McLEOD REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER 2 SEPTEMBER 2022

Dr. Nicole Hogan and Dr. Christopher Zust join McLeod Neurological Associates

By Dr. Nicole Hogan
McLeod Neurologist

For patients needing the services of a Neurologist, physicians trained in brain and nervous systems conditions, my husband, Dr. Christopher Zust, and I have joined with Dr. Deborah Kirby, Dr. Roland Skinner and Physician Assistant Charlotte Hanna in providing care at McLeod Neurological Associates.

Dr. Zust and I graduated from medical school at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. We then completed our Neurology Residency at the University of South Carolina/Prisma Health in Columbia, South Carolina. After residency we pursued further training by completing fellowship programs. I completed an Epilepsy fellowship at University Hospitals/Case Western Reserve University, and Dr. Zust completed a Neuromuscular fellowship with the Cleveland Clinic.

A fellowship in Neuromuscular provided Dr. Zust additional training in the clinical diagnosis and management of neuromuscular disorders. The fellowship in Epilepsy offered me additional training and education in diagnosing and managing various kinds of seizures.

Epilepsy is a brain disorder that involves reoccurring unprovoked seizures. Epilepsy is not rare and can occur as a single condition or with other conditions affecting the brain, such as cerebral palsy, Alzheimer’s Disease, or traumatic brain injury.

The onset of epilepsy is most common in children and older adults, but it can occur at any age. Those with a family history of epilepsy may be at an increased risk of developing a seizure disorder.

If a primary care physician suspects their patient may have epilepsy, they can refer the patient to any one of the four neurologists at McLeod Neurological Associates.

One of the tests used to aid in the management of patients with suspected epilepsy is the is the Electroencephalogram (EEG). This test records the brain’s electrical activity using painless electrodes on the scalp.

Patients are prescribed treatment based on the type of seizures they are experiencing and other medical conditions. Medication is the most common treatment. The goal of the physicians at McLeod Neurological Associates is to work with patients to find the right treatment plan so they may live a life free from seizures.

Epilepsy is just one neurological disorder that our team treats. There are several neuromuscular disorders that a physician can refer a patient to be seen by a neurologist.

Neuromuscular disorders affect the function of muscles due to problems with the nerves and muscles in the body. The most common sign of these disorders is muscle weakness.

Common muscular disorders that the physicians of McLeod Neurological Associates treat are:

• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Myasthenia Gravis

In neuromuscular disorders, there is usually a problem with the way the nervous system communicates to the muscles. This results in twitching, cramps, aches, muscle weakening and movement problems.

The diagnosis starts with a simple clinical observation from the physician looking for loss of muscle bulk and/or tone. Blood tests may be performed to measure the levels of proteins, vitamins, or other compounds which can be seen in neuromuscular disorders. More advanced testing, such as an electromyography (EMG) can also be performed, which can help uncover the diagnosis for certain neuromuscular disorders.

Many neuromuscular disorders have no cure, but they can be effectively managed and treated. By working with the physicians of McLeod Neurological Associates we can improve symptoms, increase mobility, and enhance quality of life.

 Dr. Nicole Hogan and Dr. Christopher Zust are board certified neurologists who care for patients at McLeod Neurological Associates in their new location, 800 E. Cheves Street, Suite 220, in Florence. They treat a broad range of neurologic disorders including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease and seizures. Dr. Hogan and Dr. Zust are accepting new patients by physician referral.