
Wellstar Neuro Care
World-Class Care for your Brain, Spine & Nerve Health
No neurological case is exactly like the other. That’s because people—their brains, their nervous systems, their genetics—are all different. At Wellstar, you are not a stroke statistic, a chronic headache case or a spine condition. You’re you, and we treat you that way.
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About
Neuro Care at Wellstar
Wellstar Neuro Care provides comprehensive treatment for back and neck pain, seizures, headaches and other complex conditions of the brain and spine.
We are wholly dedicated to helping patients regain control of their lives. Wellstar Neuro Care physicians are located throughout metro Atlanta and West Georgia to serve you and help you get the diagnostic tests and care you need to manage your condition and live a better life as soon as possible.
Our board-certified and fellowship-trained experts care for patients with strokes, aneurysms, tumors, seizures, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, migraine and headache disorders, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, and many more neurological conditions.
Our Care Philosophy
At Wellstar, we know there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to neurological care. That’s why our experts deliver highly personalized, compassionate treatments for the most complex neurological cases, so you can have peace of mind knowing you will receive world-class, tailored care specific to your needs.
Wellstar is the first health system in Georgia that belongs to the Mayo Clinic Care Network. Our specialists have a direct connection to Mayo Clinic and can request detailed consultations for complex cases, at no additional cost to you.
Not only is Wellstar is recognized for its high level of stroke care by organizations including The Joint Commission and The American Stroke Association, but we are also home to one of Georgia’s most comprehensive centers for treating headaches and migraines.
Multidisciplinary Approach
Wellstar offers a unique, collaborative network of care that’s difficult to find anywhere else. Patients benefit from a broad team of specialists whose expertise focus on all aspects of the care journey from diagnosis and treatment to recovery. That includes non-surgical treatment, the operating room, the neurological intensive care unit, and inpatient and outpatient neurological rehabilitation.
Patients have access to a true continuum of care at Wellstar, with specialists collaborating for coordinated care. Our neurologists and neuroimmunologists work closely with specialists across the system including neuroradiologists, neurophysiologists, neurosurgeons, vascular neurosurgeons, as well as physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians and therapists in a neurological settings.
Care coordinators and nurse navigators educate patients and families and help them transition between specialists and support services seamlessly, so they feel comfortable and empowered in their health.
Nationally-Recognized Care
Our team excels to meet and exceed national quality metrics. We are reviewed by outside organizations to ensure patients can count on the highest quality care and the best outcomes.
Our care for patients experiencing strokes is recognized by the American Stroke Association at hospitals across the system, including the highest recognition of Stroke Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center and Wellstar Kennestone, Cobb and North Fulton hospitals.
Our spine programs for back and neck pain are recognized as Centers of Excellence by Aetna and Blue Cross.
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital is recognized as a Certified Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center by The Joint Commission. It is the highest level of stroke certification available.
The neurological intensive care units at Wellstar Kennestone, Cobb and North Fulton hospitals are Beacon-designated Neuro ICUs. The Beacon Award for Excellence is bestowed on hospital units that employ evidence-based practices to improve patient and family outcomes. Very few hospitals in the state have achieved this level of care.
Neuro Research & Clinical Trials
The Wellstar Research Institute and top industry partners have led the charge in providing state-of-the-art treatments for complex neurological conditions, often years before FDA approval.
Clinical trials close to home
For qualifying patients, clinical trials can offer access to new and cutting-edge treatments, procedures and technologies, often years before these therapies are approved by the FDA. Wellstar Health System is currently participating in many neurovascular clinical trials for stroke, aneurysm repair, brain contusions and other conditions.
Proven clinical success & excellence
The Wellstar Research Institute understands how clinical trials can advance the health of patients with neurological disorders, not only in the state of Georgia but across the entire nation. That’s why we work to enroll qualifying patients in groundbreaking clinical trials close to home.
Thanks to our clinical trial participants, many advanced therapies and enhanced practices for neurological disorders are now available more widely.
