Drs. Pavot and Mendes are board certified in the field of neurology and see patients with neurological disorders.

Disorders

1. Alzheimer’s disease/Dementia- Dementia is a neurodegenerative condition that affects a person’s cognition (memory, behavior, personality, etc.). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia generally affecting people over the age of 60. While there is no cure for dementia, there are several treatment options that can potentially have an impact on the patient’s quality of life. For more information visit www.alzheimers.org.

2. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome/Entrapment Neuropathies- Carpal tunnel syndrome is one of many types of entrapment neuropathies that causes pain, numbness, and weakness in the hand. It is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist and is most often seen in people who perform frequent manual tasks (ie- computer users, quilting, etc.). Other common types of entrapment neuropathies include compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow ("funny bone") and the peroneal nerve at the fibular head (often presents with foot drop).

3. Dystonia and botox treatments- Dystonia is a series of disorders that result in abnormally increased muscle tone. Some examples include cervical dystonia (spasmodic torticollis), hemifacial spasm, writer’s cramp, etc. Many forms of dystonia are successfully treated with botulinum toxin (botox) injections. Botox injections provide muscle relaxation at the site of administration and are used off label for other conditions such as spasticity, muscle pain related to tension, migraines, and various other conditions. For more information, log onto
www.dystonia-foundation.org.

4. Electromyography (EMG)- Electromyography and nerve conduction studies (electrodiagnostic studies) are generally performed together for the evaluation of neuromuscular disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome, pinched nerves, and neuropathy. Patients requiring electrodiagnostic testing often have symptoms of numbness, weakness, neck/back pain, or pain in their extremities.

5. Epilepsy- Epilepsy is a disorder characterized by a recurrence of seizures. Convulsions are the most well recognized form of seizure. Other manifestations can include staring spells with unresponsiveness, uncontrolled limb or body movements, or with alteration of mentation. For more information about epilepsy visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org. 

6. Lou Gehrig’s disease (ALS)- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder that affects the cells in the spinal cord that control muscle function as well as the cells in the brain that also affect muscle function. ALS is the most common form of Motor Neuron Disease and is characterized by progressive weakness throughout the body. If you would like to learn more about ALS visit www.alsa.org.

7. Migraines/Headaches- Migraines are one of the most common headache syndromes. It is generally hereditary and is characterized by a one sided throbbing headache. Migraines sufferers typically may experience nausea, light-sensitivity, and will often have improvement in their headache after sleeping. For more information about migraines and headaches visit www.headaches.org.
 

8. Multiple Sclerosis- Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic neurological disorder that affects the myelin (insulation) of the brain and/or spinal cord. Its clinical presentation can vary greatly from patient to patient. Some manifestations can include visual loss, numbness, weakness, bladder incontinence, impaired walking, and spasticity. You can learn more about MS at www.nmss.org

9. Myasthenia Gravis- MG is a disease typically caused by antibodies that disrupt the function where the nerve stimulates a muscle to contract. It generally presents with fatigueable weakness, droopy eyelids, difficulty swallowing, or double vision. For more information visit www.mdausa.org/disease/mg.html.

10. Neuropathy- Peripheral neuropathy translates to “illness of the nerve”. It refers to a broad category of conditions that can affect the function of nerves. The most common symptoms include burning in the feet or hands, numbness, sensation of foreign body in the toes or tight band around the feet, weakness, or imbalance. Visit www.neuropathy.org  to learn more about this condition

11. Parkinson’s disease- Parkinson’s disease is a neurodegenerative disorder generally affecting individuals in their 60s and above. It manifests typically with a tremor, stiffness/rigidity, slowing of movements, and postural instability. There are numerous effective medical and surgical treatments for this condition. To learn more about this disease, visit www.parkinson.org.

12. Stroke- A cerebrovascular accident (stroke) is an interruption of oxygenated blood supply to a portion of the brain. It can occur as a result of bleeding in the brain or a blood clot disrupting blood flow in an artery. Symptoms often include speech impairment, visual impairment, facial droop, and/or numbness/weakness on half the body. It is a medical emergency and requires prompt evaluation at an emergency room. If you would like to learn more about stroke visit www.amhrt.org.