VCU Neurology Department

If that cup of coffee isn’t cutting it after a night of tossing and turning from hot flashes – you are not alone. About 40% to 60% of women have trouble sleeping or insomnia when they go through menopause.

While menopause is a normal part of life, it doesn’t mean you have to suffer.

VCU Health News spoke with Maha Alattar, M.D., director of VCU Health Sleep Medicine, and Jane Limmer, M.D., an OB-GYN at VCU Health who is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner. They explained the science behind sleep disturbances in menopause and ways to improve sleep quality.

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Why does menopause disrupt your sleep? What doctors say may help | VCU Health If that cup of coffee isn’t cutting it after a night of tossing and turning from hot flashes – you are not alone. About 40% to 60% of women have trouble sleeping or insomnia when they go through menopause. 

At VCU Health, Dr. Trey Bateman is advancing how dementia is diagnosed and treated. A specialist in Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative conditions, he uses innovative tools to detect disease earlier and connect patients to the latest treatment options. Dr. Bateman works closely with a multidisciplinary team to support patients and families at every stage. His research and clinical care are driving new hope in the fight against cognitive decline. VCU Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center

Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iaGEbqOIag

New to VCU Health, Dr. Usaamah Khan brings a strong commitment to helping patients through some of their most critical moments. He cares for patients with serious neurological conditions such as stroke, seizures, brain injuries and spinal cord emergencies, providing comprehensive care in the Neurosciences ICU.
Dr. Khan encourages patients and families to trust their instincts and seek medical attention quickly when something doesn’t feel right, sharing, “My biggest advice for patients and their family members is to not ignore any symptoms and to not delay seeking medical care. In stroke care, time is of the absolute essence. The brain is a highly time sensitive organ and early detection and treatment of conditions can be lifesaving.”

Read more 👉 https://www.vcuhealth.org/services/neurosciences/comprehensive-stroke-center/act-fast/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSdMFVleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeDP7Q7ExICK9eNB0ca4ahtKJgwmVnngjiYSSOAm5YBQzGw92zAIpJo6j1g0I_aem_54vvn8bT5SEF5TItHHyncA

In early 2026, the VCU Parkinson’s and Movement Disorder’s Center (PMDC) was formally recognized by the National Ataxia Foundation (NAF) as one of only 26 Ataxia Centers of Excellence (ACEs) in the United States — and Virginia’s first.

The designation reflects years of work building a comprehensive, genetics-driven approach to care for people with these rare and often misunderstood disorders. Leading that work is Stephanie Bissonnette, D.O., MPH, a PMDC movement disorders neurologist who co-directs the ACE alongside certified genetic counselor and clinical research coordinator Ginger Norris, MGC.

Read more 👉 https://parkinsons.vcu.edu/news/news-posts/pmdc-named-virginias-first-ataxia-center-of-excellence.html

Staying active with myasthenia gravis can feel challenging, but new guidance shows it is possible with the right approach. As neurologist Dr. Xinli Du explains, “the more we work in exercise, the more we get tired,” highlighting why pacing and personalized plans are so important.

Learn how to exercise safely, manage fatigue and build a routine that works for you in this helpful article:

How to Exercise Safely With Myasthenia Gravis: Tips and Safe Workouts Learn how carefully managed workouts can reduce fatigue, improve strength, and support mental health for people with myasthenia gravis.

Dr. Maha Alattar, director of VCU Health’s Center for Sleep Medicine, shares expert guidance on navigating sleep apnea treatment options, including CPAP therapy and strategies to improve comfort and long-term success.

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A sleep expert’s guide to understanding your sleep apnea treatment options | VCU Health Have you ever received complaints about your snoring or have woken up gasping for air? It might be due to obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). This common sleep disorder causes your breathing to repeatedly stop and restart throughout the night, interrupting your sleep cycle and lowering your oxygen levels...

🧠 New research on myasthenia gravis

A study shows that pyridostigmine still provides a meaningful benefit for people with myasthenia gravis.

Dr. A. Gordon Smith noted that having clear data like this helps guide care and future treatments.

Read more:

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Study Confirms Modest but Meaningful Benefit of Pyridostigmine in Myasthenia Gravis | Neurology Today For Your PatientsJune 4, 2026Study Confirms Modest but Meaningful Benefit of Pyridostigmine in Myasthenia GravisBy Paul WynnNeuromuscular Add to favorites Share on ARTICLE IN BRIEF:Evidence from a randomized, controlled trial of pyridostigmine in myasthenia gravis provides the first high-quality con...

Dealing with frequent headaches? You’re not alone and there are ways to feel better.
Dr. Lauren Strauss from VCU Health shares what might be behind chronic headaches and offers simple, practical tips to help you manage them, from everyday habits to treatment options.

Take a look and start finding some relief:

How to manage chronic headaches | VCU Health Roughly 39 million men, women and children in the United States live with often debilitating, always painful migraine headaches, according to the American Migraine Foundation. That means, whether you know it or not, someone you know suffers from them.