Education & Guidance
Understanding your neurological health is the first step toward better care. Explore condition guides, videos, and tools curated by our physicians.
Start Here
Select the symptoms you're experiencing to see which neurological conditions may be relevant — and when you should call our office.
A stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is blocked (ischemic) or a blood vessel ruptures (hemorrhagic). A TIA ("mini-stroke") causes the same symptoms but resolves within minutes — and is a serious warning sign. Every minute without treatment, approximately 1.9 million neurons are lost. Time is brain.
Learn about Stroke & TIA →Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder causing fluctuating muscle weakness — characteristically worse with activity and better with rest. Hallmark signs include drooping eyelids (ptosis), double vision (diplopia), difficulty swallowing or speaking, and limb weakness that worsens through the day.
Learn about Myasthenia Gravis →Essential tremor is the most common movement disorder — affecting an estimated 10 million Americans. Unlike Parkinson's tremor (which occurs at rest), essential tremor is an action tremor — it appears when using the hands for tasks like writing, eating, or holding a cup. It is not Parkinson's disease, though the two are frequently confused.
Learn about Essential Tremor →Bell's palsy is sudden weakness or paralysis of one side of the face caused by inflammation of the facial nerve. It typically develops over hours and causes drooping, difficulty closing the eye, and altered taste. Prompt treatment with steroids (within 72 hours) significantly improves outcomes — early evaluation is important.
Learn about Bell's Palsy →Restless legs syndrome (RLS) causes an irresistible urge to move the legs — typically in the evening or at rest — accompanied by uncomfortable sensations described as crawling, pulling, or aching. It disrupts sleep and is significantly underdiagnosed. RLS has both neurological and metabolic causes and responds well to treatment when properly identified.
Learn about Restless Legs Syndrome →Vertigo is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning. It can be caused by inner ear disorders (BPPV, labyrinthitis), central nervous system conditions (cerebellar or brainstem), or less commonly by migraine. A neurological evaluation helps distinguish inner ear causes from central causes — an important distinction for treatment.
Learn about Vertigo →Migraines are recurring, often severe headaches — typically one-sided, throbbing, and lasting 4–72 hours. They may be accompanied by nausea, light sensitivity, or visual disturbances (aura) before the pain begins.
Learn about Migraine →Seizures are episodes of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can appear as convulsions, staring spells, confusion, unusual movements, or loss of consciousness. A first seizure always warrants prompt evaluation.
Learn about Epilepsy →MS is an autoimmune disease that attacks the protective covering of nerves. Symptoms vary widely and can include numbness, blurred vision, weakness, fatigue, balance problems, and cognitive changes. Symptoms often come in "attacks" separated by periods of recovery.
Learn about Multiple Sclerosis →Parkinson's is a progressive movement disorder caused by loss of dopamine-producing neurons. Early signs include a resting tremor (often in one hand), stiffness, slowed movement (bradykinesia), and changes in posture or gait. Non-motor symptoms such as sleep disturbance and mood changes are also common.
Learn about Parkinson's →Neuropathy occurs when peripheral nerves are damaged. The most common pattern is "stocking-glove" — numbness, tingling, or burning pain starting in the feet and hands, sometimes with weakness. Diabetes is the most common cause, but many others exist.
Learn about Neuropathy →Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by compression of the median nerve at the wrist. Symptoms include tingling or numbness in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers — often worst at night. Weakness in grip strength may develop over time.
Learn about Carpal Tunnel →Memory changes, difficulty concentrating, word-finding problems, or confusion can have many neurological causes — from normal aging and stress to conditions like mild cognitive impairment, dementia, or treatable metabolic issues. A thorough evaluation helps identify the cause.
Learn about Cognitive Concerns →Radiculopathy occurs when a spinal nerve is compressed or irritated, typically by a herniated disc or bone spur. It causes pain, numbness, or weakness that radiates from the neck or back into the arm or leg — often described as "shooting" or "electric" in character.
Learn about Radiculopathy →These are medical emergencies. Do not drive yourself.
Plain-Language Guides
Each guide below is written by our team to help you understand common neurological conditions — what they are, how they're diagnosed, and how they're treated.
