Outpatient Specialty Medical Clinic

For diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders with a specialty focus in dizziness, vertigo and balance problems. Electromyography and nerve conduction velocity studies are also provided in our office.

The Practice

Dr. Brown, a self-employed physician, is the sole practitioner of West Portland Neurology, a private office located on the Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital Campus. He is assisted by a registered nurse and administrative staff.

New Patients

New patients are accepted only on referral from another health care provider, such as a general practitioner or other specialist.  Dr. Brown is primarily acting as a diagnostician for new patients with dizziness, vertigo and balance problems or those in need of specialized neurophysiology testing. He works in consultation with the patient's referring practitioner and/or primary care provider. 

Referring Providers

We appreciate referrals for patients with dizziness, vertigo and balance problems as well as those in need of EMG and NCV studies. If you are a health care provider, please fax your request to our office at 503-796-2742.  To assist us in expediting the processing of your referral, please include relevant medical  records and your patient's contact and insurance (or other payment) information. Dr. Brown requires a review of medical records prior to scheduling. Once reviewed, our office staff with contact your patient. If we are unable to schedule your patient for any reason, we will notify your office. Please feel free to contact us for further information at 503-954-1566.

Services Offered

• Comprehensive neurological evaluation with diagnostic tests as appropriate, including written report to referring providers
• Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) Studies
• Intraoperative Neurophysiology Monitoring
• Full auditory and vestibular (balance) testing services through Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital Audiology and Vestibular Laboratory with interpretation. These services may include:
  • Tympanometry
  • Acoustic Reflex Studies
  • Electrocochleography
  • Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR)
  • Frequency-Specific Threshold ABR Studies
  • Otoacoustic Emissions (OAE)
  • Tinnitus Evaluations
  • Electronystagmography (ENG) or videonystagmography (VNG)
  • Computerized Dynamic Posturography
  • VNG Pressure Test
• Canalith repositioning for treatment of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Referral to balance therapy programs for rehabilitation as appropriate
• Expert diagnosis, management, treatment and support

FAQ's

What is a neurologist?

A neurologist is a medical doctor (or physician) with specialized training in conditions that affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and the complex network of nerves and muscles throughout the body. Neurologists do not perform surgery, but focus on determining the basis or cause of your problem. Disorders may be treated with medications and/or various forms of therapy. If necessary, patients are referred to a surgeon.

What is an otoneurologist?

An otoneurologist is a neurologist who is an expert in how the inner ear and the brain work together to produce coordination, visual stability, balance and reflexes. Otoneurologists should have fellowship training in addition to their training in general neurology. Although an otoneurologist is not an otologist (an ear surgeon), otoneurology includes some expertise in disorders of hearing such as deafness and tinnitus. When the inner ear dysfunctions, we lose our sense of balance and may suffer symptoms such as hearing loss, vertigo, nausea, vomiting, and loss of balance. An otoneurologist is trained in recognizing when these symptoms may be caused by a neurological disease. Since an otoneurologist is a neurologist first, in general, they will also diagnose and treat other neurological diseases.

What are EMG and NCV studies and how should I prepare for these procedures?

EMG (electromyography)and NCV (nerve conduction velocity) studies are tests that are helpful when a nerve or muscle disorder is suspected. These tests are often done together.

NCV measures the speed at which nerves transmit electrical signals and tells us about the health of the nerve. During this procedure, electrodes are placed on the skin over a nerve or specific muscle group. A mild, brief electrical stimulus is delivered through the electrode, and the nerve and muscle response is detected, amplified, and measured.

EMG provides information about how well a muscle is working. This test records the electrical activity within the muscles at rest and then during contraction. Very fine wire electrodes are inserted into various muscles to measure this activity. This test can be helpful in the diagnosis of muscle diseases or pinched nerves in the neck or back.

In our office, testing is typically scheduled for 45 minutes, but the timing may be more of less since it depends on the number of muscles and nerves to be tested. Please be aware that these tests may be somewhat uncomfortable. Please refrain from wearing lotion on the areas to be tested. Also, please let the doctor know beforehand if you are taking any prescription blood thinners. Dr. Brown will discuss his findings with you after the procedure.

Dr. Brown's Practice Philosophy

My philosophy of practice is to give my best effort and full attention to each one of my patients. Neurological disorders are quite diverse and can be challenging to treat. These conditions are often chronic and may be disabling. Although I cannot cure all my patients, I promise to try. If a cure is not possible, I promise to help my patients and their families with understanding and adapting to living with the condition in order to maintain a good quality of life.