Dr. Paola Pergami, MD is a pediatric neurologist in Washington, DC specializing in pediatric neurology and general practice. Dr. Paola Pergami, MD is affiliated with MedStar Montgomery Medical Center, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, MedStar Health and MGMC LLC.
4200 WISCONSIN AVENUE NW 4TH FLOOR
Washington, DC 20016
Headache
Headaches are dull or sharp pains that occur in regions of the head and face. Headaches occur in many different forms and vary in location, severity, and duration. They are not necessarily a sign of an underlying illness and often resolve on their own. However, headaches can present significant day-to-day discomfort. The most common forms of headaches include:
Living with headaches is challenging; headaches can prevent people from fully enjoying life. Medical treatment and care in avoiding certain triggers can help those with headaches begin to feel normal once again.
Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic stroke is the more common form of stroke and occurs when a blood vessel in the brain becomes blocked. Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots or by built-up plaque (deposits of fat and cholesterol) in the arteries and are dangerous medical events that require immediate treatment.
Ischemic strokes are severe because it restricts blood flow and an inadequate blood supply damages the brain, which cannot function without a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients. Ischemic strokes may alter appearance by leaving one side of the face paralyzed, also affecting speech and communication. Additionally, ischemic strokes can result in impaired movement, cognitive ability, and can impede important physical functions like walking.
The main cause of ischemic stroke is from plaque (deposits of fat and cholesterol) accumulating in blood vessels. Plaque causes atherosclerosis, a condition where the blood vessels narrow and harden with cholesterol, fat, and calcium, causing damage to the endothelium (inner layer of cells in the arteries), which in turn restricts blood flow. At some point, a large blockage of plaque or bits of broken up plaque may result in an ischemic stroke.
People who are older are more likely to have ischemic strokes due to accumulated plaque. Additionally, certain repeated behaviors are associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. These behaviors include:
Conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high levels of cholesterol and lipids are also known to be correlated with ischemic strokes. If possible, people are advised to avoid modifiable risk factors (factors one can change themselves) such as smoking and lack of exercise by keeping an active lifestyle and a healthy diet.
Signs of stroke include:
When someone suspected of having a stroke reaches the hospital, the patient will usually receive a CT or other scan that provides an image of the brain. The scan results can reveal clotted or leaking blood in the brain. Physical exams, neurological exams, and blood tests may also be used to check for blood clotting and sugar. Hospital treatment generally begins immediately if a stroke is detected.
Medical treatment for ischemic strokes includes a thrombolytic medicine which breaks up and disperses blood clots. This medicine can greatly improve stroke recovery and long-term health. However, the thrombolytic medicine must be administered as soon as possible to achieve these results. Other treatments for ischemic strokes are blood thinners and thrombectomy, a surgical procedure to remove a blood clot in the brain. Thrombectomy is performed using a catheter (thin needle) to the artery to reach the blood clot and mechanically remove it. With the clot removed, normal blood flow to the brain resumes. Thrombectomy is typically performed at most six hours after a patient shows signs of a stroke.
Ischemic stroke patients who have lost some essential functions while the blood flow to their brain was obstructed may receive post-stroke rehabilitation to rebuild their physical and mental abilities. Some restorative treatments include occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Patients may also receive care from neurologists, who can assist patients in recovering certain brain functions and cognitive abilities, and rehabilitation psychologists, who may help patients with their emotional, behavioral, and cognitive recovery. Some stroke patients require lengthy rehabilitation and may never fully regain function, while others may recover more quickly. While the fastest recovery improvements are usually seen in the first three or four months, ischemic stroke rehabilitation can last for years.
If someone begins to show signs of ischemic stroke, contact emergency services and call 9-1-1 immediately since blood flow must be restored as soon as possible to avoid significant brain damage. If an ambulance takes the person to the hospital, paramedics can initiate ischemic stroke treatment as soon as the patient enters the ambulance, allowing for more prompt medical intervention and care.
She completed residency at Universita Di Pavia International. She is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology and has a state license in West Virginia.
Residency: Universita Di Pavia International (1993)
Board Certification: American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Neurology with Special Qualification in Child Neurology
Licensed In: West Virginia
Dr. Paola Pergami, MD is associated with these hospitals and organizations:
Dr. Paola Pergami, MD appears to accept the following insurance providers: Aetna Medicare PPO, CIGNA EPO, CIGNA Indemnity, Private Healthcare Systems (PHCS), Medicare Advantage, MAMSI, AARP, Coventry National Network PPO, Aetna, United Healthcare Choice Plus, Blue Choice, United Healthcare Choice, First Health PPO, TRICARE Prime, United Healthcare, Great-West Healthcare, Medicaid, Cigna, TRICARE, Coventry, Aetna Managed Choice POS, First Health, Aetna HMO, Kaiser Permanente, Optimum Choice Preferred (POS) & OCI Direct (HMO), MedStar Family Choice - Maryland Health Choice, Medicare Fee for Service, Choice Fund PPO, CFBSBC Blue Preferred PPO, M.D. IPA (HMO), CFBCBS (NCA) Indemnity, Open HMO, M.D. IPA Preferred (POS), POS OA & OA Plus, MedStar Select (MedStar Associates' Plan), Network OA, Innovation Health: PPO, Opoen HMO Option, CFBCBS Maryland Indemnity or PPO, CFBCBS EPO, Innovation Health: Indemnity, CFBCBS Maryland Point of Service Plan (MPOS), Innovation Health: POS, Innovation Health: Open POS Plus, Choice POS & Choice POS II, United Student Resources, Select HMO/HealthFund/Health Network, HealthyBlue PPO, CFBCBS Federal Employee Program (Std/Basic PPO/Blue Focus), Open EPO Plus, Innovation Health: Open Network Only Plus, Open POS II, PPO and PPO Plus and Innovation Health: POS Plus.
According to our sources, Dr. Paola Pergami, MD accepts the following insurance providers:
Dr. Paola Pergami, MD has an exceptional overall rating with an average of 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 2 ratings. We collect ratings and reviews of Dr. Paola Pergami, MD from all over the web to help you find the right in Washington, DC.
These charts describe general payments received by Dr. Paola Pergami, MD. Doctors may receive payments for a number of reasons, including meal compensation, travel compensation, and consulting.
Medtronic USA, Inc. |
$955
Drug Infusion Systems - Neuro $955 |
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Sunovion Pharmaceuticals Inc. |
$117
APTIOM $117 |
Neurelis, Inc. |
$59
VALTOCO $59 |
Aquestive Therapeutics, Inc. |
$14
Sympazan $14 |
Travel and Lodging | $713 |
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Food and Beverage | $431 |
Dr. Paola Pergami's medical specialty is general practice and pediatric neurology. These areas are among Dr. Pergami's clinical interests: concussion, spasticity, and brain injury rehabilitation. She can take Blue California, Coventry, Coventry Health Care Plans, and more. Her medical residency was performed at a hospital affiliated with West Virginia University. Dr. Pergami speaks Italian. She is affiliated with MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, MedStar Washington Hospital Center, and MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center. Her practice in Washington, DC is open to new patients as reported by Doctor.com.