King Faisal Hospital (KFH) has inaugurated a neurology unit, a milestone expected to enhance treatment and avail better services for patients nationwide.

Neurology, the medical specialty focused on disorders of the nervous system, takes centre stage as one of the latest additions to KFH as the hospital continues to make efforts to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the community.

The introduction of neurology services aims not only to treat but also raise awareness about neurological disorders as well as foster collaboration with stakeholders in neurology care.

With support from Ghent University Hospital, a Belgium-based institution, KFH’s neurology unit acquired equipment that enable it to offer a range of services including neurophysiology tests for specialised investigations into peripheral nervous system disorders. Such tests, along with electroencephalography (EEG), aid in the diagnosis and prognosis of conditions such as epilepsy, sleep disorders, and brain tumours.

Previously, neurophysiology services and equipment were limited to Ndera Neuropsychiatric Teaching Hospital, leading to long waiting lists of patients in need of such care across the country.

Speaking in a media interview, Dr. Arlene Ndayisenga, a consultant neurologist at KFH, noted that the neurology department at KFH will play a role in the reduction of waiting times for patients, as well as facilitating early diagnosis of neurological diseases.

KFH will integrate neurology services and equipment into various services that it already offers including routine check-ups and intensive care.

Dr. Menelas Nkeshimana, the Head of the Department of Health Workforce Development at the Ministry of Health, views the establishment of the neurology unit as a significant step towards not only providing services but also training specialists to serve across the country.

Two years ago, KFH initiated a neurology curriculum, with the first cohort of specialists expected to complete their training in the next three years.

The inaugural cohort comprises five doctors, while the second one boasts six. The hospital plans to enrol more doctors, annually, aiming to have 17 neurologists graduate by 2028.

Nkeshimana stressed the urgency of managing neurological diseases promptly, citing stroke as a prime example of conditions requiring timely intervention. Other neurological disorders include Parkinson's disease, and epilepsy.