Newswise — Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Neuroscience Institute recently established its comprehensive Movement Disorder Program. Movement disorders refer to a group of neurological conditions that cause abnormal, increased or reduced body movements that are typically involuntary. Three of the major disorders are Parkinson’s Disease, Essential Tremors, and Dystonia.
The program is led by Chair of Neurosurgery, Board Certified Neurosurgeon Shabbar F. Danish, M.D., FAANS, and a multidisciplinary team of experts, including neurologists, nurse practitioners, neuropsychologists, and neuro rehabilitation specialists. Dr. Danish has pioneered minimally invasive techniques for deep brain stimulation (DBS) and specializes in movement disorders. DBS is a surgical treatment for Parkinson’s Disease, Essential Tremor, Dystonia, and other disorders.
“We develop a customized and comprehensive management plan for each patient to meet their specific needs,” says Dr. Danish. “Our goal is to minimize symptoms and optimize their ability to function, so patients can live full and content lives.” The program provides an array of medical and surgical treatments to specifically address and manage movement disorders, such as complex medical management, Botulinum Treatment, DBS, MRI-guided laser therapy, physical, occupational and speech therapy and nutrition counseling.
“Deep brain stimulation is one of the most effective and advanced treatments at our disposal,” says Dr. Danish. DBS is essentially a pacemaker for the affected areas of the brain that are involved in the movement disorder. The implantation surgery involves placing a small wire or stimulating lead in the area of the brain affected. Extension cables are then routed under the skin down to the chest where the neurostimulator is implanted. When switched on, the system delivers a continual electrical stimulation, unfelt by the patient, to improve symptoms. “With Parkinson’s Disease, for example, patients become candidates for DBS when their symptoms become difficult to manage with medication alone or if their medications are causing undesirable side effects,” says Dr. Danish. The system requires skillful management and monitoring to ensure it is effective and optimized.
Clinical Neurophysiologist Eric Hargreaves, who holds a Ph.D., and has more than 20 years of academic and experimental research experience, assists in guiding electrodes to their neural targets during surgery as well as assists in managing the patients’ DBS systems afterwards. “Dr. Hargreaves relies on his wealth of experience to ensure DBS systems are optimized, maximizing benefit, while minimizing adverse effects,” says Danish. “The good news is, after the system is set up and a programming session is finished, patients are able to make small adjustments themselves, if necessary, once at home or swap pre-programmed groups entirely with the guidance of the team.”
There is no other program in New Jersey that boasts two dedicated advanced practitioners and a dedicated neurophysiologist. “This is the only program in New Jersey in which the surgical team has experience with robotic-assisted deep brain stimulation, a technique that shortens the operating time, and improves patient comfort,” says Dr. Danish.
“I’m pleased that we are able to provide this program to the communities we serve, as no other hospital in New Jersey, and few in the nation, offers this level of unique expertise combined with the comprehensive nature of this program for movement disorders,” said Vito Buccellato, MPA, LNHA, president and chief hospital executive, Jersey Shore University Medical Center.
The academic medical center’s Neuroscience Institute provides patients with a comprehensive line up of services for spine injuries, concussion, epilepsy, MS, ALS, brain tumors, memory, and more, as well as the region’s only Stroke Rescue Center. Jersey Shore University Medical Center was recognized by Healthgrades as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care and with the Neurosciences Excellence Award in 2020 and 2021.
“It’s an exciting time for the Neuroscience Institute as we continue to expand our patient services, add highly specialized clinicians, as well as plan the construction of a centralized and exceedingly patient-accessible location for all of our neuroscience services,” said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, regional president, Southern Market, Hackensack Meridian Health.
To make an appointment with the Movement Disorders Program specialists in HOPE Tower, 19 Davis Ave., Neptune, NJ, call 732-974-0003. For more information about the Neuroscience Institute, visit www.jerseyshoreuniversitymedicalcenter.com/services/neuroscience-institute/.
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ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN JERSEY SHORE UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
Located in Neptune, New Jersey, Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center is a not-for-profit teaching hospital and the only Level II Trauma and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in Monmouth and Ocean counties. It is home to K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital – the first children’s hospital in Monmouth and Ocean counties. With more than 1,200 physicians and dental staff in 60 specialty areas, Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s team provides high-quality care in a patient-centered, environmentally-friendly setting.
The team’s commitment to excellence has earned Jersey Shore University Medical Center numerous accolades, including being named the #7 best hospital in New Jersey, #23 in the NY metro area and high performing in nine specialties, procedures and conditions by U.S. News & World Report for 2021-2022. The medical center’s clinical research program and longstanding commitment to medical education is evident through an affiliation with Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine and a new affiliation with St. George’s University School of Medicine. Jersey Shore University Medical Center serves as an academic center dedicated to advancing medical knowledge, training future physicians and providing the community with access to promising medical breakthroughs.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s programs and services have received numerous national recognitions, including designation as high-performing in cardiac, stroke, surgical and oncology services.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s HOPE Tower – a $265 million 10-story medical office building provides a healing outpatient experience. Guided by a patient-centered approach towards care, and informed by the latest medical breakthroughs, HOPE Tower includes advanced imaging services, a clinical academic center, innovative simulation laboratory, state-of-the-art amphitheater, specialty physician offices, a nine-level parking garage, and a 58,000 square foot cancer facility. The new cancer facility features a range of comprehensive treatment options, including surgical specialties, medical oncology, and the most advanced radiation therapy and minimally invasive interventional therapies. Nurse navigators guide patients through every step and provide an extra layer of support and coordination. For more information, visit https://www.jerseyshoreuniversitymedicalcenter.com/.
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