Neurological Conditions & Treatments

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Houston Methodist is nationally recognized for our leadership in diagnosing and treating even the most complex neurological conditions.

Our experts follow a proven, integrative approach to care. We combine decades of experience in multiple neurology disciplines with leading-edge research — helping you achieve optimal treatment outcomes.
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  • Acoustic NeuromaAn acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is a benign tumor involving a small nerve joining the inner ear to the brain stem.
  • Acute Physical Therapy & Occupational Inpatient TherapySpecialized therapists will work with you while you are in the hospital, focusing on early mobilization and functional retraining in self-help skills.
  • Alzheimer's Disease Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cognitive disorder and neurodegenerative disease, robbing patients of their independence, personality and memory. 
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a nervous system disorder that causes muscle weakness and interferes with physical function.
  • AneurysmA brain aneurysm occurs when the blood vessels in the brain develop thin or weak spots, and pressure from blood inside the artery causes the weak tissue to bulge.
  • Arteriovenous Malformation (AVM) of the Head, Neck & FaceAVMs are rare, abnormal tangles of blood vessels in which connections form between arteries and veins, bypassing the capillaries and disrupting natural blood flow. 
  • AtaxiaAtaxia occurs when cells in the cerebellum degenerate, causing lack of muscle control throughout the body and potentially compromising speech.
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  • Brain AneurysmsA brain aneurysm occurs when the blood vessels in the brain develop thin or weak spots, and pressure from blood inside the artery causes the weak tissue to bulge.
  • Brain HemorrhageA brain hemorrhage, also called a stroke, occurs when bleeding occurs into or around the brain.
  • Brain Tumor SurgeryMinimally invasive or traditional surgery is often the first line of treatment for removing or reducing the size of brain tumors.
  • Brain Tumors Brain tumors are abnormal growths, lesions or masses of cells in the brain that can be cancerous or benign (non-cancerous).
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  • Carotid Atherosclerotic DiseasePlaque made of cholesterol, fatty deposits and other materials builds up in the carotid arteries, causing them to narrow and harden. 
  • Carotid Atherosclerotic StenosisPlaque made of cholesterol, fatty deposits and other materials builds up in the carotid arteries, causing them to narrow and harden.
  • Carotid Cavernous FistulaA CCF is an abnormal connection between a carotid artery in the neck and the cavernous sinus behind your eyes.
  • CausalgiaA relatively rare pain syndrome that occurs from injury to the peripheral nerves, which extend from the spine and brain to the arms, legs and internal organs.
  • Cavernous Malformations of the Brain & Spinal CordA vascular malformation that resembles a blackberry and is composed of clusters of abnormal, fragile blood vessels that slow blood flow.
  • Cerebral Vascular MalformationsVascular malformations are rare abnormalities in the blood vessels and their membranes.
  • Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST)CVST is a stroke that occurs when a blood clot forms in a venous sinus in the brain, preventing blood from draining away from the brain and resulting in blood leaking into the brain tissue.
  • Cerebrovascular DiseasesCerebrovascular diseases and conditions impact circulation to and inside the brain.
  • Chemotherapy for Brain TumorsAntitumor medication that slows, stops the growth of or destroys cancer cells.
  • Chiari MalformationA structural defect in the cerebellum that causes a portion of the posterior brain to be compressed and protrude into the spinal canal.
  • ChordomaA rare type of cancer of the bones in the skull and spine that develops from cells left behind as the spinal cord developed.
  • ChoreasThese movement disorders cause irregular, involuntary muscle movements and can accompany several other conditions and diseases.
  • Chronic Pain SyndromeChronic pain syndrome occurs when pain signals continue to fire even after the initial cause of pain has been resolved.
  • Cognitive Disorders Any disorder, such as Alzheimer's) that significantly impairs the cognitive functions of an individual to the point where normal functioning in society is impossible without treatment.
  • Complex Regional Pain SyndromeA rare pain syndrome that can occur from injuring the peripheral nerves that extend to the arms and legs, causing burning pain in the hands or feet.
  • ConcussionA traumatic brain injury caused by a blow, jolt or hit to the head or body.
  • Cranial & Spinal Dural FistulasRare and abnormal connections between arteries, the outermost layer of the brain and a draining vein.
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  • DementiaA general term for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life.
  • Depression, Anxiety & Mood DisordersThese common and detrimental mental conditions can be brought on or exacerbated by brain injury, cancer, chronic pain conditions and other physical illnesses.
  • DysarthriaDysarthria involves weakness or difficulty controlling or coordinating the muscles used for speaking, resulting in slow, slurred speech.
  • DystoniaDisordered movement of voluntary muscles, resulting in intermittent or persistent involuntary contractions that present as tremors or twisting.
