New HSA neurologist to advance care, emphasizes stroke awareness

The Health Services Authority (HSA) has recently added Consultant Neurologist Dr Tamas Cseh to the specialist team, advancing HSA’s efforts in the treatment of stroke patients and continued sensitisation of the population through its new Neurology Clinic.

The clinic caters to patients suffering from stroke, epilepsy, brain tumors, muscle weakness, headaches, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, dementia, multiple sclerosis, and myasthenia.

“In the short period in which I have been here, I have seen many stroke patients and unfortunately most come in days or weeks after symptoms onset. There is a term we use - ‘time is brain’, which means the earlier you get to the hospital the more likely we can save your brain from irreversible damage,” Dr Cseh stated.

Among other conditions he emphasised persons should seek neurological intervention for are double vision, dizziness, bad headaches, recurrent falls, problems with standing, balance, walking and coordination.

Dr Cseh, who earned his medical degree at the University of Pécs in Hungary, worked as a Consultant Neurologist at the Manchester Centre for Clinical Neurosciences, the largest neuroscience centre in the United Kingdom, where he treated patients suffering from many types of neurology diseases. His experience spans all fields of general neurology with a special interest in neuromuscular diseases and electromyography.

Neurology is a specialised medical field that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders affecting the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

Through technological advancements and studies some neurological conditions, although not irreversible, when treated early can foster better outcomes and quality of life for patients.

He further noted that his approach to treatment “is always patient-centred care and evidence- based care. My other goal is to set-up a neurophysiology service which includes nerve conduction study – EMG (electromyography), EEG (electroencephalogram) – all the electro- diagnostic measures that help the clinicians work.”

HSA’s Medical Director Dr Delroy Jefferson noted that the addition of Dr. Cseh to the team will reduce the need for patient referrals outside the HSA.

“Dr Cseh’s addition bolsters HSA’s multidisciplinary approach in delivering comprehensive care of our patients providing immense benefits to the patient,” Dr Jefferson said.

In addition, patients undergoing chemotherapy will also benefit from Dr Cseh’s expertise through the introduction of the NeuroHaematology Clinic, an added subspecialty/service under the HSA Haematology, Oncology, and Chemotherapy Centre.

“There’s an excellent chemotherapy service here at the HSA, but unfortunately with many chemotherapies, patients can develop several types of nerve disorders associated with either the therapy they get for the cancer or from the cancer itself. In the NeuroHeamotology Clinic, my job is to tease out what is causing the nerve damage for the patient who has cancer and is undergoing chemotherapy,” Dr Cseh explained.

According to statistics from the Cayman Islands’ 2021 Census Report, 384 persons were diagnosed with stroke, 247 with spinal cord injury and 182 from dementia. In the 2022 Compendium of Statistics 7.9% of deaths resulted from neuropsychiatric conditions.

If you suspect someone may be having a stroke, follow FAST: Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to call 911.

Referrals are required to book an appointment with the HSA Neurology Clinic located at Specialist Clinic, Smith Road Medical Centre. To book an appointment, call 949-8600.

For more information regarding the HSA’s Neurology Clinic, visit https://www.hsa.ky/ medical- services/neurology. Persons may also listen to the Healthcare Today with HSA podcast featuring Dr Cseh on Spotify at info.hsa.ky/HealthcareTodayPodcast-Neurology