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Neurology

Neurology is a medical specialty that looks after problems with the brain, spine, nerves, and muscles. The Neurology Department at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (UHB) is based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB). 

Some of our neurologists also visit other hospitals in the trust, including: 

  • Birmingham Heartlands Hospital (BHH) 
  • Good Hope Hospital (GHH) 
  • Solihull Hospital 

At these hospitals, they see outpatients and review inpatients with neurological symptoms. 

Inpatient neurology care 

The Acute Neurology Ward is based at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB), where we provide specialist care for people with severe or complex neurological conditions. However, not all inpatients with neurological problems need to be transferred to QEHB. Many patients can be treated in their local hospital with support from visiting neurologists. 

Specialist neurology services at UHB 

UHB provides specialist care for people with complex neurological conditions, including: 

  • complex headache disorders 
  • multiple sclerosis 
  • neuroinflammatory conditions, including: 
    • autoimmune encephalitis 
    • neuromyelitis optica and related conditions 
    • myasthenia gravis and related conditions 
    • neurosarcoidosis 
    • epilepsy 
  • Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders 
  • hereditary and inflammatory neuropathies (conditions that damage the peripheral nerves) 
  • muscle disease 
  • adults with inherited white matter disorders 

We also offer limited specialist services for: 

  • rare dementias 
  • Wilson’s disease 
  • wolfram Syndrome 
  • neurometabolic disorders 
  • channelopathies 
  • neurogenetic conditions 
  • complex neurorehabilitation 

These rare disease and rehabilitation services are provided through the Centre for Rare Diseases, ensuring expert care for patients with uncommon and complex neurological conditions. 

Conditions not managed by neurology 

Some conditions may seem neurological but are managed by other specialties.

  • Stroke – managed by a dedicated Stroke Department. 
  • Neurosurgical issues – including acute spinal cord injuries or disc disease, which are treated by neurosurgeons. 
  • Brain tumours and other tumours of the head and neck – managed by neuro-oncology, ear, nose and throat (ENT), maxillofacial (Max Facs), or haematology teams, depending on the tumour’s location and type. Neurologists may help with managing symptoms like pain or seizures. 
  • Most forms of dementia – managed by memory clinics, such as the one at Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust. 
  • Neurodevelopmental disorders – including autism and ADHD, which are treated by specialist neurodevelopmental teams. 
  • Non-headache chronic pain – managed by the pain team. 
  • Isolated nerve lesions – such as carpal tunnel syndrome or brachial plexus injuries, which are managed by hand surgeons in trauma and orthopaedics or at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital. 

If you are unsure which specialist team you need, your GP or referring doctor can guide you to the right service. 

Supporting other hospitals 

Neurologists from UHB also work with other hospitals in the region, including: 

  • Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust (Russells Hall Hospital) 
  • Sandwell and West Birmingham NHS Trust (Midlands Metropolitan Hospital) 
  • Shrewsbury and Telford NHS Trust 
  • Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust (Walsall Manor Hospital) 
  • The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (New Cross Hospital) 
  • Wye Valley NHS Trust (Hereford County Hospital) 

Support for Worcestershire hospitals 

The Neurology team at UHB also supports hospitals in Worcestershire: 

  • Worcestershire Royal Hospital 
  • The Alexandra Hospital, Redditch 
  • Kidderminster Hospital 

However, neurosurgical care for Worcestershire hospitals is provided by University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire. 

Last reviewed: 20 August 2025