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Nine years ago, Heather Lackey received some devastating news – she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Several months later, the diagnosis was changed to mononeuritis multiplex, a nervous system disorder that causes severe pain and mobility issues. Heather’s pain did not ease, and it became difficult for her to care for her four young sons.

By last summer, the pain and immobility had spread from the left side of her body to include the right. She was fearful she would have to give up her career as a maternal/child nurse, which she loves.

But a news report about autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis, changed her life. Heather’s sister saw the report about how multiple sclerosis is frequently misdiagnosed and encouraged her to see neurologist Sharon Lynch, MD, director of the Multiple Sclerosis Clinic at The University of Kansas Hospital.

After talking with Heather and reviewing her health records, Dr. Lynch informed her she did not have mononeuritis multiplex or multiple sclerosis. Instead, she suffers from a deficiency of vitamin B-12.

“I had been to so many doctors over the years, I didn’t want to see yet another,” Heather said. “But I am so thankful I did. It has changed my life.”

Cared for by a team of subspecialty physicians at our hospital, Heather is now taking medication for an autoimmune disease and giving herself weekly injections of B-12. The result – she now has full use of her right side, and her pain is manageable.

Heather’s story is an example of the outstanding care patients receive at our Center for Advanced Brain and Neurological Care.

NeurosurgeryNowhere else in the region will patients find the level of specialized care for neurology than from our team of neurologists and neurosurgeons.

“We offer the full spectrum of neurosurgical options so we can help patients achieve the best quality of life possible,” said Paul Camarata, MD, Neurosurgery chair.

As an academic medical center, we offer unique treatments and resources

that may not be available at other hospitals.

Examples of leading-edge care are new endoscopic surgical procedures used to treat complex tumors. Our physicians are the only ones performing these procedures in the Kansas City area.

“The advantage of these minimally invasive procedures is patients recover more quickly and have better outcomes,” said Roukoz Chamoun, MD, assistant professor of Neurosurgery.

Our highly trained physicians have performed thousands of successful surgeries.

Center for Advanced Brain and Neurological CareExperts in advanced brain care

Koji Ebersole, MD, and his team perform a minimally invasive procedure to treat aneurysms involving the Pipeline embolization device. We were the first in the area to pioneer this procedure.

Movement disordersOur nationally renowned neurology specialists provide care for Parkinson’s disease, essential tremors and dystonia.

We were the first to use DaTscan technology to diagnose Parkinson’s disease. And we were the first center in Kansas City to perform deep brain stimulation surgery to treat these disorders.

Since 1999, we have been designated a National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence for clinical care, research and outreach.

Marc A. Asher, MD, Comprehensive Spine CenterPatients at our spine center are treated by a multidisciplinary team of specialists – all with the goal of providing the best individualized treatment possible.

“Our spine center is truly comprehensive in its nature,” said Tiffany Williams, MD, medical director of the spine center. “We assess patients from all aspects of their lives – functions, daily activities, occupations, hobbies – to help them resume the activities that are vital to their well-being.”

The Marc A. Asher, MD, Comprehensive Spine Center brings together multiple specialists from rehabilitation medicine, orthopedics, neurosurgery and pain management to treat the whole person. “We work together as a team and that is unlike other organizations where patients receive only one view on their assessment and care,” Williams said.

Patients can access care for spine-related problems at the main hospital in Kansas City, Kan., and at the Indian Creek Campus in Overland Park.

Neuro-oncologyBrain cancer patients at The University of Kansas Cancer Center receive expert care from neurosurgeons whose goal is to preserve quality of life. We also use state-of-the-art radiation treatment for brain tumors while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.

Stroke centerAs one of the first five healthcare facilities in the nation – and the only one in the region – to be named an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center, The University of Kansas Hospital has been recognized for its resources, staff and training in the care of stroke patients. This designation is critical because it holds the hospital to a higher standard.

“Our team is the most qualified in the region to treat strokes, help patients recover to the best of their ability and prevent future strokes,” said Janice Sandt, RN, stroke program coordinator.

The American Heart Association and American Stroke Association awarded our stroke program the Get With The Guidelines Gold Plus Performance Achievement Award five consecutive years. The award recognizes our program’s high levels of performance and quality standards.

Because of the expertise and knowledge of the Center for Advanced Brain and Neurological Care teams, patients like Heather have a much brighter future.

“My quality of life is far better than I could have ever hoped. I have my active life back,” she said.

Visit kumed.com/neurosciencesfor more information.

Why would you go anywhere else?

A D V A N C I N G T H E P O W E R O F M E D I C I N E ®

A comprehensive team was involved in the hospital’s designation as an Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center. We are one of the first five healthcare facilities in the country to receive this recognition.