Our practice was first set up in 2016 with two neurologists, and over the past few years we have expanded to be a practice of eight neurologists, a neuropsychiatrist, two neurophysiology scientists and two practice nurses, as well as a growing administration team. We are able to offer expertise in a wide range of subspecialty interests, with a particular focus in neuroimmunology (e.g. Multiple Sclerosis, myasthenia gravis), Epilepsy and Neurophysiology testing.

Neurophysiology Testing

We are now able to offer same-week nerve conduction studies and EEGs with our expanded capacity. All of our nerve conduction studies are performed either by a neurologist directly or with an experienced scientist who is closely supervised by a neurologist. EMG (needle insertion into a muscle) is always performed by a neurologist. Dr David Lee also offers ultrasound as an adjunct to nerve conduction studies and EMG.

EEGs are reported by experienced epileptologists Dr David Lee and Dr Arash Kharom – neurologists who have further specialised training (fellowships) in epilepsy and who work within the field of complex epilepsy.

We are also able to offer visual evoked potential (VEP) and somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) testing. These are tests used to help diagnose conditions such as optic neuritis and other central nervous system conditions.

Botulinum toxin

We are fortunate to have a number of neurologists in the practice who are experienced in injecting Botulinum toxin. We are able to offer this treatment for all neurological disorders including chronic migraine, cervical dystonia, hemifacial spasm, axillary hyperhidrosis and spasticity. We also can provide greater occipital nerve block injections, which injected in the practice rooms.

Nursing support

Our nursing staff have many years of experience as clinical nurses in neurology, both in inpatient wards and in our outpatient practice. They are a valuable resource in providing additional education and support, and linking in with community services. We offer in house services such as subcutaneous natalizumab administration, subcutaneous immunoglobulin education and training, as well as other MS treatment education. We can provide seizure safety advice and training to patients, families, schools, and workplaces.

Appointments

As we have multiple neurologists, we may offer you an appointment with a neurologist who has a specific interest in a particular condition or symptom that you have been referred with. Sometimes you may be offered an appointment with a neurologist who has a shorter wait list, particularly if you have an urgent problem. We keep a number of appointments available for urgent cases – these appointments are booked based on direction from the neurologist reviewing the referrals. The waiting times to see a particular neurologist can vary and often reflect how many days they are working per week in our practice. The majority of our neurologists also work at other hospitals in Brisbane as well. We don’t think it’s safe for people to wait a very long time for an appointment, so we may temporarily close books for an individual practitioner if the wait time is more than four months. In the case that we can’t offer a timely appointment for an problem, we will sometimes recommend alternative providers who we know are excellent neurologists. It can be worth checking back later on in the year if you haven’t found a practitioner who is a great fit though, as we will open availability back up as soon as possible.

Location

Our practice is located on the Mater Health Services campus at South Brisbane, with our office located in the Salmon Building. This is the former Mater Children’s Hospital building, and is on the same side of Stanley Street as the Mater Adults Hospital/Mater Mothers’ Hospital and on the opposite side of the road to the Mater Hill bus station and Mater Private Hospital. We are fortunate to be in the same building as the Mater Centre for Neurosciences and the Mater Day Infusion Clinic. While we are an independent private practice, we have close links to the Mater Hospital, with many of our clinicians also having appointments or affiliations there.

What is neurology?

Neurology is a specialty area of medicine involving the diagnosis and management of brain, spine, muscle and nerve disorders. Where neurosurgeons often treat similar types of problems with operations, neurologists treat people with medications and don’t operate. We can be involved in the diagnosis of problems, and then may refer to other doctors for ongoing treatment options. In many cases we may see a person regularly for several years.

There are many different diseases and disorders that are treated by neurologists. Common examples of these include Epilepsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Peripheral Neuropathy, Stroke, Migraine and Headache Disorders and Parkinson Disease, but there are many more, and hundreds of diseases that are very rare. Neurologists often work closely with GP specialists and allied health professionals in managing chronic conditions.

We are fortunate to have Dr Basil (Bill) Mantzioris, neuropsychiatrist in our practice. Neuropsychiatry is a subspecialised area of psychiatry and as can be imagined, any disorders affecting the brain, especially chronic conditions, can also affect mood, thinking and behaviour.

It can be a stressful time when you or a family member have developed a neurological issue. In the past, some neurological disorders have had significantly fewer treatment options compared to now. We are seeing significant changes in treatment options in many areas of neurology even in a few short years, and it is worthwhile checking with your GP to see whether it could be a good idea to see a neurologist again.