The neuroscience staff includes many experienced and respected physicians who bring unique skills, experience and training to this world-class referral center for the Tri-State area. They have treated patients from across the United States, as well as throughout the region. The Advanced Primary Stroke Center has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval™ by demonstrating compliance with The Joint Commission's national standards for healthcare quality and safety in disease-specific care. And thanks to the leadership of these skilled specialists, Cabell Huntington Hospital has been named a Blue Distinction Center for Spine Surgery® by Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield West Virginia and earned a Top 10% in the Nation Quality Rating for Spinal Surgery from Carechex, a medical quality rating service.
Neurology services and neurophysiology testing are available for both adults and children. Our specialists diagnose, evaluate and provide treatment for epilepsy, headache, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, stroke and neuromuscular diseases. Neurosurgery services are available for both adults and children, including surgery for brain tumors, movement disorders, epilepsy, trigeminal neuralgia and other conditions affecting the brain, spine, spinal cord, pituitary gland and/or neurovascular system.
Our Physicians
Dr. Tony Alberico, a board-certified neurosurgeon, offers a breadth of neurosurgical experience that rivals any in the region. He has quickly established himself as an excellent surgeon with outstanding judgment. He serves as the chairman of the Department of Neuroscience at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and as the director of the Back and Spine Center. Dr. Alberico is experienced in the management of spinal disorders and in developing advances in spine care.
Dr. Paul Ferguson is a board-certified neurologist who specializes in diagnosing and treating headaches, including chronic migraines. He is experienced in managing the complexities of multiple sclerosis and providing patients with the most advanced medical treatments, neuroimaging and physical therapy. Dr. Ferguson earned his medical degree at the MU Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and completed his residency in neurology at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center.
Dr. Samrina Hanif is a fellowship-trained neurologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy. Dr. Hanif earned her medical degree at Dow Medical University in Karachi, Pakistan, and she completed her residency at New York Medical College in Manhattan. Her fellowship training in epilepsy/clinical neurophysiology was completed at Vanderbilt University. Her special interests include refractory epilepsy and treating children with autism and epilepsy.
Dr. Alastair T. Hoyt, a fellowship-trained physician specializing in neurosurgery, offers diagnosis and treatment of disorders or injuries to the brain, spinal cord and/or peripheral nerves. After graduating from medical school at the University of Nebraska, Dr. Hoyt completed his residency in neurosurgery at the Medical College of Wisconsin and a fellowship at the Barrow Neurological Institute, along with additional training in Gamma Knife radiosurgery. He specializes in deep brain stimulation for patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Dr. Paul Knowles is certified by the American Board of Pediatrics and the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He completed fellowship training in pediatric neurology at Baylor University College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and a pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Akron, Ohio. He earned his medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia. Dr. Knowles has more than 30 years of experience in pediatric neurology.
Dominika Lozowska, MD, a fellowship-trained physician specializing in neurology, offers diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system, such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease and muscular sclerosis. She completed her residency in neurology at Fletcher Allen Health Center. She then completed a fellowship in neurophysiology at the University of South Florida and a neuromuscular fellowship at the University of Colorado School of Medicine.
Dr. Rida Mazagri's extensive training and experience includes a fellowship in Clinical Stroke Research at the University of Saskatchewan and a fellowship in Pediatric Neurosurgery at the University of Ottawa/Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario. He earned his medical degree at Al-Fateh University Medical School in Tripoli, Libya, and he is board certifed in neurological surgery. Dr. Mazagri treats adult and pediatric patients.
Paul Muizelaar, MD, PhD, an experienced, fellowship-trained neurosurgeon, has an extensive career in neurosurgery and is affiliated with the Back and Spine Center at CHH. He is certified by the Royal Dutch Board of Medical Specialties in Neurological Surgery. He earned his medical degree and doctorate at the University of Amsterdam School of Medicine, and he completed fellowship training in neurosurgery at the Medical College of Virginia.
Dr. Justin Nolte is a neurologist who specializes in stroke care and oversees Cabell Huntington Hospital's Advanced Primary Stroke Center, which has earned The Joint Commission's Gold Seal of Approval™. Dr. Nolte earned his medical degree from the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and completed a residency in neurology at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Dr. Mitzi Payne completed a fellowship in pediatric neurology and offers a variety of services unique to the region, including Botox injections for children suffering from spasticity caused by cerebral palsy and other disorders. She also manages intrathecal pumps implanted for severe spasticity. She manages pediatric epilepsy, including interpreting EEGs, pediatric headache disorders and other neurologic conditions unique to children.
Collectively, the members of the neuroscience staff have published hundreds of peer-reviewed scientific articles, book chapters and abstracts. They have lectured extensively nationally and internationally and have received multiple patents for medical breakthroughs. Although recognized for their academic achievements, their clinical experience and training is unparalleled in the region.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with a member of the Marshall University Department of Neuroscience, please call 304.691.1787.
