At French Hospital Medical Center, we provide comprehensive neurological services. We are proud to serve the Central Coast as a Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center.
Our dedicated stroke specialists work together to support your care from the emergency department through treatment and recovery. In addition to stroke care, we offer a range of neurological services, including electroencephalography, neurological rehabilitation, neurosurgery, spinal fusion surgery and participation in the Dignity Health Concussion Network.
We provide specialized treatments to help support recovery from brain, spine or nerve conditions or procedures.
Finding out you have a neurological condition (like multiple sclerosis or Alzheimer’s disease) can be frightening. Our neurologists specialize in assessment, treatment and management.
Neurosurgery treats a range of conditions affecting the brain, spine and nerves. Our skilled and compassionate surgeons recommend treatment options based on your diagnosis and needs.
We know every journey to health and wellness is different. Whether you need cost estimates, financial assistance, help paying bills or information about accepted insurance plans, we’re here to guide you and help make the process as simple and reassuring as possible.
Neurologists diagnose and manage conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. Our neurology team cares for many neurological disorders, including:
Movement disorders, including Parkinson’s disease
Multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune neurological conditions
Neuropathy and nerve pain
Stroke and cerebrovascular conditions
Neurologists also help manage chronic neurological conditions with personalized care plans focused on symptom control, function and quality of life. You may benefit from seeing a neurologist if you experience ongoing headaches, numbness, dizziness, weakness, balance problems or changes in memory or thinking.
Our stroke program offers complete, team-based care for patients, from emergency treatment in the hospital to in-house rehabilitation. The stroke care team includes hospital-based doctors and nurses with stroke expertise, available 24/7, as well as physical, speech, and occupational therapists, dietitians, case managers and social workers. The team also works closely with our pharmacy, laboratory and diagnostic imaging departments to provide coordinated care. For more information, please call (877) 401-8771.
Stroke risk can be evaluated through a review of your health history, lifestyle factors and medical screenings. A primary care provider or neurology specialist can assess common risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, heart conditions and family history. In some cases, testing such as blood pressure checks, cholesterol screening or carotid artery imaging may be recommended.
Understanding your personal risk factors can help you make informed decisions about your health and when to seek care. You can also complete our online stroke risk questionnaire, which guides you through a few simple questions and provides personalized insights about your potential risk factors to help inform a conversation with a health care provider about whether additional screening may be appropriate.
French Hospital Medical Center provides a range of neurological services to diagnose, treat and support conditions affecting the brain, spine and nervous system.
Our neuroscience specialists work closely with neurosurgery, neurointerventional radiology and cancer care teams to provide coordinated care when advanced procedures or surgery are needed.
EEG (brain wave testing) to help diagnose seizures and other neurological conditions
Neurological rehabilitation to support recovery after stroke, brain injury or nerve disorders
Neurosurgery for conditions affecting the brain, spine and nerves
Spine surgery, including spinal fusion to stabilize the spine and help relieve back or neck pain
Your care team is based on your condition and treatment plan. Depending on your needs, your French Hospital Medical Center team may include:
Neurointerventional radiologists
Rehabilitation medicine specialists and therapists
Specialized neuroscience nurses and support staff
Our specialists work together to coordinate care across diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Neurologists use advanced testing and imaging to help evaluate neurological conditions and guide treatment. Depending on your symptoms, tests may include:
Brain and spine imaging tests, such as head and spine MRIs, CT scans (head and spine) and neuroangiography
Angiograms to evaluate blood vessels and blood flow
Stereo-electroencephalography (sEEG) and other seizure monitoring tests
Image-guided brain or spine biopsies when appropriate
Your care team will recommend testing based on your medical history, symptoms and goals of care.
The Dignity Health Concussion Network, in partnership with the Barrow Neurological Institute, helps protect student athletes’ brain health. The program provides concussion education, baseline testing and access to experts for prompt evaluation. Tools like the Barrow Brainbook teach athletes, parents and coaches how to recognize and respond to concussions, helping students enjoy sports safely while reducing the risk of serious brain injuries.
Many major health insurance plans cover neurology services, including office visits, diagnostic testing and ongoing treatment. Coverage can vary based on your plan, provider network and whether a referral is required. Our staff can help check coverage, explain benefits and answer questions before your visit.
Bring a photo ID, insurance card, medication list, imaging discs and any referral forms. Arriving prepared helps our care teams review your history and limit delays.
Follow any fasting, medication or arrival instructions provided by your care team. Review directions ahead of time so you know where to check in once you arrive.
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