Caring for the Whole You

Your Patient Journey

We understand how a neurological disorder impacts all aspects of your life. Our signature Circle of Care approach is here to guide you. We listen to understand your unique situation, and then we bring together experts including doctors, specialists, nurses, and care coordinators to create a plan just for you. With a team on your side and a wide range of support services, you receive a complete, coordinated experience. Learn what to expect and see how we put you at the center of care.

Getting Started

What To Expect

As you and your family prepare for your first visit, know that we’re here to support you before, during, and after treatment. We work closely with you to understand your needs and make your experience as comfortable as possible. Your care goes beyond treatment in our clinics, with a variety of support services for you and your loved ones.

First Steps

New Patients

Second Opinion Services

International Services

New Patient Services

MyHealth Patient Portal

Financial Assistance

Diagnosis

What To Expect

Your care begins with getting a careful diagnosis, a key step in planning the right treatments for you. Our neuroscience specialists work as a team using advanced screening, prevention, surveillance, and testing methods to tailor your plan. Our deep experience in evaluating signs of neurological disorders equips us to choose the right approach to confirm a diagnosis.

Diagnostic Tools

  • Imaging
  • Lab Tests
  • Nonsurgical Procedures
  • Pathology

Genetic testing may be recommended for certain conditions.

Treatment

What To Expect

Your team of doctors and other providers partner with you to recommend a treatment plan that meets your unique needs, preferences, and goals. We offer the latest treatments and groundbreaking clinical trials, some of which are not available elsewhere in the world. Your neuroscience specialists meet regularly to review your progress and adjust your care plan as needed.

Treatment Types

  • Surgery
  • Medications
  • Radiation Therapy
  • Infusion Therapy
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Nonsurgical Procedures

Neuro Care Services

We offer a wide range of complimentary support groups, classes, and workshops to all patients and caregivers, regardless of where you receive care. All classes are tailored to the specific needs of patients with neurological disorders.

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After Treatment

What To Expect

Life after treatment for a neurological disorder can present its own challenges for you and your loved ones. We help you build a support strategy to manage physical, social, and emotional challenges. You continue to see your care team for follow-up visits to monitor your health. We help you make your quality of life the best it can be.

Find Services by Program

Autonomic Disorders

Brain and Spine Tumors

Cerebrovascular Program

Comprehensive Neurology

Epilepsy Care

Facial Pain and Trigeminal Neuralgia

Headache Care

Memory Disorders

Movement Disorders

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Neuroimmunology

Neurocritical Care

Neurogenetic Oncology

Neurohospitalist Care

Neurointerventional Radiology

Neuromuscular Disorders

Peripheral Nerve Surgery

Skull Base Surgery Program

Spine Care

Stroke Center

Explore FAQs

General FAQs

What is a neurological disorder?

Neurological disorders are diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. While there are more than 600 neurological disorders, common ones include:

What is a neurologist?

A neurologist is a doctor with advanced, specialized training in diagnosing and treating neurological disorders. To provide your care, our neurologists work alongside neurosurgeons (who perform surgery) and interventional radiologists (who perform minimally invasive procedures).

We are experts in complex, rare, and common neurological conditions. Stanford Health Care Neuroscience is ranked among the best centers in the nation for neurology and neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report.  

What is team-based care?

Stanford Health Care Neuroscience specialists work together as a team to evaluate you, recommend treatment approaches, and deliver personalized care.

Our team members hold subspecialty training in the latest tools and techniques for neurological disorder diagnosis and treatment. This additional, highly specific training means your care team has broad and deep experience in neurological care.

Beyond care for your physical needs, our Circle of Care approach ensures you and your caregivers have emotional and practical support at every turn. We offer classes and services to nurture your well-being and support groups to connect with others. Our Guest Services team anticipates your questions and has answers at the ready.

What is Magnet® recognition?

Stanford Health Care has earned Magnet status from the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). This organization awards Magnet recognition for excellence and innovation in nursing practice and quality patient care. Learn more about the ANCC Magnet Recognition Program®.

What is Stanford Health Care’s connection to the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute? 

Stanford Health Care is committed to offering the most advanced diagnostic and treatment techniques and technology for patients with neurological disorders. Our affiliation with Stanford University’s Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute allows our patients to benefit from groundbreaking research and clinical trials. Learn about the Wu Tsai Neurosciences Institute.

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Patients FAQs

How can I deal with my anxiety and fear? How can I cope? 

Call 650-725-8100 to speak with us about how we can support you and your family member. Our Neuro Care Services offer a variety of programs that support physical, mental, and emotional well-being for patients and caregivers.

Some programs require a referral and are covered by insurance. Some are complimentary.

Can my family member or friend attend my appointment? 

Yes, you can always feel free to bring someone with you to your appointments. A family member or friend can ask questions, write down and remember information from your care team, and provide support.

