Aram Asatrian

Dr. Asatrian's fascination with the nervous system began in medical school in Armenia, where he learned neuroanatomy from a century-old oil painting of the pyramidal tracts. Tracing those pathways through a historic illustration sparked a curiosity that led him first to neuroscience research and then to clinical neurology. Before his clinical training, Dr. Asatrian spent several years in graduate and postdoctoral research on the molecular mechanisms of stroke, retinal disease, and neurodegeneration. That scientific foundation still shapes how he practices: he approaches complex neurologic and neuromuscular problems carefully and methodically, and he stays closely engaged with emerging research and treatments. Dr. Asatrian is a neuromuscular neurologist who specializes in electrodiagnostic testing (EMG and nerve conduction studies). He evaluates and treats acquired neuromuscular conditions, including immune-mediated neuropathies such as CIDP, compression neuropathies such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical and lumbar radiculopathy, myasthenia gravis, myositis, and ALS. He also cares for patients with inherited nerve and muscle disorders, such as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease and the muscular dystrophies, and sees patients with unexplained weakness, numbness, muscle cramps, or twitching. A patient he cared for during his neuromuscular fellowship at UC Irvine, someone with severe myositis, made a lasting impression. The experience showed him that neurologic illness affects not only patients but also the families who care for them. It deepened his belief that timely diagnosis, compassionate care, and clear communication can meaningfully improve a patient's quality of life. Dr. Asatrian treats every patient as he would want a member of his own family to be treated. He listens carefully, explains complex conditions in plain terms, and partners with patients to make informed decisions about their care. Outside of medicine, he enjoys time with his family, soccer, pickleball, hiking, and exploring the California coastline.