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Houston, TX
About
Bio
A native Houstonian, Randolph W. Evans, MD received his B.A. from Rice University in 1974 and M.D. from Baylor College of Medicine in 1978. Dr. Evans completed his internship and residency in Neurology at Baylor College of Medicine in 1982. He is board certified in Neurology and subspecialty certified in Headache Medicine and a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology, the American Headache Society, and the Texas Neurological Society.
As clinical professor at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Evans is actively involved with the teaching of medical students and residents. He is on the staff of Park Plaza Hospital, the Methodist Hospital, and St. Luke’s Episcopal Hospital.
Dr. Evans has numerous publications. Books include the following: senior editor of Prognosis of Neurological Disorders, 1st and 2nd editions and editor of Neurology and Trauma, 1st and 2nd editions; Iatrogenic Disorders; Diagnostic Testing in Neurology; Neurologic Treatment; the Saunders Manual of Neurologic Practice; Case Studies in Neurology ; Secondary Headache Disorders; Neurology Case Studies; Common Neurologic Disorders; Migraine and other Primary Headaches; and the co-author of Handbook of Headache, 1st and 2nd editions. Dr. Evans is an author of over 220 journal publications and 75 book chapters and is on the editorial boards of the publications Headache, Medlink Neurology, BMC Medicine, BMC Neurology, Headache Currents, Practical Neurology, Medscape Neurology and Neurosurgery, European Neurological Journal, Headache Research and Treatment, Frontiers in Headache Medicine and Facial Pain, and consulting editor of Neurologic Clinics of North America. Dr. Evans has been an ad hoc peer reviewer for numerous additional journals including BMJ, Lancet, Lancet Neurology, Neurology, and the New England Journal of Medicine.
Media appearances include ABC-News, CNN-Headline News, Univision, CBS radio, BBC radio, the Houston Chronicle, the New York Times, the LA Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and msnbc.com. Dr. Evans has been listed in the publications “Best Doctors in America,” “Guide to Top Doctors,” “Guide to America’s Top Physicians,” “US News Top Doctors,” “Texas Super Doctors,” “Top Doctors in Houston,” and “Doctors Choice Award.” Offices held include president of the Harris County Neurological Society (2002-2003), president of the Texas Neurological Society (2005-2006), and chief of neurology at Park Plaza Hospital (1986-2008).
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Neurology
Languages spoken
English
Doctor Q&A
69 Answers
5 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
For acute migraine: Amerge is a triptan used for acute treatment of migraine. The half life is long meaning that it doesn't work as well for many migraineurs as other tri... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
In many cases: 85 percent have triggers which vary from person to person. Some may be avoided such as lack of sleep, alcohol, certain foods, stress, bright lights.... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 32-year-old male asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
No: About 35 million people in the us have migraine per year but we have nothing that approaches a cure. There are medications that may help to treat indi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
100 mg: 100 mg daily is the typical dose for adults with an efficacy of 50% in reducing migraine days by 50% or more.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 20-year-old female asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Yes: Caffeine may improve the headache which usually gets better within one week. If there is no improvement, the doctor may recommend a minor procedure, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Chiari I: Most commonly in those with chiari i malformation. Less often with klippel-feil syndrome, postinfectious, postinflammatory, spinal neoplasms, and post... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Optic nerve: An injury to the optic nerve from a head injury could cause a change in vision in one eye.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Multiple: Headaches may be present in about 50% of those with brain tumors. Seizures may be present in over 50% of those with primary brain tumors. Memory prob... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Aura: 30 percent of migraineurs have migraine. With aura. 99% have a visual aura and 30% have a sensory aura usually with numbness or tingling following the... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Yes.: Stress, fatigue, and lack of sleep are common migraine triggers. Some people with a cold may experience these triggers due to the cold and also get a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
No. : A transient ischemic attack is due to a temporary (usually 1 hour or less) episode of neurological dysfunction of part of the brain( different symptom... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
A pinched nerve: A pinched nerve or compressed nerve root (sciatica) can cause pain in the buttock going down the leg in the distribution of the nerve which is compre... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
A pinched nerve: A pinched nerve or compressed nerve root (sciatica) can cause a burning pain in the back going down the leg in the distribution of the nerve which is... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Many things: For acute attacks, ibuprofen, naproxen, and Excedrin will relieve many attacks. If not, your doctor can prescribe a triptan medication (such as imitre... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Perhaps: 85% of migraineurs have triggers. You may want to keep a headache diary to see if you can identify triggers such as stress, lack of sleep, alcohol, f... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
As long as the HA: Photophobia occurs in about 80% of migraines and resolves when the headache goes away. Prompt treatment of the migraine will relieve the light sensiti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Yes: Recent research suggests that allergic rhinitis can and may be helped by allergy shots in some people for prevention.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Damage astroglia: Lead changes the permeability of the blood brain barrier and accumulates in the astroglia. The astroglia are cells which are essential for maintenance... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Triptans: Migraines often awaken people from sleep and can be severe. If an oral triptan (such as sumatriptan, sumatriptan/ naproxen/sodium, eletripan, rizatrip... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Chiari I: Chiari i malformation most common
less often, klippel-feil, postinfectious, postinflammatory, spinal neoplasms, posttraumatic.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
It depends : It depends on the test. An eeg would not make a difference in your case. If you have already been diagnosed and had a scan of the brain, then a scan w... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years agoMerged
