Neuroscience. The very mention of the word evokes images of brain scans, high-tech equipment and an alphabet soup of tests such as MRI, CT scan and the x-ray.

Some may think it’s synonymous with brain surgery, but that’s just part of it.

Neuroscience is the scientific study of the nervous system and includes sophisticated surgery from the brain down to the spinal cord. Sure, it involves surgery in some cases of stroke, tumor or traumatic injury. But it also includes medical monitoring of conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s and other neurological conditions.

It involves neurosurgeons as well as neurologists and a whole host of other specialty physicians who confer in patient care—from primary care to the emergency room to oncology.

While the closest most people want to get to neuroscience is watching stories about it on CSI or the Discovery Fit & Health Channel, it’s comforting to know that NorthBay Healthcare has a Center for Neuroscience in Fairfield, ready to serve all Solano County residents—and those passing through—at a moment’s notice.

Patients who once had to travel to the Bay Area for sophisticated care can now stay close to home. And individuals suffering injuries or a stroke can be treated quickly, avoiding the need for expensive and time-consuming transport out-of-county. That speedy response can make all the difference in the world when minutes matter.

NorthBay Healthcare’s multimillion-dollar investment in neuroscience truly brings advanced medicine close to home.