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Michael D. Stubblefield
I specialize in the evaluation and treatment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and functional complications of cancer and cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. These disorders include acute and chronic pain, weakness, muscle spasms, neuropathy, myopathy, deconditioning, contractures, spasticity, plegia, spinal cord injury, lymphedema, amputation, and gait disorders among others. I see patients with any type of cancer diagnosis at any stage of their disease.
I have particular interest in identifying and treating the long-term complications of cancer survivors. I commonly see patients who have been cured of their cancers for many years but now suffer from any of a variety of complications, including what I term the “radiation fibrosis syndrome.” Symptoms of the radiation fibrosis syndrome may include weakness and painful spams of the muscles of the jaw (trismus), neck (cervical dystonia), back, or extremities, as well as local and referred nerve pain, headaches, joint deformities, etc. Patients commonly afflicted by the radiation fibrosis syndrome include survivors of Hodgkin’s disease, head and neck cancer, extremity sarcomas, and potentially any other cancer treated with radiation.
My success in alleviating pain and improving the function and quality of life of patients with active cancer and cancer survivors rely heavily on accurate diagnosis. By making an accurate and specific diagnosis, I am able to offer specific and comprehensive treatment. My treatment strategy is often multimodal, and may include prescription of physical, occupational, and/or lymphedema therapy, assistive devices, orthotics, prosthetics, and when needed, the use of joint and soft tissue injections. I have considerable experience using botulinum toxin (Botox) injections to treat cancer related disorders such as neuropathic pain and muscle spasms.
In addition, I am board certified in electrodiagnostic medicine and have extensive experience in using electromyography (EMG) to diagnose the cause of peripheral nerve dysfunction and to clarify the cause of pain and functional disorders in cancer patients.
Phone
212-639-7834
Education
MD, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons
Residencies
Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center
Board Certifications
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation;
Electrodiagnostic Medicine;
Internal Medicine
Clinical Expertise
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation;
Electrodiagnosis (EMG);
Internal Medicine
Department & Service
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