Common Conditions 

 

Our doctors have years of experience treating hundreds  of neurologic disorders. They will take time to discuss your particular problem in detail at the time of your visit. We have listed some of the more common neurologic disease we treat for your convenience.

 

Migraine Headaches are debilitating headaches typically affecting one side of the head and are associated with light and sound sensitivity and nausea. They are very common in young women and are often triggered by certain foods, stress, hormones or changes in sleep. We use a variety of medications to prevent headaches from occurring and for pain relief when the headaches occur. Dr. Misty Sinclair has expertise in botulinum toxin for neuromuscular disorders and over a decade of expertise of using Botox in the prevention of migraine headaches. Find out more about Migraines.

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Dementia and Memory Disorders There are many causes of memory loss. The term dementia refers to loss of cognitive skills (memory, problem solving, recalling names) over months or years. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. We aggressively pursue the work up for potentially treatable causes of dementia. Our doctors have extensive experience with all of the FDA-approved medications used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Find out more on Memory Disorders.

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Neuropathy often begins with tingling or numbness in the hands or feet and is often worse at night. While diabetes and alcohol use are the most common causes of neuropathy, there are many, many other causes. We use nerve conduction studies to characterize the neuropathy and other laboratory tests to investigate the cause in each individual. Our doctors are skilled in the use of many different medications used to treat the symptoms of neuropathy. Find out more about Neuropathy.

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Multiple Sclerosis MS is regarded as an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It frequently attacks patients in their 20's and 30's. There are many symptoms of MS including weakness, loss of vision, numbness and fatigue. The work-up often includes MRI scans, evoked potentials or a lumbar puncture. We are familiar with all of the FDA-approved medications to treat MS. In addition, our doctors work closely with each individual to help minimize their symptoms. Find out more about Multiple Sclerosis.

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Parkinson's Disease is characterized by tremor, slowness of movement, rigidity or stiffness and gait difficulty. It is always important to exclude other diseases (such as normal pressure hydrocephalus or medications) which might mimic this problem. We are familiar with many of the medications (i.e. levodopa/carbidopa, pramipexole, ropinerole) used in management of this disorder. We also collaborate with Dr. Richard Murrow of UNC who works with our patients with deep brain stimulators. Find out more about Parkinson's Disease.

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Essential Tremor is a very common problem as patients get older as is characterized by shaking in one part of the body (hand, head, or voice). It is always important to distinguish this from Parkinson's disease. It runs in families about half the time. Oftentimes, reassurance is the best medicine, although our doctors have experience using many different medications to manage this problem. Find out more about Essential Tremor.

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Epilepsy seizures are caused by rhythmic electrical discharges from the brain. Seizures may cause convulsions, episodes of inattention, or unusual periodic neurologic symptoms typically lasting seconds to minutes. Typical studies include an MRI of the brain and electroencephalogram. Our doctors use the newest medications to control seizures while minimizing side effects. It is always important to avoid medications which could trigger a seizure. Find out more about Epilepsy.

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Strokes are the most common cause of significant disability in adults in the United States. Dr. Bruce Solomon is fellowship trained in neuro-rehabilitation and for 17 years has been the director of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Center at Moore Regional Hospital. Pinehurst Neurology also directs the stroke program at Moore Regional Hospital. Our doctors also work aggressively with patients to prevent a second stroke after the first one has occurred. Find out more about Strokes.

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Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread pain associated with other symptoms such as poor sleep, poor concentration, fatigue and depression. Dr. Jonathan Richman has a special interest in this disorder and has lectured on this topic many times in our community. Treatment requires a comprehensive approach and involves evidenced based medications, exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy. Find out more about Fibromyalgia.

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Gait Disorders walking and balance problems are very common as patients age. There are many diseases which produce these symptoms. Our doctors are especially skilled at the neurologic examination to begin to discover the cause of a walking problem. Additional studies may include blood test, CT or MRI scans or nerve conduction studies. Once a cause (or etiology) is determined our doctors can make a plan to improve your walking. We also work closely with the physical therapists in our community who can be invaluable in helping out patients with gait disorders. Find out more about Gait Disorders.

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Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a painful condition caused by compression of a key nerve in the wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm into the palm of the hand, becomes pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Symptoms usually start gradually, with pain, weakness, or numbness in the hand and wrist, radiating up the arm. As symptoms worsen, people might feel tingling during the day, and decreased grip strength may make it difficult to form a fist, grasp small objects, or perform other manual tasks. In some cases no direct cause of the syndrome can be identified. Most likely the disorder is due to a congenital predisposition - the carpal tunnel is simply smaller in some people than in others. The risk of developing carpal tunnel syndrome is especially common in those who preform repetitive work tasks, such as assembly line work. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also associated with pregnancy and diseases such as diabetes, thyroid disease, or rheumatoid arthritis. Find out more about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. 

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Vertigo is the sense of movement of either oneself or the surrounding environment and must be differentiated from imbalance that is less often related to inner ear pathology.

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Common causes of inner ear vertigo are benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BBPV), viral labyrinthitis, Meniere’s disease and less common tumors of the vestibular system. Central causes of vertigo must also be taken into account, such as migraine-associated vertigo, cerebellar stroke, multiple sclerosis and vertebrobasilar insufficiency. Find out more about Vertigo and Dizziness. 

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Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury. Concussions are caused by a bump or blow to the head. Even a ding, getting your bell rung or what seems to be a mild bump or blow to the head can be serious. You can’t see a concussion. The signs and symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not show up immediately. Symptoms can last for days, weeks or even longer. Common symptoms after a concussive traumatic brain injury are headache, loss of memory (amnesia) and confusion. The amnesia usually involves forgetting the event that caused the concussion . Common signs and symptoms include: 

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• Headache or a feeling of pressure in the head

• Temporary loss of consciousness

• Confusion or feeling as if in a fog

• Amnesia surrounding the traumatic event

• Dizziness or "seeing stars"

• Ringing in the ears

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Slurred speech

• Delayed response to questions

• Appearing dazed

• Fatigue

If your child reports any symptoms of concussion, or if you notice the symptoms yourself, seek medical attention right away. Find out more about Concussions. 

 

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) a form of acquired brain injury, occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue.  Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain.  A person with a mild TBI may remain conscious or may experience a loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes. Other symptoms of mild TBI include headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, a change in sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking.  A person with a moderate or severe TBI may show these same symptoms, but may also have a headache that gets worse or does not go away, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions or seizures, an inability to awaken from sleep, dilation of one or both pupils of the eyes, slurred speech, weakness or numbness in the extremities, loss of coordination, and increased confusion, restlessness, or agitation.  Find out more about Traumatic Brain Injury. 
 

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