Neurology

Headaches, dizziness, sensory disturbances or memory problems can have many causes. The Department of Neurology at Zuger Kantonsspital diagnoses and treats conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles, both on an outpatient and inpatient basis. We take the time to listen to your symptoms, assess them professionally and explain what the findings mean for you.

What is neurology?

Neurology is the medical speciality dealing with disorders of the nervous system: the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. Typical symptoms include paralysis, sensory disturbances, dizziness, headaches, movement disorders, and memory, language and speech disorders.

Common conditions include migraine, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. As people get older, strokes, Parkinson’s disease and dementia become more common.

Your journey from assessment to treatment

We begin with a detailed consultation, followed by a clinical neurological examination. Depending on the clinical presentation, we may carry out specific additional tests (e.g. EEG, ENG and EMG, duplex sonography, nerve ultrasound) as well as imaging in collaboration with our Department of Radiology.

We then discuss the findings with you and jointly determine the next steps, ranging from drug therapy to referral to support services.

Living with a chronic neurological condition

Many neurological conditions develop over a period of years. The aim of treatment is to alleviate symptoms and maintain your quality of life and work as much as possible.

To this end, we support you as part of a multidisciplinary team: working alongside your GP, specialists from other disciplines, as well as psychologists and therapists. This ensures that assessment, treatment and aftercare are coordinated.

Neurological expertise at Zuger Kantonsspital

We treat patients who have suffered a stroke in our Stroke Unit and those with memory disorders in our Memory Clinic. Thanks to this close collaboration and short lines of communication, we offer comprehensive, high-quality neurological care under one roof: with the same point of contact throughout the entire course of treatment.

Services

  • Neurology clinic offering assessment and treatment for patients with the following conditions and symptoms:
    • Strokes
    • Epilepsy and other paroxysmal disorders
    • Multiple sclerosis and other neuroimmunological disorders
    • Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders, such as tremor or restless legs syndrome
    • Neuromuscular disorders, such as polyneuropathies, peripheral nerve lesions, muscle disorders and myasthenia
    • Headaches and facial pain
    • Dizziness and balance disorders
  • Acute treatment of stroke patients in our stroke unit
  • Neurological examinations and treatments
    • Ultrasound of the blood vessels supplying the brain
    • Standard EEG recordings
    • Electroneurography, myography, evoked potentials (MEP, SEP, VEP)
    • Lumbar punctures
    • Video head impulse test
    • Treatment with infusion therapies (including Tysabri, Ocrevus, Rituximab, immunoglobulins)
    • Treatment with botulinum toxin for spasticity and dystonia

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What does neurology deal with?

Neurology deals with disorders of the nervous system – that is, the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. These include, amongst others, migraine and other types of headache, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, polyneuropathies and dementia.

When should I see a neurologist?

A neurological assessment is advisable in the event of persistent or recurrent headaches, dizziness, numbness, muscle weakness, gait or movement disorders, as well as memory, language or speech disorders. Your GP will discuss this with you to assess whether a referral is appropriate.

What does a neurological examination involve?

We begin with a detailed discussion of your symptoms. This is followed by a clinical neurological examination to assess your reflexes, muscle strength, sensation, coordination and gait. Depending on the clinical presentation, we may carry out additional diagnostic tests such as an EEG, ENG/EMG, duplex ultrasound or imaging scans.

What should you do if you suspect a stroke?

If you experience sudden paralysis, a drooping corner of the mouth, or difficulties with speech or vision, call the emergency number 144 immediately. A stroke is a medical emergency: the sooner treatment begins, the better the chances of minimising permanent damage.