Dr. Adrian A. Santamaria, MD

Dr. Adrian A. Santamaria Neurologist and Sleep Medicine Care

Dr. Adrian A. Santamaria is a board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine specialist whose work connects neurological health with the diagnosis and management of sleep disorders. His clinical interests include sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy, epilepsy, headaches, Parkinson’s disease, and other conditions affecting the brain, nerves, sleep, and wakefulness.

He has provided clinical care since completing advanced sleep medicine training in 2008. Patients may consult him for neurological symptoms, persistent sleep problems, unusual daytime sleepiness, seizure concerns, or conditions requiring diagnostic testing such as an EEG, EMG, nerve conduction study, or sleep study.

About Dr. Adrian A. Santamaria

Dr. Santamaria combines general neurology with specialised sleep medicine care. This dual background can be useful because sleep and neurological health often affect each other.

A neurological condition may disturb sleep, while poor or interrupted sleep may worsen headaches, concentration, mood, memory, alertness, and physical functioning. Some sleep conditions, including narcolepsy and sleep apnea, may also require evaluation from a doctor who understands both brain function and normal sleep patterns.

Patients searching for related specialists can view the Doctiplus directory of neurologists providing brain and nervous system care.

Professional Background and Experience

Dr. Santamaria entered clinical practice after completing his sleep medicine fellowship in 2008. He works with Northwest Houston Neurology and Comprehensive Sleep Medicine, where services include neurological consultations, sleep medicine evaluations, home sleep studies, PAP therapy, EEG testing, video EEG, EMG, and nerve conduction studies.

His practice profile also lists professional involvement with organisations connected with neurology and sleep medicine, including the American Academy of Neurology, American Neurological Association, American Academy of Sleep Medicine, and Texas Neurological Society.

His professional background may be particularly relevant for patients whose symptoms cross more than one area. Examples include someone experiencing headaches and poor sleep, daytime sleepiness with concentration problems, seizures during sleep, or numbness that requires neurological testing.

Education and Medical Training

Dr. Santamaria completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston, now known as McGovern Medical School. He then completed neurological training at the University of Texas Medical Branch before undertaking further fellowship training in sleep medicine at Cleveland Clinic.

This training prepared him to assess disorders involving the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, muscles, and sleep-wake system.

Board Certification and Professional Credentials

Dr. Santamaria is board certified in neurology and sleep medicine. His practice information states that he received neurology certification in 2008 and sleep medicine certification in 2009.

His professional credentials include:

• Doctor of Medicine
• Residency training in neurology
• Fellowship training in sleep medicine
• Board certification in neurology
• Board certification in sleep medicine

Board certification is different from holding an active medical licence. Certification shows that a doctor has completed specialty training and met examination and professional requirements established by the relevant medical board.

Main Areas of Neurological Care

Headaches and Migraines

Headaches can have many possible causes. Some are temporary and related to dehydration, stress, sleep loss, illness, medication use, or muscle tension.

A neurological assessment may be appropriate when headaches are severe, recurring, changing in pattern, affecting normal activities, or accompanied by weakness, confusion, vision changes, fainting, or other unusual symptoms.

During an appointment, the doctor may ask about:

• The location and type of pain
• How long each headache lasts
• How frequently headaches occur
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Nausea or vomiting
• Vision or sensory changes
• Sleep habits
• Medication use
• Family history
• Possible triggers

Testing is not required for every headache. The need for imaging or another assessment depends on the patient’s symptoms, examination findings, health history, and headache pattern.

Epilepsy and Seizure Evaluation

A seizure happens when abnormal electrical activity temporarily affects brain function. Symptoms can vary greatly and do not always involve full-body movements.

Some people experience staring episodes, confusion, unusual sensations, repeated movements, loss of awareness, or temporary difficulty speaking. An EEG may be requested to record brain-wave activity and help the doctor investigate possible seizures.

Dr. Santamaria’s practice offers routine and video EEG services. A routine EEG records electrical activity for a shorter period, while video EEG may provide a longer recording that allows symptoms and brain activity to be reviewed together.