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Physical exam: The doctor will start with a physical exam which may be enough in many cases to determine that the pain may be myofascial or muscle spasm. If there i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Irritable brain cell: Antidepressants can rarely cause seizures in those with a history of seizures and people without seizures by making brain cells or neurons hyperexcita... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Yes: 30" of walking 4-5 days a week is excellent aerobic exercise for people of all ages.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Not necessarily: Seizures do not usually occur during an eeg which can show abnormal brain activity (epileptiform findings) in about 50% of people with epilepsy during... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
No: Pseudotumor cerebri can occasionally result in visual loss and blindness in addition to severe headaches. Pseudotumor needs to be carefully followed b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Yes: Persistent chronic (15 or more days per month) postmeningitis headaches are treated like chronic migraine or chronic tension type headaches depending ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
It depends: It depends upon the cause of your severe headaches. Most headaches are handled appropriately by the emergency department physicians. If someone has a ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Yes: However, Meloxicam and the 250 mg in each Excedrin can irritate your stomach and put you at risk for ulcers if taken frequently.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Possibly: If you use the term sciatic nerve to mean nerve root damage, it depends upon the type of fracture. Sciatic nerve damage would depend upon the location... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Many things: The cause is not known. Triggers are present in 85% such as stress and lack of sleep. For acute attacks, ibuprofen, naproxen, and Excedrin will reliev... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
History&exam: Most migraines are diagnosed by the history and a normal neurological exam. Scans of the brain are usually not necessary.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Triggers: Triggers may be responsible such as lack of sleep, stress, food, alcohol, menses, etc. Medication rebound can also be a factor with use of over the co... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
No: It is a triptan which binds to serotonin 1b and 1d receptors.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 31-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Cardiovascular : There is a small increased risk of heart attacks and stroke but not enough to lose sleep over. Pay attention to overall risk factor reduction. No smok... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
75% improve: About 75% are improved on follow-up 2 years after surgery.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Imitrex (sumatriptan) at onset: Migraine medications are more effective when taken as soon as possible when the headache starts when the pain is mild so the relief may be less if you... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
6.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Usually no: If migraines don't respond to over the counter drugs, doctors try to use migraine specific medications such as triptans such as imitrex, maxalt, relpa... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Never!: About 60% of migraineurs have pain on one side of the head often behind the eye. The pain is referred or comes from the brain and is not from the eye... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Yes: Gabapentin can be used for prevention of episodic and chronic migraine prevention with fairly good efficacy. Side effects incude sleepiness, dizziness... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
It depends: Some patients may be seizure free after total resection of a brain tumor. It's best to consult with their doctor.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 43-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Symptomatic: Most viral meningitis is treated symtomatically (treating the pain, nausea, and vomiting) with the exception of herpes meningoencephalitis which is tr... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Sumatriptan sc 6 mg: Provides rapid relief for about 80%.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Abortive medication: Light and noise sensitivity occur in about 80% of migraines and are typically relieved along with the headache by use of a symptomatic or abortive mig... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.8k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Numbness: Carpal tunnel syndrome may cause numbness, tingling or pain in the thumb, index, middle, and sometimes thumb side of the fourth which which can also b... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Carpal tunnel : Most common cause is carpal tunnel syndrome which is a pinched or compressed median nerve at the wrist which supplies the thumb, index, middle, and ha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Carpal tunnel : Most common cause is carpal tunnel syndrome which is a pinched or compressed median nerve at the wrist which supplies the thumb, index, middle, and ha... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Unlikely: 5 mm is borderline abnormal. Other causes of chronic daily headache may be considered such as chronic migraine.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Sumatriptan sc: The most effective and fastest treatment for acute migraine is sumatriptan subcutaneous which works for about 80 percent. Oral triptans may be effecti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 27-year-old member asked:
Dr. Randolph Evansanswered
Neurology 45 years experience
Yes: The nerve damaged depends upon the part of the thumb which is numb and whether there is weakness associated. It could be the median nerve or superfici... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
3
Recommendations
255
Thank you notes
Nov 26, 2013
I have known Randy Evans since medical school have referred many patients to him for his Neurological expertise. His is absolutely top notch.
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Evans is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Evans is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thank you, yes if I don't take t first symptom like muscle pain it is typically much worse. Waiting 4 hours is a painful option, my neuro Reccomended vicodin in combo and it knocks it out. Thank u!
HealthTap member
Thank you for the tip, however I have chiari, and have had decompression surgery. I follow many many people who are UNDERDIAGNOSED!!!!
HealthTap member
Sir i hav already been to neurologist. He did some electric test to chech my nerve conduction nd evrything came nrml.
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Baylor College of Medicine, TX
Graduated 1978MD
Awards
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