Neuroscience Services

Treatment Programs

Neurological Surgery

Highly trained and experienced surgeons, nurses and support professionals comprise the premier neurosurgical team in Northwest Florida. Neurosurgical procedures are performed in a dedicated neurosurgical operating suite at West Florida Hospital. State-of-the-art equipment provides the latest in neurosurgical treatment services, including computer assisted stereotactic procedures, and radiologically assisted spinal instrumentation.

Other Programs/Services

Sleep Disorders Center

The Sleep Disorders Center was established in 1982 to diagnose and treat persons with sleep-related disorders. Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders encountered at the Sleep Disorders Center. Other sleep disorders include narcolepsy, nocturnal myoclonus, parasomnias, epilepsy and insomnia. A physician specializing in sleep disorders is available to conduct an initial evaluation. Following this examination, an all-night polysomnograrn may be ordered for one or two consecutive nights in the Sleep Disorders Center. This test is performed primarily on an outpatient basis and consists of continuous monitoring of sleep stages, heart functions, respiration, airflow exchange and leg movement. Each case is reviewed by the Center's staff and appropriate treatment is recommended.

EMG (Electromyography) Laboratory

The EMG/Neuromuscular Laboratory provides testing for neuromuscular disorders. Such as myasthenia gravis, Guillian Barre' syndrome and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Primarily an outpatient service, the EMG Laboratory is located in the Medical Center Clinic. The EMG laboratory was selected to provide neuromuscular services for the local Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Memory Disorder Clinic

Memory Disorder Clinic is dedicated to helping persons with memory problems. The Clinic provides comprehensive evaluation for patients with memory disorders, Alzheimer's Disease and related dementia in an accessible, convenient manner. The Clinic evaluation is a one and one-half day process that includes a comprehensive medical and neurological evaluation, a functional assessment by a nurse practitioner, diagnostic testing, neuropsychological testing and an exit summary conference. Patient and caregiver education are an integral part of the evaluation. Follow-up assessment and management are also available through the Clinic.

For more information on the Memory Disorder Clinic, click here.

Neurovisual Disorders Center

In this setting, problems of visual perception (loss of vision, visual hallucinations, double vision), abnormal eye movements (ophthalmoplegia, nystagmus), pupil abnormalities, and visual field defects are evaluated and treated. Facial pain and abnormal eyelid or facial movements are also diagnosed and treated. Special diagnostic methodologies available include pattern visual evoked potentials, flash visual evoked potentials, electroretinography, electronystagniography, Goldmann perimetry and fundus photography. The emphasis of this center is toward neurologic disorders of visual function.

Movement Disorders Center

The Movement Disorders Center is dedicated to early diagnosis and effective treatment of neurological diseases characterized by abnormal movement or abnormal muscle tone. These disorders, if untreated, may compromise the simplest daily activities of those suffering from them. Some of these include Parkinson's Syndrome, Huntington's Chorea, Tourette's Syndrome, essential tremor, and blepharospasm. Patients with tremor, erratic movements of the face or limbs, generally slowed movements, or difficulty maintaining balance while walking are examples of patients frequently seen in this setting.

Muscular Dystrophy Clinic

Working with the Muscular Dystrophy Association, this clinic provides neuromuscular services to patients.

Epilepsy Monitoring Unit

The West Florida Hospital Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is a Neurodiagnostic service for outpatients with seizures. Seizures are a serious, but treatable problem. Evaluation in the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit can be useful diagnostic tool in several clinical contexts: localization of seizure focus in a potential candidate for epilepsy surgery; diagnostic evaluation of "spells" of uncertain etiology; identification of non-epileptic seizures, pseudo seizures, or subclinical seizures; or definition of seizure type. The Epilepsy Monitoring Unit is staffed by Neurology nurses with training in epilepsy and long term video EEG monitoring as well as EEG technicians and technologists whose training includes a two-year fellowship in epilepsy and clinical neurophysiology following residency in Neurology.

Nursing & Intensive Care Units

Specialized neuroscience nursing is an important aspect of the total patient care provided at West Florida Hospital. Specialized facilities for patients who are recovering from neurological surgery, stroke, or other neurological problems are provided in the neuroscience inpatient unit. This unit consists of a 38-bed general neurology and neurosurgery unit, a neurological intermediate nursing unit (NINU), and a neurological intensive care unit (NICU). Neuroscience nursing is a specialty practice within nursing. Specialized nursing skills and knowledge are necessary to deal effectively with a wide range of neurological injuries and illnesses. Consistent with a commitment to excellence is the provision of quality education in the neurosciences that leads to improved care for the patient.

Support Groups

Educational support groups covering a range of topics are provided on a weekly basis to increase patient and family levels of understanding regarding the consequences of a disease or injury. These groups also provide an opportunity for individuals to share experiences and common concerns. Neurological support groups are available for head injury, stroke and spinal cord injury patients.

Think First

Think First is a non-profit organization dedicated to preventing head and spinal cord injuries. Several community programs are administered by the local Think First office, including a school educational program, children's safety program, sports injury program, and the Feet First First Time, public awareness campaign. The latest addition to this program is the Safe Kids Coalition.

Initiated at West Florida Hospital in 1980, the Feet First First Time program provides education on water safety. The program was extremely successful and is now endorsed by neurosurgeons through the National Think First program. Pensacola was fortunate to be chosen as a one of five training sites for the National Think First program, and now we teach others how to set up such programs in their own communities.

Professional Education

West Florida Hospital demonstrates a commitment to quality care by providing a number of professional educational opportunities that provide a rich environment for learning that spans the spectrum of neuroscience care. A weekly Neurosciences Conference is held each Monday and is open to all staff. The conference spotlights unusual cases and new techniques to expand clinical education and expertise. A multidisciplinary Trauma Conference is held monthly to provide trauma-related education and information.

Consistent with a commitment to excellence is the provision of quality nursing education that leads to improved care for the patient. Neuroscience education programs based on the American Association of Neurosciences Nurses core curriculum are offered quarterly.

Health Education Center

Located between the Medical Center Clinic and West Florida Hospital, the Health Education Center provides education for inpatients, outpatients, their families and the community at large. A dedicated neuroscience patient educator is available at the Center.

For more information on any of the programs offered by