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  • Epilepsy & SeizuresEpilepsy is characterized by repeated, spontaneous seizures — episodes of disturbed brain function — caused by abnormal electrical signals in the brain.
  • Essential & Familial TremorsThis non-dangerous neurological disorder causes a rhythmic shaking that can occur in the hands, head, voice, legs and arms, especially while doing simple tasks.
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  • FibromyalgiaThis chronic disorder causes widespread, deep muscle pain, fatigue and mood and memory issues.
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  • Gait Disorders & ProblemsConditions that cause difficulty walking, resulting in increased risk of falling.
  • Germ Cell TumorsRare tumors that develop from cells that are precursors to sperm and eggs in a developing fetus.
  • GliomasThis type of tumor starts in the brain or spine.
  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)A disorder of the peripheral nerves, often preceded by a virus infection, usually beginning in the lower limbs and resulting in abnormal sensation and muscle weakness or paralysis.
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  • Hardening of the ArteriesPlaque made of cholesterol, fatty deposits and other materials builds up in the carotid arteries, causing them to narrow and harden.
  • HeadachesDull, aching pain across the forehead, behind the eyes or on the sides or back of the head.
  • Herniated DiskA condition in which the outer ring of a spinal vertebrae is damaged, causing pain, numbness or weakness in the arms or legs.
  • Huntington's Disease (Chorea)A progressive, inherited movement disorder that causes progressive degeneration of the nerve cells in your brain and causes movement, cognitive and psychiatric disorders. A type of chorea.
  • HydrocephalusAlso known as “water on the brain,” this condition is a result of fluid buildup on the brain that causes increased pressure on the skull.
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  • Immunotherapy for Brain TumorsThere are several different types of this advanced treatment. Some use your immune system to fight cancer while others use immune system chemicals that are refined by expert oncologists.
  • Inpatient RehabilitationWhile you are staying in the hospital, our therapists will work with you and your family to improve your symptoms, function and overall well-being after a brain injury or neurological treatment.
  • InsomniaRepeated difficulty with sleep initiation, duration, consolidation or quality despite adequate time and opportunity for sleep.
  • Intracranial Atherosclerotic DiseasePlaque made of cholesterol, fatty deposits and other materials builds up in the blood vessels at the base of the brain, causing them to narrow and harden.
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  • KyphosisAlso called Kelso’s hunchback, this condition is characterized by excessive outward curvature of the spine.
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  • LordosisAlso called swayback, this condition causes the spine to curve inward.
  • Lou Gehrig’s Disease (ALS)ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease) is a nervous system disorder that causes muscle weakness and interferes with physical function.
  • Low Back PainMuscle weakness, spasms and general pain in the low back that varies in severity from mild to debilitating.
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  • Meningioma Brain TumorsFairly common, benign, slow-growing tumors that grow in the thick membrane that covers the brain and spinal cord.
  • MigrainesThrobbing, severe pain in the head that lasts 4 to 72 hours. Nausea, vomiting and sensitivity to light and sound can also accompany migraine pain.
  • MinistrokeA brief blockage of blood to the brain that is also called a transient ischemic attack (TIA).
  • Mitochondrial DisordersChronic, often genetic disorders that occur when the mitochondria of the cell fails to produce enough energy for cell or organ function.
  • Movement & Functional Disorders Movement and functional disorders include a group of chronic neurological conditions — like Parkinson's disease or Huntington's disease — that cause problems with movement, thinking, voice, emotion and behavior.
  • MoyaMoya DiseaseA progressive disease where the arteries at the base of the brain become blocked, and to compensate, tiny blood vessels grow in a wispy, tangled mass.
  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)This condition develops when the body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath that covers nerves, disrupting communication between your brain and body.
  • Multiple System Atrophy (MSA)A rare degenerative disorder that resembles Parkinson’s disease and negatively impacts blood pressure, heart rate, bladder function and digestion. 
  • Muscular Dystrophy (MD)A group of diseases that cause progressive muscle weakness and loss of muscle mass.
  • Myasthenia GravisAn autoimmune and neuromuscular disorder in which voluntary muscles tire rapidly and get progressively weaker over time.
  • MyoclonusSudden, involuntary jerking or twitching movements when a muscle contracts or relaxes.
  • Myofascial Pain SyndromeA chronic pain disorder that can be caused by poor posture, stress-related tension, overuse or skeletal muscle injury.
  • Myopathy & Inflammatory MyopathyMuscle fibers do not function properly, resulting in muscle weakness, involuntary movement or spasms.
  • Myositis, Polymyositis, Inflammatory MyopathyInflammation of muscle tissue that may cause muscle weakness.
