At NILA, every day brings a new opportunity for the team to guide patients through the often confusing world of neurological symptoms and testing. On this particular morning, Miguel sat in the exam room, his foot nervously tapping the floor. Across from him, Dr. Eskenazi was reviewing his chart, while Nurse Lani prepared some equipment for today’s diagnostic tests.
“I’ve had these headaches for months,” Miguel began. “Some days they’re dull, other days they feel like sharp lightning bolts.”
Dr. Eskenazi nodded. “Chronic headaches can be a sign of many things — from stress and tension to something more complex like traumatic brain injury. Have you ever hit your head, even years ago?”
Miguel frowned, thinking back. “I did have a bad fall from my bike a few years ago.”
“That’s helpful to know,” Dr. Eskenazi said. “Trauma to the brain doesn’t always show up right away. Sometimes, symptoms develop gradually over time.”
As they talked, Nurse Lani wheeled over a small machine with wires and electrodes. “This is for your EMG and NCS test,” she explained. “It’s a way for us to check how well your nerves and muscles are working.”
Miguel squinted at the machine. “What does that have to do with my headaches?”
“Great question,” Dr. Eskenazi smiled. “Your nervous system is like a giant communication network. If there’s any damage — from an injury, a chronic illness, or even something like multiple sclerosis — it can affect how signals travel between your brain, spine, and muscles. Sometimes the issue isn’t in your head itself, but in the way your body is transmitting pain signals.”
Miguel shifted in his seat. “I’ve heard of multiple sclerosis, but I thought that was something you’re born with.”
Dr. Eskenazi shook his head. “Not exactly. It’s an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the protective covering of your nerves. Symptoms vary a lot — for some people, it’s numbness or weakness. For others, it can show up as vision problems or balance issues. And yes, even chronic headaches.”
Miguel took a deep breath, realizing just how much the nervous system controls. “So, this test will help figure out what’s going on?”
“Exactly,” Nurse Lani said. “It’s one piece of the puzzle, but it gives us real-time data on how your nerves are performing.”
At NILA, the focus isn’t just on running tests and writing prescriptions. Dr. Eskenazi and Nurse Lani believe in education — helping patients understand how all the pieces fit together. Whether it’s uncovering a hidden traumatic brain injury, managing the pain of ongoing headaches, or evaluating for conditions like multiple sclerosis, the goal is always to empower the patient with knowledge.
Miguel left the appointment with a better understanding of what was happening in his body — and a sense of relief knowing that Dr. Eskenazi and Nurse Lani would be with him every step of the way.
If you or someone you love is struggling with chronic neurological symptoms, don’t wait to get answers. Whether you need an EMG NCS test, a deeper evaluation for headaches, or support after a traumatic brain injury, the team at NILA is here to help. Together, we’ll navigate the path to better health.
