Why I went into Neurology

The greatest lessons in life tend to come from your biggest mistakes. I am living proof of that. In my first year of medical school I failed neuroanatomy. Honestly, neurology wasn't even on my radar because of that failure. Don't worry I passed it later that summer and I ended up creating and implementing a neuroanatomy course as Chief Resident. I'd resigned myself that I would pursue physical medicine and rehabilitation like my mother. During my final year of medical school I didn't match into PM&R which ended up being a blessing. My next clerkship was in neurology and I realized that was what I was meant to do in life. Subsequently, I rotated in neuromuscular medicine with Drs. Terry Heiman-Patterson and Anahita Deboo and that cemented my commitment to neurology. The first day of that rotation, I showed up to the clinic and found out it was canceled as the American Academy of Neurology was meeting in Philadelphia that week. I was encouraged to attend the conference. That week I learned all the previously untreatable conditions were on the verge of breakthrough treatments and therapies. In particular, nusinersen was of the memorable treatments that were on the cusp of breakthrough and now it is available to treat spinal muscular atrophy. I was both fascinated and hopeful for my future patients who could be saved from a lifetime of paralysis. I knew I had to be a part of this.

Once I finished my residency I pursued fellowship in neurophysiology specializing in EEG and EMG. EMG training in particular helped me hone my knowledge of the peripheral nervous system and musculoskeletal system for diagnostic purposes. I wanted to be able to be able to treat my patients with a hands-on approach. My favorite kind of procedure is one where I can get patients out of pain immediately. Specifically nerve block, or relief within weeks with Botox.

Most people know Botox as purely a cosmetic medicine, but it has a wide array of therapeutic benefits. It can be used to treat migraines, blepharospasm (eyelid spasms), hemifacial spasm (your face spasms), oromandibular dystonia (bruxism/clenching/grinding), cervical dystonia (involuntary painful neck muscle contractions), limb dystonia (painful arm/leg contractions), spasticity, sialorrhea (excessive drooling), hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) and even more beyond neurology.

Nerve Blocks on the other hand are helpful for patients with headaches, nerve pain, neuropathic pain, and regional pain. After honing my skills with nerve blocks I transitioned into using the same lidocaine and corticosteriods for injection of joints, tendons, ligaments, and trigger points.

I enjoy discussing cases with pracititoners in other disciplines; PM&R, pain management, osteopathy, chiropractors, massage therapists, acupuncturists. I am always trying to learn more so that I may help my patients with the most up to date therapies and medications.