaches out to and collaborates with colleagues throughout Beth Israel Medical Center and the rest of the Continuum health system, including neurosurgeons, endovascular surgeons, rehabilitation experts and therapists, and other professionals.

This warm, collegial and patient-centered atmosphere exists in tandem with a world-class reputation for clinical excellence. Patients travel to us from throughout the tri-state area, the country and the world. Medical residents and fellows are equally compelled to seek out the department to further their education within the department’s several educational programs. Finally, the department is actively involved in many research efforts with other institutions and is included in many important multi-center, national trials.

Diagnosing General Neurological Cases
Many neurological disorders are diagnosed through clinical evaluation of the patient’s history and symptoms. Sometimes specific tests are needed, for instance, using electroencephalography (EEG) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The department has full access to all the state-of-the-art diagnostic modalities and the expertise to use them to their best advantage in seeking accurate diagnoses.

Treating General Neurological Cases
All methods of treating general neurological conditions are available and include:

• Medication
• When appropriate, inclusion in clinical trials for new medications and protocols
• Educating a patient on self-management. For instance, migraines can often be controlled with a patient's understanding of certain triggers like diet or sleep patterns.
• Pain management
• Physical therapy to improve and retain function
• Speech language pathology
• Occupational therapy to give patients adaptive living skills
• Coordination with the Continuum Center for Health and Healing for teaching relaxation and therapeutic alternatives such as meditation, yoga, Tai Chi, Feldenkrais Method for movement, dance and exercise
• Practical and emotional support for the patient, caregivers and family, including various support groups and input from the department’s social workers
• Collaborative psychological and psychiatric counseling and evaluation when necessary to help patients with co-existing conditions (depression, anxiety, memory loss) that can accompany some neurological conditions
• Referrals to other medical disciplines as needed (surgeons, for example)
• Ongoing care and follow-up. In fact, because of the chronic condition of some neurological conditions, the department attentively follows some patients for decades.