Skip to main content

Neurology

Neurological disorders and related conditions can interfere with daily life. Some can even be progressive and potentially disabling. No matter what neurological symptoms you're experiencing, we can help.

We offer outpatient neurology services at 2902 East Race Ave | Searcy, Arkansas. We also treat neurological disorders in our long-term acute care facility at the Advanced Care Hospital of White County.

How much do you know about this movement disorder?

Reviewed 12/6/2022

Sources

Parkinson's disease: True or false?

No one knows the exact cause of Parkinson's disease, a movement disorder that worsens over time. There is no cure, but medication and surgery can help manage its symptoms. About 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson's each year. How much do you know about this disease?

True or false: A special diet can treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

False. Diet alone won't treat it. But eating certain foods can ease symptoms. For example, drinking plenty of fluids daily can help you avoid constipation. So can eating fiber-rich foods like brown rice, whole grains, fruit and beans.

True or false: Exercise can lead to falls, so people with Parkinson's should avoid physical activity.

False. Physical activity can help you maintain and improve balance, flexibility and mobility. Exercise also might improve emotional well-being. Of course, you want to stay safe. So talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.

True or false: The symptoms of Parkinson's are the same for everyone with the disease.

False. While tremors, slow movement, stiffness and impaired balance are the primary symptoms, not everyone with Parkinson's has all four—or experiences them in the same way. And other non-motor symptoms often accompany the disease. Work closely with your doctor to manage your particular symptoms—and make sure loved ones and caregivers understand the treatment plan too.

True or false: One effect of Parkinson's, called freezing, happens when you want to walk forward but your body doesn't move right away.

True. Freezing often occurs when you want to walk through a doorway or are trying to turn around. Some tips for getting out of a freezing episode include marching in place, counting out loud or trying to move in a different direction.

True or false: A decreased sense of smell can be an early sign of Parkinson's.

True. It's called hyposmia, and it can occur years before any of the motor signs associated with the disease. Most people with hyposmia won't go on to develop Parkinson's, but many people with Parkinson's will have hyposmia.

You can learn more about Parkinson's in the Parkinson's Disease health topic center.

Visit the topic center

Sources: Michael J. Fox Foundation; National Institutes of Health

Our outpatient neurology clinic

Our highly qualified neurology team evaluates and treats a broad spectrum of conditions at our outpatient clinic at 2902 East Race Ave | Searcy, Arkansas, including virtually any issue that affects the brain, spinal cord and nervous system.

A few of the conditions the outpatient neurology clinic can help with are:

  • Migraine headaches
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Epilepsy
  • Alzheimer's disease
  • Peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage that affects the legs or arms)

Experts at solving neurological problems

Many patients see our neurology team at our outpatient neurology clinic for initial consultations and testing. They may have been referred by a primary care provider or they may be experiencing worrisome symptoms they want examined. Our team can find and treat the problem.

Treatment starts with a medical history, plus a physical and neurological exam. In some cases, certain diagnostic tests may be needed as well.

We offer many tests in our hospital. Some advanced diagnostic tests are available in the outpatient neurology clinic itself, including:

  • Electroencephalogram (EEG). This test can help diagnose problems such as seizures and other brain disorders.
  • Electromyography (EMG), which is often performed along with a nerve conduction test. EMG is used to help detect nerve, muscle and spinal cord problems. It can reveal problems such as neuropathy (nerve damage).

Ongoing care for your neurological condition

Neurological disorders can't always be cured. But most can be managed. Depending on your condition, our specialists may prescribe medicines or other treatments. Drug therapies may ease symptoms or, in some cases, help slow the progression of a disorder.

We also offer the latest drug therapies for migraine headaches, including botox injections. Physical, occupational and speech therapies are also available.

And for many people, lifestyle changes may also have a positive effect on daily living. We can recommend changes that help.

Neurological services at Advanced Care Hospital of White County

Many neurological disorders are treated with a range of therapies in our long-term acute care facility, Advanced Care Hospital of White County.
We offer care to patients who need an extended hospital stay due to:

  • Diaphragm paralysis
  • Neurovascular/neuromuscular disorders
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Strokes
  • Traumatic brain injury