The Neurology Division

The primary goal of the Neurology Division at the Shamir Medical Center is to provide the highest level of diagnosis and treatment for patients suffering from various diseases related to the central and peripheral nervous system.

The Neurology Division includes the neurology hospitalization department, the neurosurgical unit, neurological outpatient hospitalization, and the neurological institute (outpatient clinics).

Neurology Department

The Neurology Department at the Shamir Medical Center comprises 33 hospitalization beds. The department has regular hospitalization beds as well as dedicated hospitalization beds for patients requiring increased monitoring, such as patients after interventional treatment of stroke (catheterization and/or thrombolitic treatment), patients with active convulsive disease, respiratory or hemodynamics instability, and more.


Neurological Outpatient Hospitalization

The Neurological Outpatient Hospitalization Unit is part of the Neurology Division at the Shamir Medical Center. The unit allows patients to receive intravenous treatment with complex drugs and/or undergo diagnostic processes, including lumbar puncture and other tests. This is carried out without a prolonged hospitalization, allowing complex diagnostics and treatment without significantly disrupting the patient’s routine.


The Shlomo Schmelzer Institute of Neurology

The Neurological Institute consists of various outpatient clinics and unique neurological tests under one roof.

Tel: 08-9779145


The Marla Dan Invasive Neuroradiology (brain catheterization) Institute

The Marla Dan Invasive Neuroradiology Institute, led by Dr. Ronen Levita, treats vascular diseases of the brain and neck as well as strokes, aneurysms and more. Brain catheterization is performed using advanced technological devices, which are inserted into the groin artery and pass directly through the neck arteries to the cerebral vessels.

Tel: 08-9778147


Neurosurgery Unit

The Neurosurgery Unit performs various surgeries on diseases of the nervous system, the organs supporting the nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. These surgeries are required as a result of various diseases that damage the nervous system, such as tumors in the nervous system, brain tumors, traumatic injuries, and more.

Tel:

08-9779180

08-9779181

Epilepsy and EEG

Epilepsy and EEG

The Epilepsy and EEG Unit at the Shamir Medical Center includes the EEG Laboratory and a Video-EEG monitoring bed, as part of inpatient care in the Neurology Department.

EEG Laboratory

An EEG (Electroencephalogram) records the electrical activity generated by nerve cells in the cerebral cortex using electrodes placed on the scalp. The EEG test provides essential information, primarily for patients with epilepsy, but also for those with other brain disorders.
The EEG is a safe and painless procedure. The electrodes do not transmit electricity into the skull.

Before the EEG test, the technician measures and cleans areas of the scalp where electrodes will be placed with a special paste. Additional electrodes may be attached to the face, chest, or arms to monitor movements or other electrical activity, such as eye movements, heart activity, or muscle activity.

The test is performed while the patient lies on their back, and it is important to avoid any movements, as the EEG device can record them. During the EEG test, the patient is asked to breathe deeply for several minutes and look at a flashing light.

The evening before the test, it is recommended to wash the hair and avoid using hair-care products.

On the day of the test, patients should take all regular medications, eat as usual, but avoid caffeinated drinks.

For infants and children, it is important to bring a bottle, a blanket, and a familiar toy.

It is recommended to bring a hairbrush/comb and shampoo to remove the paste after the test.

For adults, the EEG is usually performed after a sleepless night. For infants and children, specific sleep-deprivation instructions are provided by phone when scheduling the appointment, based on the child’s age.

Video-EEG Monitoring

A Video-EEG test is performed during hospitalization in the Neurology Department. This test allows for a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of epileptic seizures or clinical events without a clear diagnosis, and it involves hospitalization for two to seven days, under the supervision of neurologists and continuous monitoring by the Epilepsy Unit.

During the test, a video camera and a microphone record the patient’s behavior 24 hours a day to characterize symptoms of seizures or other clinical events that occur during monitoring. Simultaneously, continuous EEG monitoring is conducted using electrodes attached to the scalp, secured with a special adhesive and a head wrap. The electrodes are connected by a long cable, allowing the patient to move freely around the room and nearby areas. A monitoring screen displaying the room’s video feed and EEG recordings is installed at the nurses’ station.

During hospitalization, a gradual reduction in anti-epileptic medication may be carried out for diagnostic purposes, sometimes to the point of discontinuation. As a result, longer or more severe seizures may occur; if needed, intravenous medication is administered to stop them.
Full doses of anti-epileptic drugs are reinstated starting one day before discharge.

  • The test is performed only in the presence of an accompanying person.
  • Patients should remain within the camera’s view for most of the hospitalization period.
  • Smoking is prohibited due to fire hazards from the adhesive used to attach the electrodes.
  • Hair washing and showering are not permitted during the test.
  • Chewing gum is not allowed, as it interferes with EEG recording.
  • Do not lock the bathroom or hospital room doors.

Epilepsy Clinic

The Epilepsy Clinic specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy, with the goal of improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

For first-time patients, it is recommended to bring a referral letter from the treating physician, along with results and images from brain imaging tests (CT and MRI), EEG results, laboratory test results, hospital discharge letters related to epileptic seizures, and a list of current and past anti-epileptic medications.

If the patient has previously been monitored by a neurologist elsewhere, a summary letter should also be brought.

During the clinic visit, the medical team will determine the need for additional diagnostic and follow-up tests, such as EEG, Video-EEG monitoring, and others, and will establish an individualized treatment plan.