Choose a leader in brain and spine care
If you or a loved one are having migraines, problems remembering, seizures, tremors or twitching, back and neck pain, numbness, or difficulty sleeping, don’t wait until symptoms get worse. If you have a diagnosis and are looking for a second opinion or advanced surgical care, talk with a doctor that’s right for you.
When you choose Ascension Illinois in greater Chicagoland, you will find a team of doctors who specialize in neurological disorders that affect your brain, spine and nerves. Your neurologists and, when needed, neurosurgeons work with a team of brain and spine specialists from across the country, sharing best practices, knowledge and research – bringing the best of our integrated national network of care, close to home. We have the expertise to help find the cause of your symptoms and deliver a personalized care plan.
Every appointment with your neurologist starts with a conversation. Your doctor will take the time to answer all your questions — big and small. As your care needs change, we’re ready with the care that’s right for you, helping relieve pain, improve movement and manage symptoms, so that you can feel more like you again.
Comprehensive care for brain, spine and nerve conditions
Your care starts with a thorough evaluation to help your doctor determine the cause of your symptoms. And getting the right treatment as early as possible can often make a difference in your recovery and care moving forward. Tell your doctor about how symptoms such as pain are affecting your life and the activities you enjoy. From diagnostic testing and advanced treatment options to surgical care, chronic disease management and rehabilitation, all the care you need is close to home for conditions including:
- Brain aneurysm
- Brain injury and concussion
- Brain tumors
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
- Developmental disorders, including autism
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Fibromyalgia, chronic muscle pain and fatigue
- Headaches and migraines
- Head, nerve and back pain
- Movement disorders, including tremors and Parkinson’s
- Stroke
- Trigeminal neuralgia, pain on the side of your face
- Other neuromuscular disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy and ALS
- Chronic pain management
Your care may require additional tests and imaging, pharmacy or specialists – we connect you to the right specialists and services. And your care team will stay connected throughout your ongoing care. Ask your doctor about virtual (online) visits for your follow-up care.
Ascension Illinois also provides dedicated neurorehabilitation services to help improve your quality of life after a stroke, brain or spine injury. Your physical therapists (PT) specialize in treatments for nerve damage to help you manage symptoms from a neuromuscular disease, such as Parkinson’s or peripheral neuropathy.
Surgical care for brain, spine and nerve conditions
Surgery is rarely the first option. But if it is recommended as part of your care, experienced neurosurgeons at Ascension Illinois develop a highly specialized, advanced surgical treatment plan, customized for you. And whenever possible, they use minimally invasive surgery and robotic-assisted technology to help shorten your recovery. Ascension Illinois is one of only three hospitals that uses the Gamma Knife® for hard-to-reach brain tumors. From pre-surgery to your rehabilitation care, we connect the dots for you. And whether you’ll be recovering at home or in our hospital’s intensive care recovery unit, our care teams deliver comprehensive care for all your needs after a neurosurgical procedure, such as:
- Brain tumor surgery
- Chiari decompression
- Clinical research trials for investigational treatments
- Corrective spine surgery for herniated disc, spinal stenosis and more
- Deep brain stimulation for medication-resistant Parkinson’s disease
- DUOPA™ for advanced Parkinson’s disease
- Gamma Knife® stereotactic radiosurgery for hard-to-reach brain tumors
- Nerve decompression for migraines
- Spinal tap to help detect central nervous system conditions
- Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) therapy for epilepsy
Advanced care for cognitive and behavioral conditions
If you have concerns about your memory, attention span, problem solving or other cognitive or behavioral functions, talk with an experienced neuropsychologist at Ascension Illinois. Our neuropsychologists offer comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for children and adults. These in-depth evaluations help provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations for individuals with conditions affecting memory, attention and other areas of thinking. Our fellowship-trained, board-certified neuropsychologists work closely with other leading specialists including neurosurgeons, neurologists, epileptologists, psychiatrists, health psychologists and social workers to provide personalized care.
Get a second opinion from a neurology specialist
Get the confidence and peace of mind that your doctor and care plan are right for you. It's easy to get a second opinion at Ascension Illinois. We can review your medical records and healthcare history to answer your questions and discuss options. Talk with one of our doctors about a personalized care plan.
When you are facing a new diagnosis or experiencing new symptoms, there’s a lot to think about. We can discuss both therapeutic or surgical treatment plans. Our team of highly experienced specialists can provide you with a second opinion based on experience and as part of an integrated national network of care.
Before your appointment, check with your insurance company to find out if a second opinion is covered. We can request your medical records from your doctor on your behalf, so that they can be shared with your care team before your arrival.
Insurance coverage for brain, spine and nerve procedures
Talk with a doctor about insurance coverage options for having an outpatient surgery, such as spine surgery. Brain and spine surgery may be covered by various insurance plans as well as Medicare. First, you need to be evaluated by a neurosurgeon.
If you experience a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ER or call 911.