Why Choose Hackensack Meridian Health for Neuroscience
At the Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute, we understand that issues that affect your brain, nerves and spine deeply affect your quality of life.
That’s why our neurologists, neurosurgeons and specialists have received the highest level of training possible for their area of expertise and use the latest technology to understand, diagnose, treat and prevent these life-altering diseases. And it’s why our researchers dedicate their lives to advancing the treatment of brain, nervous system and spine disorders.
We'll keep getting better, together. Our neurological and neurosurgical specialists provide complete care to patients and their loved ones every step of the way, from prevention to diagnosis, emergency treatment to rehabilitation, and even home care and social support. Our goal is to offer you new options and hope, a better quality of life and a lasting peace of mind so you can live your best life.
Our neurology and neurosurgery services consistently rank among the best in the nation. Plus, Hackensack University Medical Center is the only NJ hospital nationally-ranked in Neurology & Neurosurgery by U.S. News & World Report. Here are some of the many more reasons to trust us for your care:
Our wide array of specialists and subspecialists means you can access the expert care and clinical trials you need, from one integrated health network.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): We bring together different specialists in one all-inclusive visit to deliver the best and most convenient health care experience. We also work closely with the ALS Association to exchange the latest information and best care practices.
Brain & Spinal Tumor Center: We’re a leader in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of benign and malignant brain and spinal cord tumors.
Center for Advanced Skull Base Surgery: Our highly specialized team of experts provide treatments for tumors, growths or other abnormalities that may exist on the brain, skull base, or spinal column and provide seamless care through all stages of treatment.
Center for Memory Loss and Brain Health: Our integrated team provides comprehensive, patient centered, coordinated care for dementia, Alzheimer's and other memory disorders.
Concussion Center: We provide individualized evaluation and treatment using a medical model that is proven to maximize recovery and reduce disability in adults and children.
Epilepsy: We provide specialized services to help children and adults gain control of seizures without interfering with their normal activities of daily living. We have dedicated epilepsy monitoring units and a specialized team of neurologists and neurosurgeons ensuring complete management of care.
Essential Tremor: We provide treatment options ranging from medication to focused ultrasound and deep brain stimulation.
Headaches and Migraines: Our expert neurologists specialize in the treatment of migraines and tension headaches, and work with patients to start a medication treatment plan to help manage migraine pain and prevent headaches before they start.
Multiple Sclerosis: Our two MS Centers feature experts in neuro-urology, neuro-ophthalmology, spinal cord medicine, rehabilitation, counseling and neuropsychology, cognitive rehabilitation and geriatrics — all under one roof.
Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders: Our multidisciplinary team delivers compassionate, personalized care and treatment plans using the latest technology to help patients living with Parkinson's and other movement disorders.
Sleep Medicine: Our board-certified sleep medicine physicians and trained sleep technologists work with you from diagnosis and treatment to follow-up care and education.
Spine Center: We offer a comprehensive and multi-disciplinary approach to back pain and spine management including teams of physiatrists, neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, and pain management specialists. We use a conservative management approach, ensuring that surgery is limited to specific indications.
Stroke Rescue Center: Hackensack Meridian Health has three state-designated Comprehensive Stroke Centers and 10 Primary Stroke Centers that work as a team to care for our New Jersey community. We have developed innovative “Stroke Rescue” services that provide the most advanced, precise treatment options available anywhere in the region.
Vascular and Endovascular Neurosurgery: We are a leader in cutting-edge treatment of intracranial vascular disorders, including brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and stroke. We provide each patient with a comprehensive evaluation and treatment plan that takes a conservative care approach when appropriate.
Hackensack Meridian Health's neurology and neurosurgery program is among the best in the country. We have more U.S. News-ranked hospitals than any other system in New Jersey. And, according to U.S. News & World Report, Hackensack University Medical Center is the best Neurology and Neurosurgery program in NJ.
America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Stroke Care Award by Healthgrades™: Jersey Shore University Medical Center earned this award three years in a row (2020-2023) and JFK University Medical Center earned it in 2022 and 2023.
Certified Treatment Center of Excellence by The ALS Association: Jersey Shore University Medical Center is one of only two centers in New Jersey to receive this designation.
Epilepsy Comprehensive Center Accreditation: Hackensack Meridian Health's academic medical centers (Hackensack University Medical Center, Jersey Shore University Medical Center, and JFK University Medical Center) have been recognized for their levels of care by the National Association of Epilepsy.
Healthgrades Cranial Neurosurgery Excellence Award™: Hackensack University Medical Center earned this award in 2022. Jersey Shore University Medical Center earned this award in 2022 and 2023.
