Neurology, simply put, is the branch of medicine that treats disorders of the nervous system. That encompasses the brain, brain stem, nerves and spinal cord. The largest part of the field is the central nervous system, where we find control of our most basic behaviors—movements, speech, understanding and balance.
Central Maine Neurology
Neurology is one of the three pillars of neuroscience; the others are neurosurgery and stroke care. Central Maine’s Department of Neurology treats adults for disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, movement disorders such as Parkinson’s, dementia, cognitive disorders and more. If it’s a disorder of your brain or spinal cord, we treat it in Neurology.
Our neurologists and other doctors are specialists in epilepsy, movement disorders and other neurological disorders. Not all of the illnesses we treat are unusual or extreme; if you’re experiencing headaches or lower back pain, we will evaluate you to be sure you have an accurate diagnosis and a solid treatment plan. If your condition is more serious, such as multiple sclerosis or head and neck cancer, we have the expertise to treat those illnesses, too.
What’s exciting about treatment at Central Maine Health is the web of collaborations our neurologists practice. Neurology and Neurosurgery will closely coordinate your treatment, working side by side with physical therapists, speech therapists and other clinicians to make sure your personalized treatment plan is perfectly suited to your condition and preferences. Whether you need nutritional guidance, traditional surgery or a high-tech procedure like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), your medical team will all be looking at the same test results and recommendations, consulting with each other until they collectively decide on your best treatment.
Neurosciences
If you have a neurological disorder, we can help.
Symptoms of neurological disorders aren’t easy to navigate, but we’re here to help. Our board-certified neuroscience team is trained to diagnose and treat the full range of diseases linked to the brain, spine, muscles and nerves.
Our multidisciplinary Neurosciences Department combines medicine and clinical programs with advanced technology, leading edge surgical techniques and education to improve the diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases. One of our most valuable resources is our partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital, which gives us immediate access to MGH neurologists via the latest in telemedicine.
We treat the full range of neurological conditions ranging from movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease to chronic back pain and stroke. We’re proud that our efforts to prevent and treat stroke rapidly have resulted in certification as a Primary Stroke Center by the Joint Commission.
Among the reasons we are certified is the comprehensive and holistic nature of our care. In addition to a partnership with MGH and full suite of technology, we have a team including neurologists, neurosurgeons, vascular surgeons, orthopaedic surgeons and specialists from other related fields. Specialized nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, social work and other vitally important supportive services are also key components of our world-class neuroscience services.
Neurosurgery
When you have a neurological disorder that calls for deeper treatment than conventional, conservative options, we’re likely to bring a neurosurgeon onto your team—even if surgery isn’t necessarily your best option.
Your neurosurgeon and neurologist, both highly trained and committed to compassionate care, will talk continually throughout your treatment, with each other and with other members of your medical team. Central Maine’s neurosurgeons are experienced in treating such disorders as brain aneurysms, Parkinson’s and other movement disorders, spine disorders such as herniated disks, and emergencies such as aneurysms and strokes.
Back and Neck Surgery
If you’re living with chronic pain in your back or neck, and you’ve tried medication and physical therapy, a Central Maine neurosurgeon can help you find relief. Our experienced neurosurgeons treat such painful conditions as spinal stenosis and herniated disks, always using the most updated, advanced techniques available, both in Neurology and through Central Maine Orthopedics.
Brain and Spine Cancer Surgery
Delicate surgeries on the brain and spinal cord can be difficult, but our neurosurgeons, collaborating with their colleagues on your team, perform advanced procedures on the most complex and hard-to-reach tumors. We can even perform certain brain surgeries while the patient is awake, and our sophisticated radiosurgery technology helps the surgeon pinpoint the tumor without damaging healthy tissue surrounding it. We now provide the most high-tech cranial surgeries. To learn more, go to our Brain and Spine Cancer.
Movement Disorders and Epilepsy
Thanks to groundbreaking procedures like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), our neurosurgeons are finding bold new remedies for such disorders as Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, dystonia and more. By placing electrodes in the brain that are regulated by a device implanted under your collarbone, surgeons can help control tremors, paralysis and other movement disorder symptoms if you can no longer find relief with medication.
Neurovascular Surgery
Our surgeons have long experience in stroke treatment, routinely performing such procedures as clipping and coiling aneurysms, and inserting stents in blocked blood vessels. They are a key part of Central Maine’s trauma services, especially in treating strokes, when doctors must act fast to save the patient’s life. To learn more, go to our Stroke page.
All of our surgeons work in both private practice and inpatient care, making them even more accessible for consultations and exams. Our patients don’t have to travel to Portland or cities for top surgical care; we perform almost all of the same neurosurgeries provided at much larger centers.
When you have a neurological disorder that calls for deeper treatment than conventional, conservative options, we’re likely to bring a neurosurgeon onto your team—even if surgery isn’t necessarily your best option.
Your neurosurgeon and neurologist, both highly trained and committed to compassionate care, will talk continually throughout your treatment, with each other and with other members of your medical team. Central Maine’s neurosurgeons are experienced in treating such disorders as brain aneurysms, Parkinson’s and other movement disorders, spine disorders such as herniated disks, and emergencies such as aneurysms and strokes.
Contact Us
Central Maine Neurology
10 Minot Avenue, Auburn, Maine 04210
Phone: (207) 795-2927
Central Maine Neurosurgery
12 High Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240
Phone: (207) 795-2494
Telemedicine
Thanks to our innovative communications technology, patients with neurological disorders now have 24-hour access to some of the finest medical experts in the country, especially in an emergency. We’re partnering with Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston via streaming video as their doctors help consult and treat patients at Central Maine.
Learn About Neurological Disorders
There’s one sure way to speed up your recovery, and that’s to learn as much as possible about your disorder.
Central Maine Healthcare sponsors a series of free, informal classes each quarter, specially designed to inform patients and caregivers about how getting stronger and reaching your personal wellness goals. Whether your issue is back pain, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy or another neuro illness, we’ll make sure you have all the information you need to move forward and live as independently as possible.
Central Maine Healthcare also maintains an extensive online health library, where you and your can access the latest medical and rehab information related to your condition. You can use out interactive tools to create lists of questions you can ask your neurologist, use our checklists to evaluate your own progress, and learn as you go so you can make confident decisions about your healthcare.
Support Groups
If you are looking for a support group, please contact Central Maine Neurology at (207) 795-2927 and we will assist you in finding a support group.