• Child Neurology
• Epilepsy
• Headache
• Memory Disorders
• Movement Disorders
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neuromuscular Disorders (ALS, Muscular Dystrophy)
• Sleep
• Stroke
• Other Information

Child Neurology
Through our nationally recognized child neurologists, Sutter Neuroscience Institute is able to provide specialized care for pediatric patients with autism, ADD/ADHD, epilepsy, sleep disorders, headache and more.

Visit our Child Neurology program Web site for more information.

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Epilepsy
Since 1991, the Comprehensive Epilepsy Program at Sutter Medical Center has been dedicated to caring for children and adults with epilepsy and helping those with epilepsy-like spells determine causes and solutions. The center's staff includes epileptologists (physicians specializing in epilepsy), pediatric and adult neurosurgeons and neurologists, neuro-nursing staff, and a 24-hour staff of monitoring technicians. The multidisciplinary team works together, evaluating the patient's seizures, diagnosing causes and deciding on the most meaningful treatment approach. The team also includes patients, loved ones and referring doctors, who play critical roles in bringing about the best possible outcomes for each patient's long-term well being.

Visit our Sutter Comprehensive Epilepsy Program Web site for more information about epilepsy and seizures.

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Headache
Headache is one of the most common medical complaints. The three main types of headaches include tension headaches, cluster headaches and migraine headaches. Some headaches can be controlled with over-the-counter medication, but you should see a doctor if:

• you have a severe stiff neck or fever
• you have loss of function or are you having difficulty standing, walking, or changing position
• you have a chance in consciousness or are having difficulty staying awake
• you have had a significant change in vision or have a severe sensitivity to light
• your headache prevents you from falling asleep or routinely wakes you up from sleep
• your headache doesn't improve with medication

A neurologist will evaluate your symptoms and sensitivities to determine if the cause of a headache is temporary or due to a serious illness. Depending on the type of headache and frequency, treatment options may include preventive medications, acute headache medications, physical therapy, behavioral modifications, stress management or alternative therapy.

Sutter Center for Integrative Health offers alternative therapies to treat and control headaches.

Visit our Health Information Library for more information about headaches.

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Memory Disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and dementia
Accurate diagnosis of Alzheimer's is necessary to rule out other causes for dementia and to begin managing symptoms. Because Alzheimer's disease involves the brain's nerve cells, diagnosis can only be probable and often requires sophisticated brain scans, blood and spinal fluid tests and neuropsychological evaluations not readily available in most clinical settings. Sutter offers comprehensive testing regimens at the highest and most advanced standards for conditions involving dementia and suspected Alzheimer's.

Visit our Health Information Library for more information about Alzheimer's disease. For information on clinical trials on Alzheimer's disease please contact Sutter Institute for Medical Research at (888) 777-8820 or visit sutterresearch.org.

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Movement Disorders including Parkinson's disease and Tremor
This broad classification encompasses essential tremor, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's disease, dystonia and other less-common conditions. The Sutter Neuroscience Institute offers patients personal care from distinguished experts and leading-edge diagnosis and treatment using state-of-the-art technology. Neurodiagnostic tools include the most advanced brain scanning and imaging, monitored EEG testing, brain mapping, cognitive testing, blood and spinal fluid testing and other procedures. Once diagnosis pinpoints the cause of symptoms, specialists offers comprehensive, combined therapy approaches tailored specifically to each patient.

Treatment options include placement of deep brain stimulators located in the area of the brain causing tremors. Deep brain stimulation consists of a tiny lead implanted into the deeper structures of the brain, which are attached to a generator implanted under the skin of the chest. Stimulation interrupts the pathways and improves motor control. Most often DBS is used to treat essential tremor, parkinsonian tremor, or other motor symptoms associated with Parkinson's disease. The center also offers Gamma Knife radiosurgery, which has proven effective in treating epilepsy and other movement disorders.

Many Sutter patients also gain access to new developments through clinical trials. For information on clinical trials please contact Sutter Institute for Medical Research at (888) 777-8820 or visit www.sutterresearch.org.

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Multiple Sclerosis
In order to diagnose multiple sclerosis, the neurologist starts by obtaining a detailed medical history describing the patient's current and prior complaints and symptoms. Then a careful neurological examination is performed. This is neither painful nor embarrassing. If the neurologists suspects a diagnosis of MS he or she will most likely obtain an MRI scan of the brain and examine the patient's spinal fluid by performing a spinal tap. In some situations, MRI scan of the spine might also be obtained. Treatment of MS is individualized for each MS patient depending on many factors, including the type of MS, the severity of the disease, the type of symptoms, age, and ability to self-administer medications. Some of the most frequently used medications for MS are injections which the patient learns to give at home and are meant to prevent future worsening of the disease. Other treatments are given by vein on an outpatient basis at a hospital or infusion center. Oral medications are available to treat certain symptoms of MS but they do not affect the course of the disease. Although MS is not curable at this time we are fortunate to have many therapies which help to manage the condition and improve patients' quality of life and level of functioning at home and at work.

Visit our Health Information Library for more information about Multiple Sclerosis.

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Neuromuscular Disorders including ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, Muscular Dystrophy, Acute and Chronic Neuropathy
Sutter Neuroscience Medical Group has neurologists that specialize inNeuromuscular Disorders including ALS, Myasthenia Gravis, MuscularDystrophy, Acute and Chronic Neuropathy.

Visit our Health Information Library for more information about ALS.

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Sleep
Sutter Sleep Disorders Centers is supported by a network of primary and specialty care doctors who treat patients with high blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, breathing difficulties, hormone imbalances, and other conditions that may be associated with sleep. The center also offers diagnosis and treatment for children with sleep disorders of all types. Infants with out-of-the-ordinary sleep problems, including apparent life-threatening events (ALTE), also receive sleep testing and treatment in conjunction with Sutter Children's Services. In addition, the center is part of the Sutter Health system of acute care hospitals, outpatient clinics for adults and children, rehabilitation therapy and occupational health services. As part of Sutter's extensive network of care, Sutter Sleep Disorders Centers offers a comprehensive approach that incorporates the role sleep plays into all aspects of a patient's health.

Sutter Sleep Disorders Centers is conveniently located in Sacramento and Roseville. Visit their Web site for more information on our program.

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Stroke and other Cerebrovascular disease
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is suddenly interrupted or reduced by a blocked (ischemic stroke) or ruptured (hemorrhagic stroke) blood vessel. A stroke is a medical emergency that requires immediate care. The Sutter Stroke Center provides advanced care and serves as a resource to Sutter regional hospitals and other healthcare providers. The center features a dedicated Stroke Response Team available around the clock that responds within minutes to patients with stroke symptoms admitted to Sutter General or Sutter Memorial Hospitals. The center delivers comprehensive diagnostic testing, medical and surgical care, and interventional therapies at the highest level.

Visit our Sutter Stroke Center Web site for more information about stroke.

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Other information about the Brain and Central Nervous System
Our neurology specialists also treat patients with symptoms of weakness, numbness, balance problems, dizziness, speech disturbance and visual disturbance.

Visit our Health Information Library for more information about the Brain and Central Nervous System.

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