Alison M. Leston, M.D, Ph.D.

Alison Leston, M.D., Ph.D. completed her medical degree and neurology residency at Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Hospital. In addition, she completed fellowship training at Washington University in Clincal Neurophysiology, with an emphasis on nerve conduction testing and EMG.

As a general neurologist, Dr. Leston treats the full spectrum of neurologic disorders, including stroke, seizures, Parkinson's disease, migraine, and multiple sclerosis. She has a special interest in the peripheral nervous system (nerves and muscles). Her subspecialty training in electrodiagnostics provided extensive experience in diagnosis of disorders such as peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, carpal tunnel syndrome, ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease), and sciatica.

Before coming to Washington University for medical school, Dr. Leston performed research for her Ph.D. at the University of Chicago. There she worked in a lab, studying the intricate chemistry of how nerves communicate with each other and how nerves communicate with muscles. This was fascinating work, but it would be many years, if ever, before the test tubes on the lab bench would yield any results that could directly benefit patients. With a desire to participate more directly in patient care, Dr. Leston entered medical school already planning to become a neurologist. She is still fascinated by thinking about how the brain works and how nerves communicate. Understanding these processes helps her decide how to best help a patient when these functions go awry.

Dr. Leston received her Ph.D. in Neurobiology from the University of Chicago for research on proteins at the interface between nerves and muscles. Her research projects included the synthesis and structure of acetylcholine receptors. Acetylcholine receptors are the proteins targeted in myasthenia gravis, a disorder causing weakness and disruption of the muscle membrane.

Alison Leston, M.D., Ph.D. enjoys treating nerve and muscle disorders, because they merge her Ph.D. research which focused on the interface between nerves and muscles, and her clinical fellowship training, which focused on examination and electrical testing of peripheral nerves and muscles in patients.

Neurologic disease can have a devastating impact on the person affected and those caring for them. The most rewarding aspect of neurology for Dr. Leston is when she is able to improve a patient's ability to function, which is often greatly appreciated by the patient and their entire family.

Originally from the Chicago area, Dr. Leston was attracted to St. Louis to attend Washington University School of Medicine in the 1990's. She has come to love the St. Louis area. She especially appreciates the wonderful people of St. Louis, and enjoys having them as her patients and colleagues.

Dr. Leston will be joining Neurology Associates on July 24, 2006.

Please call our office if you would like to schedule an appointment: 314.725.2010.