Neurology is the study and treatment of disorders and diseases related to the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord and nerves. At the Eastern Kentucky Neuroscience Center at Pikeville Medical Center (PMC), neurologists play a critical role in diagnosing and treating patients with neurological conditions.
PMC Neurologists Dr. Naveed Ahmed and Dr. Ryan Owens collaborate closely with other PMC specialists, such as neurosurgeons, radiologists and physical therapists, to provide comprehensive care to patients. They use various diagnostic tools such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, computed tomography (CT) scans and electroencephalograms (EEGs) to assess a patient’s condition and determine the appropriate treatment. PMC Neurologists also treat patients with degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.
One of the most common conditions a neurologist treats is a stroke, also called a ‘brain attack.’ A stroke occurs when blood flow is disrupted to the brain, causing damage to parts of the brain. Neurologists use various treatment options when treating a patient who has suffered a stroke, such as clot-busting medications or surgical procedures to minimize the damage and help patients recover.
At PMC, neurologists and emergency department providers utilize advanced technology powered by artificial intelligence to help identify certain types of strokes quickly and effectively. The software, powered by Viz.ai, is linked directly to PMC’s CT scanner, which uses rotating X-ray machines to create detailed images of the inside of a patient’s head, showing bones, blood vessels and the brain.
The Viz.ai technology can quickly identify suspected large vessel occlusion (LVO) strokes, which happen when one of the brain’s major arteries is blocked, stopping the supply of blood and oxygen. Once a stroke is identified by the computer, PMC’s stroke specialists are notified almost immediately. Many times, while the patient is still in the CT machine, PMC neurologists are looking at the detailed images on their smartphones and can initiate treatment. PMC was the first hospital in Eastern Kentucky to utilize this state-of-the-art technology.
For more information on advanced neurology care at PMC, visit https://www.pikevillehospital.org/services/neurology/ .
