Medical and surgical

Neurology and neurosurgery

Neurology involves diagnosing and treating patients with disorders and diseases of the brain, spine, peripheral nerves, nervous system and muscles, and related blood vessels. 

We care for people with conditions including, but not limited to, muscular dystrophy, epilepsy, stroke and traumatic brain injuries. 

Neurological conditions may require ongoing support. Our caregivers help you understand your condition and outline how ongoing assistance can help. We work closely with you and your loved ones to identify your treatment options, including surgery and medication. 

Our neurological services

Our caregivers work collaboratively to ensure the best outcome for you. Our neurologists and neurosurgeons use the latest neurological testing, diagnostic and surgical equipment to treat a wide range of conditions, including:

  • epilepsy
  • strokes
  • aneurysms
  • peripheral nerve disease
  • multiple sclerosis
  • headaches
  • migraines
  • traumatic brain injuries
  • spinal trauma
  • brain, pituitary and spinal tumours
  • carpal tunnel syndrome
  • neuromuscular disorders
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Huntington’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s disease.

Referral

Your general practitioner (GP) may refer you to one of our neurologists, or you may be referred by another specialist for a variety of reasons including:

  • difficulty with coordination or balance
  • weakness
  • numbness or tingling
  • chronic headaches or migraines
  • back or neck pain
  • loss of control of your speech, vision or part of your body
  • tremors or seizures
  • confusion or memory problems.

Remember many of these symptoms can be caused by something that is not neurological.

Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery may be needed for some, but not all, neurological conditions. Where possible we offer minimally invasive techniques and procedures. Our neurosurgeons are highly qualified and have access to the latest specialist medical technology, including CT imaging equipment.

Post-operative care

Recovery times are different for every person, and depend on the specific type of brain or spinal surgery you require.

You may experience some pain after surgery. Our team of caregivers will actively monitor and manage your pain levels around the clock. They will also talk to you about your neurological condition, pain management and wound care before you return home.

Recovery and rehabilitation

If you have a neurological condition you may need a long term management plan or help to complete everyday tasks. You and your family may also need ongoing support.

We provide access to a range of rehabilitation services, including experienced physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists and registered nurses to help you return to your daily activities. 

Costs and fee payment options

If you have private health insurance, the costs for your hospital stay and specialist fees may be covered by your health fund, based on your level of cover.

If you don’t have private health insurance, you can access treatment at a St John of God Health Care hospital through our self-funded care option.

When you use your private health insurance, you get benefits that include access to St John of God Health Care private hospital facilities, your choice of specialist, minimal wait times, and with an eligible policy most of your hospital costs can be covered by your private health insurance fund.

You should contact your health insurer to understand your level of cover, and whether your policy is subject to additional fees such as a hospital excess or other ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses. Your health insurer will also be able to assist in understanding if you will have doctor, radiology and pathology out-of-pocket costs.

Patients who don’t have private health insurance can choose to access St John of God Health Care private hospital services and treatments by paying fees themselves.

By accessing our self-funded care option, you’ll be able to avoid wait times and have your surgery or treatment with your choice of specialist at a St John of God Health Care private hospital.

If you have received an invoice for an expense associated with treatment from a St John of God Health Care service you can pay your bill online.

Where we provide this service...