Participate & make a difference
Clinical trial participants are leaders in their own healthcare and help other patients have access to innovative treatments, technologies and procedures. Depending on your medical history and neurological condition, there may be a clinical trial that’s right for you.
Support with the Wellstar Foundation
As a not-for-profit, gifts to the Wellstar Foundation make it possible to provide patients with additional resources and amenities for a higher level of comfort and care.
Every dollar donated supports Wellstar’s vision of delivering world-class healthcare, which is carried out through patient-centered programs, advancements in technology and making reliable healthcare available close to home. Your generosity also makes it possible to provide free diagnostic services to uninsured and underinsured patients every year.
For more information about how to support patients, visit the Foundation email [email protected] or call (770) 956-GIVE.

PeopleCare Stories

CINDyCare
Cindy Mejia enjoys trying out new recipes in her kitchen at her Roswell home, or trying to keep up with her little granddaughter (who just discovered how much fun it is to run). But one Wednesday in September, Cindy woke up and reached for her computer—she felt a little groggy and couldn't remember her password but didn't immediately realize something was wrong.
Read her story
AshleyCare
September hasn't always been Ashley Irwin’s favorite month. Years ago, that time of year when the leaves changed into bright, warm colors held some of the darkest moments of her life. In 2011, a 28-year-old Ashley was battling a particularly bad bout of Crohn’s disease, an inflammatory illness that can cause painful and often debilitating abdominal and bowel issues.
Read her story
ZacCare
Looking at Zac DiGiorgio today, you wouldn't know he almost lost his life—twice. Like any typical guy in his early 20’s, Zac was always on the move. He liked to keep himself busy and lead an active lifestyle. So naturally, when his parents needed their shutters replaced, Zac was the first to volunteer. With a drill in hand, he climbed up the ladder to replace the old hardware and change out the shutters. Moments later, everything changed in the blink of an eye.
Read his story
LlenCare
Llen Ryan has been the rock of her family’s household for more than 50 years, from raising children alongside her husband Frank and watching her grandchildren grow up. When she started feeling constant back pain six years ago, she knew she wouldn’t give up her independence and exercise routine without a fight.
Read her story
UlyssesCare
If you looked up the word “active” in the dictionary, you just might find Ulysses Price’s picture. That changed when severe neck and shoulder pain entered the picture. Now, after a state-of-the-art neck procedure, Ulysses is back in action and doing his favorite activities — even better than before.
Read his story
New Technology at Wellstar is Improving Outcomes for Complex Brain Bleed Patients
Wellstar is home to a new tool that is improving treatment for patients experiencing intra-cerebral hemorrhages, or bleeding strokes.
Learn more
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital Performs First Neurovascular Robotic Procedure
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital performed its first robotic neurovascular case — a diagnostic cerebral angiogram, which is a procedure used to evaluate blood vessels in the brain.
Learn more
Conquering Pain with Spine Surgery at Wellstar North Fulton Hospital
With minimally invasive spine surgeries and compassionate, expert caregivers, Wellstar’s spine patients are returning to their routines, pain-free.
Learn more
Wellstar Leads New, Life-Saving Treatment for Ischemic Strokes
When it comes to strokes, seconds can mean the difference between life, death and lasting damage. That’s why Wellstar Health System is dedicated to developing faster, more effective stroke treatments not just for Georgians, but people across the nation.
Learn more
Neuro Care You Can Count on at Wellstar
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital is home to a specialized Neuro-Intensive Care Unit staffed with a multidisciplinary team of neurocritical care physicians, neurologists and nurses experienced in treating the most complex stroke and aneurysm cases.
Learn more
Defeating Pain with Successful Spine Surgeries at Wellstar
Barbara Deans was worried she would never walk again — until she went to Wellstar. She turned to Dr. Marcus Gates, a neurosurgeon at Wellstar Cobb Hospital, about her next steps.