An EEG result must be considered with the patient’s history and symptoms. A single test does not always confirm or exclude epilepsy.

Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Concerns

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition commonly associated with tremor, slower movement, muscle stiffness, and balance problems.

Not everyone with shaking has Parkinson’s disease. Tremors can also be associated with medication effects, essential tremor, thyroid problems, anxiety, neurological conditions, or other health concerns.

A neurological examination may assess:

• Walking and balance
• Muscle tone
• Hand coordination
• Facial movement
• Speech
• Reflexes
• Tremor pattern
• Speed of movement

Treatment planning depends on the diagnosis, symptom severity, general health, and effect on daily activities.

Numbness, Tingling, and Muscle Weakness

Numbness, tingling, burning sensations, or weakness may develop when a nerve, nerve root, muscle, or another part of the nervous system is affected.

Dr. Santamaria’s practice provides electromyography and nerve conduction studies. These tests may help assess peripheral nerve compression, neuropathy, radiculopathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, certain muscle conditions, and unexplained weakness.

An EMG records electrical activity in selected muscles. A nerve conduction study measures how electrical signals travel through peripheral nerves. These tests are commonly performed together, although the exact testing plan depends on the symptoms.

Main Areas of Sleep Medicine Care

Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea causes repeated narrowing or closure of the upper airway during sleep. This can interrupt breathing and prevent normal, restorative sleep.

Possible warning signs include:

• Loud and frequent snoring
• Pauses in breathing noticed by another person
• Gasping or choking during sleep
• Morning headaches
• Dry mouth after waking
• Daytime tiredness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Irritability
• Falling asleep during quiet activities

Snoring alone does not confirm sleep apnea. A sleep study may be needed to record breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and other measurements while the patient sleeps.

Dr. Santamaria’s practice lists home sleep studies, PAP therapy, sleep-condition evaluation, and selected sleep apnea treatment services.

Insomnia

Insomnia can involve difficulty falling asleep, remaining asleep, returning to sleep after waking, or feeling rested in the morning.

Short-term sleep difficulty may follow stress, travel, illness, schedule changes, or another temporary problem. Persistent insomnia may require evaluation for underlying causes such as:

• Anxiety or stress
• Depression
• Sleep apnea
• Restless legs symptoms
• Medication effects
• Chronic pain
• Irregular sleep schedules
• Caffeine use
• Other neurological or medical conditions

Patients should tell the doctor about prescription medicines, over-the-counter sleep products, caffeine, alcohol, supplements, and any treatment already attempted.

People using sedating antihistamines for sleep can read the Doctiplus guide to diphenhydramine safety and long-term sleep concerns.

Narcolepsy and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness

Narcolepsy is a neurological sleep disorder that affects the brain’s ability to regulate sleep and wakefulness. It may cause overwhelming daytime sleepiness or sudden episodes of falling asleep.

Some patients may also experience:

• Temporary muscle weakness triggered by emotion
• Sleep paralysis
• Vivid dream-like experiences while falling asleep or waking
• Interrupted nighttime sleep
• Difficulty maintaining alertness

Daytime sleepiness does not automatically mean a person has narcolepsy. Other possible causes include insufficient sleep, medication effects, sleep apnea, shift work, depression, and other medical conditions.

A sleep specialist may review sleep habits, medical history, overnight sleep-study findings, and daytime sleep-testing results before making a diagnosis.

Snoring and Interrupted Breathing

Snoring develops when airflow causes tissues in the upper airway to vibrate. It may be harmless, but frequent loud snoring combined with choking, gasping, witnessed breathing pauses, or severe daytime sleepiness may require assessment.

Patients should mention whether symptoms become worse when sleeping on their back, after taking sedating medication, or during nasal congestion.

Information from a partner or household member can be useful because patients may not notice what happens while they are asleep.

