Restoring Clarity to the Human Mind
A quiet, unhurried neurology practice. We take the time to listen, examine carefully, and test only when it changes the plan — for headache, seizures, memory, movement and nerve disorders.
New patients within 2 weeksMost PPO plans & Medicare90-minute first visits
Specialized Care Pathways
Four focused programs, each led by Dr. Aris with a dedicated nurse coordinator who knows your case.
Migraine & Headache Program
A preventive plan built around your headache diary: CGRP therapies, onabotulinumtoxinA for chronic migraine, nerve blocks, and a frank conversation about triggers, sleep and medication overuse.
Epilepsy & Seizure Care
Routine and 72-hour ambulatory EEG in-house, careful medication selection, and driving, pregnancy and work guidance you can actually use.
Memory & Cognition
A two-hour cognitive evaluation, plain-language results, and a plan that includes the people who care for you.
Stroke Recovery & Neuro-Rehabilitation
After a stroke, concussion or brain injury: coordinated physical, occupational and speech therapy, spasticity management, and a realistic timeline for getting back to work and driving.
Conditions we treat
If your concern isn't listed, call us. We'll tell you honestly whether we're the right clinic, and who to see if we're not.
- 01Migraine & cluster headachePreventive & acute plans
- 02Epilepsy & seizure disordersIn-house EEG
- 03Memory loss & early dementiaCognitive evaluation
- 04Parkinson's disease & tremorMovement clinic
- 05Multiple sclerosisInfusion coordination
- 06Neuropathy & nerve painEMG / nerve studies
- 07Stroke recovery & TIAPrevention & rehab
- 08Sleep disordersInsomnia, apnea, RLS
- 09Dizziness & vertigoVestibular work-up
- 10Concussion & brain injuryReturn-to-work plans
Driven by Science,
Defined by Compassion.
"My mission is to demystify the complexities of the nervous system, empowering patients to take control of their health through shared decision-making and precision medicine."
Dr. Aris is a board-certified neurologist with over 15 years of experience in academic and private practice settings. He founded The Cognitive Sanctuary to provide a high-touch, boutique clinical experience where patients are never just a number.
- check_circle Doctorate from Johns Hopkins University
- check_circle Former Chief Resident of Neurology
- check_circle Member of the American Academy of Neurology
Patient Experiences
"Dr. Aris finally gave me an answer for my chronic headaches after years of searching. The clinic environment is so peaceful."
"The level of attention here is unmatched. I never felt rushed, and all my neurological questions were answered in detail."
"A sanctuary in the true sense of the word. Professional, high-tech, and incredibly empathetic staff."
Precision Diagnostics,
Measured Outcomes.
Routine and 72-hour ambulatory EEG, nerve conduction studies and EMG are done here, in the clinic. When imaging is needed we arrange same-week 3T MRI and Dr. Aris reads every scan with you, on screen, at your follow-up.
We audit our outcomes every January and publish them here — the good numbers and the ones we're still working on.
- 1 Internal outcomes audit, Jan–Dec 2025; n = 318 patients on a preventive plan with a completed six-month diary.
- 2 Practice scheduling data, 2025. Urgent referrals (new seizure, suspected TIA) are seen within 72 hours.
What a first neurology visit involves
Plan on about 90 minutes. Bring your medication list, any prior imaging on disc or through your portal, and — if you can — someone who has seen your symptoms.
-
01
History, unhurried
How your symptoms started, what changes them, and what you're most worried about. This conversation is where most neurological diagnoses are actually made.
About 40 minutes -
02
The neurological exam
Reflexes, strength, coordination, eye movements, gait and a short cognitive screen. A careful hands-on exam still tells us more than any single scan.
About 25 minutes -
03
Testing, only if it helps
EEG, nerve studies or imaging are ordered when the result would change the plan. We explain what each test can and cannot show before you agree to it.
Same day or scheduled -
04
A written plan
You leave with a one-page summary: what we think is going on, what happens next, and how to reach us between visits.
Before you leave
Find Your Sanctuary
We are located in the heart of the Medical District, designed for easy access and patient comfort.
San Francisco, CA 94107
hello@cognitivesanctuary.com
Sat – Sun: Closed
Begin Your Neurological Journey
Tell us about yourself and your symptoms. We'll reach out within one business day to schedule your consultation.