Neurology

The department treats all neurological conditions in adults, whether acute or chronic. It is the reference and referral center for other neurology departments in the western Normandy region (Alençon, Avranches, Cherbourg, Lisieux, Saint-Lô).

A 24/7 on-site team ensures continuous care for all urgent neurological conditions, particularly strokes , potentially covering the entire region through telemedicine. This work is carried out in close collaboration with the neuroimaging technical platform (CT scan, MRI, interventional neuroradiology) , neurological functional testing services (electroneuromyography, electroencephalography, evoked potentials, MRT) , and the functional rehabilitation department.

The department serves as a teaching and university training ground for medical students (externs and international students), interns, and junior doctors. It is an integral part of and collaborates closely with two INSERM : U1077 "Neuropsychology and Imaging of Human Memory"; and U1237 "Pathophysiology and Imaging of Neurological Disorders."

Consultations are available from Monday morning to Friday afternoon. They are provided by all the neurologists in the neurology department. These include general neurology consultations as well as specialized consultations dedicated to specific pathologies, drawing on the expertise of reference centers. Some consultations are held at other locations: Alençon, Avranches, and Flers.

The Neurovascular Unit ( NVU ) has a capacity of 26 beds, including 10 intensive care beds. It admits patients with a stroke (cerebral infarction, transient ischemic attack, cerebral hemorrhage, cerebral venous thrombosis) and has the staff and equipment necessary to provide acute stroke care with continuous monitoring and privileged access to neuroimaging technology. In emergency situations, revascularization techniques can be performed for patients with a cerebral infarction, either via infusion (thrombolysis) and/or mechanical means (thrombectomy), for which Caen Normandy University Hospital is the regional referral center and beyond. All paramedical staff (nurses, nursing assistants, speech therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, neuropsychologists) are also trained in the treatment of stroke patients .

Multidisciplinary post- stroke consultations with a nurse specially trained in neurovascular pathology are organized following hospitalizations at the Stroke Unit. Similarly, consultations with rehabilitation specialists are available to assess post- stroke sequelae and adjust treatment accordingly.

This unit is also an expert center for rare neurovascular diseases (CADASIL, hereditary cerebral amyloid angiopathy, etc.).

TheGeneral Neurology Unit (GNU) has a capacity of 20 beds. It admits patients with neurological symptoms requiring diagnostic evaluation, further investigations or the implementation and/or adaptation of treatment (e.g., epileptic seizures, headaches, vertigo, abnormal movements, multiple sclerosis flare-ups, brain tumors).

It also admits and treats acute complications of chronic neurological diseases such as dementia, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. It also includes two palliative care beds dedicated to neurological conditions.

TheDay Hospitalization Unit (DHU) has a capacity of 4 beds and 4 armchairs and theWeek Hospitalization Unit (WHU) has a capacity of 4 beds.

They accommodate patients requiring diagnostic assessments including additional programmed investigations (lumbar puncture, arteriography, MRI…), treatment courses in a hospital setting (multiple sclerosis, chronic polyradiculoneuritis…), or a follow-up assessment of chronic neurological diseases (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, neuromuscular pathologies, Parkinson’s disease…).

The Neurological Functional Explorations department welcomes patients (children and adults) for electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyogram (EMG), evoked potentials and repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS).

Specialized consultations for epilepsy are also offered.

The neurological functional explorations department has a significant cross-departmental activity within the hospital:

• Performing EEGs for all hospital departments, particularly in neurology, medical and surgical intensive care, pediatrics, neonatology, geriatrics, emergency services, etc.
• Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring in pediatric orthopedic surgery and neurosurgery (interventions on scoliosis, brain tumors, etc.).

The department works closely with the Neurology department for the care of epileptic patients. Consultations are provided by two neurologists from the Neurological Functional Explorations department, as well as by practitioners from the neurology department.

For epilepsy consultations, appointments are offered upon written request from the patient's general practitioner and/or specialist. Neurophysiological examinations, essential for monitoring this condition, are performed in the Neurological Functional Explorations Department for routine electroencephalograms (EEGs), and in theSleep Unit for EEGs . These examinations are conducted by paramedical staff specifically trained in this condition.

A specific Epilepsy-Work consultation is offered in collaboration with Professor Bénédicte Clin-Godard from the Occupational Health and Occupational Pathology department .

A number of electroencephalograms performed in other hospitals in the region, and in particular the majority of EEGs , are sent to us for remote interpretation via a dedicated platform.

Furthermore, more confidential activities because they are highly specialized are carried out only at the University Hospital of Caen (single fiber, oculography in parkinsonian syndromes +, rTMS in functional paralysis, EMG of the perineum,...).