If you or a loved one needs to see a neurologist — a doctor who specializes in disorders of the nervous system — it is important to know that Emerson Health has a team of board-certified neurologists with extensive expertise in diagnosing, treating and managing these types of conditions.
In addition, we offer some of today’s most advanced diagnostic technology for neurological disorders right here in Concord, close to home.
The conditions Emerson’s neurologists see
You can turn to our neurologists for comprehensive care for a wide range of neuromuscular and neurological disorders, including:
- ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease)
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- Balance disorders
- Dizziness
- Epilepsy
- Head injury and post-concussion syndrome
- Headaches, including migraines
- Multiple sclerosis
- Myasthenia gravis
- Neck and back pain
- Neuropathy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Peripheral nerve problems including carpal tunnel syndrome
- Sleep disorders
- Stroke
Advanced diagnostic technology
Emerson Hospital offers an array of testing to accurately diagnose neurological and neuromuscular conditions, including:
Diagnostic imaging
Including
computed tomography (CT),
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
positron emission tomography (PET) scanning.
Nerve conduction study (NCS)
A nerve conduction study shows how well signals travel along large nerve fibers and can help find the cause of abnormal nerve function.
Electromyogram (EMG)
A test that measures the electrical activity of muscles at rest and during contraction. This test can help evaluate pinched nerves and pinpoint the location of any nerve injury at the nerve roots, where nerves emerge from the spinal cord.
Muscle biopsy
Sometimes a small piece of muscle must be removed (biopsied) and analyzed. This is a minor outpatient procedure.
Sleep studies
Our state-of-the-art
sleep lab provides expert diagnostic services for sleep disorders.
Expert stroke care, close to home
Emerson Hospital is designated a Primary Stroke Center by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, which means we have doctors and specially-trained stroke nurses available at all times to care for acute stroke.
Learn more about our
award-winning stroke care.
Parkinson’s disease support
People with Parkinson’s, as well as their families and caregivers, can benefit from an array of resources available through the
Emerson Parkinson's Program. You'll have access to virtual education sessions, nutritional and social services, a Parkinson’s support group, classes at the Emerson Wellness Center for Mind and Body, and therapies at our Clough Family Center for Rehabilitative and Sports Therapies.
Specialized neurological rehabilitation
Our neurologists work closely with Emerson’s specialized
neurological rehabilitation program, where skilled physical, occupational and speech-language therapists help individuals who have had a stroke or are dealing with other neurological disorders regain the highest-possible level of function and independence, improving their overall quality of life. Rehab is tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Dementia Buddies
Recognizing that patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease may experience additional confusion in a hospital setting, Emerson created a unique program called Dementia Buddies. Dementia Buddies are specially-trained volunteers who visit with patients during their stay in the hospital. They have soothing conversations, listen to music, reminisce and engage the patient with games to help ease their anxiety and so they know they are not alone.
The program was created by a multi-disciplinary team of Emerson clinicians in November 2019. It is designed to enhance the patient’s experience and care, and also benefits the loved one/caregiver. The Dementia Buddies program can offer caregivers a break to leave the hospital environment and take care of themselves or simply get a breath of fresh air knowing their loved one is engaged. The program was featured on Boston’s WCVB TV News.
