Effective treatment for any neurological disorder starts with an accurate diagnosis. At Stanford Health Care, we use medical, neurological, and neuropsychological tests to confirm a diagnosis.

Tests may include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): scans that produce detailed images of the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord to show signs of inflammation and other abnormalities 
• Lumbar puncture: removal of a sample of spinal fluid from the spinal column to check for abnormalities or antibodies 
• Evoked potentials: electric tests that record the brain’s response to various stimuli to detect visual, auditory, or sensory issues
• Neurological exam: a series of tests that assess your coordination, cognitive function, movement, and muscle strength  
• Blood tests: tests that rule out conditions that mimic neurological disorders or check for antibodies related to neuromyelitis optica, which may indicate increased risk for transverse myelitis

For most people with neurological conditions, medications are a mainstay of treatment. This is why we offer the full range of medical treatments—both emerging and approved by the Food and Drug Administration. Treatment goals are to:

• Reduce specific symptoms 
• Lessen the length and severity of relapses 
• Delay progression of the disease

Our specialists work closely with you to identify the best treatments for your needs, disease type, and stage. Throughout treatment, we carefully monitor and manage your care to ensure that you’re receiving the maximum benefit with minimum side effects.

Your doctor may prescribe:

• Oral medication: pills that you take once or twice a day 
• Infused medication: medicine that goes directly into your bloodstream through an IV (intravenous) line
• Injectable medication: medicine given through a shot into your skin or muscle

At our Outpatient Neurologic Rehabilitation Program, our physical and occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists are not generalists. They are specially trained to help people with complex neurological conditions. They combine their considerable expertise with leading-edge treatments to help you optimize physical function and lead a rich, full life.

You have access to these rehabilitative treatments: 

• Physical therapy to enhance your strength, flexibility, coordination, and balance
• Occupational therapy to help you perform daily activities that are important to you
• Speech therapy to improve swallowing and communication challenges

Our eye specialists at the Byers Eye Institute regularly care for people with neurological conditions and eye issues, such as double vision, eye movement difficulties, and vision loss. We use the latest medical and surgical treatments to restore your vision.

Our Neuropsychology Clinic is the largest program of its kind in Northern California, providing extensive assessments of your strengths and challenges. Our MS doctors use these evaluations to identify your treatment goals.

If you need to be hospitalized, you will receive expert, comprehensive support from our neurocritical care team. Your team includes a neurohospitalist, a doctor who is specially trained to evaluate and treat complex neurological conditions.

Our pain specialists understand that neurological pain can impact every aspect of your life. We create an individualized plan that focuses on your degree of pain and uses a combination of wide-ranging therapies. In addition to pain medication, we offer special pain-reducing procedures and behavioral therapy.

Although sleep disorders, such as insomnia and restless leg syndrome, are common in MS and other neurological disorders, they’re also highly treatable. Our sleep doctors precisely diagnose your sleep issue and treat it with medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other treatment options.