Hope for Neurological Disorders | Mission Hospital

May 24, 2017

By definition, a neurological disorder is a disease or abnormality of the brain, spinal cord or the nerves that connect them. And according to the World Health Organization (WHO), hundreds of millions of people across the globe are affected by neurological disorders. This means people all over the world are experiencing difficulties moving, talking, breathing, swallowing or learning.

The Mission Neuroscience Institute (MNI) at Mission Hospital is dedicated to providing hope to patients suffering with neurological disorders. The MNI, became complete with the latest technology and state-of-theart surgical operating suites in September 2014. “The new surgical floor marked the completion of the MNI because all elements of neuroscience and spine care are available to patients and their families in the same patient tower,” said Farzad Massoudi, MD, board-certified neurosurgeon and medical director of the MNI. “Now, with the technology and clinical expertise, our focus is to utilize these resources to help our patients and potentially cure neurological disorders.” Neurological disorders span from a numerous array of causes, such as genetic disorders, developmental problems of the nervous system, damage to nerve cells, blood vessel diseases, cancer, injuries and infections.

The MNI treats a wide variety of neurological conditions, including, but not limited to:

  • Alzheimer’s disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Tumors in the brain and spinal cord
  • Stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases
  • Neurogenic paralysis
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Back and neck pain
  • Headaches

Many of these diseases and ailments of the brain, spinal cord and the nerves connecting them are, and have been, eminent health care topics around the world since their discovery. However, it’s not always the disorders themselves at the center of discussion; it’s the side effects that accompany the neurological diseases and disorders that can be debilitating for patients.

For example, Parkinson’s disease is characterized most commonly by physical shaking or tremors. Over time, Parkinson’s can impair a person’s ability to move and eventually to speak. Alexander Taghva, MD, neurosurgeon and movement disorder expert at Mission Hospital, explained how the MNI provides a platform for forward progress in treating neurological disorders. “Having the technology and structural set-up of the MNI are important aspects of patient care, but what we can do with the technology and resources are what make the MNI unique. For instance, offering minimallyinvasive surgical treatment options to stop tremors associated withParkinson’s disease can be life changing for patients and their families.”

Whether you or a loved one is suffering from a neurological condition, the MNI is a pioneer in providing the latest research, education, prevention, diagnosis, and personalized treatment of neurological diseases and disorders. In addition to the innovative technology and a dedicated team of clinical experts and support staff, Mission Hospital introduced their collaborative
agreement with the Cleveland Clinic last fall. “This collaboration through the MNI has and will continue to accelerate Mission Hospital’s progress in delivering world-class neuroscience and spine care,” Dr. Massoudi added.

For more information about the MNI at Mission Hospital, visit mission4health.com/MNI.

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