A Neurologist is a Medical Doctor, specialized in the study of the Nervous System.

• The field of Neurology includes the study of diseases of the:
  • brain
  • spinal cord
  • peripheral nerves
  • muscles.
• Education and training to become a Neurologist:
  • 4 years of college
  • 4 years of medical school
  • 4 years Residency in the field of “Neurology”

How does a Neurologist evaluate a patient?

• A Neurologist will obtain a detailed neurological history and a detailed neurological exam to better understand your condition.
• The Neurological exam is probably very different from any previous medical exam you might have undertaken.
• This evaluation process may take anywhere from 45 minutes to 60 minutes.

How is a diagnosis made?

• After reviewing the results of various diagnostic tests, in conjunction with the neurological evaluation, a diagnosis and treatment plan will be recommended.
• This evaluation process may take numerous visits, over a period of 4-8 weeks.
• Please do not expect a firm diagnosis on your first visit.

Our Neurologist – Dr. Sudhir S. Athni, MD, MBA

Current Practice:

• Dr. Athni has been in Macon, Georgia since mid-1995.
• He is an independent physician and is not employed or managed by any outside agency or hospital.
• Our office is heavily involved in teaching doctors-in-training, including medical students and residents.
• Students and Residents rotate thru the office to learn one-on-one from Dr. Athni
• Dr. Athni has written many peer-reviewed journal articles, and has co-authored multiple chapter in academic textbooks.
• Aside from his clinical practice, he is also the President of the Georgia Neurological Society

Board Certifications – Affiliations – Accreditation:

• President of Georgia Neurological Society
• Assistant Clinical Professor @  Medical College of GA
• Board Certified by the American Board of Neurology (ABPN)
• Diagnostic Lab is Accredited by the American College of Radiology (ACR)

Education:

• Dr. Athni grew up in New York, where he finished high school before leaving New York for college.
• Bachelor of Science (BS) in Environmental and Civil Engineering from Rice University in Houston, Texas, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
• Medical Degree (MD) from Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, graduating with Honors.
• Internal Medicine Internship at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
• Neurology Residency at Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
• Masters of Business Administration (MBA) at Mercer University, Macon, GA

Hospital and University Affiliations:

• Piedmont Healthcare System, with courtesy privileges at Piedmont Macon North Hospital
• Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at the Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA

Military Experience:

• Captain in U.S. Air Force Reserves, Medical Corps – Honorable Discharge

Our office provides the full breadth of Neurological Services including:

• Evaluation & Management (E&M)
• Diagnostic Tests
• Infusion Therapies
• DBS and VNS Programming
• Therapeutic Botox Injections

E&M services include:

• a detailed neurological evaluation,
• ordering necessary tests,
• arriving at a diagnosis,
• followed by a treatment plan to treat the diagnosed neurological problem.

Diagnostic testing we do in our office includes:

• EMG-NCS tests
• Diagnostic Ultrasound
• EEG and Qeeg (“brain wave testing”)
• Brain-Master Cognitive test
• Autonomic Nervous System Test (ANS)

Infusion Therapies involve the prescribing, administering, and monitoring of medications which are given thru an IV. We have an “infusion suite” in our building, where patients receive various infusion medications, such as:

• Tysabri
• Ocrevus
• Briumvi
• Rituxan
• Solumedrol (IV steroids)
• IVIG
• Vyvgart
• Imaavy
• Soliris – Ultimaris
• Vyepti
• and many other medications

Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a technology where electrical wires and implanted into the brain,. These wires are used to “stimulate the brain”, the settings for which are programmed thru a hand-held computer. DDB is an option for treating Parkinson’s, Dystonia, Tremors, or Epilepsy.

Vagal Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is a technology where a wire is placed in the neck (not in the brain). This wire is used to “stimulate the vagus nerve”, the settings for which are programmed thru a hand-held computer. VNS is an option for treating Refractory Epilepsy.

Therapeutic Botox is a method of injecting Botulinum Toxin into the neck, face, and head to treat headaches and dystonia. It can also be injected into the arms and legs to treat “spasticity”.

We will evaluate and treat the full range of Neurological diseases, including:

• Multiple Sclerosis
• Parkinson’s Disease
• Myasthenia Gravis
• Seizures
• Headaches
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Dystonia
• CIDP – Neuropathy
• Trigeminal Neuralgia (facial pain)
• Dementia / memory problems
• Alzheimer’s Disease
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Concussions, TBI and Closed Head Injuries
• Plus many more …

In the process of making the above diagnoses, we will perform a variety of diagnostic tests.

Please take a look at our “Diagnostic Tests” page to read more about the various neurological tests.

Our office staff is available to assist you with scheduling appointments, billing, and processing insurance claims.

They will also be the liaison for any medically related questions.  We try to answer your questions by the end of the business day.

If it is urgent, please inform us as such, and we will try to return your call as soon as possible.

Angela A. – Medical Assistant

• Angela is an integral part of our team. She handles scheduling and all clinical matters.
• She has developed a reputation for being courteous and prompt.
• With her medical foundation and experience, she is able to assist with patient care.

Tracy R. – Certified Infusion Nurse

• Tracy is our licensed registered nurses (RN) with special qualifications in Infusion Therapy
• Proficient and nationally certified to infuse Tysabri, Ocrevus, Lemtrada, IVIG, and numerous other intravenous medications.
• She has been with our team for numerous years

Ash. A. – Office Manager

• Ash handles referral processing, insurance verification and claim issues, and all financial matters, including payment and collections issues.
• If you have any questions regarding your account, Ash will gladly assist you.

Mike T. – Certified Ultrasonographer

• Mike has been assisting us since 2006. He is a board certified Ultrasonographer, with over 15 years of professional experience.