Neurology

In the Department of Neurology, we diagnose, treat and care for patients with a wide range of neurological conditions, including:

• stroke
• epilepsy
• movement disorders
• multiple sclerosis (MS)
• peripheral neuropathy
• headaches and migraines
• neuromuscular junction disorders.

Imaging and diagnostic services

We use state-of-the-art neuroimaging technology provided by Western Health's Radiology Department to help diagnose and manage neurological conditions. This includes:

• MRIs for high-resolution images of the brain and spinal cord structures
• CTs for quick assessments of strokes, injuries or bleeding in the brain
• CT angiography and MR angiography to check blood flow in the brain’s arteries and veins
• functional MRIs to map brain activity  
• perfusion imaging to assess areas of the brain affected by stroke. 

Inpatient neurology care

Neurology services are based in Ward 3E at Sunshine Hospital, which includes:

• 25 neurology and stroke beds
• an Acute Stroke Unit with 4 dedicated beds.

Each year:

• over 2,000 patients are admitted to the Neurology Unit
• over 1,000 stroke patients are treated, making it the busiest stroke service in Victoria.

Ambulant care facilities allow for treatment of patients who require regular infusions for chronic neurological disorders and provide for specialised diagnostic testing.

The department provides expert advice to all other units at Western Health (Sunshine campus and Footscray campuses). 

Outpatient and day services 

The department runs a busy outpatient program and day treatment service. These include: 

• regular infusion treatments for chronic neurological conditions
• specialist clinics held every week, including:
• general neurology 
• acute neurology
• stroke and TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack)
• epilepsy and first seizure
• movement disorders.