The Brain and Spine Center at Rockford Health System

There’s always been a very short window of opportunity for effective stroke treatment.

Not any more.

Traditionally, the most effective medical treatment for a stroke comes in the first three hours after a patient starts having symptoms. But, at Rockford Memorial Hospital, we have expanded that window by several hours.

Today, our highly-trained neurosurgeons are using coils thread through blood vessels to quickly retrieve blood clots from blocked arteries in the brain. There is no invasive surgery, minimal brain damage and a reversal of the devastating effects of a stroke.

These amazing procedures are what make us a Comprehensive Stroke Center---the first and only one in Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Rockford Health System, the leader when care is most critical.

Brain and Spine Center

The Brain and Spine Center at Rockford Health System combines neurology, neurosurgery and physical medicine and rehabilitation in one location. Rockford Health System has outstanding neurologists and neurosurgeons, to provide the most sophisticated, state-of-the-art care possible for stroke; seizure disorders; craniospinal trauma; movement disorders, such as Parkinson's Disease and Tremor; Multiple Sclerosis; Migraine headaches; Balance disorders; spinal problems, such as disc herniations, spine tumors and arthritis; and nerve and memory disorders, such as Alzheimer's.

Consultation, support and treatment for children and families struggling with development and learning disabilities; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; and Communications Disorders including Autism, are also offered.

The Brain and Spine Center is located in the Rockford Medical Building at 2350 N. Rockton Avenue. For more information, call (815) 971-7600.

Neurology

The Neurology Department is lead by physicians, Malgorzata Bach, M.D.; Mohsin Khan, M.D.; Archana Shrivastava, M.D.; and Jonathan O'Neil, M.D.

A variety of services and tests are available.

For a list of links to other Web site with information on neurological conditions, click here.

Neurology Services

Neurology services available in the Brain and Spine Center include:

Diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of neurological disorders

Seizure
Stroke
Headache
Multiple Sclerosis
Neuropathy
ALS
Myasthenia Gravis
Dementia
Sleep Disorders

Primary outpatient neurological care at the Brain and Spine Center in the Rockford Medical Building and inpatient consultation at Rockford Memorial Hospital.

Neurology Testing

Electroencepholography (EEG)
Video EEG
Electromyography/Nerve Conduction Studies (EMG/NCS)
Needle Muscle Biopsy
Skin Punch Biopsy
Botox Injections
Visual Evoked Responses (CTA)
Selective Cases (trigger point injections, lumbar puncture, occipital nerve blocks)

Through Rockford Memorial Hospital Access:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
Magnetic Resonance Angiography (MRA)
Magnetic Resonance Venography (MRV)
CT
CT Angiography (CTA)
Neuropsychological Testing
Arterial Studies (eg carotid ultrasound)
PET Scan
Laboratory Access

Neurosurgery

The Neurosurgery Department is lead by Bratislav Velimirovic, M.D., Ph.D.

Our neurosurgeons are the only ones in the region to offer complex, state-of-the art stroke interventions and minimally invasive spine procedures for neck and back pain.

The Neurosurgery division provides general neurosurgical services:

Degenerative disc disease
Herniated disc
Spine instability
Spine tumors
Congenital spine malfunctions
Brain tumors
Hydrocephalus
Pituitary tumors
Carpal tunnel syndrome

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation is lead by Andrew Vo, M.D. He evaluates and treats patients age 16 and over who have medical problems related to the spine.