Neurology and neurosurgery

Neurology involves diagnosing and treating patients with disorders and diseases of the brain, spine, peripheral nerves, nervous system and muscles, and related blood vessels.

St John of God Murdoch Hospital caregivers standing with the Loop X machine smiling at the camera.

At St John of God Murdoch Hospital, we care for people with conditions including, but not limited to, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, and traumatic brain injuries.

Neurological conditions may require ongoing support. Our caregivers help you understand your condition and outline how ongoing assistance can help. We work closely with you and your loved ones to identify your treatment options, including surgery and medication.

Our neurological services

Our caregivers work collaboratively to ensure the best outcome for you. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons use the latest neurological testing, diagnostic and surgical equipment to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

epilepsy
peripheral nerve disease
multiple sclerosis
headaches
migraines
traumatic brain injuries
spinal trauma
brain, pituitary and spinal tumours
carpal tunnel syndrome
neuromuscular disorders
Parkinson's disease
Huntington’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease.

Referral

Your general practitioner (GP) may refer you to one of our neurologists, or you may be referred by another specialist for a variety of reasons including:

difficulty with coordination or balance
weakness
numbness or tingling
chronic headaches or migraines
back or neck pain
loss of control of your speech, vision or part of your body
tremors or seizures
confusion or memory problems.

Remember many of these symptoms can be caused by something that is not neurological.

Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery may be needed for some, but not all, neurological conditions. St John of God Murdoch Hospital offers state of the art technology for neurosurgical procedures on the brain and spine. Where possible we offer minimally invasive techniques and procedures. Our neurosurgeons are highly qualified and have access to the latest specialist medical technology, including CT imaging equipment.

Specialised technology

Computer guidance enables extremely precise, safe and accurate spine and cranial surgery, far beyond what was previously possible.

Patients undergoing spine and cranial surgery at St John of God Murdoch Hospital benefit from the advanced 3D imaging capabilities of the Loop-X intraoperative system and Cirq, which is an advanced robotic arm (controlled by the surgeon) that precisely follows trajectories pre-planned by the Loop-X’s in-built navigation system.

The great advantage of Loop-X is that it produces high quality digital images during surgery. When pieced together with images taken pre and post-surgery, surgeons have a far more complete and precise picture, that means their planning, interventions during surgery and a patient’s recovery are the best they can possibly be.

Rehabilitation

We provide access to a range of rehabilitation services for neurological conditions and post neurosurgery, including experienced physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and registered nurses to help you return to your daily activities.