Conditions Dr. Santamaria May Evaluate

Based on his verified specialties and practice services, patients may consult Dr. Santamaria about:

• Sleep apnea
• Insomnia
• Narcolepsy
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Loud or disruptive snoring
• Epilepsy and suspected seizures
• Headaches and migraines
• Parkinson’s disease
• Tremors and movement changes
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Numbness and tingling
• Muscle weakness
• Radiculopathy
• Memory or concentration concerns
• Dizziness and balance problems
• Other neurological or sleep-related symptoms

The availability of a particular treatment or test should be confirmed directly with the practice. Patients may also review the wider range of neurological and specialist services available through Doctiplus.

Diagnostic Services

Routine EEG

An EEG records electrical activity produced by the brain. Small electrodes are placed on the scalp while a computer records brain-wave patterns.

It may be used when a doctor is investigating seizures, unusual episodes of lost awareness, or other neurological symptoms. The practice states that routine EEG testing is generally completed at its Tomball office.

Patients may receive preparation instructions such as arriving with clean hair, avoiding hair products, limiting caffeine, or adjusting sleep before the test. Medication should not be stopped unless the healthcare team gives specific instructions.

Video EEG

Video EEG records the patient’s movements and behaviour while brain activity is recorded. It may help the medical team compare a physical event with changes seen in the EEG recording.

The duration and location of testing can vary. Patients should ask whether testing will take place in an office, monitoring unit, hospital, or home setting.

EMG and Nerve Conduction Studies

EMG and nerve conduction testing may be recommended for symptoms involving muscles or peripheral nerves.

These studies can assist in evaluating:

• Neuropathy
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Nerve-root irritation
• Muscle weakness
• Radiculopathy
• Nerve compression
• Certain muscle disorders

Testing may cause brief discomfort, but sedation is generally not needed. The practice advises patients to avoid lotions and creams on the testing area and to wear clothing that allows access to the arms and legs.

Sleep Studies

A sleep study records information about sleep, breathing, oxygen levels, heart activity, movement, and other body functions.

Home testing may be suitable for some patients being evaluated for obstructive sleep apnea. Other people may require testing in a sleep laboratory, especially when symptoms are complicated or another sleep disorder is suspected.

The doctor decides which test is appropriate after reviewing symptoms, medical history, and possible risk factors.

Treatment and Management Services

Depending on the diagnosis, Dr. Santamaria’s area of practice may include:

• Neurological consultations
• Sleep medicine consultations
• Medication review and management
• Epilepsy and seizure monitoring
• Headache treatment planning
• Parkinson’s disease assessment
• PAP therapy management
• Home sleep study review
• Sleep-habit guidance
• EEG interpretation
• EMG and nerve conduction testing
• Long-term neurological follow-up
• Referrals for imaging or additional testing
• Coordination with primary care doctors and other specialists

PAP therapy uses controlled air pressure to help keep the airway open during sleep. Patients may need assistance selecting equipment, adjusting settings, handling mask discomfort, or understanding why symptoms continue despite treatment.

Who May Benefit From Seeing Dr. Santamaria

An appointment may be appropriate for someone who:

• Has recurring or unexplained neurological symptoms
• Experiences persistent daytime sleepiness
• Snores loudly and has witnessed breathing pauses
• Has difficulty sleeping despite improving sleep habits
• Has experienced a possible seizure
• Needs an EEG or nerve study
• Has recurring headaches affecting daily activities
• Notices increasing tremor, stiffness, or movement changes
• Has numbness or weakness that has not improved
• Needs continued care for an established neurological condition
• Wants a specialist opinion about sleep-study results
• Has been referred by a primary care doctor

A specialist visit does not guarantee that testing, medication, or another treatment will be recommended. The care plan depends on the patient’s symptoms and examination findings.

What Patients Can Expect During an Appointment

The consultation usually begins with a detailed history. Patients should be ready to explain when symptoms began, how often they occur, what makes them better or worse, and how they affect work, school, driving, sleep, or normal activities.