Learn moreServices
- Neurosurgery — Brain & Spine
- Brain & Spine Tumor Care
- Cerebrovascular Neurosurgery — Stroke & Aneurysm
- Neurocritical Care
- Neurology
- Headache Center — Migraine
- Neuroimmunology for Multiple Sclerosis
- Movement Disorder Center — Parkinson's Disease
- Epilepsy, Seizures & Other Neurophysiological Disorders
- Pain Management
- Chiropractic
- Neuro Rehabilitation
- Electroencephalograms (EEG)
- Cerebral angiogram
- Nerve conduction studies/ Electromyography (EMG)
- Prescription-based therapy
- Botulinum toxin injections
- Nerve blocks
- Tenecteplase therapy
- Thrombectomy and stent placement
- Aneurysm repair
- Intracranial and extracranial stent
- Targeted radiation for brain tumors
- Microneurosurgery
- Endovascular surgery
- Endoscopic pituitary surgery
- Neurotrauma surgery
- Minimally-invasive/complex spine surgery
- Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS)
Locations
Suite 400
Marietta, GA 30060
Suite 310
Marietta, GA 30060
Austell, GA 30106
Suite 202
Marietta, GA 30067
Suite 210
Woodstock, GA 30189
Suite 311
Marietta, GA 30062
Roswell, GA 30076
Suite 2020
Douglasville, GA 30134
Suite 440
Roswell, GA 30076
Suite 340
Hiram, GA 30141
Atlanta, GA 30312
Austell, GA 30106
Marietta, GA 30060
Suite 3110
Marietta, GA 30060
Suite 215
Smyrna, GA 30080
Suite 415
Atlanta, GA 30312
Suite 311
Marietta, GA 30062
Suite 215
Smyrna, GA 30080
Suite 3110
Marietta, GA 30060
Suite 310
Roswell, GA 30076
Suite 210
Woodstock, GA 30189
Suite 102
Austell, GA 30106
Suite 1826
Acworth, GA 30101
Suite 311
Marietta, GA 30062
Suite 212
Smyrna, GA 30080
Roswell, GA 30076
Suite 1826
Acworth, GA 30101
Smyrna, GA 30082
Suite 311
Marietta, GA 30062
News & Events
Related Articles

Article
Wellstar Saves Lives with Advanced Stroke Care
No one expects to have a stroke — much less one that is rare or complicated to treat. However, these life-threatening medical events can happen to anyone, at any time.
That’s why Wellstar now offers the highest level of stroke care at two key locations: Wellstar Kennestone Hospital and Wellstar North Fulton Hospital. Here, patients have access to cutting-edge treatments, advanced technology and an expert neuro team, ready to treat even the most complex strokes.
Our primary stroke centers — including Wellstar Atlanta Medical Center, Wellstar Cobb Hospital and Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital — are also poised to deliver high-quality stroke care where it’s needed most.
“Wellstar has nine hospitals that provide stroke care in our network,” said Dr. Rishi Gupta, director of stroke and neurocritical care with Wellstar Health System. “Each of these locations is in communities that have high stroke rates in metro Atlanta.”
Wellstar is the leading provider of stroke and aneurysm services in the state and performs one of the highest numbers of thrombectomy and aneurysm treatments in the country.

PeopleCare
UlyssesCare
If you looked up the word “active” in the dictionary, you just might find Ulysses Price’s picture.
Between serving on the tennis court, racking up strikes in bowling and learning new moves in martial arts, he defines life by what brings him the most joy: movement.
But all that changed when severe neck and shoulder pain entered the picture. Ulysses could barely do a double take let alone hold play doubles on the court.
“Not being able to do simple things like reach for a bowl in the cupboard or turn my neck were big limitations in my life,” Ulysses said. “I tried to tough it out. But when the pain was non-stop, that’s when I decided I needed medical attention.”
Ulysses turned to Wellstar’s neuro experts to help him take control of his health. Now, after a state-of-the-art neck procedure, Ulysses is back in action and doing his favorite activities — even better than before.
From diagnosis to surgery and recovery, Ulysses formed a lasting partnership with his Wellstar care team and knows he can face any health hurdle with confidence.