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures. A seizure occurs when a sudden surge of abnormal electrical activity disrupts normal brain function. Epilepsy affects about 3.4 million Americans.
Focal (partial) seizures start in one area of the brain. They may cause unusual sensations, movements, or emotions, and the person may remain conscious or become confused. Generalized seizures affect both hemispheres simultaneously and often cause loss of consciousness — including tonic-clonic ("grand mal") and absence seizures.
We use EEG (electroencephalography), MRI brain imaging, and detailed clinical history to classify seizure type and identify a cause when possible. Blood tests help rule out metabolic causes.
Anti-seizure medications (ASMs) control seizures in about 70% of patients. Medication choice depends on seizure type, age, and other factors. Patients who don't respond to medication may be candidates for epilepsy surgery evaluation or neurostimulation devices.
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks myelin — the protective sheath around nerve fibers. This disrupts signals between the brain and body. MS affects about 1 million Americans and is most commonly diagnosed between ages 20 and 50.
Relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) is the most common form — distinct attacks followed by partial or complete recovery. Primary progressive MS (PPMS) involves gradual worsening without clear relapses. Secondary progressive MS begins as RRMS and transitions to progressive decline.
Diagnosis requires clinical evidence of damage in multiple areas of the CNS occurring at different times. We use brain and spinal cord MRI, cerebrospinal fluid analysis (lumbar puncture), and evoked potential tests.
Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) reduce relapse frequency, slow disability accumulation, and reduce new MRI lesions. There are over 20 FDA-approved DMTs ranging from self-injections to infusions to oral medications. Symptom management, physical therapy, and lifestyle optimization are also key components of care.
Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurological disorder caused by the gradual loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra — a region of the brain that controls movement. It is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's.
The four primary motor symptoms are resting tremor (usually begins in one hand), bradykinesia (slowness of movement), rigidity (stiffness of muscles), and postural instability (balance problems). Non-motor symptoms include sleep disorders, depression, cognitive changes, and loss of smell.
Parkinson's is a clinical diagnosis — based on history and neurological examination. There is no definitive blood test. Brain imaging (DaTscan) may help distinguish Parkinson's from other movement disorders.
Levodopa (combined with carbidopa) remains the most effective medication. Other options include dopamine agonists, MAO-B inhibitors, and COMT inhibitors. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a highly effective surgical option for appropriate candidates. Regular exercise — particularly aerobic and balance training — slows progression.
Migraine is a neurological disease — not just a headache. It involves complex brain changes that cause recurring episodes of moderate-to-severe head pain, often with nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. Migraine affects about 1 in 7 people globally and is more common in women.
About 25-30% of migraineurs experience aura — transient neurological symptoms preceding or accompanying the headache. Visual aura is most common (zigzag lines, blind spots), but sensory, speech, or motor aura can also occur.
Acute (abortive) medications are taken when a migraine begins — including triptans, gepants (rimegepant, ubrogepant), and ditans. Preventive medications are taken daily to reduce migraine frequency — including beta-blockers, topiramate, amitriptyline, and CGRP monoclonal antibodies (Aimovig, Ajovy, Emgality).
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage to the peripheral nerves — those outside the brain and spinal cord. Over 100 types exist, affecting over 20 million Americans. Symptoms depend on which nerves are affected: sensory (feeling), motor (movement), or autonomic (internal organ function).
Diabetes is the most common cause in the US. Other causes include vitamin deficiencies (B12, B6, E), alcohol use, kidney disease, autoimmune conditions (Guillain-Barré syndrome, CIDP), infections (Lyme disease, shingles), and medications (certain chemotherapy agents).
Nerve conduction studies (NCS) measure how fast and how well nerves conduct electrical signals. Electromyography (EMG) tests the electrical activity of muscles. Together they help us identify which nerves are affected and the type of damage (axonal vs. demyelinating).
Treatment focuses on the underlying cause when identified. Symptom management includes gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, and topical agents. Fall prevention, proper footwear, and blood sugar control (for diabetic neuropathy) are critical components of care.
Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is caused by compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel — a narrow passageway in the wrist. It is the most common entrapment neuropathy, affecting up to 10% of the population.
Tingling, numbness, and pain in the thumb, index, middle, and part of the ring finger. Symptoms are often worse at night and may wake patients from sleep. Prolonged cases lead to weakness and wasting of the thenar muscles at the base of the thumb.
