BrainShield Preventative Neurology
Everyone wants to live longer, but in the search of QUANTITY of life, we can forget the importance of QUALITY of life. Over the last 100 years, modern medicine has increased the average American lifespan by over 20 years! This sounds amazing, but if practicing neurology has taught me anything, it’s that people value most their ability to be active, independent, cognitively strong, and be able to enjoy relationships with loved ones. I have made it my mission to study brain health and neuroprotection and I am very proud to offer BrainShield. This program will help us identify and mitigate risk factors for neurologic disease and give you the best chance of a long, and BRAIN HEALTHY life! Your BrainShield evaluation includes:
Full in-person neurology consult with Dr. Siegel
The first step in the program is a complete and detailed clinical evaluation. We will discuss your medical history and any neurological concerns. We will also discuss your family and social history, medications and other supplements, and screen for conditions that could put you at risk for developing neurological disease. I will also perform a full neurological and systemic physical exam. This initial consultation will take about an hour and can be done in the comfort of your home or office. That’s right, no need to take time off work to sit in a doctor’s waiting room!
Cognitive Assessment
A crucial part of the initial assessment is to establish a cognitive baseline. To determine this baseline, we use evaluations that have high sensitivity for cognitive impairment, test multiple different cognitive domains, and are standardized so that we can repeat tests at later times. In addition to in-office clinical exams, we use an online assessment called BrainCheck to determine the likelihood of any possible cognitive deficit.
Radiology
One of the greatest advancements in neurology over the last few decades is neuroimaging. Our program offers MRI imaging of the brain and the blood vessels of the head and neck. These advanced imaging techniques offer unparalleled precision in detecting early signs of neurological diseases, including structural brain changes and vascular abnormalities. As a part of your MRI, you will have volumetric analysis by NeuroQuant. This tool is instrumental in revealing various biomarkers crucial for the early detection and monitoring of neurodegenerative diseases. This approach underscores the program's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology in the pursuit of optimal brain health and disease prevention.
Blood Laboratories
Perhaps the most efficient way to evaluate for the widest array of risk factors is through blood testing. With Cleveland HeartLabs, we will perform a panel of tests to evaluate your genetic risk for Alzheimer’s Disease as well as markers for inflammation, hormone levels, kidney and liver function, and metabolic and vascular health. Our phlebotomist will come to you for convenience. No need to take time from your day to sit in a lab!
“This is a transformative journey that empowered me to take charge of my brain health before issues arise, truly a game-changer to my health and wellness.”
Heart-Brain Evaluation
A transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) can reveal conditions that might increase the risk of neurological disease by evaluating heart health and identifying potential causes of cardiac-related issues. It assesses heart valves, pumping efficiency, blood flow speed and direction, and the size and shape of the heart's chambers. In addition, a special procedure called a bubble study will evaluate for the presence of a patent foramen ovale (PFO). These conditions can be risk factors for stroke, impact cerebral circulation, and potentially contribute to neurological complications.
One of the biggest risk factors for stroke is atrial fibrillation, an abnormal heart rhythm. We will evaluate for atrial fibrillation with a 14-day at home continuous heart monitor by Stratus.
Home Sleep Study
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and irregular sleep patterns increase the risk for several neurological diseases, including stroke and dementia. Studies suggest many young people have ongoing undiagnosed OSA. We will provide you with a one night home sleep study from WatchPAT One to determine the possibility of OSA and other sleep disorders. No overnights in a sleep lab! No wires glued to your head!
“I’m proud to be enrolled in the BrainShield program. It’s a comprehensive look at my risk factors for getting brain diseases like dementia and stroke.”
Personalized Plan
Through our quest, we will identify your unique set of neurological risk factors. Just as you are a unique individual, your plan to remove or mitigate these risk factors is also unique. After all testing is completed, we will meet to discuss the results. We will review the meaning of all test results and will discuss plans to help you reduce your chance of developing neurological disease. Subsequent steps may include behavioral and habit changes, medication, further testing or procedures, or referrals to other specialists. I have found that most of my patients would like to avoid taking medications and I often align with that philosophy. Sometimes medications are clearly indicated, but I always prefer a non-pharmacological approach if possible.
NeuroNow Platinum
So what comes next? After we meet to discuss your results, you will be scheduled for quarterly in-person visits to review progress and discuss further steps. You will also get a year of the NeuroNow Platinum Program (a $2,400/yr value). This is our most popular care package for standard neurological patients. With NeuroNow Platinum, you get direct access to me 24/7. You get unlimited telemedicine visits, priority scheduling, evening and weekend appointments, and Complete Connected Care where I communicate directly with your other medical providers for updates and game-planning.
How Do I Enroll in the BrainShield Program?
Thank you for your interest in BrainShield. I believe in this comprehensive and evidence based program so much, that I have gone through all testing myself!
If you are interested in entering BrainShield, contact our office at 904-544-5350 or office@YourNeuroNow.com to schedule an appointment or to schedule a time to speak with me to learn more.
Once you have made the decision to enter the program, we will schedule a time for us to meet at a convenient place like your home or our office. Prior to the visit, you will be sent a “Welcome!” email. This email will contain links to medical forms which need to be completed before our appointment.
During the appointment we will go over the program and the items mentioned above. After the appointment, orders will be sent to Precision Imaging, Ashchi Heart and Vascular Center, Cleveland HeartLab, and Stratus. These facilities will contact you to schedule testing. I will give you the WatchPAT One home sleep study at our appointment for you to take home that day.
Because of the innovative and preventative nature of this program, insurance will not cover the costs of the tests. Your insurance will not be filed by me or with these providers and you will not be responsible for directly paying for any of the tests. If additional testing or referrals are needed above and beyond what is provided in this package, your insurance may be used.
We are offering a special introductory price for $5,000 which covers all of the components of the program listed here. Contact us for special offers and pricing discounts!
If you do not live in the Jacksonville are, we will work to organize all testing to minimize travel.
Take control of your brain health today for a brighter tomorrow!
Jason Siegel, MD and the NeuroNow Team.
