Ajaz Sheikh

Ajaz Sheikh, M.D. serves as Associate Professor and Director of the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship Program at the University of Toledo College of Medicine, specializing in Epilepsy, Sleep Medicine, and Intraoperative Monitoring. His clinical work integrates advanced neurophysiological diagnostics with comprehensive patient care at the Neuroscience Center.

Education:

• M.B.B.S: University of Kashmir, Government Medical College Srinagar (1998-2004)
• Internship: University of Toledo (2010-2011)
• Residency: Psychiatry (University of Kashmir, 2005-2008); Neurology (University of Toledo, 2011-2014)
• Fellowship: Clinical Neurophysiology/Epilepsy (Case Medical Center, 2014-2015); Sleep Medicine (Duke University, 2015-2016)

Dr. Sheikh's research examines seizure triggers, comorbidities in drug-resistant epilepsy, and neurophysiological diagnostic challenges. His work bridges clinical practice with systematic reviews on rare neurological conditions like CLIPPERS and Isaac Syndrome, emphasizing practical applications for improving diagnostic accuracy and treatment protocols in neurocritical care settings.

Recent publications (2023-2025) reveal a strong focus on epilepsy comorbidities, with significant contributions to understanding ADHD-epilepsy interactions, geriatric seizure patterns, and autoimmune neurological disorders. His systematic reviews on CLIPPERS and Isaac Syndrome demonstrate methodological rigor while addressing critical gaps in rare disease management.

Scientific Awards:

• Alpha Omega Alpha Induction (2023)
• A.B. Baker Teaching Recognition Award (2020)
• Outstanding Neurology Attending Award (2018-2019)
• Arnold P. Gold Humanism Award (2013, 2014)
• Outstanding Resident Teaching Award (2014)

As Principal Investigator for the ENGAGE-E-001 alprazolam trial and Co-Investigator on four active epilepsy drug studies (natalizumab, padsevonil, XEN1101, SAGE-547), Dr. Sheikh leads translational research targeting super-refractory status epilepticus and drug-resistant focal epilepsy. His prior work in Kashmir included schizophrenia and depression drug trials, reflecting global research engagement.

Through the Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship Program, Dr. Sheikh trains next-generation neurophysiologists while collaborating on multi-center trials that advance evidence-based protocols for complex seizure disorders and intraoperative monitoring standards.