Message from the Chairman

The basic arrangement of neural interaction from a simple sensory-motor reflex to the conscious interpretation of art remains preserved throughout the myriad neural functions we exhibit in our daily lives. It is the degree, timing and internal feedback that vary among behaviors. It is these variations that allow us to be who we are, and in disease give rise to the broadest encountered deficits in faculty and function seen in medicine.

From tumors to trauma, autoimmune diseases to inherited neuropathies, spine disorders giving rise to pain to those compromising the spinal cord itself. These all either involve or put at risk the normal functioning of the nervous system.

It is the purpose of this department to treat the diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems and their supporting elements including the skull and spine, as a single system, utilizing the expertise of a variety of specialists, closely interacting with one another professionally with regard primarily for the care of the individual patient and their particular situation.

This will allow the treatment of a disease, as well as the symptoms or deficits it causes to be addressed together. It will also allow the development of a regional resource in the neurosciences and to give rise to the interactive experiences needed to best treat what are often the most complex and debilitating diseases known.

As the Department of Neuroscience grows we welcome your support and your suggestions for how we can better serve the region.

Bryan R. Payne, MD
Professor and Chairman

Images with permission from Paul De Koninck (www.greenspine.ca)