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Neurological Care Team

Whether you are looking for a new provider or have been referred for a specific neurological condition, which specialist you see depends on your situation: a Neurologist, a Neurosurgeon, a Pediatric Neurosurgeon or a Pain Management Specialist.

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What is a neurologist? 

A neurologist is a specialist in disorders of the brain and nervous system. They will treat and manage conditions or disorders in the brain, spinal cord or the entire nervous system. Learn more.

What is a neurosurgeon? 

For surgical and nonsurgical procedures for your entire nervous system, including your brain, spinal cord, neck and peripheral nerves, you would need a neurosurgeon. Conditions that affect the nervous system, like those of the spinal disks and vertebrae, skull, blood vessels and tissues, are diagnosed and treated by these specialists. Learn more about these highly trained surgeons.

What is a pediatric neurosurgeon? 

Children has young as infants through young adults, may be treated by a pediatric neurosurgeon. These specialists  treat and manage head and spinal deformities and conditions of children’s nervous systems. Learn more.

Accolades and advancements

  • Spine Certification 
  • Advanced Stroke Provider (Thropectomy) 
  • Teaching Awards – Medical Students rotate through Neurosurgery 
  • Beacon neurosurgeons, in collaboration with the Harper Cancer Research Institute, have been actively contributing to groundbreaking research. Tissue samples donated from brain tumor surgeries performed at Beacon have played a pivotal role in advancing our understanding of brain tumors and their treatment. 
  • Stephen Smith, MD, who practices at Beacon Medical Group North Central Neurosurgery, teamed up with University of Notre Dame engineer and professor Dr. Ryan Roeder to develop new FDA-approved implant that accelerates the fusion process by allowing bones to grow directly through it. 
  • Dr. Fessler – advanced fellowship at Rush/Germany
  • Advanced endoscopy training 
  • Dr. Huff – complex brain tumors and aneurysms

The patient’s guide for the journey

When an adult or child needs neurological care, they will be guided through the process by spine patient navigators. These nurse navigators play a vital role in enhancing patient care by engaging with individuals pre-operatively to provide education and to develop tailored post-operative recovery plans. They meticulously review each patient’s medical history and lab results to ensure optimal preparation for surgery. During hospital stays, they visit patients to reinforce education and coordinate care, ensuring a seamless experience. After discharge, they continue the relationship, following up with patients to monitor recovery progress and address any concerns.

Spine patient navigators

Christine Thorn, BSN, RN
Memorial Hospital of South Bend
574-647-7972 

Brittney Lammott, BSN, RN
Elkhart General Hospital
574-523-3173