Media Relations

Baptist Health Opens Neuroscience Institute

February 2006 -- Baptist Health announces the grand opening of the Neuroscience Institute, located in the Parker Pavilion at Baptist Medical Center South. An open house will be hosted from 4 – 6 p.m. Feb. 23 at the Parker Pavilion, 2065 E. South Blvd.

The Neuroscience Institute encompasses several specialties and provides comprehensive services for patients dealing with the effects of a neurological disorder. From stroke to Alzheimer’s disease to multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease, the Neurosciences Institute can help treat them all.

“The Neuroscience Institute is yet another aspect of our care at Baptist Medical Center South that further defines us as the premiere center for tertiary care in the central Alabama region,” said Lynne Parker, administrator at Baptist Medical Center South.

Several entities work together to offer patients the highest quality diagnosis and treatment. They include the Neuroscience Institute Imaging Center at Baptist Medical Center South, Neurosurgery Associates of Central Alabama, P.C., PT Solutions and the Center for Pain of Montgomery.

Pivotal in the treatment of neurological disorders is the imaging used in diagnosis and treatment. The Neuroscience Institute Imaging Center at Baptist Medical Center South features state-of-the-art imaging equipment, including:

• The MAGNETOM Espree, a comfortable, quiet, fast and top-of-the-line MRI scanner. The open design reduces the claustrophobic “tunnel” effect and loud noises, which makes for a more comfortable experience for children and adults.
• The new Siemens SOMATOM Sensation CT (computer tomography) scanner allows for the routine use of high performance Multi-slice CT. This aids in earlier tumor detection. This highly detailed imaging also reduces the time a patient will be asked to hold his breath, especially important in trauma and pediatric care.

“All of the radiologists at Baptist Medical Center South are most pleased to offer patients state of the art imaging in a convenient outpatient setting,” said David Montiel, M.D., of Montgomery Radioloy Associates and director of radiology at Baptist Medical Center South.

The Neuroscience Institute was designed with patients’ convenience in mind. Montiel emphasized that the imaging is available to patients referred from any physician, not just those affiliated with Baptist Health, and drive-up and valet parking is available for all patients.

The Neuroscience Institute can treat a variety of disorders with both surgical and non-surgical means. For example, the Neurosurgery Associates of Central Alabama, P.C., encompasses the specialties of neurosurgery and physical medicine and rehabilitation. Patients can be seen by a doctor of osteopathy and then triaged to surgery immediately if needed. Or if surgery is not needed, a patient can be treated on-sight with non-surgical methods.

Baptist Health is the premier healthcare leader in the central Alabama area. The mission of this three-hospital, non-profit system is to promote and improve the physical, emotional and spiritual well being of the people and communities it serves by delivering high quality service within a framework of fiscal responsibility.

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For more information and to attend Thursday’s open house, call Michelle Jones at 273-4386.