Nerve conduction studies confirm the diagnosis and grade severity (mild, moderate, or severe). This helps guide treatment decisions — particularly the decision between conservative management and surgical release.
Mild to moderate CTS often responds to wrist splinting (especially at night), activity modification, and corticosteroid injections. Severe or persistent CTS typically requires carpal tunnel release surgery — a simple outpatient procedure with high success rates.
Radiculopathy occurs when a nerve root in the spine is compressed, inflamed, or damaged. Cervical radiculopathy affects the neck and arm; lumbar radiculopathy affects the lower back and leg (commonly called sciatica when affecting the sciatic nerve).
Pain that radiates from the spine into the arm or leg, often described as sharp, burning, or electric. Associated numbness, tingling, or weakness in a specific nerve distribution pattern (dermatomal).
EMG/NCS helps confirm which nerve root is affected and the severity of damage. MRI of the cervical or lumbar spine identifies structural causes such as disc herniation or foraminal stenosis.
Most radiculopathy improves with conservative management: physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and activity modification. Epidural steroid injections may be recommended. Surgical consultation is appropriate when there is severe weakness, progressive neurological deficit, or failure of conservative treatment.
Some forgetfulness is normal with aging. Concerning signs include forgetting recently learned information frequently, asking the same questions repeatedly, getting lost in familiar places, difficulty with familiar tasks, and personality or behavior changes.
MCI is a stage between normal aging and dementia — measurable cognitive decline beyond what's expected for age, but not severe enough to interfere significantly with daily life. About 15-20% of people with MCI progress to Alzheimer's dementia per year.
Many causes of memory impairment are treatable: thyroid dysfunction, vitamin B12 deficiency, sleep apnea, depression, medication side effects, and normal pressure hydrocephalus. A thorough evaluation is essential before attributing symptoms to irreversible dementia.
Cognitive testing, blood work, and brain MRI are the cornerstones of evaluation. More detailed neuropsychological testing may be recommended for complex cases.
Recognize a Stroke — Act FAST
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted — either by a clot blocking an artery (ischemic stroke, ~87% of cases) or a ruptured blood vessel causing bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Brain tissue begins dying within minutes. Ischemic stroke is treatable with clot-dissolving medication (tPA) or mechanical clot removal (thrombectomy) — but only within a narrow time window.
A transient ischemic attack causes the same symptoms as a stroke but resolves completely within minutes to hours — because the blockage clears on its own. A TIA is a serious warning: approximately 10-15% of patients who have a TIA will have a full stroke within 3 months, with the highest risk in the first 48 hours. A TIA requires urgent evaluation — not a "wait and see" approach.
Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg (especially one-sided); sudden confusion or trouble understanding; sudden trouble speaking; sudden vision problems in one or both eyes; sudden severe headache with no known cause; sudden trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance.
After hospital discharge, neurological follow-up is essential for secondary prevention (reducing recurrence risk), medication management, and monitoring recovery. We coordinate closely with stroke centers and rehabilitation teams to provide ongoing care for stroke survivors in the Tallahassee region.
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disorder in which antibodies block or destroy acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction — the connection between nerve and muscle. This prevents nerves from triggering muscle contractions normally, causing characteristic fatigable weakness. MG affects approximately 20 per 100,000 people and can occur at any age.
Fluctuating weakness that worsens with activity and improves with rest is the hallmark of MG. Ocular MG (affecting only the eyes) is the most common presentation — drooping eyelids (ptosis) and double vision (diplopia). Generalized MG affects limb and bulbar muscles (swallowing, speaking, breathing). Symptoms are typically worse later in the day.
A myasthenic crisis is a life-threatening worsening where respiratory muscles weaken enough to require ventilatory support. Triggers include infection, surgery, stress, or certain medications. Patients with known MG should always inform physicians of their diagnosis before receiving new medications.
Diagnosis involves blood tests for acetylcholine receptor antibodies (AChR-Ab) and anti-MuSK antibodies, repetitive nerve stimulation studies, single-fiber EMG (the most sensitive test), and chest CT to look for thymoma — a thymus gland tumor associated with MG in ~15% of patients.
