Dr. Erik Rolando Armitano, M.D.
Neurologist, Complex Autonomic Center
Dr. Erik Rolando Armitano is a distinguished neurologist specializing in autonomic disorders, with a focus on Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). After completing his Neurology residency at The State University of New York - Downstate College of Medicine and The Brooklyn Hospital Center, Dr. Armitano felt a curiosity to delve deeper into the complexities of neurological disorders, particularly those involving "mysterious" pain and challenging problems.
His desire for knowledge led him to pursue fellowship training, where he had the privilege of working under Dr. Thomas Chelimsky, widely regarded as the "Grandfather of Autonomic Disorders Research", and founder of the second autonomic lab in the United States. Dr. Armitano participated in a prestigious dual fellowship program in Pain Medicine and Autonomic Disorders at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. During this time, he conducted research at the University Hospitals of Cleveland Autonomic Laboratory and Hospital Center, honing his expertise in this specialized field.
Recognizing a significant need for skilled providers in autonomic disorders, Dr. Armitano relocated to Washington State. He is now the only fellowship trained and American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology board certified physician with United Council of Neurologic Subspecialties Certification in Autonomic Disorders within the Pacific Northwest. With 25 years of experience in General Neurology and a dedicated focus on POTS patients over the past 15 years, he has established himself as a leading figure in the field.
Dr. Armitano founded the Complex Autonomic Center to create a neurology clinic uniquely equipped to address the intricate disorders of the autonomic nervous system, namely POTS, for patients in Washington State and the greater Pacific Northwest. He holds practicing licenses in Washington, Idaho, Oregon, and Florida, and remains committed to delivering expert-level care to his patients. Dr. Armitano is dedicated to continuous learning, expanding his skills to better serve his diverse patient community, and is an active researcher in dysautonomia.
In his personal life, Dr. Armitano enjoys kayaking throughout the Pacific Northwest. He is fluent in both English and Spanish, loves music, and cherishes spending time with his family.
Curriculum Vitae
Education/Degrees:
Doctor of Medicine (M.D.), Luis Razetti Medical School
Post-Doctoral Residency & Training:
- PGY 1-2: Intern and Resident, Internal Medicine, The Brooklyn Hospital Center
- PGY 3-6: Neurology Residency, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
- PGY 7: Autonomic Disorders and Pain Medicine Fellowships, Case Western Reserve University
Practice Experience:
- General Practitioner, Pedro Iturbe Outpatient, Caracas, Venezuela, 1996-1997
- Autonomic Neurologist, Neurological Associates Of Washington, Kirkland WA, 2004-2023
- Autonomic Neurologist, Complex Autonomic Center, Mountlake Terrace WA, 2024-Current
Licensure:
- Washington State Medical License: MD00044199 (Issued September 2004)
- Idaho State Medical License: 5861874 (Issued October 2024)
- Oregon State Medical License: MD216153 (Issued July 2023)
- Florida State Medical License: ME 90044 (Issued April 2004)
Board Certification:
- APBN Board Certification Neurology (July 2003-present)
- United Council for Neurological Subspecialties - Recertification in Autonomic Disorders (2016-Current)
- ECFMG Certification No. 05770508 valid indefinitely (August 1998)
Clinical Interests:
- Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS)
- Orthostatic hypotension (syncope or fainting)
- Neurogenic syncope
- Unexplained recurrent dizziness, fainting
- Autonomic neuropathies
- Autonomic failure
- Small fiber neuropathies
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS)
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS, cEDS, clEDS, mEDS, dEDS, vEDS)
- Sjögren's syndrome
- Post Viral Disorders
- Secondary Fatigue / Chronic Fatigue
- Monitoring of autonomic failure including response to treatments
Professional Memberships:
- American Academy of Neurology Junior Member 2000 – Present
- American Autonomic Society 2019 – Present
Publications:
- “Effect of pharmacological agents on Skin Blood flow” co-author of poster presentation at National Autonomic Meeting (November, 2003)
- Nath J, Jambhekar K, Rao C, Armitano E. Radiological and pathological changes in hemiballism-hemichorea with striatal hyperintensity. J Magn Reson Imaging. 2006 Apr;23(4):564-8. doi: 10.1002/jmri.20548. PMID: 16514597
- Chelimsky T., Armitano E. Pidgeon J. (2006) Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. In: Gilman S, ed. MedLnk Neurology, https://www.medlink.com/articles/complex-regional-pain-syndrome