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  • NarcolepsyA chronic neurological disorder caused by the brain's inability to regulate sleep-wake cycles normally.
  • Neck PainMuscle stiffness, numbness, weakness and discomfort in the tissues of the neck.
  • NeuralgiaPainful neuropathy caused by nerve irritation, inflammation or damage.
  • NeurologyConcerns the diagnosis and treatment of conditions and disease involving the nervous system, comprised of the brain, the spinal cord and the peripheral nerves.
  • Neuromuscular DisordersDisorders that interfere with the connection between your nervous system and your muscles, impacting your ability to move.
  • Neuropathic PainThis condition occurs when damaged nerve fibers send incorrect signals to pain centers in the brain, resulting in chronic pain.
  • NeurosurgerySurgery performed on the nervous system, especially the brain and spinal cord.
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  • Parkinson’s DiseaseA progressive nervous system condition characterized by slight to severe tremors and cognitive and emotional challenges that worsen over time.
  • Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD)Though this condition is similar to restless legs syndrome, PLMD occurs during sleep with regular intervals between involuntary movements.
  • Peripheral NeuropathyPeripheral neuropathy is caused by damage to the peripheral nerves and may cause weakness, numbness and pain in the hands and feet.
  • Pineal Region TumorsTumors that arise in the pineal gland, a small organ deep in the brain, can negatively impact production of melatonin and certain reproductive hormones.
  • Pituitary Gland TumorsThese tumors can grow inside or on the surface of the pituitary gland, interfering with many of the body’s daily functions.
  • Primary CNS Lymphoma (PCNSL)PCNSL is a type of cancer that originates from and grows in the brain or spinal cord and usually is classified as a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
  • Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP)Also called Steele-Richardson-Olszewski syndrome, this progressive, rare disorder can make it difficult to balance, walk or control complex eye movements and may interfere with cognitive functions.
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R
  • REM Sleep Behavior Disorder Patients with this chronic sleep disorder appear to "act out their dreams," sometimes injuring themselves or their bed partner.
  • Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)Also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, RLS is a neurological disorder characterized by a strong, almost irresistible urge to move your legs when you are awake.
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S
  • ScoliosisThe spine is twisted side-to-side in a C or S shape, or it is rotated out of normal alignment.
  • SeizuresEpilepsy is characterized by repeated, spontaneous seizures — episodes of disturbed brain function — caused by abnormal electrical signals in the brain.
  • Skilled NursingIn a skilled nursing facility, you will receive bedside care and personalized therapy consultations to improve independent mobility, self-care and communication.
  • Sleep ApneaWhen a person with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) falls asleep, his or her airway collapses and narrows, disrupting normal breathing patterns and sleep cycles — usually resulting in loud snoring.
  • Sleep DisordersChanges in sleeping patterns or habits that can negatively affect health. Include insomnia, restless legs syndrome, narcolepsy and sleep apnea.
  • SpasticityA muscle control condition in which there is an abnormal increase in the stiffness or tone of the muscles, interfering with movement or speech.
  • Speech ApraxiaSpeech apraxia affects the brain’s ability to create a plan to make the muscles of speech work.
  • Speech DisordersA condition in which a person has problems creating or forming the speech sounds needed to communicate with others.
  • Spinal Cord, Nerve Root & Plexopathy DisordersNerve damage to the brachial or lumbosacral networks of nerves, causing symptoms similar to lower back pain.
  • Spinal DeformityUnnatural curvature of the spine. 
  • Spinal TumorsGrowths that originate or spread to the spinal canal or the bones of the spine.
  • Stereotactic RadiosurgeryA radiation therapy technique that increases precision and treats tumors that cannot be reached with traditional surgery. 
  • StrokeBlood flow to the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage (ischemic) or bleeding into the brain tissue (hemorrhagic).
  • StutteringStuttering (also called stammering or childhood-onset fluency disorder) is a speech disorder that occurs when you know what you wish to say but cannot physically do so.
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T
  • Tardive DyskinesiaA disorder that involves involuntary, repetitive movements, usually of the face, eyes and jaw.
  • Tourette's SyndromeA neurological disorder that starts in childhood and involves unusual and frequent rapid, repetitive movements or sounds that cannot be controlled, called “tics.”
  • Transient Ischemic AttackA brief blockage of blood to the brain that is also called a ministroke.
  • TremorsThis non-dangerous neurological disorder (also called essential tremor) causes a rhythmic shaking that can occur in the hands, head, voice, legs and arms, especially while doing simple tasks.
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia & Facial Nerve DiseaseAlso known as prosopalgia, tic douloureux or Fothergill's disease, this chronic pain condition affects the trigeminal nerve at the base of the brain, which interferes with facial sensation.
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