Neurology in Casablanca

Neurology is a branch of medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and the treatment of diseases of the nervous system. The nervous system is a complex and sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates our body activities. It is divided into two major parts:

• The central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord
• The peripheral nervous system: all nerves branching out from the brain and spinal cord, and extend to other parts of the body, including organs and muscles.

Since the nervous system is complex, there are numerous subspecialties within the field of neurology, including:

• Neurodevelopmental disabilities
• Pediatric or child neurology
• Neuromuscular medicine
• Pain medicine
• Hospice and palliative care neurology
• Headache medicine
• Vascular Neurology (stroke care)
• Sleep medicine
• Autonomic disorders
• Brain injury medicine
• Neuropsychiatry
• Epilepsy
• Neurointensive care

A doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system is called a neurologist. Symptoms that often require a neurologist help may include coordination problems, muscle weakness, confusion, dizziness, and a change in sensation. People who are having problems with their senses, such as vision, touch, or smell, may also require to see a neurologist since problems with senses are sometimes caused by disorders of the nervous system.

A neurologist may also treat patients with:

• Stroke
• Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
• Migraines and headaches
• Brain aneurysms
• Brain tumors
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Infections of the nervous systems, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or brain abscesses
• Neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis
• Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease
• Sleep disorders
• Spinal cord disorders, such as autoimmune and inflammatory disorders
• Speech and language disorders

Keep in mind that neurologist does not perform surgery. If you need surgery, you will be referred to a neurosurgeon.

What does Neurology Involve?

A wide variety of different tests and procedures are used to diagnose and treat neurological conditions. On your first appointment with a neurologist, a physical and neurological exam is likely to be performed. A neurological exam is done to test muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes.

Because different diseases can have similar symptoms, more than one testing may be required for your neurologist to make a diagnosis.

Some of the procedures that fall into the field of neurology may include:

Electromyography

Electromyography (EMG) is used to measure how well your muscles react to electrical stimulation from motor neurons, which are specific nerves controlling muscle movement. It can help neurologists diagnose general muscle or nerve dysfunction, as well as spinal cord disease.

During an EMG, small needles called electrodes are inserted into the muscle by a specially trained technician. The electrodes can measure the different electrical activity occurring in muscle tissue during periods of movement and rest.

Electroencephalogram

Electroencephalogram (EEG) is performed to assess and record electrical activity in your brain. Neurons in our brain communicate with other neurons through electrical impulses, which an EEG can record. Brain wave patterns can also be tracked by an EEG. It is used to help diagnose conditions of the brain, including tumors, inflammation, injuries, as well as psychiatric disorders, epilepsy, and seizures.

During an EEG, electrodes are placed on your head. The electrodes are connected to a computer, which converts electrical signals into patterns that can be seen from a screen or printed on a piece of paper.

Lumbar puncture

Lumbar puncture is done to test your spinal fluid. It involves inserting a needle into your spine after numbing it with an anesthetic. Using the needle, a sample of your spinal fluid is taken.

A lumbar puncture can help diagnose the following conditions:

• Meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Leukemia
• Myelitis
• Dementia
• Autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Bleeding in the brain

The procedure can also be used to treat conditions affecting the spinal cord. Your neurologist may inject anesthetics, cancer treatments, or antibiotics using a lumbar puncture needle.

Tensilon test

To help diagnose myasthenia gravis, your neurologist may perform a tensilon test. It involves the injection of a medicine called Tensilon. Then, your neurologist observes how medicine affects your muscle movements.

Sleep study

Chronic sleep problems are diagnosed in a Sleep Study. Also known as a Polysomnogram (PSG), this procedure involves monitoring patients during sleep and physiological data is recorded electronically.

Other tests

Other types of tests may be used by your neurologist to make a diagnosis. These may include:

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI scan)
• Computed tomography (CT scan)
• Positron emission tomography (PET scan)
• Biopsy
• Genetic testing
• Angiography

Botox injections

Botox injections can be done to treat some neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, that can cause your limbs to pull in toward your center. Sometimes, these contracted muscles can be relaxed with Botox injections.

