Neurological conditions can rob a person of control over their life and their recovery—here’s how University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center is making a difference

By Laura Briedis

Ranked nationally in the Top 50 by U.S. News & World Report 2022-2023 for its neurology and neurosurgery, University Hospitals offers comprehensive care close to home for those with neurological conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord or nervous system.

“University Hospitals truly understands what the patient is experiencing, which leads to accurate diagnosis and the best treatment,” says Dr. Patrick Fagan, a neurologist at University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center, a Campus of UH Regional Hospitals. “I take time to listen to my patients, as 90 percent of a diagnosis comes from listening.”

While treating all patients, including those suffering from migraines to memory issues to movement problems, Dr. Fagan specializes in neuromuscular medicine. He offers electromyography (EMG) nerve and muscle testing at UH Geauga Medical Center, as well as neuromuscular ultrasounds at UH Cleveland Medical Center downtown. “We are one of the few facilities in the country to do neuromuscular ultrasound testing, which complements EMG testing so we can better visualize the nerves on the ultrasound,” he says. “This helps us provide more answers for the patient, as well as the surgeon, so patients can get the help they need. It is especially useful to detect nerve impingements in the extremities, such as carpal tunnel syndrome. In addition, it can aid in the diagnosis of Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) and muscle diseases.”

“There are some diseases that are life-changing, such as ALS, and though there is not a cure, we are striving to come up with more effective treatments. I can walk with the patient through their struggles and help them overcome issues they are experiencing,” Dr. Fagan says. “I always try to educate patients and calm their fears.”

Dr. Fagan, who grew up in Chardon, came back to practice in his hometown after earning degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Loyola University in Chicago, and completing his residency and fellowship at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.

“Neurology is always evolving. In years past, there was not much we could do to help some patients with neurological diseases. All we could do was diagnose and then monitor them,” he explains. “With modern medicine, we have many new treatments.”

Should You See a Neurologist?
If you think you have a neurological condition that affects your brain, spinal cord or nervous system, a team of neurologists and neurosurgeons at University Hospitals—including physicians close to home at UH Geauga Medical Center—offers comprehensive care.

In addition to brain injury and tumors, neurologists treat migraines, seizure disorders, strokes and other conditions such as Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.

There are a number of neurological symptoms that could point to a possible problem, including:

• Frequent headaches
• Movement problems
• Memory issues
• Seizures
• Weakness
• Tingling and numbness

The sooner you identify a neurological condition and start treatment, the more likely you are to ease the symptoms and limit the complications.

Call 440-285-2888 to schedule an appointment with a neurologist at UH Geauga Medical Center.

University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center is located at 13207 Ravenna Road in Chardon. For more information, call 440-285-2888 or visit UHHospitals.org/Geauga.