Finding a doctor who actually listens to why your hands are tingling or why those migraines won't quit is exhausting. Seriously. Most people end up at Southtowns Neurology of WNY because they’re tired of the "wait and see" approach from their primary care physician. It’s one of those places that feels like a staple of the Buffalo medical scene, specifically tucked into Orchard Park, serving everyone from the Southtowns down to the PA border.
Neurology is complicated. It's basically the high-stakes electrical engineering of the human body. When you’re dealing with the brain, spine, or peripheral nerves, you aren't just looking for a script; you're looking for an answer to why your body is glitching. That's the reality for patients walking into the Big Tree Road office.
Why People Search for Southtowns Neurology of WNY
Honestly, most people find this practice because they've hit a wall. Maybe it’s a weird tremor that started a month ago. Maybe it’s the brain fog that won't lift.
The practice is led by Dr. Ziad Krayssem, a board-certified neurologist who has been a fixture in the Western New York medical community for years. People talk. In a town like Buffalo, word of mouth is everything. If a doctor is dismissive, the whole neighborhood knows within a week. If they’re thorough, the waiting room stays full. Dr. Krayssem and his team deal with the heavy hitters of neurology: Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Parkinson’s, epilepsy, and the ever-frustrating chronic migraine.
It's not just about the big names, though. A huge chunk of their work involves the stuff that keeps people from working—Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, neuropathy from diabetes, and those "mystery" pinched nerves in the lower back that make walking a chore.
What to Expect at the Orchard Park Office
Don't expect a chrome-and-glass skyscraper. It's Western New York. It’s practical.
👉 See also: How Much Sugar Are in Apples: What Most People Get Wrong
When you first walk in, the vibe is professional but local. You’ll likely be there for an EMG (Electromyography) or an NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity) test if you’ve been complaining of numbness. These tests aren't exactly a spa day. They involve small electrical shocks and thin needles to see how your muscles and nerves are communicating. It’s "spicy" as some patients say, but it’s the gold standard for figuring out if your nerve is actually dying or just irritated.
The Diagnostic Process
Diagnosis isn't a straight line. Often, the team has to rule out a dozen things before they find the "one."
- The Physical Exam: They'll check your reflexes. They'll make you walk in a straight line. They’ll poke you with a dull needle to see if you can feel it. It feels a bit like a roadside sobriety test, but it's checking your cerebellum and sensory pathways.
- Imaging Review: They don't just look at the radiologist's report from your MRI; they look at the images. The nuance of a lesion in MS or a slight bulge in a cervical disc requires a specialist's eye.
- The Data: This is where the EMGs come in. If you have "pins and needles" in your feet, they need to know if it's coming from your spine or if the nerves themselves are damaged by high blood sugar or something else.
Dealing with the Chronic Migraine Loop
If you've never had a migraine, you probably think it's "just a bad headache." You're wrong. It’s a neurological event that can include vision loss, vomiting, and light sensitivity so bad you want to live in a basement.
Southtowns Neurology of WNY handles a lot of these cases. The treatment landscape has changed wildly in the last five years. We aren't just talking about taking an extra-strength Tylenol and hoping for the best. They utilize Botox for chronic migraines—which involves a series of injections around the head and neck to paralyze the pain response—and the newer class of CGRP inhibitors. These are the "game changers" you see in commercials, but getting insurance to pay for them usually requires a neurologist who knows how to fight the paperwork battle.
The Reality of Sleep Disorders and Epilepsy
The brain doesn't just work when you're awake. Sleep apnea and restless leg syndrome often cross over into neurology. If you’re waking up twenty times a night because your legs feel like they have electric current running through them, that’s a neurological signaling issue.
✨ Don't miss: No Alcohol 6 Weeks: The Brutally Honest Truth About What Actually Changes
Then there’s epilepsy. It’s scary. Whether it’s "absence seizures" where someone just stares into space or full tonic-clonic seizures, the goal at Southtowns is stabilization. This involves EEG (Electroencephalogram) monitoring to track the brain's electrical storms. Getting the right dosage of medication is a balancing act—too much and you’re a zombie, too little and you’re at risk.
Navigating the Healthcare System in WNY
Let’s be real: the biggest complaint about any specialist in Buffalo isn't the care—it's the wait.
Because there’s a shortage of neurologists nationwide, getting that initial appointment can take time. This isn't unique to Southtowns Neurology of WNY, but it's something you have to plan for. If you think you need a neurologist, get the referral from your primary care doctor now. Don't wait until the symptoms are unbearable.
The office works with most major local insurances—Independent Health, Highmark (BlueCross BlueShield), and Medicare. But always call first. Insurance companies change their minds more often than the Buffalo weather.
Specific Conditions They Treat
It’s a wide net. If it involves the Central Nervous System (the brain and spinal cord) or the Peripheral Nervous System (everything else), it’s in their wheelhouse.
🔗 Read more: The Human Heart: Why We Get So Much Wrong About How It Works
- Stroke Aftercare: Managing the blood thinners and physical therapy coordination after the hospital sends you home.
- Dementia and Alzheimer’s: Helping families navigate the slow decline and managing the behavioral symptoms that come with it.
- Neuropathy: Especially for the huge population of diabetics in the Southtowns.
- Vertigo: Differentiating between an inner ear issue and a brainstem issue.
Actionable Steps for Your First Visit
Walking into a neurology appointment can be intimidating. You’re worried about what they might find. To get the most out of your time at Southtowns Neurology of WNY, you need to be your own best advocate.
Document your "Episodes"
Don't just say "I feel dizzy." Keep a log. When does it happen? How long does it last? Does it happen after you eat? This data is more valuable to Dr. Krayssem than a vague description.
Bring a Witness
If you are experiencing memory loss or seizures, you aren't the best reporter of your own symptoms. Bring the person who sees it happen. They can describe things you literally weren't conscious for.
Gather Previous Records
If you had an MRI at Mercy Hospital or Buffalo General three years ago, don't assume the office has it. Get the disc or ensure the digital transfer is done before you sit in the exam room. It saves you from a second "follow-up" appointment just to review old news.
Ask About the "Why"
If they suggest a medication, ask about the side effects and the goal. Is this treating the symptom or the cause? Understanding the difference helps you stick to the treatment plan.
Verify Referral Requirements
Many Buffalo-based HMO plans require a very specific paper trail. Call your primary doctor a week before your Southtowns appointment to ensure the referral was actually sent and received. Nothing kills a morning like being turned away at the front desk because of a missing fax.
If you’re dealing with chronic neurological issues, the most important thing is consistency. Switching doctors every three months makes it impossible to track the progression of a disease. Finding a home base in Orchard Park allows for a longitudinal look at your health, which is ultimately how real breakthroughs happen.