As well as providing general neurology clinics and inpatient care for patients with a wide variety of neurological conditions we provide services for patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Dystonia, Epilepsy and Motor Neurone Disease. 

  

All three Consultants care for patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). MND can often take a long time to confirm, and this may require repeat clinical assessments over a period. Around the time of diagnosis patients will usually need to have tests (sometimes on more than one occasion) on their peripheral nerves and muscles, and these are performed in the Neurophysiology Department by a Consultant Neurophysiologist. Patients with MND often require multi-disciplinary team input. Monitoring and therapeutic intervention will often be provided by Speech and Language Therapists, Dieticians and Physiotherapists as well as by the Consultants. We have good working links with the Gastroenterology team who can provide Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) for non-oral feeding and the Respiratory team who can organise non invasive ventilatory support when appropriate.

 

We are participants in a research study looking at how markers in the blood might help with diagnosis and tracking changes through the course of the illness. Participants in this study have their clinical and study assessments at Musgrove Park Hospital on a three monthly basis. Dr Fish is the local principal investigator on this study.

 

Julia Spence is the Community Neurological Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist for Somerset. Julia has considerable expertise in supporting patients in the community with MND. Julia can be contacted on 01935 848291.

 

As well as providing general neurology clinics and inpatient care for patients with a wide variety of neurological conditions we provide services for patients with Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, Dystonia, Epilepsy and Motor Neurone Disease. 

  

All three Consultants care for patients with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). MND can often take a long time to confirm, and this may require repeat clinical assessments over a period. Around the time of diagnosis patients will usually need to have tests (sometimes on more than one occasion) on their peripheral nerves and muscles, and these are performed in the Neurophysiology Department by a Consultant Neurophysiologist. Patients with MND often require multi-disciplinary team input. Monitoring and therapeutic intervention will often be provided by Speech and Language Therapists, Dieticians and Physiotherapists as well as by the Consultants. We have good working links with the Gastroenterology team who can provide Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) for non-oral feeding and the Respiratory team who can organise non invasive ventilatory support when appropriate.

 

We are participants in a research study looking at how markers in the blood might help with diagnosis and tracking changes through the course of the illness. Participants in this study have their clinical and study assessments at Musgrove Park Hospital on a three monthly basis. Dr Fish is the local principal investigator on this study.

 

Julia Spence is the Community Neurological Rehabilitation Nurse Specialist for Somerset. Julia has considerable expertise in supporting patients in the community with MND. Julia can be contacted on 01935 848291.