What is an advance health care directive? Where do I get one? 

An advance health care directive, also called a medical directive or living will, is a legal document you can complete. It specifies the kind of care and treatments you want (or don’t want) if you become seriously ill and can’t make such decisions yourself.

In California, an advance health care directive allows you to designate an agent (someone you trust) to make health care decisions on your behalf. You can also list your health care instructions. You can ask your doctor, nurse, social worker, or other health care provider for more information.

At Stanford Health Care, advance health care directive forms are available in the hospital units and at the clinics. You can also call our Spiritual Care Service at 650-723-5101 to get a form or discuss a directive with one of our spiritual care counselors.

Whom can I speak to about my work and job during treatment? 

Our social workers can help you plan ways to manage your job during care. Call us at 650-723-6469 to speak with us about your work-related concerns. We can help you with completing disability paperwork, finding financial assistance, and taking a leave of absence from your job, as needed.

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Family Members and Caregivers FAQs

How can I offer support during medical appointments or treatment? 

You can support a loved one receiving care in many ways. You can help with day-to-day activities such as going with them to doctor visits or preparing food, for example. You can also coordinate care and services by phone or email.

Often the best support you can provide is helping your loved one work through feelings. Talk with your loved one, listen, or just be present.

Although you may feel inclined to put your own feelings and needs aside, it’s important to take care of yourself, too. Call us at 650-725-8100 to speak with someone about seeking support for your loved one and yourself.

How do I balance the needs of the patient with my own needs? 

Finding a balance between your loved one’s needs and your own can feel challenging. As much as possible, continue the activities that you did before diagnosis.

Ask family members, friends, neighbors, and community members to help. They can provide support when you need a break.

I’m exhausted. Whom can I talk to about my feelings? 

Remember that you are not alone—you can find support among other caregivers. We offer workshops, support groups, and other programs for people who have neurological disorders and their caregivers. Call us at 650-725-8100 to learn about the complimentary programs we offer through our Neuro Care Services.

How do I tell my family and friends about the diagnosis? How do I answer all the questions people ask me? 

Only you and your loved one can decide the right way and time to tell family and friends about the diagnosis. Family and friends may have a wide range of reactions, from wanting to know more details to giving advice to not knowing how to react at all. Talking with family and friends about the diagnosis can help them provide support.

Some of our patients recommend CaringBridge, where you can create a personal, privacy-protected page for your loved one’s health journey. People in your care community can share updates, photos, videos, and words of encouragement. You can schedule help with everyday tasks such as meals, carpools, errands, and appointments. Learn more about CaringBridge.

What are the side effects of neurological disorder treatments? How do I help manage these side effects? 

Treatments differ for each type of neurological condition, and their side effects can vary for each person. Your providers will explain potential treatment side effects.

Your loved one’s care team can show you how to recognize side effects and help manage them. Ask team members:

  • Which side effects should be reported right away, and how should I report them?
  • Which side effects require a visit to the emergency room?

If symptoms occur, keep track of:

  • Date and time that the symptom or side effect started and how long it lasted
  • Description of the side effect or symptom
  • Symptoms or side effects that worsen or become difficult to manage

What hotels are near Stanford Health Care Neuroscience if I need to stay overnight? 

Your social worker can provide you with current information on housing and hotels near Stanford Health Care's clinics and hospitals. Learn more about where to stay during treatment or call us at 650-723-6469.

How can I learn more about my loved one’s condition? 

Find answers to your questions about neurological conditions at the Stanford Health Library, with help from professional medical librarians and trained volunteers. We offer free, science-based information to help answer your medical questions.

At our numerous campuses, you can access journal articles, books, e-books, databases, and videos to learn more about medical conditions and treatment options at the library. We also provide information on related issues such as coping, caregiving, pain management, and managing day-to-day challenges. You can request a comprehensive literature search on the latest research to answer your specific questions.

Additionally, the American Academy of Neurology offers a website and magazine for patients with neurological conditions and their caregivers. Learn more about Brain & Life.

How can I speak to someone about paying for treatment? 

Meet with one of our financial counselors to determine the best approach to paying for your health care. Call 844-498-2900, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn about financial counseling at Stanford Health Care.

Our financial counselors work with you to:

  • Understand your health insurance coverage and benefits
  • Estimate your out-of-pocket costs for your care at Stanford Health Care Neuroscience
  • Connect you with as many resources as possible to help pay for your care
  • Answer your questions about billing and financial assistance
  • Help you complete financial applications
  • Find places to stay near Stanford Health Care Neuroscience

How can I apply for financial assistance? 

Stanford Health Care offers a variety of financial assistance options for uninsured or underinsured patients. Some options require an application, while others do not. Learn more about financial assistance.

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New Patients

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Current Patients

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To make an appointment with one of our specialists, call 650-723-6469.