Best Neurologist in Lake Mary, FL: How to Choose the Right Neurology Care

When neurological symptoms disrupt your day, you want clear answers—not more confusion. For many people in Central Florida, that search starts with finding the best neurologist in Lake Mary, FL: a specialist who listens carefully, explains clearly, and guides you through testing and treatment in a way that actually makes sense. At Charis Neurology in Lake Mary, patients see a board‑certified neurologist with advanced fellowship training in neuro‑oncology, supported by on‑site MRI, EEG, EMG, and infusion therapy. That means your evaluation, testing, and follow‑up can often happen in one coordinated place instead of being scattered across multiple facilities.

NEUROLOGY SERVICESHEAD AND BRAIN

Dr. Sherif Makar

2/11/20266 min read

Patients seated in the Charis Neurology waiting room, relaxing in a bright, comfortable lobby before their appointments.

Understanding Neurology: A Beginner’s Guide

Neurology is the branch of medicine focused on the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. It covers a wide range of conditions—from migraines and seizures to stroke, neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, memory loss, and brain tumors.

Because many neurological symptoms overlap, neurologists often function like medical detectives. They take time to understand your story, perform a detailed neurological exam, and use targeted tests like MRI, EEG, and nerve conduction studies to clarify what is really going on.

At Charis Neurology, this process is designed to be as streamlined as possible. Our Diagnostics & Treatment services include on‑site MRI, EEG, EMG/NCS, and infusions, so your neurologist can directly oversee both testing and treatment under one roof. If you are new to neurology, you can also learn more about what a neurologist does from the American Academy of Neurology’s “What is a Neurologist?” overview.

How to Identify a Top Neurologist in Lake Mary, FL

If you’re searching for the best neurologist Lake Mary FL, it helps to know what truly distinguishes high‑quality neurological care.

Key qualifications to look for

Important markers of strong neurological care include:

Board certification in neurology by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
Subspecialty training that matches your condition (for example, neuro‑oncology for brain and spine tumors, movement disorders for Parkinson’s, epilepsy expertise for seizures)
Experience in both hospital and outpatient settings
Consistently positive patient feedback across independent review platforms

At Charis Neurology, Dr. Sherif Makar is board‑certified in neurology and UCNS‑certified in neuro‑oncology, with advanced training from Stanford and experience as a principal investigator on clinical trials involving immunotherapy and targeted therapies. This dual expertise is especially valuable when symptoms such as headaches, seizures, or memory changes might be related to tumors or other complex conditions.

Patients also frequently highlight our emphasis on listening, clear explanations, and coordinated testing in 5‑star reviews on trusted platforms.

Matching Your Neurological Needs With the Right Specialist

No two patients are the same, and not every neurologist focuses on the same problems. The most important step in choosing a neurologist is to match your symptoms and goals with the right expertise.

Conditions we commonly treat at Charis Neurology

At Charis Neurology in Lake Mary, we evaluate and treat:

Head and brain symptoms such as migraines, chronic headaches, seizures, stroke recovery, and memory concerns through our dedicated Head & Brain services.
Nerve and movement symptoms including neuropathy, tingling or burning in hands and feet, gait and balance issues, tremors, and Parkinson’s disease through Nerves & Movement.
Brain and spine tumors and complex cancer‑related neurological issues through our Neuro‑Oncology program.

Practical factors that matter

Beyond clinical focus, practical considerations play a major role:

Location and ease of parking, especially if you anticipate frequent visits
Appointment availability and realistic wait times
Whether key tests (MRI, EEG, EMG) can be done in‑house
Insurance compatibility and clarity around coverage

Charis Neurology is conveniently located in Lake Mary, just off I‑4, and serves patients from Seminole, Volusia, Orange, and surrounding counties. Our goal is to reduce extra trips by keeping evaluation, testing, and treatment in one integrated clinic.

Why Many Patients Consider Charis Neurology Among the Best in Lake Mary

Rather than sending you to a list of “top neurologists near me” on third‑party sites, this page is designed to help you understand why Charis Neurology itself is a trusted choice for many patients looking for the best neurologist in Lake Mary, FL.

What sets our neurology clinic apart

Patients often choose Charis Neurology because we offer:

Board‑certified neurologist with advanced fellowship training in neuro‑oncology
Expertise across headaches, seizures, neuropathy, Parkinson’s disease, memory disorders, and brain and spine tumors
On‑site MRI, EEG, EMG/NCS, and infusion therapy for faster, more coordinated care
A personalized approach that emphasizes thoughtful listening, clear explanations, and realistic treatment plans
Strong patient satisfaction, reflected in consistent 5‑star aggregate reviews across multiple platforms

You can learn more about our approach and Dr. Makar’s background on the Meet Dr. Sherif Makar page.

Common Misconceptions About Seeing a Neurologist

Many people come to their first neurology visit with understandable worries—and a few myths. Clearing those up can make it easier to take the next step.

