The Restorative Neurosciences Program at Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin relies on a multidisciplinary, collaborative approach to identify symptoms and determine the proper course of action. Through innovative neuro-imaging technology and surgical therapies, our team of skilled healthcare professionals helps individuals with disabling neurological disorders live normal and fulfilling lives.
Restorative Surgery
Restorative surgery is a subspecialty of neurosurgery that seeks to repair neurological function. This emerging field of medicine currently focuses on treating movement disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia. It is also used to treat various pain disorders and chronic pain associated with conditions such as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome, failed back syndrome and cancer. Through the application of neurosurgical procedures, patients with disabling pain and movement disorders are better able to manage their symptoms and achieve more normal lives.
Deep Brain Stimulation
Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a surgical option for patients with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, and tremor due to multiple sclerosis. Any patient with a movement disorder who is not responding adequately to medication may be considered. The treatment uses a surgically implanted medical device, similar to cardiac pacemakers, to deliver electrical stimulation to precisely targeted areas in the brain. Continuous stimulation of these areas blocks the signals that cause disabling motor symptoms. As a result, many patients achieve greater control over their body movements. The electrical stimulation can be non-invasively adjusted to meet each patient’s needs.
Neuro-imaging Technology
The success of restorative and deep brain stimulation surgery is directly related to finding the specific area in the body that is generating disabling symptoms. Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin are leaders in the development of innovative uses of neuro-imaging technology to identify the source of symptoms and target areas requiring stimulation.
Prior to DBS, highly sophisticated imaging and recording equipment are used to map both the physical structure and the functioning of the brain. These imaging techniques may include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scanning. The information these techniques provide aid the physicians (or neurologists and neurosurgeons) in localizing target areas for stimulation. Additionally, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) may be used to determine where vital areas, such as movement or speech and language, are located.
Rehabilitation Services
To maximize patient recovery, Froedtert & The Medical College of Wisconsin combine restorative surgery with a comprehensive rehabilitation program. Physical medicine, neurology, neurosurgery and therapy specialists work together as an interdisciplinary team to help patients reduce their medications, be more functional and get back to independent daily activities.
Here are some of the rehabilitation services offered:
Occupational Therapy:
- Instrumental Activities of Living (IADLs) Training — Improves ability to perform daily tasks such as preparing meals, managing money, shopping for groceries or personal items and housework
- Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Training — Improves ability to perform daily self-care activities such as feeding ourselves, bathing, dressing and grooming
- Home Safety Evaluations with fall prevention training
- Development of Home Exercise Programs
- Driver’s Screening — Assess an individual’s physical and mental capabilities during driving to ensure safety behind the wheel and on the road
- Caregiver Training
Physical Therapy
- Fall Risk Assessment — Identifies areas to work on to decrease the risk of having a fall
- Balance Retraining — Provides techniques, exercises and strategies to improve balance based on individual needs.
- Gait Retraining — Helps a person relearn to walk safely and efficiently
- Transfer Training — Provides instruction in safely moving from one surface to another
- Assessment of Mobility/Assistive Device Needs — Determines what is the best device and/or equipment for a person to use around their home and community
Speech Therapy
- Lee Silverman Voice Training (LSVT) — Specialized program that improves ability to communicate improving voice and speech
- Clinical Swallow Studies — Procedure used to screen one’s ability to swallow, including an X-ray used to visualize swallowing to determine safest, driest and most appropriate treatment plan
- Cognitive/Linguistic Retraining — Techniques to work on mental processes of language, memory and other thinking skills
Social Services
A social worker is available to provide quality care to patients and families through efficient and effective coordination of services relating to their financial, social and emotional well-being. Assistance can be provided in the following areas:
- Social Security Disability
- Insurance Options: Medicare, Medicaid
- Advance Directives
- Home Emergency Response & Safety Systems
- Adult Day Care
- Homemaker Services
- Housing / Placement
- Transportation
- Community Resources
Recreational Therapy
- Assists individuals in achieving improved physical functioning while performing leisure time activities
- Promotes re-integration into the community and achieve functional independence while pursuing leisure activities
- Fabrication and/or training in the use of leisure adaptive equipment as well as recommendations for other equipment needs
Vocational Rehabilitation
- Assists individuals in returning to work or school after onset of disability
- Vocational counseling and career exploration
- Job analysis, modification and accessibility analysis