Health providers who have your back
When pain became a constant part of Ulysses’ life, he sought help from Wellstar Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Tawian Livingston. For more than a decade, the two have had a healthcare bond that’s been focused on keeping Ulysses feeling his best.
Dr. Livingston explained how having an established primary care provider brings healthcare to the next level.
“A primary care physician has your back and is in your corner,” Dr. Livingston said. “If you have problems with any health issues, they’re the person you go to and build trust together.”
Dr. Livingston took Ulysses’ pain seriously. After an MRI revealed a serious spinal issue, he connected Ulysses with expert neuro care at Wellstar right away.
That’s when Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Phillip Parry joined the team, determined to help put an end to Ulysses’ pain. Dr. Parry stressed how important physicians like Dr. Livingston are when it comes to keeping a keen eye out for potential medical issues.
“The value of having a primary care provider who can identify neck and low back pain cannot be overstated,” Dr. Parry said. “Having these conditions addressed early by the right specialists is extremely important.”
Catching neurological conditions at the start is key to helping patients have the best outcome possible. The same was true for Ulysses, whose spine issues were interfering with his everyday life.
“Ulysses had a narrowing in the cervical canal of his cervical spine, the bony portion through which the spinal cord is transmitted,” Dr. Parry said. “As we age, virtually all patients develop some amount of this compression.”
“In Ulysses’ case, his spinal compression had become so severe that it was causing spinal cord dysfunction,” Dr. Parry explained. “His condition resulted in weakness in his hands, being unable to walk with confidence and feeling very unstable on his feet.”
Working together, the pair discussed the potential treatment options for his pain. Because Dr. Parry always kept an open dialogue, Ulysses felt comfortable being an active participant in his care.
“I always try to be proactive about any medical procedure and do my research to know as much about it as possible,” Ulysses said, sharing how Dr. Parry took time to answer his questions. “Dr. Parry listened and spoke with me about the most up-to-date procedures, and that made me quite comfortable with him as a person and a physician.”
Soon, they created a care plan that would help Ulysses live his healthiest life for years to come.

Highlights
New Technology at Wellstar is Improving Outcomes for Complex Brain Bleed Patients
Wellstar is home to a new tool that is improving treatment for patients experiencing intra-cerebral hemorrhages, or bleeding strokes.
Wellstar Cerebrovascular Care has been on the cutting edge of minimally invasive procedures and surgeries for patients suffering with strokes and hemorrhagic strokes. This latest treatment offers minimally invasive surgery for a disease with devastating outcomes. The Artemis Neuro Evacuation Device uses a neuroendoscope — a small tube with a camera — that is inserted into the brain to reach the bleeding in areas of the brain that were previously unreachable by neurosurgeons. The clot is pulled out using the end of the tube, either with suction or a device that eats away at the clot.
Wellstar is a leader in this groundbreaking treatment — only a handful of health systems in the country offer it. Now, Wellstar patients can access this care close to home, which is especially crucial for brain bleeds — a condition that has been nearly impossible to treat in the past.
While 80% of strokes occur because a blood vessel in the brain or neck is clogged, these deep-in-the-brain, often fatal bleeding strokes can be difficult to access without damaging other parts of the brain. Often, these patients’ conditions are managed with therapies to keep the pressure in the head down. Bleeding strokes are dangerous as well — about 40% of people who experience one die within 30 days, and 75% are severely disabled, according to Wellstar Neurosurgeon Dr. Benjamin Zussman.
However, innovative technology like the FDA-approved Artemis system can improve those outcomes, and Wellstar is keeping that world-class care close to home. The tool has been used at Wellstar North Fulton Medical Center and Wellstar Kennestone Regional Medical Center.
“With the cutting-edge Artemis tool and new protocol for treating these difficult types of brain bleeds, we can be safe about the removal of these clots deep in the brain. It's a ‘finesse’ tool,” Dr. Zussman said. “We can access and remove the clot without damaging other parts of the brain, which can heal faster and better. It saves lives and saves quality of life.”
To learn more about stroke care at Wellstar, visit wellstar.org/neurocare.