Neurology Services at Covenant Health

doctor looking at images of a brain on computers

What is Neurology?

Neurology is the branch of medicine and biology that’s concerned with the anatomy, functions and disorders of nerves and the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, and the rest of your body’s intricate, important nervous system.

Neurological conditions can affect the way you walk, talk, comprehend and function. At Covenant Health, our team of highly skilled neurologists can diagnose and treat many different neurological disorders. Covenant Health is also home to East Tennessee’s only stroke hospital network; all our hospitals have stroke program accreditations from The Joint Commission.

Magnetic resonance imaging scan of the brain.

Neurology Accreditation

As the region’s only stroke hospital network, all Covenant Health hospitals have Joint Commission accreditations in stroke care. Covenant Health offers a dedicated neurocritical care unit with advanced resources for neurodiagnosis and acute stroke treatment. Our certified vascular neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists, and other specialists are at the forefront of clinical research into the most effective procedures for rapid care and long-term recovery.

Neurological Conditions We Treat

Our neurology teams work closely with neurodiagnosticians to arrange specialized testing for expert diagnosis of neurological disorders. Whether your condition needs medical care, surgical treatment or neuroradiological intervention, you’ll receive customized neurological services at one of our Covenant Health locations.

Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Alzheimer’s is a progressive disease in which memory and cognitive abilities gradually worsen over time and symptoms interfere with daily life. It typically affects people ages 65 and older.

Brain Tumors

Brain tumors are growths of abnormal cells in the brain. There are over 120 brain tumor types based on the brain tissues they affect. Not all brain tumors are brain cancer, but even benign (noncancerous) tumors can be dangerous because of their size or location.

Dementia

Dementia is a loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that is severe enough to interfere with everyday life. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a brain condition that causes recurring seizures. There are many types of epilepsy, and seizure symptoms can vary widely. Epilepsy is diagnosed if you’ve had at least two unprovoked seizures at least 24 hours apart.

Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a long-lasting (chronic) disease of the central nervous system. It’s thought to be an autoimmune disorder, a condition in which the body attacks itself by mistake. MS is an unpredictable disease that affects people differently. Some people with MS may have only mild symptoms. Others may lose their ability to see clearly, write, speak, or walk when communication between the brain and other parts of the body becomes disrupted.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s is a chronic and progressive movement disorder that is most common in people who are older than age 50. It can cause muscles to tighten and become rigid, making it hard to walk and do other daily activities. Many people with Parkinson’s disease also have tremors and experience difficulties with speaking.

Stroke

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when part of your brain doesn’t receive blood supply. Strokes are commonly called “brain attacks” because of the similarities to a heart attack. Instead of a blockage interrupting blood flow to the heart, internal bleeding or a clogged artery prevents oxygen and nutrients from reaching brain cells.

Learn more about strokes
Other Neurological Conditions
  • Aneurysm
  • Concussions
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Head and spinal cord injuries
  • Muscle weakness
  • Neck and back pain
  • Neuropathy
  • Sleep disorders

Comprehensive Stroke Care

Covenant Health is East Tennessee’s only stroke hospital network. At the hub of the network is Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center in Knoxville, certified as a Comprehensive Stroke Center — a  prestigious designation held by only six hospitals in Tennessee. Fort Sanders Regional has a dedicated neurocritical care unit with advanced resources for neurodiagnosis and acute stroke treatment. Certified vascular neurologists, neurosurgeons, neuroradiologists and other specialists are at the forefront of clinical research into the most effective procedures for rapid care and long-term recovery. Other Covenant Health hospitals are Joint Commission-certified as advanced primary or acute stroke-ready facilites, assuring that patients across our region have access to rapid diagnosis and treatment of stroke.

Our Stroke Care Services
young female doctor comforting elderly female patient in a hospital bed
doctor views brain MRI with a patient next to him

Brain Tumor Centers

Our Brain Tumor Centers at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center and Parkwest Medical Center offer specialized multidisciplinary care for patients diagnosed with brain tumors. We are dedicated to providing the highest level of clinical expertise, advanced treatment options and compassionate support, ensuring that East Tennessee patients receive excellent care close to home.

Learn more about our Brain Tumor Centers

Covenant Health Sleep Centers

Covenant Health’s state-of-the-art sleep diagnostic facilities specialize in diagnosing and treating sleep or wake disorders. Board-certified sleep physicians work with experienced staff and nurses to pinpoint and diagnose sleep issues and provide comprehensive treatment and follow-up care.

Learn more about our Sleep Centers
A doctor places sensors on a patient's head in preparation for a sleep study.
Spine Surgery at Covenant Health elderly man looks at middle aged male doctor showing spine xrays

The Region’s Only Spine Surgery Network

Covenant Health is home to the region’s only spine surgery network, with Spine Centers located at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Methodist Medical Center and Parkwest Medical Center. Our multidisciplinary team uses the latest technology and treatment methods for inpatient and outpatient surgeries, including minimally invasive surgery techniques that result in faster recoveries, less postoperative pain and fewer complications.

Spine Surgery at Covenant Health
young female doctor in mask supporting elderly female patient in mask
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“They took fantastic care of my mom. Not only were they knowledgeable and skilled, but they had an attitude of heart. They cared about her . . . and that means a lot.”

Donna Little, daughter of Covenant Health patient

Stroke Treatment

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“I was concerned. My right leg was suffering from paralyisis. My right arm was suffering from paralysis. . . . I wanted to walk again, and I’m walking. Now I’m ready to go on with life!”

Dustin Shrimpsher, Covenant Health patient

Stroke Treatment and Rehabilitation Therapy

two surgeons with arms around each other looking at surgery schedule board
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“I have been blessed by the team who took such good care of me. Every person I interacted with, every nurse, doctor, CNA, the technicians, the people who cleaned the rooms, everyone was just excellent. They all contributed to my recovery!”

Karen Baker, Covenant Health patient

Stroke Recovery

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during a neurologist appointment?

A neurologist appointment typically involves an initial consultation about medical history and symptoms. Depending on the reason for your visit, a doctor will conduct an examination that can include assessing cognitive, motor, nerve and sensory functions, as well as diagnostic testing. Depending on findings from your medical history, physical exam and any diagnostic tests, the neurologist will provide a diagnosis or potential diagnoses. The neurologist also will discuss treatment options and establish a follow-up plan to monitor your condition and your care.

Neurologists vs. neurosurgeons

Neurologists and neurosurgeons are both specialists in the field of neurology, but they have different training and areas of expertise. Neurologists diagnose and treat neurological disorders that do not require surgery, while neurosurgeons are trained to perform surgical procedures on the brain, spinal cord and other parts of the nervous system. In many cases, neurologists and neurosurgeons work together as part of a comprehensive team.

Do I need a referral to see a neurologist?

Referrals often depend on insurance requirements, so check with your insurance provider to help determine whether you need a referral to see a specialist. In addition, you can contact our call center to verify the neurology department’s policies related to referrals and check to see if they accept your insurance.

Call 865-541-4500

What to tell your neurologist

Bring a list of symptoms, medications and relevant medical records to your appointment. It may also be helpful to write down any questions you have beforehand.