Neurology Care

Neurology Care at Memorial Health provides treatment options across the continuum of care for common and complex neurological diseases and disorders. Memorial Health provides patients with comprehensive neurosciences services.

We serve patients with a broad range of complex and common neurological health needs, including but not limited to:

  • Stroke
  • Epilepsy
  • Neurosurgery
  • Diseases of the brain, such as Parkinson's Disease and Alzheimer's
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Diseases of the nerves, such as Multiple Sclerosis
  • Neurocritical care

We offer leading technology and a dedicated staff that provides comprehensive and compassionate care for neurological health needs. We partner with physicians specialty groups in central Illinois, including SIU School of Medicine and Springfield Clinic.

Stroke Care

Memorial Health has two hospitals recognized by The Joint Commission for excellence in stroke care, earning designations as Stroke Centers. Springfield Memorial Hospital is accredited as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, the highest designation in Stroke Care. Decatur Memorial Hospital is accredited as a Primary Stroke Center. Jacksonville Memorial Hospital, Lincoln Memorial Hospital and Taylorville Memorial Hospital are designated as Acute Stroke Ready, meaning they are certified to provide immediate care for stroke patients, including lifesaving medications, and then transport to a Primary or Comprehensive Stroke Center.

BE FAST logo

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Springfield Memorial Hospital earned certification as a Comprehensive Stroke Center, the highest designation in stroke care, and is one of only ten hospitals in Illinois to achieve that designation. The designation recognizes the following:

  • Highly qualified physicians in key medical specialties including neurology, neurosurgery, diagnostic and interventional radiology, neurocritical care and emergency medicine.
  • Hospital staff with unique, ongoing training.
  • Latest technology to provide patients with the full spectrum of treatment options and interventions.
  • 24/7 expert care for most complex stroke patients.

Springfield Memorial Hospital Stroke Outcomes

Decatur Memorial Hospital earned certification as a Primary Stroke Center, the second highest designation in stroke care. While the most complex stroke patients are transferred to Comprehensive Stroke Centers, Decatur Memorial has the capabilities and expertise to care for the majority of stroke patients.

New Ways to Treat Stroke

SMH’s Stroke Center offers a variety of highly effective treatments that can limit damage to the brain and body during a stroke. A sub-specialty called Interventional Neuroradiology provides minimally invasive options to treat stroke, brain disorders and other emergencies. Our team is staffed by physicians fellowship trained in Neurointerventional Surgery and Neuroradiology. Our team works closely with neurosurgery and neurology to evaluate each patient’s needs for treatment. Stroke treatment options include:

  • Carotid stenting
  • Clot retrieving called Mechanical Thrombectomy
  • Coiling to treat brain aneurysms

How to Prevent a Stroke

The two leading causes of stroke atrial fibrillation (AFib – which is a common irregular heart rhythm) and high blood pressure can both be treated. It is estimated that 80 percent of strokes could be prevented. Preventable causes of stroke include diabetes, high cholesterol and circulation problems. You and your medical team can keep these conditions under control and help greatly reduce your risk of stroke.
There are some causes of stroke that are not preventable, such as age or family history, but there are many things you can do now to decrease your chance of having a stroke:

  • Quit smoking.
  • Avoid alcohol or drink in moderation.
  • Eat a diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
  • Pick lean meats (if you eat meat).
  • Exercise regularly as you are able.
  • Know your numbers for your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar.
  • Take medications as they are prescribed, especially if you have AFib or have had a previous stroke or mini-stroke (also called a TIA).
  • Someone shows signs or symptoms of stroke, BE FAST and help save a life.

Telestroke

The Comprehensive Stroke Center partners with MH affiliate and local hospitals to provide 24-hour access to our acute stroke experts. via a two-way live video and audio consultation and image sharing technology (CT scan). This allows physicians at community hospitals to have immediate access to comprehensive stroke care by simply bringing a mobile technology cart into the patient’s room. A Mission Health stroke expert can simultaneously view electronic patient records while connected to the community hospital in a live video consultation to remotely evaluate the patient and determine the best treatment as fast as possible. Early intervention may reduce the effect of the stroke.

In most cases, EMS will determine if telestroke or transporting is the best option based on factors such as symptoms of stroke, time of onset and/or medications. If transportation is needed, EMS will transport the stroke patient to the closest stroke treatment capable hospital (local hospital with imaging and tele-stroke capability).

Telestroke is currently active in the following locations: DMH LMH, JMH and, TMH

Epilepsy

About
Springfield Memorial Hospital is home to the only Level 3 adult epilepsy center in Springfield and is accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers (NAEC). The center provides a range of diagnostic evaluations and treatments including medical, neuropsychological, surgical and psychosocial services to treat patients diagnosed with epilepsy.

Multidisciplinary Team
Springfield Memorial Hospital has a fully-integrated and multidisciplinary team that includes specialists from SIU School of Medicine and Springfield Clinic. The team includes specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychology, electrodiagnostic (END) technicians, epilepsy trained nurses, mid-level practitioners, pharmacists, social workers and other clinical and administrative staff. Our team works to help patients regain or maintain a fulfilling and productive life.

Epilepsy Monitoring Unit
The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) at Springfield Memorial Hospital evaluates, diagnoses and treats seizures. The unit is staffed by specialized nurses and END technicians and allows for continuous, long-term monitoring of patients with simultaneous video monitoring. Seizure activity can be recorded and documented over an extended period of time. Testing is performed by highly skilled END technicians in accordance with ABRET guidelines and is overseen by epileptologists and neurologists who have received specific training and expertise in the field of Electroneurodiagnostics.

For more information, please call 217-788-3911.

Neurosurgery

About
Springfield Memorial Hospital offers advanced neurosurgery for patients with numerous conditions. We partner with surgeons at SIU School of Medicine and Springfield Clinic who have expertise in treating brain, spine and nervous system conditions. Neurosurgeons use the latest technology and research-based techniques to perform surgery of the brain, spine and nervous system using innovative approaches such as robotics, intraoperative CT, computer-assisted brain surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery and deep brain stimulation.

Multidisciplinary Team
Neurosurgeons from SIU School of Medicine and Springfield Clinic are part of multidisciplinary teams. They work with experts in many specialties to provide each patient with comprehensive care. These teams include doctors trained in brain and nervous system conditions; tumors of the brain and nervous system; brain and nervous system imaging; musculoskeletal conditions; ear, nose and throat conditions; endocrine gland conditions; physical medicine and rehabilitation; pain medicine; and radiation oncology.