Renown Health is expanding access to advanced neurological care with the availability of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery at the Renown Institute for Neurosciences, bringing one of the most sophisticated treatments for movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, closer to home for patients across northern Nevada.
“The availability of Deep Brain Stimulation at Renown represents a significant step forward in the level of neurological care we can provide locally,” said Chris Nicholas, MHA, FACHE, CEO, Renown Regional Medical Center and COO, Renown Health. “DBS is a highly specialized therapy that requires advanced technology, surgical expertise and a coordinated care team. By bringing this treatment closer to home, we’re improving access to essential and advanced care options while helping patients achieve better outcomes and quality of life.”
DBS is used to help manage symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia; a neurological movement disorder causing involuntary, sustained or repetitive muscle contractions, leading to twisting movements, abnormal postures and sometimes pain, affecting one muscle or the whole body, when medications alone are no longer effective. DBS uses targeted electrical impulses delivered to specific areas of the brain to help regulate abnormal neurological signals. For many patients with movement disorders, DBS can significantly improve symptoms, restore independence and enhance quality of life.
This milestone was made possible in part through the generosity of eight local foundations and individual donors, coordinated by the Renown Health Foundation. Contributions ranged from $5,000 to $333,000, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing specialized care in the region.
“Philanthropic support played a critical role in making Deep Brain Stimulation available at Renown. Investments from local foundations and individual donors helped fund the advanced technology and infrastructure required to launch this highly specialized program,” said Gregory Walaitis, MEd, Chief Development Officer at Renown Health. “Their generosity is directly expanding access to leading-edge neurological care, allowing patients in our region to receive complex, life-changing treatment close to home and reinforcing Renown’s commitment to innovation and excellence in patient care.”
A Coordinated, Regional Approach to Care
Patients begin their DBS journey with a comprehensive evaluation through Renown Medical Group, including consultation with a movement disorder neurologist, advanced imaging, laboratory testing and neuropsychological assessment to determine the most appropriate treatment options. For patients who qualify and choose surgery, Renown partners with Sierra Neurosurgery Group.
DBS procedures are then performed at Renown by Dr. Angelique Tay of Sierra Neurosurgery Group, the only functional neurosurgeon in northern Nevada trained to perform Deep Brain Stimulation. Dr. Tay conducts DBS surgeries at Renown using specialized technology and operating room capabilities that Renown has invested in specifically to support this advanced level of care.
“This groundbreaking procedure, launched in partnership with Sierra Neurosurgery Group and Dr. Angelique Tay, marks a pivotal moment for our program, as it is a major leap forward, elevating the standard of neurosurgical care available in northern Nevada,” said Seth Langevin, Vice President of Neurosciences at Renown. “With Deep Brain Stimulation, we are now able to deliver advanced and essential treatment for patients with complex movement disorders, meeting the evolving needs of our growing community for years to come.”
Comprehensive Neurology Care at Renown Health
In addition to advanced Deep Brain Stimulation technology, Renown Health offers one of the most comprehensive neurology and neuroscience programs in the region through the Renown Institute for Neurosciences. Designed to help patients through every stage of their journey, the program brings together neurologists, neurosurgeons, rehabilitation specialists, advanced practice providers and care coordinators to deliver seamless, multidisciplinary care close to home.
Renown provides specialized diagnosis and treatment for a broad range of neurological conditions, including movement disorders, stroke, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine disorders, neuromuscular diseases, cognitive and memory disorders, and complex brain and spine conditions. Patients benefit from access to advanced imaging, minimally invasive and surgical interventions, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation, and ongoing care coordination tailored to individual needs.
With a focus on innovation, research and patient-centered care, Renown continues to invest in leading-edge technology, clinical expertise and programs that expand access to high-quality neurological care for communities across northern Nevada, Lake Tahoe and northeast California.
About Renown Health
Renown Health is Nevada’s largest, not-for-profit integrated academic healthcare network serving Nevada, Lake Tahoe, and northeast California. With a diverse workforce of more than 8,000 employees, Renown has fostered a longstanding culture of excellence, determination, and innovation. The organization comprises a trauma center, two acute care hospitals, a children’s hospital, a rehabilitation hospital, a medical group and urgent care network, and the locally owned not-for-profit insurance company, Hometown Health. Renown is currently enrolling participants in a community-based genetic population health study, the Healthy Nevada Project®. To join the Renown Health team, visit renown.org/careers.
