Institute of Neurology

1. History

• The Neurology Institute – Bach Mai Hospital, formerly the Neuropsychiatry Center and Department, was established on December 2, 1956, alongside the Department of Neuropsychiatry at Hanoi Medical University. In 1969, the specialties of Neurology and Psychiatry officially separated, marking a step toward specialized development. Over time, the Department of Neurology has grown significantly, establishing a firm position in the field of neurology both in Vietnam and the region.
• The Institute has expanded international cooperation with the USA, France, Australia, Japan, Israel, and ASEAN countries. It is a hub for the Vietnam Neurological Association and the Hanoi Neurological Association, and a member of the ASNA (ASEAN Neurological Association). On May 6, 2021, the Neurology Center was officially established based on the Department of Neurology, and subsequently developed into the Neurology Institute. In the new era, the Institute focuses on multidisciplinary development, applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) in diagnosis and treatment, and fostering deep sub-specialization to provide the highest quality of healthcare.

2. Functions and Missions
The Neurology Institute is responsible for treating general neurological diseases, with each unit performing specific functions:

• Neurological Emergency Room
  
  • Screening, classifying, and performing emergency techniques (e.g., intravenous thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke).
  • Treating critical conditions: large-scale cerebral infarction, massive cerebral hemorrhage, status epilepticus, etc.
• Neuro-Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
  
  • Treating severe neurological diseases requiring mechanical ventilation.
  • Performing advanced techniques: plasma exchange (PEX), immunoadsorption for autoimmune neurological diseases (Guillain-Barré syndrome, Myasthenia Gravis, Multiple Sclerosis, NMOSD, autoimmune encephalitis, etc.).
  • Implementing continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), therapeutic hypothermia, and bedside bronchoscopy.
• Cerebrovascular Disease Unit
  
  • Diagnosis and treatment of stroke (ischemic, hemorrhagic, subarachnoid hemorrhage, cerebral venous sinus thrombosis).
  • Stroke risk factor management and early post-stroke rehabilitation.
• Epilepsy and Pediatric Neurology Ward
  
  • Comprehensive management of epilepsy across all ages.
  • Routine EEG and Video-EEG monitoring; consulting on anti-epileptic drug regimens and indications for epilepsy surgery.
• General Neurology Ward
  
  • Treatment of headaches (migraine, tension-type headache), vertigo, sciatica, Parkinson’s disease, early-stage Alzheimer’s, peripheral neuropathy, sleep disorders, and demyelinating diseases.
• Infectious Neurology Ward
  
  • Treatment of encephalitis, meningitis, brain abscess, acute myelitis, and viral neurological diseases.
• Neurological Consultation and Follow-up Clinic
  
  • Continuous monitoring of post-inpatient and chronic neurological conditions.
  • Providing specialized counseling on disease prevention, home management, nutrition, and psychological support.
• Paraclinical Functions
  
  • Electromyography (EMG): Diagnosis of polyneuropathy (diabetic, B1 deficiency), polyradiculopathy (Guillain-Barré, CIDP), and neuromuscular junction disorders (Myasthenia Gravis) via repetitive nerve stimulation and single-fiber EMG.
    Electroencephalography (EEG): Diagnosis of epilepsy, metabolic encephalopathy, neurodegenerative diseases, and brain death.
  • Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound: Monitoring vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage; screening for stenosis, vascular malformations, and Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO).
  • Botulinum Toxin Injection: Treating movement disorders (blepharospasm, hemifacial spasm, cervical dystonia, writer's cramp) and post-stroke spasticity.

3. Future Directions

• Implementing 24-hour EEG and Polysomnography (PSG) for Parkinson’s, Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), and Restless Legs Syndrome.
• Developing advanced EMG techniques (hypocalcemia test, autonomic nerve testing).
• Applying MRI-guided Focused Ultrasound (MRgFUS) for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.

5. Photos of Activities