Botox injections involve injecting tiny amounts of botulinum toxin into your skin of muscles using a thin needle.

Brain tumor treatment

A range of treatments can be done to treat a brain tumor. If your neurologist believes that you need surgery, you will be referred to a neurosurgeon who will remove as much of the brain tumor as possible through surgery.

A brain tumor may also be treated with radiation therapy, which uses high-energy beams to kill tumor cells.

Brain tumor treatment may be integrated between the departments of neurology and oncology.

Brain rehabilitation therapy

Brain rehabilitation therapy is used to help you relearn functions that are lost as a result of a brain injury. Brain rehabilitation therapy is usually integrated between specialty teams in the departments of neurology, sports medicine, psychiatry and psychology, neuroradiology, and the vestibular/balance laboratory.

Deep brain stimulation

During deep brain stimulation, electrodes are implanted within certain areas of the brain. The electrodes generate electrical impulses that can regulate abnormal impulses. These electrical impulses may also affect certain chemicals and cells within the brain.

Deep brain stimulation can be done to treat numerous conditions, including dystonia, essential tremor, epilepsy, and Parkinson’s disease. It is also being studied as a potential treatment for multiple sclerosis and stroke recovery.

Spinal stenosis treatment

Spinal stenosis is a condition that occurs when the spinal canal narrows and pinches the nerves, leading to back and leg pain. Spinal stenosis may be treated with pain medications, physical therapy, steroid injections, decompression procedure, or surgery. Surgery is usually performed if other treatments have not helped.

How Long Should I Stay in Casablanca?

Your length of stay depends on the type of procedure you have, you may be allowed to leave the hospital on the same day or you will stay for several days. For diagnostic procedures, you should be allowed to leave the hospital on the same day. However, you should wait until the results of the test are ready before you can fly home, which may take as long as 7 days, sometimes even longer. If you undergo brain tumor treatments or other types of treatment, especially treatments that involve surgical intervention, you should aim to stay in Casablanca at least for 10 days.

What's the Recovery Time?

The recovery time can be different for each procedure. It may also depend on the reason why you are having the procedure and your overall health. Your neurologist and neurosurgeon will give you a recovery timeline for each procedure. The recovery period for diagnostic procedures is typically short and you may be able to resume your normal activities within a week or so. For surgical procedures, you may need to wait 4 weeks or months until you can go back to your daily routine, including work and exercise.

What About Aftercare?

A detailed aftercare instruction will be given to you following your procedure. While the instructions will be different for each procedure, they typically include a diet plan, exercise, restrictions, and wound care (if any surgical intervention is involved). You should follow these instructions carefully in order to have a speedy and smooth recovery.

You may also need to attend follow-up checkups to monitor your overall condition and healing. For brain tumors, you may need to attend regular checkups to ensure the tumor has not come back.

What's the Success Rate?

The field of neurology is constantly advancing. The success rate of each procedure is typically high, particularly when performed by highly skilled and experienced medical professionals. Still, some procedures may carry some risks, such as bleeding, infection, and nerve injury.

Are there Alternatives to Neurology?

Since neurology is the branch of medicine to diagnose and treat problems of the nervous system, there are no other alternatives. However, if your doctor found that your disease or illness is found to be caused by other problems unrelated to the nervous system, your doctor will recommend you to see the relevant doctor.

Neurology in and around Casablanca

About Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and is located in the central-western part of the country. Many local and international companies set up their headquarters in this city, making it the primary industrial zone of the country. Casablanca might be the least popular tourist destination in the country, but take a closer look, it does have a lot of hidden gems. Tourists will find many astonishing things to see here. From beaches, markets, culture, to Art Deco architecture, this city is definitely worth a visit.

In line with Morocco’s emerging medical tourism, Casablanca welcomes an increasing number of medical tourists each year. The city is considered to be the most developed market for medical tourists, which in turn as made it one of the leading destinations for medical tourism in Africa. The medical system is divided into two sectors, public and private. The city is known for its modern medical facilities equipped with high-tech equipment. People from the Middle East, Europe, and the United States choose the city for cosmetic surgery and dental procedures, while people from other African countries with inferior medical centers come to have better healthcare. For medical tourists from Western countries, medical treatment in Casablanca is a lot more affordable. 

