Rural Louisiana Hospital Fills Critical Healthcare Gap with Return of Neurological Testing Services
Rural Louisiana Hospital Fills Critical Healthcare Gap with Return of Neurological Testing Services
For years, residents of Morehouse Parish facing neurological concerns had no choice but to make the long journey out of town. Whether dealing with seizures, traumatic brain injuries, or other brain disorders, patients had to travel at least an hour to Monroe or beyond just to get an electroencephalogram (EEG).
Now, that’s changing. Morehouse General Hospital has restored EEG services after several years without them, marking a significant expansion of healthcare access for the rural community.
Ending the Wait
The lack of local EEG testing created a cascade of challenges for patients. Not only did they face long drives, but they also encountered lengthy waiting lists at larger city hospitals. For many rural residents, transportation itself was a barrier – finding reliable rides for multiple trips to distant medical centers proved difficult.
Valonde Moore, Director of Respiratory Care at Morehouse General Hospital, explained the impact this gap in services had on the community.
“A lot of people are on waiting lists to get EEGs done, and this will prevent them from having to wait so long to get treatment for their brain disorders,” Moore told KNOE 8 News.(Source: KNOE 8 News — link).”
Valonde Moore,
Director of Respiratory Care
The return of EEG services means patients can now receive timely testing close to home, without the burden of travel and extended wait times that delay critical diagnoses and treatment.
The Only Rural Option in the Region
Misty O’Neal, Respiratory Therapist, pointed out that Morehouse General now stands alone in the region as the only rural hospital providing EEG testing. This distinction makes the service particularly valuable for communities throughout the area.
“There’s no need to go out of town, in which transportation is hard to come by sometimes,” O’Neal explained.
For patients already dealing with health challenges, eliminating the travel requirement removes a significant obstacle to getting the care they need.
Modern Technology for Critical Testing
To bring EEG services back, Morehouse General Hospital implemented the Zeto EEG system – a modern approach to brain monitoring that uses a wireless, gel-free headset. The technology eliminates the mess and discomfort associated with conventional EEG testing.
“It’s very comfortable for patient use,” she said.
The setup process takes just minutes rather than the lengthy preparation required by older EEG equipment. This efficiency means faster diagnoses and improved patient care – critical factors in treating neurological conditions where timing matters.
Why EEG Testing Matters
EEG technology plays a crucial role in diagnosing and monitoring various brain disorders. O’Neal stressed how essential this testing is for early detection and treatment of conditions that affect the brain’s electrical activity.
The test can detect abnormal brain activity associated with seizure disorders, help evaluate patients after head injuries, and assist in diagnosing other neurological conditions. For patients experiencing symptoms like unexplained seizures or cognitive changes, getting an EEG quickly can be the difference between early intervention and worsening conditions.
A Community Hospital’s Commitment
“We are excited to introduce EEG services back to Morehouse General Hospital,” Moore said. “Having this innovative technology available means we can now provide timely and high-quality EEG testing for our patients – something we haven’t been able to offer for years.”
Morehouse General Hospital has been a cornerstone of healthcare in the region since 1931. The 49-bed hospital in Bastrop provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services.
The hospital’s decision to restore EEG services demonstrates its ongoing commitment to meeting the healthcare needs of rural communities. By investing in modern diagnostic technology and expanding available services, Morehouse General ensures that residents don’t have to choose between convenience and quality care.
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