For a neurological concern, the examination may include:

• Strength testing
• Reflex assessment
• Sensation testing
• Coordination
• Balance
• Walking
• Eye movements
• Speech
• Memory or attention screening

For a sleep concern, the doctor may ask about:

• Bedtime and waking time
• Nighttime awakenings
• Snoring
• Witnessed breathing pauses
• Daytime naps
• Shift work
• Caffeine use
• Sleep medications
• Sleepiness while driving
• Previous sleep-study results

Further testing may be arranged when the history and examination suggest that more information is needed.

Preparing for an Appointment

Patients can prepare by bringing:

• A current medication list
• Allergy information
• Previous neurological records
• MRI or CT reports
• EEG results
• EMG or nerve-study reports
• Previous sleep-study results
• PAP machine information
• A symptom timeline
• A headache or sleep diary
• Insurance information
• Referral documents
• A list of questions

For suspected sleep apnea, notes from a partner or family member about snoring and breathing pauses may be helpful.

For possible seizures, a description from someone who witnessed the event may provide important information. A safe recording may also help when one already exists, but no one should delay emergency care or place themselves at risk to make a video.

Questions to Ask During the Consultation

Patients may consider asking:

• What conditions could explain my symptoms?
• Do I need an EEG, EMG, sleep study, or imaging?
• Could my medication be affecting my sleep or alertness?
• Are my headaches linked with poor sleep?
• What treatment choices are available?
• How should I prepare for testing?
• Will I need follow-up monitoring?
• Are there activities I should temporarily avoid?
• How will we know whether treatment is working?
• Which symptoms require emergency attention?
• Can my primary care doctor help manage part of my treatment?
• Is an in-person examination required for my next visit?

Practice Locations and Appointments

Dr. Santamaria practises with Northwest Houston Neurology and Comprehensive Sleep Medicine at two listed offices:

Tomball Office
455 School Street, Suite 20
Tomball, TX 77375

Cypress Office
Professional Building 1
21216 Northwest Freeway, Suite 680
Cypress, TX 77429

Telephone: 281-357-5678
Fax: 281-357-8765

The practice lists office hours from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, with a lunch closure from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Friday hours are listed as 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Clinic hours, provider locations, test availability, and appointment times may change. Patients should confirm details directly before visiting.

Languages Spoken

Dr. Santamaria’s practice profile lists English and Spanish. Patients who need care in a particular language should confirm interpreter or language availability when scheduling.

Insurance and Referral Information

Insurance coverage depends on the patient’s specific plan, network, deductible, referral rules, and prior-authorisation requirements.

Before booking, patients should ask:

• Is Dr. Santamaria included in my network?
• Does my plan require a referral?
• Is prior authorisation needed for an EEG, EMG, or sleep study?
• Which office provides the test I need?
• What will my estimated patient responsibility be?
• Is a separate appointment required before diagnostic testing?

The practice notes that some insurance plans require an initial evaluation before authorising EMG or other testing.

Telemedicine Availability

Dr. Santamaria’s personal professional site describes a virtual clinic and telemedicine services. However, Houston Methodist’s current listing states that video visits are not available through its platform. This may mean telemedicine access varies by practice, appointment type, or booking system.

Patients should contact the office to confirm whether an online consultation is available for their condition. An in-person appointment may still be required when strength, reflexes, balance, sensation, breathing equipment, or neurological function must be examined directly.

When to Seek Emergency Medical Care

A routine neurology appointment should not replace emergency assessment for sudden or severe symptoms.

Call emergency services for possible stroke symptoms such as sudden facial drooping, one-sided weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking, confusion, sudden vision problems, loss of balance, or an unexplained severe headache.

Emergency help is also appropriate when a convulsive seizure lasts five minutes or longer, seizures repeat without recovery between them, breathing becomes difficult, a serious injury occurs, or it is the person’s first known seizure.

Profile Accuracy

This profile was prepared using publicly available professional, hospital, university, and practice information. Readers can review the Doctiplus editorial policy for information about how patient-focused content is prepared.

Doctiplus also maintains a list of trusted medical information resources used when reviewing health-related content.