Popular Areas in Casablanca 

Casablanca is the main gateway to Morocco and despite only having a few tourist attractions; visitors will find some gems after a little exploration.

• Hassan II Mosque was completed in 1993 and built on a platform overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Covering around two hectares in size and can accommodate more than 100,000 worshippers, it is the second-largest mosque in the world. The dramatic location combined with the beautiful architecture offers a unique experience of praying. 
• The Medina or the old city district is a perfect place to wander around. The maze-like alleyways hide many things waiting to be discovered. Tourists can experience the local’s daily life, have some tasty food in one of the cafes, find traditional treasures in one of its shops, or just stroll around and admire its beauty. 
• Cathedral du Sacre Coeur may have been left to waste away in the past decades, but tourists can still see its beautiful structure and architecture. The guardian will sometime let tourists inside to get a sense of the building’s interior. The architecture is a perfect mix of European and Moroccan style. 
• Central Market is the place for tourists who want to shop and it is a bustling market where locals buy and sell groceries, but tourists usually come for Morocco’s famous slippers or solely for an opportunity to get amazing photos. Do a little haggling and take home some beautiful local souvenirs.
• Corniche or beachfront district is located in the same region as the Hassan II Mosque. The shoreline is filled with luxury restaurants, hotels, and beach clubs. There is also a public beach packed with surfers and swimmers. During sunny days, especially on weekends, people come to picnic on the beaches, have a refreshing dip in the sea, or splash around in swimming pools. 

Weather and Climate in Casablanca

The weather in this charming city can be quiet hot as it has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. Thanks to the cool Canary current off the Atlantic coast, there are always cool breezes even during the hottest days. The summer generally starts in June and ends in August. June is the driest month in Casablanca and August is the hottest month with an average temperature of around 26 °C. The temperature will decrease in October and the average rainfall will increase in December. Winter starts in December and visitors can expect January to be the coldest month with the temperature ranging from 7 °C to 17 °C. February experiences a lot of rain, making it the wettest month of the year.

Getting Around in Casablanca

Casablanca is home to the country’s primary international airport: Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport. It is the busiest airport in Morocco, located in Nouaceur Province and the airport operates both domestic and international flights which connect the city to many major cities in the Middle East, America, and Europe. Several budget airlines such as Air Arabia Maroc, Transavia Airlines, and Pegasus Airlines operate flights to and from this airport.

There are plenty of options to get around Casablanca and tourists can try the tram to get a good look at the city. The tram operates from 06.00 AM to 10.30 PM. The line connects some of the main neighborhoods and consists of 48 stops. The most inexpensive way to get around the city is by bus and it costs around 5 MAD. It is best to begin your journey at the designated stops along each bus route instead of stopping a bus in transit.

Taxis are widely available and there are two kinds of taxis: The Red taxi (Petit Taxi) or the White Taxi. The red taxi is a shared taxi, typically by four passengers. The White taxis act like buses with a set route and a fixed price, but the ride is much faster than the bus and you should always pay the driver at the start of your trip. 

Tourist Visas in Casablanca

Citizens of 66 countries including Australia, New Zealand, the United States, the European Union, and Japan can enter and stay in the country for up to 90 days without a visa. Citizens of Mali, Guinea, and the Republic of the Congo do not need a visa to enter but must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization. It is best to always check the current regulations to the Moroccan Embassy or Consulate in your country.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the official currency. The exchange rate from 1 USD is 9.70 MAD.
2. Money & Payments: The easiest way to access money is by the ATMs which can be found easily around the city. Credit cards are mostly accepted in high-end restaurants and hotels. Tipping can be mandatory sometimes.
3. Local Language: The official language is Arabic and Berber. French is widely spoken and understood. While English is not widely spoken, there are many people who can speak English, especially in tourist areas.
4. Local Culture and Religion: Most of the population are Muslims. Nevertheless, Christianity, Judaism, and Baha’i Faith are freely practiced.
5. Public Holidays: The city celebrates Islam religious holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Islamic New Year, and Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday.