Neurology

Ochsner is home to comprehensive neurology services, and we provide it close to your home. To access experts in diagnosing and treating neurologic conditions, find a location near you.

In the world of neurology, headache is the most common condition treated. However, there are hundreds of others. From cerebral palsy to dementia to stroke, we care for them all. A few conditions our neurology team detects and treats include:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease

• Cancers of the brain, spine and central nervous system

• Concussion and traumatic brain injury

• Epilepsy (seizures) in adults and children

• Headache and migraine

• Memory and cognitive disorders, including dementia and Alzheimer’s disease

• Movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, Tourette syndrome and gait disturbances

• Multiple sclerosis

• Neuromuscular disorders, including peripheral neuropathy, muscular dystrophies, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and myasthenia gravis

• Neuro-ophthalmology

• Stroke

In neurology, it’s important to provide the right treatment to the right patient at the right time. Depending on your condition, your Ochsner team may provide one or more of the following treatments:

• Botox (botulinum toxin). When injected into appropriate muscles, it helps relieve headaches or severe muscle cramps caused by conditions such as writer’s cramp.

• Medication. The right medication can help with pain management and symptom reduction. It can also stop a stroke.

• Music therapy. A unique therapy, music therapy treats and improves the lives of those with conditions affecting gait (walking), speech or memory.

• Nerve block. Injected medication targets pain-producing nerves, encouraging them to stop sending pain signals to your brain.

• Physical, occupational and speech therapy. When appropriate, these therapies help you recover or maintain strength, speech and the ability to perform activities of daily living. In essence, they help you maintain maximum independence.

• Surgery. In the event you need surgery, your neurologist will refer you to Ochsner’s team of neurosurgery experts.

In addition to these treatments, Ochsner advances care into the future with neurology clinical trials. If you could benefit from an ongoing clinical trial, your care team will discuss the possibility with you. By participating, you gain another opportunity for improved health and make more care options available for future generations.

Neurologic conditions cause frustrating and dangerous symptoms that cause you to seek medical attention. Symptoms you may experience include:

• Abnormally slow movements

• Difficulty maintaining balance

• Dizziness

• Double vision

• Forgetfulness

• Frequent feelings of déjà vu

• Headaches

• Inability to lift and keep both arms overhead

• Light sensitivity

• Loss of consciousness

• Nausea

• Numbness in the face, arms and/or legs

• Personality changes or extreme emotional swings

• Problems speaking or understanding speech

• Uncontrollable tremors or muscle spasms

• Weakness in the face, arms and/or legs

Diagnosing neurologic conditions begins with a physical exam and discussion of your medical history. Your neurology team may then prescribe one or more of the following tests:

• CT and MRI angiograms. Advanced CT and MRI technology in our Neuroradiology program creates high-definition images of your brain. These help your neurology team diagnose your condition and determine the best treatment plan.

• Electroencephalography. This test records electrical activity in your brain. It’s often used to diagnose the cause of seizures.

• Electromyography and nerve conduction studies. Electromyography monitors your muscle’s electrical activity when at rest and at work. Nerve conduction studies test the speed at which electrical signals move through your nerves. Your team may perform both tests together.

• Memory testing. This evaluates your brain and emotional health. As part of a neuropsychological evaluation, memory testing helps determine if your condition needs neurological or psychological care.

• Transcranial doppler. Ultrasound technology shows blockages or other abnormalities in the blood vessels in the head.

Experts who may be part of your neurology care team include:

• Advanced practice providers (nurse practitioners and physician assistants)

• Clinical research coordinators

• Medical assistants

• Neuro-oncologists

• Neurologists

• Neurology care navigators

• Neuropsychologists

• Neurosurgeons

• Nurses

• Psychiatrists

• Psychologists

Sometimes, it takes multiple experts and tests to get to the bottom of a neurologic condition. That’s why Ochsner takes a multidisciplinary approach to neurology care.

Each week, neurologists meet with neurosurgeons, radiologists, neuro-oncologists and others. During this conference, they discuss difficult patient cases. This provides instant second and third opinions on diagnosis and treatment. It also gives patients peace of mind, knowing multiple experts agreed on the best way to move forward.

Ochsner neurologists also offer second opinions to patients receiving treatment at other facilities. You or a referring physician can request a second opinion. To request a second opinion, call 504-842-3980.

When you turn to Ochsner for neurology care, you expect excellence. Year after year, outside agencies confirm our quality of care with awards.

• Nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report for Neurology and Neurosurgery for more than a decade

• Recognized by Healthgrades Neurosciences Excellence Award annually since 2012 and named among the top 5% in the nation for Neurosciences

• Ranked by Healthgrades as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care annually since 2012

• Recipient of the Healthgrades Stroke Care Excellence Award annually since 2011

• Named by Healthgrades among the top 5% in the nation for Treatment of a Stroke annually since 2011

• Certified by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Program

• Ochsner named on Becker’s Hospital Review list of 100 hospitals & health systems with great spine programs

• Accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers and received the highest designation for a comprehensive epilepsy program as evident by our Level IV status

• The Ochsner ALS Center has been designated as a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence through the ALS Association’s Certified Center Program.

• Named a Center of Excellence for Spine Care for Employers by Contigo

Ochsner’s reputation for comprehensive, clinical care has made it a nationwide destination center for adult and pediatric patients with a wide range of brain and spine injuries and diseases. You don’t need to leave the region to get world-class care by highly-trained neurologists. You’ll find it right here at Ochsner.

Award-Winning Care

• Nationally rated by U.S. News & World Report for Neurology and Neurosurgery, 12 years in a row.
• Ochsner Neurosciences is recognized by Healthgrades Neurosciences Excellence Award (TM) eleven years in a row (2012-2022) and named among the Top 5% in the nation for Neurosciences for eight years in a row (2013-2020).

Stroke Care: Recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s for achieving the "Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.".

• Ranked by Healthgrades as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care (TM) for eleven years in a row (2012-2022).
  
• Recipient of the Healthgrades Stroke Care Excellence Award (TM) for twelve years in a row (2011 – 2022).
• Named among the Top 5% in the nation for Treatment of a Stroke for twelve years in a row (2011-2022) by Healthgrades.
• Certified by the Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Program.

• Spine Care: Becker’s Hospital Review named Ochsner on its list of 100 hospitals & health systems with great spine programs (2017)
• Epilepsy: Accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) and received the highest designation for a comprehensive epilepsy program as evident by our level 4 status
• ALS: The Ochsner ALS Center has been designated as a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence through the ALS Association's Certified Center Program.

With more than 40 highly trained neuroscience physicians, a team of experienced advanced practice clinicians, and the latest equipment, Ochsner provides the highest level of specialized care in the Gulf South to make care more convenient to our patients.

Patients can receive same day appointment for Neurology care from the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute in the following regions:

• Greater New Orleans area (New Orleans, Jefferson Hwy., Metairie, West Bank, Kenner)
• Baton Rouge
• Northshore (Slidell and Covington)

Conditions Treated

Our multidisciplinary team treats more than 500 neurological conditions, including even the most complex, rare and most difficult to diagnose.

Conditions we treat include but aren’t limited to:

• ALS
• Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Epilepsy in Adults and Children
• General Neurology Care for Adults and Children
• Headache/Migraine
• Interventional Neuroradiology
• Memory Disorders (including: Memory Loss, Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease)
• Movement Disorders (including: Tremor, Parkinson’s Disease)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neuromuscular Disorders (including: Neuropathy, Myasthenia Gravis, Muscle Disorders)
• Neuropsychology
• Vascular Neurology/Stroke Care
  

Tests & Procedures

Neurological tests and procedures performed by our team include but aren’t limited to the following:

Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS)

What is it for?

This 30-minute to two-hour test done by a physician evaluates the function of nerves and muscles. It is used to locate a problem or to categorize the type of problem.

What is the test like?

There are two parts, the EMG and the NCS. The NCS involves stimulating a nerve in the arm or leg with a small current of electricity that lasts microseconds. Depending on the problem, the physician will determine how many nerves he/she must evaluate. The EMG does not involve any current, but instead the doctor uses a fine needle to "listen" to muscles.

How do I prepare?

If you take aspirin, coumadin, or other blood thinners you should call us prior to the test to determine if these need to be stopped. If you have a pacemaker or a defibrillator, please tell the physician before starting the test. Otherwise, there is nothing else you need to do and you will be ready to return home immediately after the test (no sedation is used). The results of this test is typically available to the ordering physician within two to three working days.

Transcranial Doppler (TCD)

What is it for?

Doppler uses soundwaves to evaluate the flow in your blood vessels. It is used to look for blockages, irregular or abnormal vessels and heart abnormalities.

What is the test like?

A trained technician or physician will roll a transducer over your chest, neck and head as he or she watches a monitor. It is not painful and may take anywhere from just a few minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the studies ordered.

How do I prepare?

Just come as you are; there is nothing to prepare in advance.

Medical Botulinum Toxin

What is it for?

Botulinum toxin is used to treat migraines and severe muscle contractions as in cervical dystonia, writer's cramp, blepharospasm, spasticity and hemifacial spasm. The toxin weakens the target muscles.

What is the procedure like?

The medicine is injected into the affected muscles. It usually takes about one to two weeks to take effect and then lasts for two to three months.

How do I prepare?

If you take aspirin, or another anti-platelet, do not take the day of the procedure. If you take coumadin or another anticoagulant, please tell your doctor before the procedure.

The Ochsner Neuroscience Institute has teams of doctors, scientists, clinical research professionals and pharmacists who work together to improve patient care through clinical research.

Our researchers study new treatments for illnesses and diseases. Each research study is conducted to learn more about the treatment of a specific illness or disease.

Physicians may fax referrals to 504-842-0041.

Neurology Residency Program at Ochsner is a dynamic program that offers residents superb, state-of-the-art training at one of the largest private academic medical centers in the South. The Neurology Residency Program is a fully accredited program by ACGME. We accept three residents per year. Our four-year program includes the preliminary Internal Medicine year.

Learn more about our program.

Neurocritical Care Fellowship

The Ochsner neurocritical care fellowship program is a United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS) accredited program. Our program prepares physicians for the independent practice of neurological intensive care through a structured combination of cognitive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and the procedural skills training. Our fellows learn through treating a wide array of patient with both acute medical and acute neurological illness.

Learn more about our program.

Vascular Neurology Fellowship

The Ochsner vascular neurology fellowship is a one-year program. This fellowship is designed to provide extensive exposure to cerebrovascular diseases and prepare the fellow for independent care of complex disease processes.

Learn more about our program.

Ochsner’s reputation for comprehensive, clinical care has made it a nationwide destination center for adult and pediatric patients with a wide range of brain and spine injuries and diseases. You don’t need to leave the region to get world-class care by highly-trained neurologists. You’ll find it right here at Ochsner.

Award-Winning Care

• Nationally rated by U.S. News & World Report for Neurology and Neurosurgery, 11 years in a row.
• Ochsner Neurosciences is recognized by Healthgrades Neurosciences Excellence Award (TM) eleven years in a row (2012-2022) and named among the Top 5% in the nation for Neurosciences for eight years in a row (2013-2020).

Stroke Care: Recognized by the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association’s for achieving the "Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award.".

• Ranked by Healthgrades as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care (TM) for eleven years in a row (2012-2022).
  
• Recipient of the Healthgrades Stroke Care Excellence Award (TM) for twelve years in a row (2011 – 2022).
• Named among the Top 5% in the nation for Treatment of a Stroke for twelve years in a row (2011-2022) by Healthgrades.
• Certified by the Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Program.

• Spine Care: Becker’s Hospital Review named Ochsner on its list of 100 hospitals & health systems with great spine programs (2017)
• Epilepsy: Accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC) and received the highest designation for a comprehensive epilepsy program as evident by our level 4 status
• ALS: The Ochsner ALS Center has been designated as a Certified Treatment Center of Excellence through the ALS Association's Certified Center Program.

With more than 40 highly trained neuroscience physicians, a team of experienced advanced practice clinicians, and the latest equipment, Ochsner provides the highest level of specialized care in the Gulf South to make care more convenient to our patients.