“Neurological problems only affect older adults.”

In reality, conditions like migraines, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and concussion‑related symptoms are very common in younger adults and can even affect children. Seeking care early often leads to better long‑term control.

“Every neurological symptom needs a scan.”

MRI and CT scans are powerful tools, but they are not the only way neurologists diagnose problems. A careful history, examination, and targeted tests such as EEG or nerve conduction studies are often just as important, and sometimes more revealing. At Charis Neurology, imaging and other tests are recommended based on your specific situation rather than used automatically.

“Nothing can be done for neurological conditions.”

While not every condition can be cured, many can be significantly improved or stabilized. Migraines, epilepsy, neuropathy, tremors, and movement disorders often respond well to the right combination of medication, rehabilitation, and lifestyle changes. Our role is to be honest about what is possible while doing everything we can to enhance your quality of life.

Practical Considerations: Insurance, Referrals, and Florida Basics

One of the most common questions we hear is whether you need a referral to see a neurologist in Florida. The answer depends less on the state and more on your insurance plan.

Traditional Medicare usually allows you to schedule with a neurologist directly.
Many HMO and Medicare Advantage plans require a referral from your primary care provider for specialty visits.
PPO plans are often more flexible but may still have network preferences.

At Charis Neurology, our team regularly helps patients check whether a referral is needed and confirm in‑network status before scheduling. You can learn more about common tests from the NINDS: Neurological Diagnostic Tests and Procedures resource. You can call our office or use our Contact page to get started.

If you are experiencing emergency symptoms—such as sudden weakness, facial droop, difficulty speaking, or a suspected stroke—call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. Stroke evaluation should never be delayed.

Request an Appointment Today

Call us to schedule your consultation with Dr. Sherif Makar.

Phone: (407) 603-1633 Location: 775 Primera Blvd, Suite 1031, Lake Mary, FL

Frequently asked questions

What symptoms mean I should see a neurologist?

Consider seeing a neurologist if you have frequent or severe headaches, seizures, numbness or tingling, weakness, balance problems, memory changes, vision changes, or other unexplained nervous system symptoms that are not improving.

How do you know if a neurologist is good?

A strong neurologist combines solid credentials with practical, patient‑centered skills. Board certification in neurology is essential, but it’s also important to ask whether they have subspecialty training relevant to your condition, explain complex issues in a way you can understand, and receive consistent feedback about listening and thoroughness in patient reviews. At Charis Neurology, patients often mention the time spent listening, the clarity of explanations, and the convenience of having testing and treatment in one place.

How should I pick a neurologist in Lake Mary?

Start by clarifying your main concerns—headaches, seizures, memory changes, neuropathy, movement problems, or tumor‑related issues—and look for a neurologist whose training aligns with those needs. Then consider board certification, subspecialty training, location and ease of getting to appointments, in‑house diagnostic capabilities (MRI, EEG, EMG), and insurance compatibility with reasonable wait times. At Charis Neurology, we encourage new patients to explore our Services, Head & Brain, and Nerves & Movement pages to see how our expertise aligns with their symptoms.

What conditions does Charis Neurology treat?

Charis Neurology provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for migraines and chronic headaches, seizures and epilepsy, stroke recovery and cerebrovascular disease, neuropathy and nerve pain, tremors and Parkinson’s disease, memory concerns and cognitive changes, and brain and spine tumors and other cancer‑related neurological issues. More details are available on our Services page

What makes Charis Neurology different from large hospital systems?

Large health systems offer many resources, but care can sometimes feel fragmented. At Charis Neurology, we combine subspecialty expertise and advanced diagnostics with a more personal, clinic‑based experience, where your neurologist remains closely involved in both testing and treatment. MRI, EEG, EMG, and infusions can be completed in the same practice, and communication is direct and focused with time to ask questions and review next steps. We also coordinate with primary care physicians and other specialists throughout Central Florida to keep your broader care team informed.

What happens during a neurology appointment at Charis Neurology?

Your visit typically includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms and medical history, a focused neurological exam, and a review of whether tests like MRI, EEG, or EMG are appropriate. Many of these studies can be scheduled on‑site through our Diagnostics & Treatment services, which helps streamline your evaluation and follow‑up.

Do you need a referral to see a neurologist at Charis Neurology?

In many cases, you can call our office and schedule directly. However, some insurance plans—especially HMOs and certain Medicare Advantage plans—do require a referral from your primary care provider before they will cover specialty visits. When you contact Charis Neurology, our staff can check whether your plan requires a referral, confirm that we are in‑network, and help you coordinate any necessary paperwork with your primary care office. For location and contact details, visit our main Contact page.

How long does it take to get results from MRI or EEG testing?

Timing depends on the type of study and your clinical situation, but having MRI, EEG, and EMG/NCS available in the same clinic often allows for faster scheduling and timelier discussions of your results with Dr. Makar. In urgent situations, we work to prioritize testing so that critical decisions are not delayed.