Pyridostigmine (Mestinon) improves neuromuscular transmission symptomatically. Immunosuppression (prednisone, azathioprine, mycophenolate) reduces the autoimmune attack. Newer complement inhibitors (eculizumab, ravulizumab) and FcRn inhibitors (efgartigimod) offer additional options for refractory cases. Thymectomy benefits patients with thymoma and many without.
Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder, affecting an estimated 10 million Americans — far more common than Parkinson's disease. It is characterized by involuntary rhythmic shaking, most often of the hands, but also affecting the head, voice, and occasionally the legs. ET tends to run in families (familial tremor) and worsens gradually over time.
This is one of the most common questions we receive. The key distinction: Essential tremor is an action tremor — it appears during voluntary movement (writing, holding a cup, reaching). Parkinson's tremor is a resting tremor — it appears when the limb is still and typically improves with movement. ET does not cause the rigidity, slowness, or balance problems of Parkinson's disease.
Diagnosis is clinical — based on history and neurological examination. There is no definitive blood test or imaging study. The examination assesses tremor characteristics, onset pattern, family history, and response to alcohol (ET typically improves transiently with alcohol; Parkinson's tremor does not).
First-line medications include propranolol and primidone. For severe, medication-resistant tremor, focused ultrasound thalamotomy (a non-invasive procedure) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) are highly effective surgical options that have transformed outcomes for patients with disabling tremor.
Bell's palsy is sudden, unilateral facial weakness or paralysis caused by inflammation and swelling of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). It is the most common cause of facial paralysis, affecting approximately 40,000 Americans annually. Most cases are associated with reactivation of the herpes simplex virus within the facial nerve.
Rapid onset (hours to days) of weakness or complete paralysis of one side of the face — affecting the forehead, eye, and mouth equally. Associated symptoms include inability to close the eye fully, drooling, altered taste, ear pain or numbness, and increased sensitivity to sound on the affected side.
Oral corticosteroids (prednisone) started within 72 hours of symptom onset significantly improve the rate of complete recovery — from ~70% without treatment to ~85% with treatment. Antiviral medications (valacyclovir) are often added. Early evaluation is essential to begin treatment promptly.
Facial weakness can also be caused by stroke, brain tumor, Lyme disease, or Ramsay Hunt syndrome (shingles of the ear). A neurological evaluation helps confirm the diagnosis and rule out more serious causes — particularly important when forehead sparing is present (suggesting a central rather than peripheral cause).
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sensorimotor disorder characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, typically accompanied by uncomfortable sensations — described as crawling, pulling, throbbing, aching, or itching deep within the legs. Symptoms begin or worsen during rest or inactivity, are worse in the evening and night, and are temporarily relieved by movement. RLS affects 5-10% of the US population and is significantly underdiagnosed.
RLS is one of the most common causes of chronic insomnia. The urge to move prevents sleep onset, and periodic limb movements during sleep (PLMS) — a related phenomenon — cause frequent arousals. Chronic sleep deprivation from RLS contributes to fatigue, mood disturbance, cognitive impairment, and cardiovascular risk.
Primary (idiopathic) RLS has a strong genetic component. Secondary RLS is associated with iron deficiency (even without anemia), pregnancy, kidney disease, peripheral neuropathy, and certain medications (antidepressants, antihistamines, antinausea drugs). Iron studies are always part of the initial evaluation.
Iron supplementation corrects deficiency-related cases. Dopaminergic medications (pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine patch) provide significant relief but carry risk of augmentation (worsening over time). Alpha-2-delta ligands (gabapentin, pregabalin) are preferred for long-term management. Low-dose opioids are used in refractory cases.
Vertigo is the specific sensation of spinning or rotation — either yourself or your surroundings. General dizziness (lightheadedness, unsteadiness) has a broader differential. The distinction matters because they point to different causes and treatments. A thorough neurological evaluation determines the origin.
BPPV (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo) is the most common cause — brief (seconds) spinning triggered by head position changes, caused by calcium crystals displaced in the inner ear. Highly treatable with repositioning maneuvers (Epley maneuver). Vestibular neuritis causes prolonged vertigo (days) after a viral illness. Menière's disease causes episodic vertigo with hearing loss and tinnitus.
