Neurology The Department of Neurology, established in 1874 as the first such department in the United States, provides care for patients with diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerve or muscle, as well as neurological cancers and neuro-ophthalmologic disorders. Neurology services and physicians are also a part of Penn's Neurological Institute, developed for the multidisciplinary, comprehensive care of all types of neurological disorders. The Department houses one of the nation's strongest research programs on the causes and treatment of neurological diseases. Many faculty are also members of the multidisciplinary David Mahoney Institute for Neurological Sciences. The Center provides access to innovative and investigational treatments for stroke and critical neurologic conditions, in an atmosphere of compassion and professionalism.
Every effort is made to provide continuing information and support for patients and their families.
Patients benefit from the combined expertise of neurologists, neurointensivists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and specially trained neuro nurses. The specialized care team provides a multidisciplinary approach for the evaluation and treatment of ALS, and collaboratively designs a personalized care plan for each patient. The ultimate goal of the ALS Association Center is to enable patients to maintain a maximum level of neurological functioning in a supportive and understanding environment. The ALS Association Center care team consists of neurologists, two neurologic nurse coordinators specializing in ALS, a social worker, mental health nurse, physiatrist, rehabilitation medicine physician, pulmonary medicine physician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, speech-language pathologist and dietitian. The Center is sponsored by the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association through the generous support of the Philadelphia Phillies.