Neurology

Patient care is at the forefront of St. Mary Physician Associates’ neurology department. 

St. Mary’s Physician Associates are proud to diagnose and treat neurological conditions and central nervous system disorders. Our physicians specialize in neurology and neurosurgery with a focus on improving our patient’s quality of living. 

Neurology Conditions We Treat

Neurologic diseases can have widespread effects on the body and central nervous system. Our movement, senses, mental health and even body temperature are all maintained by our brain. When our brain is not performing normally, it can be apparent in a number of ways.

Our neurologists treat a wide range of diseases affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles, including:

Stroke

A stroke occurs when there’s damage to the brain because the blood supply was interrupted. This can be caused when something blocks the blood supply or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. If treatment is delayed, parts of the brain can be damaged or die entirely, causing lasting brain damage, disability or death. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke.

Stroke symptoms include:

• Paralysis
• Stiff muscles
• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech
• Fatigue
• Vertigo
• Numbness or weakness
• Reduced sensation of touch
• Confusion

Headaches

Headaches are a pain in the head or face that can be described as throbbing, pressure, sharp or dull. They often are caused by lack of sleep, stress, loud noise, eye strain or wearing something tight around your head. If you experience numbness or paralysis, develop a fever or the frequency of headaches increase, speak to your doctor.

Symptoms of a headache include a dull, sharp, throbbing or pressure anywhere on the head or face. 

Self-treatment is usually enough (taking pain relievers and resting), unless you begin experiencing concerning symptoms.

Dementia and memory disorders

Dementia can affect the brain’s cerebral cortex, which controls motor, sensory and association.

Dementia isn’t a specific disease — it’s actually various conditions characterized by impairment of at least two brain functions. Memory loss, impaired judgment, forgetfulness and limited social skills that interfere with everyday life.

Dementia symptoms include:

• Cognitive decline
• Confusion later in the day
• Disorientation
• Irritability
• Wandering
• Restlessness
• Mood swings
• Slurred or jumbled speech
• Paranoia

There are certain therapies and medications that can be used to treat dementia, however, there is no cure.

Parkinson’s disease

Parkinson’s Disease occurs when nerve cells in the brain are damaged, which causes dopamine to drop. When dopamine dramatically drops, the brain’s control over movement declines. A Parkinson’s Foundation study shows  that, each year, 90,000 people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. But, Parkinson’s is not just a movement disorder, as its effects are mental and physical.

Parkinson’s disease symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Stiff muscles
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Restlessness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Difficulty speaking or understanding
• Depression

Epilepsy and seizures

Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that is usually a result of genetics or a brain injury. It causes random seizures, sometimes triggered optically. Other than the seizures themselves, there aren’t many distinct symptoms. 

Seizures may cause fainting, fatigue, muscle spasms, pins and needles, amnesia, anxiety, depression or temporary paralysis following a seizure. This condition can’t be cured, but it can be treated with certain medications.

Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease, which means the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells. Multiple sclerosis develops when the immune system eats away at the protective covering of nerves. Multiple sclerosis usually affects the eyes, brain and spinal cord. 

MS symptoms include:

• Vision loss
• Pain
• Fatigue
• Excessive urination
• Dizziness
• Blurred or double vision
• Difficulty speaking
• Poor balance

It’s important to keep in mind that multiple sclerosis affects everyone differently, so the signs and symptoms may vary. 

Muscle diseases

There are different kinds of muscle diseases, such as muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, myositis, fibromyalgia and botulism. 

Muscular diseases usually cause weakness, loss of muscular control, tingling and twitching and pain. 

Contact St. Mary’s Physician Associates for Neurological Treatment

Patients in Northern Oklahoma with conditions and diseases that affect the brain and nervous system can receive advanced treatment at St. Mary’s Physician Associates. 

Check insurances accepted at St. Mary’s Physician Associates, what items to bring with you the day of appointment and new patient forms.