Vertigo originating from the cerebellum or brainstem is less common but more serious. Causes include stroke, MS, cerebellar degeneration, and migraine-associated vertigo (vestibular migraine). Central vertigo is suggested by additional neurological symptoms, inability to walk, or vertigo not clearly positional.
Many patients with dizziness see multiple specialists without resolution. A neurological evaluation systematically distinguishes peripheral from central causes, identifies treatable conditions (BPPV, vestibular migraine), and ensures serious causes are not missed. VNG testing and vestibular function assessment may be arranged as part of the workup.
Watch & Learn
Video guides to help you understand neurological conditions, procedures, and what to expect during your visit. Videos produced by our physicians will appear here — check back soon.
A step-by-step walkthrough of the EEG procedure — what the electrodes measure, how long it takes, and how to prepare.
Tallahassee Neurology AssociatesWhat the EMG test measures, what the small electrical pulses feel like, and how to interpret your results.
Tallahassee Neurology AssociatesSeizure first aid, driving laws in Florida, medication adherence, and what to tell your family and employer.
Tallahassee Neurology AssociatesWhat MS is, how it's diagnosed, the different types, and an overview of disease-modifying therapies available today.
Tallahassee Neurology AssociatesWhy migraine is a neurological disease, the role of CGRP, modern preventive options, and trigger management strategies.
Tallahassee Neurology AssociatesInsurance cards, medication lists, prior records, imaging CDs — a complete checklist for new patients.
Tallahassee Neurology AssociatesWhen our YouTube channel launches, videos will be embedded directly on this page. Subscribe to Tallahassee Neurology Associates on YouTube to be notified.
Physician-Curated
Our physicians recommend these products to patients based on clinical experience. These are items we have personally evaluated — not generic suggestions. Always confirm with your neurologist before purchasing.
Disclosure: Some links below may be Amazon affiliate links. Purchasing through these links supports our practice at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely endorse.
A medical ID bracelet engraved with your diagnosis and emergency contact can be critical in a seizure emergency. We recommend stainless steel or silicone styles with clear engraving.
Search on AmazonKeeping a seizure diary is one of the most important things you can do. We recommend the Seizure Tracker app (iOS & Android) — detailed logging with medication tracking and easy export for your neurologist.
Visit SeizureTracker.comAnti-suffocation pillows are designed with perforated material to allow airflow during a seizure. Useful for patients with nocturnal seizures or those who sleep alone.
Search on AmazonA highly rated migraine diary app (iOS & Android) with trigger tracking, pain scoring, medication log, and easy-to-share reports for your neurologist appointments.
Visit MigraineBuddy.comGel-filled wraps that can be chilled or heated provide non-medication relief during a migraine attack. Look for styles that cover the forehead and the back of the neck simultaneously.
Search on AmazonScreen glare is a common migraine trigger. Blue-light blocking glasses reduce digital eye strain and photosensitivity — particularly useful in the evenings before sleep.
Search on AmazonNon-binding, seamless diabetic socks protect the feet from pressure and friction — critical for patients with sensory neuropathy who may not feel minor injuries. Look for moisture-wicking, padded-sole styles.
Search on AmazonNighttime wrist splinting is the first-line treatment for mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome. A neutral-position splint prevents wrist flexion during sleep, reducing median nerve compression.
Search on AmazonTranscutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units deliver low-voltage electrical current to modulate pain signals. Useful for neuropathic pain, radiculopathy, and chronic back/neck pain. OTC units require no prescription.
Search on AmazonA properly fitted cane reduces fall risk in patients with gait instability, balance disorders, or neuropathy. Adjustable-height folding canes are ideal for patients who need occasional support.
Search on AmazonFalls in the bathroom are among the most dangerous for neurological patients. A professionally-rated stainless grab bar near the toilet and shower is one of the highest-value safety investments for patients with balance or gait issues.
Search on AmazonMedication adherence is critical in neurology — missed doses can trigger seizures or worsen MS/Parkinson's symptoms. A locking pill organizer with built-in alarm reminders helps patients stay on schedule.
Search on AmazonOur physicians and staff are here to help. Call us or request an appointment and we'll get back to you within one business day.
