Comprehensive Neurology Services at UCLA Health Thousand Oaks

UCLA Health is renowned for its neurology services, consistently ranking among the top programs in the nation. Patients in Ventura County benefit from the expert and compassionate care provided by the UCLA Health Thousand Oaks Neurology team. This team offers advanced diagnostic evaluations and personalized treatment plans for a wide range of neurological conditions. As part of the nationally recognized UCLA Health system, the Thousand Oaks neurologists collaborate with specialists across various disciplines to ensure coordinated care, utilizing the latest research and technologies.

Nationally Recognized Expertise and Advanced Care

UCLA Health's neurology programs are distinguished by several key factors:

Nationally Recognized Experts: UCLA Health's scientists and clinicians have consistently ranked among the top recipients of National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding since 2002. This prestigious status signifies their leadership in numerous neurology research studies. UCLA faculty members are actively involved in teaching courses at national meetings, authoring textbooks on neurology subspecialties, and are recognized nationally and internationally for their expertise.
Advanced Care Options: UCLA Health features a 26-bed neurological intensive care unit (ICU) equipped with sophisticated on-site diagnostic technology. This unique neuro ICU allows for real-time monitoring of conditions such as ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and cerebral hemorrhage. This capability ensures that even patients who are too unstable to move have access to the most advanced imaging techniques.
Commitment to Growth: UCLA Health neurologists serve as faculty at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, dedicating themselves to teaching and training residents and fellows. This commitment ensures that specialists remain up-to-date on the newest and most effective treatments, which they then impart to the next generation of neurology leaders.
Subspecialty Expertise: Many UCLA Health neurologists possess specialized training in niche areas within neurology. This advanced, subspecialty training allows them to offer more targeted and effective treatments.
Convenient Locations: UCLA Health neurologists practice at multiple outpatient locations throughout the greater Los Angeles region, providing patients with access to expert neurology care close to their homes.

Comprehensive Neurology Services Offered

UCLA Health utilizes a model that integrates general neurology services with specialized subspecialty clinics. Their neurology services encompass a wide range of programs, including:

General Neurology Programs

These programs comprehensively address all types of general neurology conditions, with areas of care including:

Behavioral Neurology Program: This program specializes in neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other progressive cognitive problems.
Goldberg Migraine Program: Experts in this program diagnose, treat, and manage all types of headache disorders.
Sleep Disorders Clinic: Specialists in this outpatient clinic diagnose and treat various sleep disorders.
Comprehensive Stroke Center: The renowned UCLA Stroke Center provides comprehensive diagnostic and therapeutic care to patients with disorders of the brain and spinal cord. It houses one of the nation’s first dedicated inpatient stroke units and is the first and only stroke center in Los Angeles County certified by The Joint Commission. This certification signifies the availability of specialists 24/7 for immediate care, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up rehabilitation for all types of stroke.

Movement and Neuromuscular Programs

These programs address movement and neuromuscular disorders that can significantly impact a patient's life:

Movement Disorders Program: A multidisciplinary team of specialists treats patients with Parkinson’s disease, tremors, tics, Tourette syndrome, and other movement disorders. Dr. Jocson specializes in the treatment of movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease, atypical parkinsonian disorders, essential tremor, dystonia, and gait disorders. She performs botulinum toxin injections for blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, cervical dystonia, limb dystonia, sialorrhea, spasticity, and migraines.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Program: A team of dedicated experts provides clinical care and conducts research to advance MS treatment.
Marilyn Hilton MS Achievement Center: This unique program offers education to empower people with MS to take control of their health and well-being, in collaboration with the Southern California and Nevada Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Neuromuscular Program: This program offers a range of specialty neuromuscular clinics for patients with undiagnosed conditions, nerve damage, muscular dystrophy, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Additional Subspecialty Programs

UCLA Health offers a variety of additional subspecialty programs, including:

Epilepsy Program: Specialists in this program treat patients from around the world and conduct investigative research to treat complex adult epilepsy.
Neurocritical Care Program: This program provides critical care to patients with life-threatening neurologic conditions, featuring a Level I TBI Center and a 24-bed Neurocritical Care Unit.
Neuro-infectious Diseases Program: Experts in this program provide assessments and second opinions regarding the neurological effects of chronic infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS or hepatitis C.
Neuro-oncology Program: Neurosurgery, neuroradiology, neuropathology, and radiation oncology experts collaborate to provide comprehensive brain tumor treatment.
Neuro-Otology Program: Neurotologists study and treat patients with dizziness, vertigo, balance disorders, or tinnitus.
Neurorehabilitation Program: A dedicated team of neurorehabilitation specialists ensures that patients achieve the highest quality of life with a neurologic condition.

