Neurology and Neurosurgery in Penang

Neurology

Neurology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all conditions and diseases involving the central and peripheral nervous system.

Neurological diseases are diagnosed with a detailed history taking, thorough neurological and physical examination, and appropriate investigations.

Neurological conditions are different from psychiatric illnesses. The former involves parts of the nervous system while as the latter involves mental health conditions that affect the mood, thinking and behaviour.

Neurosurgery

Neurosurgery is the surgical treatment that deals with diseases of the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.

Conditions that may require neurosurgery include skull fracture, and brain haemorrhage caused by trauma. Brain tumours and tumours of the spine, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves may also require surgical excision by neurosurgeons.

This field also encompasses functional neurosurgery, which deals with movement disorders and other conditions related to the central nervous system.

Neurological surgeons, often referred to as brain surgeons, play a crucial role in the management of these complex medical conditions related to the brain and nervous system.

First in Malaysia to Earn Diamond Award from WSO

The World Stroke Organization (WSO) has acknowledged five Malaysian hospitals for their exceptional stroke care practices, a recognition granted through the WSO Angels Award.

This initiative, established by Boehringer Ingelheim in collaboration with the Malaysian Stroke Council (MSC), encourages hospitals to enhance their stroke care quality via continuous training and consultations.

Hospitals engage in this initiative by submitting detailed records of their stroke cases, encompassing procedures and therapies. These records are then assessed in the Registry of Stroke Care Quality (RES-Q) against specified criteria, leading to Gold, Platinum, or Diamond Status awards.

Twelve Malaysian hospitals have been part of RES-Q since 2019, with five achieving Gold and Diamond awards since the third quarter of that year.

To attain the prestigious Diamond Award, hospitals must treat stroke patients in a dedicated stroke unit or Intensive Care Unit (ICU) during their hospital stay. They should also be able to administer recanalisation therapy to at least 50% of patients within 45 minutes of arrival and 75% within 60 minutes.

Notably, Pantai Hospital Penang became the first in Malaysia to receive the Diamond Award.

Dr. Wong Yee Choon, a neurology doctor at Pantai Hospital Penang, emphasised the hospital's dedication to stroke care and the crucial need for timely intervention. The hospital's involvement in the Angels Initiative has spurred staff training and equipped them with the necessary tools for stroke treatment.

Immediate medical attention and appropriate treatment are vital for stroke patients, and these awards recognise hospitals that excel in stroke care, addressing a critical need in Malaysia.

The Malaysia Stroke Virtual Conference witnessed the presentation of these awards and explored crucial topics in stroke care, including the establishment of stroke-ready hospitals and various treatment options for stroke patients.

Dr. Wong Yee Choon's contributions and insights as a neurology doctor are pivotal in furthering stroke care excellence in Malaysia, with the WSO Angels Award serving as a testament to the hospitals' dedication to exceptional care.

The WSO Angels Award signifies the commitment of hospitals that go above and beyond in delivering high-quality stroke care, which has resulted in improved recovery rates for stroke patients after a year with the Angels Initiative.