Neurological care

Chiari malformation is caused by issues in the structure of the brain and skull, which puts pressure on the end of the brainstem. This condition can cause multiple subsequent complications, and be debilitating for many.

Both adults and children with this disorder tend to have severe headaches, typically in the back of the head, and often with a pressure-type feeling. Other common symptoms include neck pain, shoulder region pain, arm pain or numbness, coldness in the hands and feet, swallowing problems, ringing in the ears, clumsiness, bladder control issues, chronic fatigue and even difficulty thinking clearly. Surgery is available to relieve this pressure, and the results are often dramatic.

Our epilepsy services include:

• Advanced brain imaging
• Epilepsy monitoring unit with specialized staff and nursing
• Language and memory mapping
• Neuropsychological testing and evaluation
• Surgery

Our epilepsy center

We provide the highest level of medical evaluation and treatment for complex epilepsy at our Level III epilepsy center, which is accredited by the National Association of Epilepsy Centers. The center also includes a dedicated chief epileptologist on staff.

This leading-edge monitoring facility features four hospital rooms equipped with devices for long-term brain monitoring, including audio, video and advanced brain mapping of seizures and everyday brain function.

Our neurosurgeons perform advanced procedures, working with experts to ensure the best possible results. We specialize in:

• Brain tumor treatment — Brain tumors are masses of abnormal cells in the brain. We can also treat other lesions in the skull base that used to be inoperable.
• Cerebrovascular neurosurgery — This procedure treats blood vessel disorders in the head and neck, including aneurysms, vascular tumors, malformations, occlusions and ischemia.
• Craniofacial surgery — This surgery is used to treat birth abnormalities, trauma and tumors that cause distortion of the face and head.
• Interventional neuroradiology — Microsurgery takes place inside blood vessels and spinal vertebrae for stroke, aneurysms, tumors and other malformations that regular surgery can't treat.
• Radiosurgery — This procedure uses targeted radiation to shrink or eliminate tumors, aneurysms and other malformations.
• Spinal disorder treatment — These treatment options provide care for spinal disorders, degenerative diseases, tumors and infections.

Also known as cerebrovascular accidents, strokes are serious and can be life-threatening. Our stroke center is certified by The Joint Commission as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center for receiving and treating the most complex stroke cases. We have also received the American Heart Association's Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award and the Target Stroke Honor Roll Elite award, which recognizes our commitment to providing potentially lifesaving, clot-busting medication for acute strokes within 60 minutes.

We offer two types of carotid surgery, including carotid endarterectomy and carotid artery angioplasty with stenting. These surgeries treat carotid arteries that have narrowed due to cholesterol, calcium and plaque buildup, which causes decreased blood flow to the brain and a higher risk of stroke. Depending on your condition, your surgeon may simply remove the buildup from the vessel's wall, or use a stent to permanently prop the artery open.

In addition to our comprehensive procedures, our stroke program also offers a spectrum of physical therapy and rehabilitation services to help you regain balance and motor skills, improve speech and alleviate swallowing difficulties.

Experiencing or being diagnosed with a neurological condition can be difficult, especially if you don't have the proper information or support. At our hospital, we offer support groups for you and your family.

Stroke support group

The stroke support group is held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:00pm in the Desert Sand Room, located on the first floor of Sunrise Hospital. You'll be able to meet other people who have experienced a stroke and talk with their caregivers. Snacks and refreshments are served.

Epilepsy support group

The epilepsy support group is held on the second Wednesday of every month at 5:30pm on the first floor of Sunrise Hospital in the auditorium. You can meet other people with seizures in a relaxed environment while learning valuable information. Whether you are diagnosed with epilepsy or are a friend, family member or caregiver, all are welcome to attend.

All the epilepsy support groups are free and open to the public. No registration is required.