Brain & Nervous System
Neurology and neurosurgery cover disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nerves — including stroke, brain and spinal tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis and headache disorders. Care unites neurologists and neurosurgeons with advanced imaging and, where appropriate, radiosurgery such as Gamma Knife, to diagnose and treat both medical and surgical conditions.
Medically reviewed by the Florence Healthcare medical team · Last reviewed June 2026
Overview
The nervous system controls everything from movement and sensation to memory and speech, so its disorders can affect almost any function. Some, such as stroke, are sudden emergencies where every minute counts; others, such as Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis, develop gradually and are managed over many years.
Effective neurological care depends on accurate diagnosis using high-resolution imaging and, often, close cooperation between neurologists, who lead medical treatment, and neurosurgeons, who operate when needed. Advanced options such as stereotactic radiosurgery can treat certain brain lesions without an incision.
For complex brain and spine problems, a remote review of MRI and CT scans before travel can confirm the diagnosis and clarify whether surgery, radiosurgery or medical management is the right path.
Common conditions we treat
Spinal disorders
Conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis that compress nerves and cause pain or weakness.
Symptoms
- Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking, understanding speech or finding words
- Severe or sudden 'worst-ever' headache
- Seizures or episodes of altered awareness
- Tremor, stiffness or slowness of movement
- Problems with balance, coordination or walking
- Vision changes or double vision
- Memory loss or confusion
- Persistent dizziness or vertigo
When to seek care
Call emergency services immediately if you notice sudden face drooping, arm weakness or slurred speech (the FAST signs of stroke), a sudden severe headache, or a first seizure — rapid treatment can prevent lasting brain damage.
How we diagnose
- MRI of the brain and spine
- CT scan, including CT angiography
- Electroencephalogram (EEG) for seizures
- Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
- Cerebral angiography
How we treat it
Treatment is tailored to your diagnosis. Explore the procedures we offer for this area:
Where you'll be treated
Care for this area is led by our Neurological Sciences Center.
Learn more
Plain-language, provider-reviewed articles on tests, procedures and symptoms in our Health Library.
Brain & Nervous System — frequently asked questions
Remember FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call emergency services. Other signs include sudden numbness on one side, sudden vision loss, severe headache and loss of balance. Stroke is an emergency — the faster treatment begins, the more brain tissue can be saved.
Yes. Neurologists lead the diagnosis and medical treatment of nervous-system disorders, while neurosurgeons operate when surgery is required. For complex conditions such as brain tumors or epilepsy, they plan care jointly so that medical, surgical and radiosurgical options are weighed together.
Gamma Knife is a form of stereotactic radiosurgery that delivers many precisely focused beams of radiation to a target in the brain without any incision. It is used for certain brain tumors, vascular malformations and functional disorders such as trigeminal neuralgia, when clinically appropriate.
Treatment depends on the tumor's type, size and location. Options include surgery to remove the tumor, stereotactic radiosurgery such as Gamma Knife, conventional radiotherapy and drug therapy. Many patients receive a combination, planned by a multidisciplinary neuro-oncology team.
Yes. By sharing your MRI and CT images and reports, specialists can provide an independent opinion remotely on the diagnosis and the recommended treatment — surgery, radiosurgery or medical management — before you decide to travel.
No. Many herniated discs improve with rest, physical therapy, medication and time. Surgery is usually considered only when there is persistent severe pain, progressive weakness or nerve compression that does not respond to conservative treatment. A specialist review helps confirm whether surgery is truly needed.
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