Snoring, disrupted sleep or daytime sleepiness?
Dr. Mahsa Pahlavanzadeh, a board-certified neurologist at NeuroIntuition, reviews your symptoms, sleep patterns, medications and medical history. Together, we identify appropriate next steps, which may include changes to your care, a sleep study or specialist consultation.
When testing is indicated, we can order a sleep study and coordinate testing with an outside provider. Sleep studies are not performed at our office.
If sleepiness makes driving unsafe, do not drive.
When to Discuss Your Sleep Concerns
Consider an evaluation for:
- Frequent snoring, witnessed pauses in breathing or waking gasping.
- Daytime sleepiness despite allowing enough time for sleep.
- Repeated awakenings or unrefreshing sleep.
- Persistent sleep difficulties affecting concentration, daily activities or functioning.
These symptoms can have different causes. Your assessment helps determine what needs attention rather than assuming everyone needs the same test.
Sleep and Neurological Health
Sleep concerns belong within the broader picture of neurological care. Untreated sleep apnea can affect concentration and memory and is associated with increased stroke risk. We consider these connections alongside your symptoms, medical history and ongoing care. NIH information about sleep apnea.
What Happens During Your Assessment?
We discuss when the problem began, your usual sleep schedule and its effect on your day. We review medications, relevant medical conditions, previous testing and observations from someone familiar with your sleep.
You do not need to know which test to request before contacting us.
Do You Need a Sleep Study?
Not every sleep concern requires testing. Screening questionnaires alone do not diagnose sleep apnea.
The appropriate study depends on your symptoms and medical history. Home sleep apnea testing suits selected patients; a history of stroke or certain other medical conditions may make an in-laboratory study more appropriate. A negative, inconclusive or technically inadequate home test may require an in-laboratory study to complete the evaluation for suspected sleep apnea. AASM diagnostic guidance.
Testing, Results and Follow-Up
We coordinate outside testing when indicated. Availability and any required insurance authorization affect scheduling. Before testing, we clarify the testing arrangements and who will formally interpret the study.
Your NeuroIntuition clinician receives the outside report, reviews the findings with you and discusses the follow-up plan. When appropriate, we also coordinate care with a sleep-medicine specialist or pulmonologist.
The consultation and outside sleep study may involve separate charges and billing arrangements. Review fees and scheduling information.
Preparing for Your Visit
Bring your medication list and previous sleep-study reports. Notes about your sleep schedule, symptoms and observations from a bed partner can help.