Patients can receive same day appointment for Neurology care from the Ochsner Neuroscience Institute in the following regions:

• Greater New Orleans area (New Orleans, Jefferson Hwy., Metairie, West Bank, Kenner)
• Baton Rouge
• North Shore (Slidell and Covington)

Conditions Treated

Our multidisciplinary team treats more than 500 neurological conditions, including even the most complex, rare and most difficult to diagnose.

Conditions we treat include but aren’t limited to:

• ALS
• Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Epilepsy in Adults and Children
• General Neurology Care for Adults and Children
• Headache/Migraine
• Interventional Neuroradiology
• Memory Disorders (including: Memory Loss, Dementia/Alzheimer’s Disease)
• Movement Disorders (including: Tremor, Parkinson’s Disease)
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Neuromuscular Disorders (including: Neuropathy, Myasthenia Gravis, Muscle Disorders)
• Neuropsychology
• Vascular Neurology/Stroke Care
  

Tests & Procedures

Neurological tests and procedures performed by our team include but aren’t limited to the following:

Electromyography and Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS)

What is it for?

This 30-minute to two-hour test done by a physician evaluates the function of nerves and muscles. It is used to locate a problem or to categorize the type of problem.

What is the test like?

There are two parts, the EMG and the NCS. The NCS involves stimulating a nerve in the arm or leg with a small current of electricity that lasts microseconds. Depending on the problem, the physician will determine how many nerves he/she must evaluate. The EMG does not involve any current, but instead the doctor uses a fine needle to "listen" to muscles.

How do I prepare?

If you take aspirin, coumadin, or other blood thinners you should call us prior to the test to determine if these need to be stopped. If you have a pacemaker or a defibrillator, please tell the physician before starting the test. Otherwise, there is nothing else you need to do and you will be ready to return home immediately after the test (no sedation is used). The results of this test is typically available to the ordering physician within two to three working days.

Transcranial Doppler (TCD)

What is it for?

Doppler uses soundwaves to evaluate the flow in your blood vessels. It is used to look for blockages, irregular or abnormal vessels and heart abnormalities.

What is the test like?

A trained technician or physician will roll a transducer over your chest, neck and head as he or she watches a monitor. It is not painful and may take anywhere from just a few minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the studies ordered.

How do I prepare?

Just come as you are; there is nothing to prepare in advance.

Medical Botulinum Toxin

What is it for?

Botulinum toxin is used to treat migraines and severe muscle contractions as in cervical dystonia, writer's cramp, blepharospasm, spasticity and hemifacial spasm. The toxin weakens the target muscles.

What is the procedure like?

The medicine is injected into the affected muscles. It usually takes about one to two weeks to take effect and then lasts for two to three months.

How do I prepare?

If you take aspirin, or another anti-platelet, do not take the day of the procedure. If you take coumadin or another anticoagulant, please tell your doctor before the procedure.

The Ochsner Neuroscience Institute has teams of doctors, scientists, clinical research professionals and pharmacists who work together to improve patient care through clinical research.

Our researchers study new treatments for illnesses and diseases. Each research study is conducted to learn more about the treatment of a specific illness or disease.

Physicians may fax referrals to 504-842-0041.

Neurology Residency Program at Ochsner is a dynamic program that offers residents superb, state-of-the-art training at one of the largest private academic medical centers in the South. The Neurology Residency Program is a fully accredited program by ACGME. We accept three residents per year. Our four-year program includes the preliminary Internal Medicine year.

Learn more about our program.

Neurocritical Care Fellowship

The Ochsner neurocritical care fellowship program is a United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS) accredited program. Our program prepares physicians for the independent practice of neurological intensive care through a structured combination of cognitive, diagnostic, therapeutic, and the procedural skills training. Our fellows learn through treating a wide array of patient with both acute medical and acute neurological illness.

Learn more about our program.

Vascular Neurology Fellowship

The Ochsner vascular neurology fellowship is a one-year program. This fellowship is designed to provide extensive exposure to cerebrovascular diseases and prepare the fellow for independent care of complex disease processes.

Learn more about our program.