Highly regarded for our superior research and patient care, the Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West Department of Neurology are recognized as having one of the nation's best Neurology programs by U.S. News & World Report^® for 2023-24. It offers our community comprehensive diagnostics and leading-edge treatments for a range of conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles.

We host the Center for Neuromodulation, where we treat a wide range of movement disorders, including epilepsy, dystonia, essential tremor, Parkinson’s disease and more. Our Department is also known for its expertise in neurophysiology and stroke, offering a state-of-the-art Stroke Center that has earned recognition as a designated stroke center by the New York State Department of Health. Our neurologists work hard to ensure that those who have suffered a stroke achieve the most complete recovery, and those at risk for stroke get the preventive care they need to stay healthy.

Our Department of Neurology draws on this range of experience, as well as new insights gained through innovative research, to provide the best possible neurologic care to patients of all ages. 

Pediatric Neurology

While we provide patients with unparalleled care in general neurology and neurosurgery, our department has a particular focus in pediatric neurology and developmental disabilities. Understanding the unique nature of many pediatric conditions and their impact on a child’s developing system, our highly trained specialists are expert in identifying neurologic and developmental disabilities early, so children have the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

Essential Tremor

Essential tremor is a neurological condition affecting otherwise healthy patients, which causes a trembling of the limbs (hands, legs, head, voice, or trunk). Often confused with Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor affects more than 10 million Americans in the country. This condition can cause extreme difficulty with daily activities such as writing, getting dressed, and eating. Learn more about treatments for essential tremor, including deep brain simulation and MR guided focused ultrasound.

Parkinson’s Disease

A progressive nervous system disorder, Parkinson’s disease affects movement. Symptoms of the disorder start gradually and cause stiffness or slow movement. The symptoms of Parkinson’s disease worsen over time as your condition progresses. While Parkinson’s disease does not currently have a cure, certain medications and other treatments may help improve your symptoms and quality of life. Learn more about other treatments for tremor dominant Parkinson’s disease, including deep brain simulation and MR guided focused ultrasound (FUS). 

Treatment
Mount Sinai offers the latest treatments for essential tremor and tremor-dominant Parkinson’s disease patients who have not responded to medication. Learn more about FUS, an incisionless treatment that uses sound waves, guided by MRI, to dive deep into the brain. 

Tourette Syndrome

Tourette syndrome causes a person to make rapid, uncontrollable movements or sounds. The most common symptoms are facial tics, which may happen often throughout the day. The person may make small, involuntary sounds such as grunting, sniffing, or coughing. Contrary to popular belief, the use of inappropriate language is quite rare.

Treatment
People with mild symptoms are often helped by cognitive behavioral therapy, a form of talk therapy. Medications are an option, however, the side effects need to be balanced against the benefit. For severe cases, we have recently had great success with deep brain simulation. During a surgical procedure, electrodes are placed in the brain. Once the skull has healed, the patient can control the electrical impulses through an app, relieving the symptoms.

Learn more about one person’s experience with DBS treatment for Tourette syndrome.