Expert Care for the Brain, Spine and Nervous System
Persistent headaches, seizures, dizziness, numbness or weakness, tremor, memory changes, or the sudden symptoms of a stroke all point to the nervous system, and all deserve proper investigation rather than being lived with.
Our neurologist diagnoses and treats disorders of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. Neurology is a medical specialty, not a surgical one, so treatment centres on accurate diagnosis, medication and long-term management, with referral to our neurosurgeons when an operation is the right answer. CT imaging, pathology and specialist review are available here on one campus.
Our Neurologists
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and does not replace professional medical evaluation and care. Neurological conditions require assessment by a qualified, HPCSA-registered neurologist. Please consult a specialist for comprehensive evaluation and an individualised treatment plan.
Botshilu's Neurology Service Offers:
Stroke and Vascular Neurology
- Urgent assessment of suspected stroke and TIA (mini-stroke)
- CT imaging on site to distinguish clot from bleed
- Clot-busting therapy where clinically appropriate and within the time window
- Secondary prevention, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood-thinning treatment
- Rehabilitation planning with physiotherapy, occupational and speech therapy
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
- Diagnosis of epilepsy and investigation of first seizures
- Anti-epileptic medication selection and dose optimisation
- Management of seizures that remain uncontrolled
- Guidance on driving, employment, pregnancy and safety
- Long-term review and medication withdrawal when appropriate
Headache and Migraine
- Distinguishing migraine, tension-type and cluster headache
- Identifying secondary headaches that need urgent imaging
- Preventive treatment for frequent or disabling migraine
- Management of medication-overuse headache
- Trigger identification and lifestyle guidance
Neuromuscular and Nerve Disorders
- Investigation of numbness, tingling, weakness and muscle wasting
- Peripheral neuropathy, including diabetic nerve damage
- Carpal tunnel and other nerve entrapment syndromes
- Myasthenia gravis and inflammatory nerve conditions
- Coordination with orthopaedic and spinal surgery where indicated
Memory, Movement and Degenerative Conditions
- Assessment of memory loss and suspected dementia
- Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders
- Tremor, dystonia and gait disturbance
- Multiple sclerosis diagnosis and long-term management
- Support and planning for patients and their families
Diagnostic and Multidisciplinary Support
- CT scanning and imaging of the brain and spine on site
- Full pathology through Ampath, including inflammatory and metabolic screening
- Physiotherapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy for rehabilitation
- Referral to our neurosurgeons when surgical treatment is required
- Psychology, dietetics and social work support for long-term conditions
What Neurologists Do
A neurologist is a physician who has completed further specialist training in disorders of the nervous system, the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. Neurologists diagnose and treat these conditions medically; they do not operate.
You may be referred to a neurologist when:
- You have had a stroke, a suspected TIA, or sudden weakness or speech difficulty
- You have had a seizure, or seizures are not controlled on treatment
- Headaches are frequent, severe, or have changed in character
- There is numbness, tingling, weakness or muscle wasting
- Tremor, stiffness or balance problems are affecting daily life
- Memory or thinking has changed noticeably
Neurology and neurosurgery are not the same thing. A neurologist investigates and treats nervous system disease with medication and long-term management. A neurosurgeon operates, on tumours, bleeds, spinal compression and severe head injury. Many patients see both: the neurologist makes the diagnosis, and refers on if surgery is the right treatment.
Why speed matters in stroke. Brain tissue dies quickly once blood flow stops, so treatment is time-critical. If you notice a sudden drooping face, weakness in one arm, or slurred speech, go straight to our Emergency and Trauma Unit, do not wait for an appointment.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Concerns and Honest Answers
Remember FAST. Face drooping on one side, Arm weakness, Speech that is slurred or confused, and Time, go immediately. Do not wait to see whether it passes. Come straight to our Emergency and Trauma Unit or call an ambulance.
Not necessarily. Frequent headaches are worth investigating, particularly if they have changed in pattern, wake you at night, or come with visual changes, weakness or vomiting. Daily headache can also be caused by the painkillers taken to treat it, which is treatable once recognised.
No. A single seizure can have many causes, including fever, low blood sugar, alcohol withdrawal and medication. Epilepsy is diagnosed when there is a tendency to recurrent unprovoked seizures. A neurologist will investigate the cause before starting long-term treatment.
A referral from your GP or physician is helpful because it brings your history, medication list and any previous scans with you, but it is not essential. Bring any imaging or reports you already have to your first appointment.
Not always. Much of neurology is diagnosed from the history and a careful examination. Where imaging is needed, CT scanning is available on site, so you will not usually have to travel elsewhere for it.