Your Brain & Spine Tumor Team
Contact Us
Our nurse navigator is here to help answer any Cottage Neuroscience questions you may have. Please contact Chelsea Brooks, BSN, RN, SCRN at 805-450-8820 or at cbrooks@sbch.org
When you experience a brain or spine tumor, well-rounded treatment improves your outcome. That’s why you’ll get personalized care from a multidisciplinary medical and surgical team at the Santa Barbara Neuroscience Institute at Cottage Health.
Neurologists
Neurologists specialize in diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders. These doctors don’t perform surgery but refer you to a neurosurgeon if you need one.
Neurosurgeons
Neurosurgeons with years of training perform complex surgeries that relieve nervous system disorders. Neurosurgery treats the delicate brain and spine and requires a high level of skill, which you’ll find at Cottage Health.
Neuropsychologists
Neuropsychologists study the relationship between your brain and your thinking and behavior. They may evaluate and treat you after a brain injury or disease.
Neuropathologists
Neuropathologists specialize in diagnosing brain and spinal cord diseases. These doctors use microscopes to examine tissue, fluid and cells from your body to determine the type of tumor you have.
Neuroradiologists
Neuroradiologists use imaging procedures to diagnose tumors, lesions and other disorders of the brain, spine, head and neck, as well as nerves outside your brain and spine.
Neuroendocrinologists
Neuroendocrinologists diagnose and treat diseases and tumors in your glands, especially the pituitary gland. This gland sits at the base of your brain and secretes hormones that affect your growth, blood pressure, sex organs, thyroid, metabolism and other bodily functions.
Oncologists
Oncologists diagnose and treat cancer. They may specialize in using medication (chemotherapy), radiation or surgery to treat the disease.
Otolaryngologists
Otolaryngologists diagnose and treat disorders of your ear, nose and throat (ENT). Commonly known as ENTs, these doctors also treat head and neck tumors.
Anesthesiologists
Anesthesiologists help ensure your safety and comfort before, during and after surgery. They give you anesthesia to prevent pain and provide sedatives to relax you before a procedure.
Nurse Navigators
Nurse navigators guide you through the diagnosis, treatment and recovery process. They help you and your family:
- Communicate with health care providers
- Find community resources and support
- Schedule medical appointments
- Understand your condition and treatment options
Nurse Practitioners
Nurse practitioners hold master’s degrees in nursing and board certification in a medical specialty, such as neuroscience. They serve as primary and specialty care providers under a physician’s supervision.
Nurses
Nurses provide basic medical care, such as:
- Educating you on managing symptoms
- Giving medications
- Preventing and cleaning wounds
- Taking your vital signs