Healthgrades Neurosciences Excellence Award™:Jersey Shore University Medical Center earned this award four years in a row (2020-2023) and JFK University Medical Center earned this award in 2022 and 2023.
Jersey Shore University Medical Center has the only ABRET Certified EEG Lab in the network, one of only five in the state
Licensed Comprehensive Stroke Center: Our 3 academic medical centers have this designation from the Joint Commission, which is the highest level of certification for hospitals equipped to receive and treat the most complex stroke cases. Less than 5% of hospitals in the nation meet rigorous national and state requirements.
Multiple Sclerosis Care: The MS Centers at Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center are members of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers. The MS Center at Jersey Shore University Medical Center has been officially recognized as a Center for Comprehensive MS Care through the National Multiple Sclerosis Society’s Partners in MS Care program.
We offer the most comprehensive array of neuroscience services in the region, including for stroke, spine injuries, concussion, epilepsy, brain tumors, movement disorders, memory disorders and more.
Clinical Trials: Hackensack Meridian Health ranks among the top 10 in clinical trials for primary brain tumors in the country. In addition, Hackensack University Medical Center is one of several medical centers in the U.S. that is participating in the RESTORE-1 Phase 2 Clinical Study, a gene therapy trial for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Cortical Mapping: Our surgeons can determine the function of specific brain regions by providing electrical stimulation to certain parts of the brain.
DaTscan Camera: Jersey Shore University Medical Center recently added one of the most advanced diagnostic imaging technologies available. The camera utilizes single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) to visualize dopamine transporter levels in the brain, which may help diagnose certain neurological diseases such as Parkinson's.
Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS): We specialize in using electrical stimulation to treat Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, multiple sclerosis and other neurological conditions. DBS can be effective in treating movement problems such as tremors, stiffness, difficulty in walking, and slowed movement.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound: Hackensack University Medical Center and Jersey Shore University Medical Center are the only locations in New Jersey offering this non-invasive outpatient procedure that uses sound waves to treat essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease that has not responded to medications.
Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): This system allows the physician to direct doses of radiation with greater accuracy, while avoiding healthy tissues and organs.
Innovative treatment for malignant gliomas:JFK University Medical Center was the first certified location in the United States to offer the Novocure Optune device for the treatment of malignant gliomas.
Intracranial Vascular Disorders: We’re on the cutting edge in the care and treatment of brain aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) and stroke.
Stereotactic and Robotic Radiosurgery: We have one of the largest robotic surgery programs in the New York metropolitan area and are an international leader in using this technology, which makes it possible to treat tumors considered inaccessible or inoperable by conventional surgery.
Upper Airway Stimulation: We were the first health network in New Jersey to provide this cutting-edge therapy to treat obstructive sleep apnea.
Virtual Reality Medical Visualization Platform: JFK University Medical Center is one of only seven hospitals in the nation to use three-dimensional augmented reality to prepare and perform neurosurgery. Wearing the headset while speaking with our surgeons, a patient and family can also visualize and better comprehend a brain tumor and the corresponding treatment plan.
ZAP-X® Gyroscopic Radiosurgery® with Synaptive’s Brain-Only Silent MRI: The Dr. Robert H. and Mary Ellen Harris ZAP-X Center for Noninvasive Neurosurgery at the Hackensack Meridian Neuroscience Institute at Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the world’s first center to integrate ZAP-X® Gyroscopic Radiosurgery® with Synaptive’s Brain-Only Silent MRI.
There is no such thing as “one-size-fits-all” when it comes to your care and treatment. Our neurology and neurosurgery providers meet with you and your loved ones to understand your unique needs, priorities and obstacles and work closely with subspecialists from an array of disciplines to customize a care plan tailored to your physical and emotional needs — drawing from the latest breakthroughs in research, medical technology, techniques and treatments.
- Pain Management: Our Neuroscience Institute has a team of physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of acute and chronic pain syndromes caused by spine-related conditions.
- Patient-Centered Care: We believe you and your family are vital members of the care team, which is why we are committed to working closely with you on your individual course of treatment. Our team is here for you with comprehensive care from prevention to diagnosis, treatment to rehabilitation.
- Spine Care: Our multidisciplinary teams provide exemplary and comprehensive medical care for a myriad of spine-related conditions. We educate and involve our patients in their treatments by communicating in clear, understandable language and get you involved in your own recovery.
- Specialized Intensive Care Unit: Our physicians, nurses and staff undergo specialized training for our neurosurgery patients.
- Support Groups: Hackensack Meridian Health provides educational, emotional and spiritual support to patients, families and caregivers managing ALS, Alzheimer’s, brain tumor and Injury, cancer, dementia, epilepsy, MS, Parkinson’s, stroke and other health challenges.