Research Centers

Research is a crucial aspect of UCLA Health's neurology division. For over 20 years, their neurologists have been instrumental in advancing the field through research. Research centers include:

Clinical Neurogenomics Research Center: This center allows clinicians to compile and use an informational database to conduct research and identify the most effective treatments.
Mary S. Eaton Center for Alzheimer’s Disease Research: This center provides comprehensive diagnosis and management of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, including access to clinical trials.
Neurophysiology research: Clinicians conduct studies to enhance the understanding of cerebral blood flow, epilepsy treatment, seizure disorders, narcolepsy, and more.

Conditions Treated

UCLA Health neurologists treat a wide array of neurology concerns, including:

ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis): A progressive disease affecting nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord.
Alzheimer’s Disease: A brain disorder that progressively destroys memory, thinking skills, and other important cognitive functions.
Epilepsy: A brain disorder causing recurring, unprovoked seizures.
Migraines: A neurological condition causing severe headaches, often accompanied by throbbing, nausea, or sensitivity to light.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS): A chronic disease where the immune system attacks the protective coverings of nerves, leading to pain, fatigue, and impaired coordination.
Parkinson’s Disease: A progressive brain disorder leading to shaking, stiffness, and loss of balance.
Stroke: A sudden interruption of blood supply to the brain.

Tests and Procedures

UCLA Health utilizes advanced tools and tests to ensure accurate diagnoses, as many nervous system disorders can cause similar symptoms. Common tests include:

CT Scans: Using X-rays and computer technology to create detailed images of the body's interior.
Electroencephalogram (EEG): Attaching electrodes to the scalp to record brain electrical activity, essential for epilepsy diagnosis.
Electromyography (EMG): Placing electrodes over muscle groups to evaluate muscle and motor functions.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Using radio waves, magnets, and computer technology to create detailed body images.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET): Using a safe radioactive drug to image the body, highlighting areas with disease, which can aid in diagnosing tumors, seizures, or Alzheimer’s disease.
Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): Inserting a needle into the lower back to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for testing, which can reveal infections, tumors, or other brain disorders.
Ultrasound (Sonography): Using high-frequency sound waves to visualize internal organs and evaluate blood flow.

Expert Neurology Team

UCLA Health's neurologists are leaders in clinical care, research, and education, consistently ranking among the top programs nationally with significant research funding from the NIH.

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Notable Neurologists at UCLA Health Thousand Oaks

Dr. Darby: Dr. Darby, originally from Sunderland, England, holds a Bachelor of Science honors degree in Environmental Sciences from Durham University and a medical degree from St Georges University School of Medicine. He completed his Internal Medicine internship and Neurology residency at the University of Vermont and fellowship training at UCLA. He is board certified in Psychiatry and Neurology and Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychoatry. In addition to his general neurology practice in Thousand Oaks, he is an attending neurologist with the UCLA Steve Tisch brainSPORT program, specializing in sports and military-related head injuries.
Dr. Jocson: Dr. Jocson received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from Stanford University and completed her medical education at the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Jocson specializes in the treatment of movement disorders including Parkinson’s disease, atypical parkinsonian disorders, essential tremor, dystonia, and gait disorders. She performs botulinum toxin injections for blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, cervical dystonia, limb dystonia, sialorrhea, spasticity, and migraines. She has previously been a sub-investigator in clinical trials for Parkinson’s disease, progressive supranuclear palsy, and cervical dystonia.

Accessing Care at UCLA Health Thousand Oaks

The UCLA Neurology Clinic has an extensive subspecialty practice at the UCLA campus in Westwood and multiple general neurology clinic locations. The general neurology clinics provide evaluations and ongoing care to patients with a broad spectrum of neurological problems, including the neurological complications of multiple medical conditions, such as rheumatological and endocrine disorders. Patients with headaches, neuropathy, and low back pain can also be seen in these clinics.

To schedule an appointment, patients should have their patient registration ID number ready. New patients are required to obtain a UCLA medical record number prior to their appointment by contacting the patient pre-registration coordinator at 310-825-2631. When registering, patients will need to provide insurance information, date of birth, Social Security number, home address, and the referring physician's contact information.

The UCLA Neurology Clinic works with many insurance companies and is an in-network provider for millions of people. In most cases, a physician referral is required. Some insurers may have additional requirements for certain medical care, such as prior authorization.

UCLA Health Medicare Advantage Plan

UCLA Health also offers the UCLA Health Medicare Advantage Plan (HMO), which includes Part D drug coverage. To enroll, individuals must have both Medicare Parts A and B and reside in Los Angeles County. Members enrolled in this plan must use plan providers, except in emergency or urgent care situations. Obtaining care from an out-of-network provider without prior approval may result in non-coverage by Medicare or UCLA Health Medicare Advantage Plan. For additional information, contact Member Services at 1-833-627-8252 (833-MAP-UCLA) (TTY 711).

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