Editorial — Treating the Untreatable

As a major referral center for neurological disorders, we often see patients who have exhausted their options elsewhere. Mitchel Berger, M.D., chair of Neurological Surgery, discusses how UCSF treats the most difficult cases.

Insights into Neurotoxins Provide Relief for Dystonia

Jill Ostrem, M.D., and her colleagues at the Movement Disorders Clinic at UCSF Medical Center evaluate dystonia patients and consider the use of neurotoxins in the context of other treatment options.

Case Study — Advanced Care for Parkinson's

After 13 years of medical treatment, a 55-year-old man with Parkinson’s disease was referred to UCSF with disabling motor fluctuations, dyskinesia and painful toe curling. Philip Starr, MD, PhD, performed bilateral deep brain stimulation in the subthalamic nucleus, placing an implantable pulse generator in the patient’s chest wall. The patient’s symptoms were greatly improved.

Peripheral Nerve Injuries Require Timely Diagnoses

It is important to assess for early signs of recovery about six weeks after traumatic nerve injury, says neurologist John W. Engstrom, MD, of the Nerve Injury Clinic at UCSF Medical Center. An initial evaluation by the neurologist could include electromyography and, perhaps, referral to a radiologist for magnetic resonance neurography.

Neurosurgeon Brings Clinical and Research Experience

Manish Aghi, M.D., Ph.D., a neurosurgeon and researcher, is part of a busy team that, in addition to working on malignant tumors, will remove more than 200 benign pituitary tumors this year.

Advanced Techniques for Neurospinal Disorders

According to physicians at the Neurospinal Disorders Program at UCSF Medical Center, advances in en bloc tumor resection, minimally invasive surgical approaches and osteotomies can reduce the risks associated with more traditional spine surgeries.

CME Courses

See information on upcoming continuing medical education courses.

Referral Liaison Service

The UCSF Referral Liaison Service provides assistance and information to referring physicians, medical groups and health plans. Please call the Referral Liaison Service or visit www.ucsfhealth.org/healthprofessionals.

Transfer Center

The UCSF Transfer Center is open 24 hours daily to coordinate the transfer of your patients to UCSF Medical Center from hospitals throughout the region.

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