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Behavioral Neurology Service

The Mass General Brigham Behavioral Neurology Service provides diagnostic assessments and clinical care for people with brain disorders impacting cognition abilities, behavior, emotional functioning, perception, and other high-order abilities.

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Comprehensive behavioral neurology care

Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute clinicians work to understand how brain conditions affect thinking, behavior, and daily function, including language, memory, attention, problem-solving, and emotions.

Complex brain disorders include conditions caused by:

  • Neurodegenerative disease
  • Stroke
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Seizure disorders
  • Autoimmune conditions
  • Tourette syndrome

We provide personalized, multidisciplinary care to support people living with these challenges. Through early diagnosis and timely treatment, we help patients and families manage symptoms and maintain quality of life.

Bringing together experts to improve brain care

The behavioral neurology team is part of the Center for Brain/Mind Medicine at the Neuroscience Institute. The center brings together clinical care and research to improve diagnosis and treatment for complex neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric conditions. Its interdisciplinary approach supports collaboration across specialties and advances research that informs patient care, including clinical trials and new treatment approaches.

Our goal is to provide even more effective treatment to patients through greater understanding of these conditions and their effects on the brain.

Part of the Neuroscience Institute

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Our approach to behavioral neurology

Through diagnostic assessments, treatment, and long-term management, we help patients and families address neurological changes and improve quality of life with coordinated, personalized care.
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Multidisciplinary behavioral neurology care

Your care team includes multidisciplinary specialists, including:

  • Neurologists
  • Psychiatrists (e.g., neuropsychiatrists, consultation liaison psychiatrists, geriatric psychiatrists)
  • Neuropsychologists
  • Social workers
  • Nurse practitioners and physician assistants
  • Psychologists
  • Physiatrists
  • Physical therapists
  • Occupational therapists
  • Speech and language pathologists

These specialists often work together to address your needs and develop your personalized plan. Our integrated approach means that patients with complex neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric conditions benefit from coordinated, interdisciplinary treatment, which leads to better outcomes and avoids fragmented care.

Fast, accurate diagnosis

Many patients come to us knowing something is wrong but without a clear diagnosis. We focus on identifying the underlying cause(s) as quickly and accurately as possible. We do this through:

  • Evaluation of your symptoms and medical history
  • Consideration of the potential contributions of biological, psychological, and social factors
  • Cognitive and behavioral testing
  • Blood/cerebral spinal fluid tests
  • Brain imaging

After diagnosis, your expert team will create an individualized treatment plan.

Symptom management through personalized care

Treatment depends on the root cause as well as your overall health and current condition, and is tailored to your needs and goals.

Some patients find relief through medications or adjustments to their environment. Others benefit from a coordinated approach that may include cognitive therapy, skills-based psychotherapy, other mental health support, and/or rehabilitative services.

We focus on practical strategies to help you manage symptoms, maintain independence, and navigate the day-to-day challenges associated with neurological conditions.

Access to expert second opinions
We help patients, including international patients who are having difficulty getting a clear diagnosis or who want a second look at their treatment plan understand their condition and next steps.
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Our approach
Our care teams provide comprehensive, compassionate behavioral neurology care, from diagnosis through treatment and ongoing support.

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Services and programs
Learn more about the behavioral neurology conditions we diagnose and treat across Mass General Brigham.
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Conditions and treatments

Our neuroscience specialists

Your care is coordinated by a team of specialists in neurology, neurosurgery, advanced brain imaging, and nursing. Depending on your condition, your care team may also include experts in neuropsychology, rehabilitation, genetics, social work, and mental health. This team works together to understand your neurological condition from every angle and develop a care plan tailored to you.
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Specialists

Neuroscience clinical trials and research

Our research is shaping the future of neuroscience care. We offer access to clinical trials and emerging therapies, including treatments that may not yet be widely available. Eligibility depends on a person’s diagnosis, treatment history, and more. Explore our research and clinical trials or talk with your care team to learn about available options.
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Explore our neuroscience research

Learn how neuroscience research informs patient care

https://research.massgeneralbrigham.org/en/institutes-centers/neuroscience-institute
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Search clinical trials

Search open clinical trials for neurological conditions

https://rally.massgeneralbrigham.org/
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Research

Explore articles featuring expert insights on neuroscience, patient experiences, and tips for managing a neurological diagnosis.

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Contact the Behavioral Neurology Service

Call us to speak with a team member who can help you understand your options and guide you to the care that is right for you. With locations throughout New England and support for patients traveling from outside the United States, we make it easier to access coordinated, expert care.
Phone

Massachusetts General Hospital
617-726-2273

Brigham and Women's Hospital
617-539-7286

International
International Patient Services
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Contact