Our Nervous System
The nervous systems control and coordinate not only our mental capabilities, but also all physical activities of the body. So it's no wonder many of our bodies' problems originate there. While the Brain & Spine are an amazing combination that brings us human thought and movement, they also bring us migraines, debilitating back pain and many less understood diseases and afflictions.
The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute is dedicated to finding the answers that allude others. From headaches and numbness, to epilepsy or tumors, if it relates to the central nervous system, we have teams with the expertise to figure it out.
In the past 15 years, researchers have developed promising new drugs for treating epilepsy. But finding the right drug for a patient can be problematic. Some drugs have harmful medical, cognitive, and behavioral side effects and can even worsen seizures. A proper diagnosis is a critical first step to developing a successful treatment plan. As a program of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute, the Epilepsy Center's epileptologists work in tandem with a team of other physicians, giving you a multidisciplinary and comprehensive approach to your treatment.
The Spine Centers at Sinai and Northwest Hospital of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute have teams of specialists trained in all aspects of spinal disorders, whether the cause is trauma, illness or aging. From simple physical therapy to the most advanced surgical procedures, the Spine Centers at Sinai and Northwest Hospital are the region's leading resource for neck and back related problems.
The Brain Injury Programs at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute provide an unmatched continuum of neuro-rehabilitation services to patients recovering from a brain injury. They are designed to help restore an individual to the maximum level of thinking, physical, emotional, and behavioral abilities. Experience, empathy and expertise combine to create a competent, caring atmosphere in which a patient's progress and adjustment to injury are primary concerns.
While an early diagnosis is important in many areas of health, it can truly make a difference when it comes to the health of your brain. By combining cognitive testing and risk factor assessment, patients of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute have a better chance to receive personal recommendations on how to minimize the risk for strokes, Alzheimer disease and other dementia.
You'd be hard pressed to find someone whose never had a headache. And yet, due to the many ways to get one, you may find it harder to pinpoint the reason for yours. Even if the cause of your headaches is difficult to pin down, we have the best doctors who can provide you with an accurate diagnosis and a successful treatment plan.
Other Centers at the
Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute
In addition to the four centers above, the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute offers several other specialized centers and programs related to the central nervous system. Learn more about them below. If you'd like more information on any of these areas, please contact us
The Stroke Center
The Stroke Center at Sinai Hospital, a program of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute, is the only community hospital in the area to receive certification as a primary stroke center. This accreditation verifies that the center provides the critical elements required for long-term successful outcome. The center's stroke unit offers specially trained physicians, nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, physiatrists and rehabilitation specialists to help stroke patients recover the maximum physical and cognitive function possible.
Parkinson Disease Program
Parkinson disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after stroke. However, not everyone who shows symptoms of Parkinson's has the disorder. At the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute, we do a thorough analysis, including video gait analysis, to accurately diagnose the cause of a patient's symptoms. Our multidisciplinary approach provides optimal long-term care for patients, as well as support for their caregivers and loved ones.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Neuro-Rehabilitation programs
The Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and Neuro-Rehabilitation programs of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute offer comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services for those suffering from a wide range of neurological or orthopedic diseases. These programs include outpatient treatment for stroke patients as well as one of only three accredited inpatient brain injury units in the state. No matter what the diagnosis, our goal is to restore physical and cognitive function to the maximum level, to address the psychological effects of impairments and disabilities, and to enable a quick return to daily activities.
Neurodiagnostic Lab
Advanced neurological testing is critical to obtaining a complete patient evaluation. The Neurodiagnostic Lab at Sinai Hospital, part of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute, offers electroencephalograms (EEG), long-term monitoring for epilepsy, electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies, neurocognitive testing, evoked potentials, electrocorticography, and intraoperative monitoring.
Neuro-Psychiatry
Neurological diseases or ailments can cause feelings of anxiety, depression, irritability, or sadness. Coping with a neurological ailment can profoundly impact the family as well. The Department of Psychiatry at Sinai Hospital and Northwest Hospital can help, offering psychiatric assessment, advice and support to the units and programs within the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute. The institute's multidisciplinary approach means there is constant communication between a psychiatrist and physician, surgeon and/or specialist.
Pain Management Program
The Pain Management program at the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute offers a comprehensive program for both acute and chronic pain. Our team of physical medicine and rehabilitation specialists focuses on functional restoration and improvement of quality of life for patients. An outpatient pain program is designed for those who do not require surgery or invasive procedures, while our inpatient pain program accommodates those who require additional treatment.
Neuro-Ophthalmology
Neuro-Ophthalmology, a division of the Krieger Eye Institute and program of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute, offers sophisticated evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders that impact the eye and visual functions. The neuro-opthalmologist works hand in hand with other neurologists, neurosurgeons and physical medicine specialists to provide comprehensive care for the patient.
Neuro-Otology
Neuro-Otology at Sinai Hospital and Northwest Hospital, a part of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute, offers the latest diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose and throat. Physicians within the department work in conjunction with other members of the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute team, ensuring a comprehensive approach to care for patients. The wide array of services provided by the department includes treatment of sinusitis, facial bone fractures and defects, voice and airway disorders and cosmetic reconstruction.
The Center for Gait and Mobility
Someone with a normal gait—the medical term for walking—walks smoothly at a normal pace without thinking about it. Someone with an abnormal gait may have trouble taking the first step, have bent posture, spasticity, or walk with a shuffle, shortened steps or slow pace. You may have to think about each step rather than it coming automatically, or may be thrown off balance by turning or changing direction.
These are signs that control of gait by the brain, spine or peripheral nervous system may be impaired. As we age, we may think it's normal for walking to become more difficult. However, we should continue to walk normally as we age.
Our interdisciplinary team of experts includes neurologists, rehabilitation physicians/physiatrists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic spine surgeons, physical therapists and occupational therapists. Patients who come to the The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute (BSI) for gait abnormalities are screened by a neurologist or physiatrist. We have expertise in neurological disorders like cerebral palsy, Parkinson disease, brain injury, stroke, multiple sclerosis, spasticity, spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy and normal pressure hydrocephalus. After a comprehensive medical history and examination of the patient, our doctors determine the need for additional diagnostic tests, like MRI or CT of brain or spine, electromyography, nerve conduction study, or X-rays of the spine.
Once a diagnosis is made, an individualized treatment plan is recommended. For example, patients with cervical or lumbar spinal stenosis are treated by one of our neurosurgeons or orthopedic spine surgeons. Those suspected of having a disorder like parkinsonism are seen by a movement disorder specialist, and those with neuropathy or peripheral nerve problems are seen by one of our neuromuscular neurologists or physiatrists. Some patients may be treated by a physical therapist for strengthening and retraining of walking and balancing.
If you already know the cause of your gait abnormality, you may wish to be re-evaluated or to receive ongoing management by our team. For example, tightness in muscles due to spasticity can be reduced and walking improved by comprehensive treatments offered in the spasticity program. If you have arthritis in the hip or knee, a physician may have told you that this is not the cause of your difficulty walking. We can evaluate and help.
Difficulty with gait, balance or mobility isn't normal and could signify an underlying problem. If you or a family member have such symptoms, call the The Center for Gait and Mobility at The Sandra and Malcolm Berman Brain & Spine Institute at 410-601-WELL(9355).
For more information, call 410-601-WELL (410-601-9355).