Dr. Tamar F. Brionez, MD
Rheumatologist | Rheumatology
1140 Cypress Station Dr Suite 200 Houston TX, 77090Rating
5/5
About
Dr. Tamar Brionez, board-certified in both Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, has more than 10 years of experience in diagnosing and treating rheumatic musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions. She’s been in private practice since 2009 and has become one of Houston’s top Rheumatology specialists. Dr. Brionez is known for her dedication to her patients and her ability to diagnose complex conditions. She adheres to the highest standards of medical care while relying on cutting-edge technology and the most up-to-date medical research. Dr. Brionez has adopted a holistic view of her patients’ health and is considered a leading specialist in managing complex autoimmune disorders including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, scleroderma, osteoporosis, and many others. She is fluent in Spanish and is dedicated to hiring diverse staff to best meet her patients’ needs.
Education and Training
Baylor College of Medicine Doctor of Medicine (MD) 2004
Board Certification
Internal MedicineAmerican Board of Internal MedicineABIM- Rheumatology
Provider Details
Dr. Tamar F. Brionez, MD's Expert Contributions
Is there any way to predict arthritis flare-ups?
Good morning! Unfortunately, RA has its ups and downs, and some days are better than others. The bad days should be less in frequency as the disease gets under control with the help of your rheumatologist. Thanks! Best regards, Dr. B READ MORE
Should I exercise anymore?
Hello! Thank you for your question. Regarding exercise and RA, the rule is that you can do exercise if it’s comfortable for you. There is nothing specific you can or cannot do. Thanks so much! Best regards, Dr. Brionez READ MORE
How do I know if I have rheumatoid arthritis?
Hello! There are many things that cause joint pain. A diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis is a combination of many things, including symptoms, a good physical exam by a rheumatologist, labs, and X-rays. A good rheumatologist will walk you through the process. Thanks! Best regards, Dr. Brionez READ MORE
Knee Pain Going on for 5 Years?
Hello! First off, I am so sorry you have had to deal with this problem. I agree with everything your rheumatologist has done so far. Trying a Rheumatoid drug like plaquenil makes sense. Outside of possibly removing fluid from the knees, if there is any to remove, and doing an analysis on this fluid and testing for Rheumatoid and other autoimmune markers, I’m not sure what else I would do. Your rheumatologist can also try you on a steroid trial to see if you have a positive response. This would indicate an inflammatory etiology to your knee pain. Thanks so much! Best regards, Dr. Brionez READ MORE
How can you tell if you are in remission?
Hi! There is strict criteria for each autoimmune disease and defining remission. Your doctor should be able to walk you through these definitions and how they translate clinically. Thanks so much! Best regards, Dr Brionez READ MORE
How to Treat Knee Gout?
Hello! Thanks for your question. A gout flare can be treated by a combination or any of the following: colchicine, indocin (an anti inflammatory), and/or steroids. This should be done under the direction of your physician. Thanks so much! Best regards, Dr. Brionez READ MORE
Can degenerative arthritis in the knees, hips, and lower back cause degenerative arthritis in the shoulders and neck?
Hello! Thanks for your question. You can have degenerative arthritis in all the mentioned locations but having degenerative arthritis in one place does not cause it in another place. Thanks so much! Best regards, Dr B READ MORE
Detox
Hello! Thanks for your question. I would say your best bet is with a wellness doctor or clinic. Good luck! Best regards, Dr Brionez READ MORE
Sjogren's syndrome
Hello! Looks like some of your lupus testing is also positive. Plaquenil is the correct medication to start. Please continue to have good followup with your rheumatologist. Thanks! Best regards, Dr Brionez READ MORE
Biologics
Hello! Thank you so much for your question. Many of the psoriatic arthritis drugs are also approved for RA therapy. It’s is difficult to recommend a medication for RA that does not have that coverage in its label. I wish you the best of luck! Best regards, Dr. Brionez READ MORE
Sexual Contact get Lupus?
Hello! Thanks so much for this question. No, you cannot get Lupus from sexual contact. Thanks so much! Best regards, Dr Brionez READ MORE
3.5cm Complicated Cyst On Right Kidney
Hello! Thanks so much for your question. A rheumatologist would not be the correct specialty to consult on such an issue. Perhaps your pcp, renal doctor, or urologist would be able to adequately assess and assist you. Thanks so much! Best regards, Dr Brionez READ MORE
Is this a type of arthritis?
Hello! Thank you for your question. PMR, which is short for polymyalgia rheumatica, is not a form of arthritis. You can, however, have swelling of the hands as part of the disease presentation. Thanks so much! Best regards, Dr. Brionez READ MORE
Pain
Hello! Thanks so much for your question. There are only three drugs currently approved to treat fibromyalgia: cymbalta, savella, and lyrica. Many other medications are used like muscle relaxants, elavil, anti-inflammatory medications, and tramadol. Other processes can cause this pain, like issues with the neck itself. It is best to see a rheumatologist and an orthopedist to decide what is causing the pain and the best way to treat it. Thanks so much! Good luck! Best regards, READ MORE
Fibro nobody knows
Hello! Thank you for your question. Unfortunately, fibromyalgia can be tricky because it is essentially a diagnosis of exclusion, we have limited therapies, and these can be insufficient to address fibromyalgia symptoms. We are hoping research on new therapeutics catches up with our need for treatment :)! Thanks so very much! Best regards, READ MORE
Lupus pain?
Hello! Lupus has many different symptoms. Although pain can very well be part of lupus, it can also be a symptom of another issue. I would address these new concerns with your rheumatologist. Regarding lupus and timing of bloodwork - we normally check blood work on our active lupus patients once every 3-4 months. This does vary by practitioner. Best of luck! Best regards, READ MORE
Severe foot pain
Hello! Thank you for the question. Yes, the main targets of RA are the small joints of the hands and feet. Thanks!! Best regards, Dr. Brionez READ MORE
Treatment
Hello! Thanks so much for the question ! It sounds like your Rheumatologist is trying everything they can to get your disease under control. Unfortunately, without someone seeing you in person, completing a thorough physical exam, and reviewing your medical history and exact medication history, it’s difficult to recommend the next step. We attempt to control RA symptoms with biologic medications, disease modifying medications like methotrexate, and prednisone when needed. We use pain medications as a last resort. Thanks so much! Best regards, Dr Brionez READ MORE
Can RA cause problems with swallowing?
It can be linked to having an extremely dry mouth. This process, called secondary Sjogrens, is very common in RA patients. Thanks! Best regards READ MORE
Painful
No Lupus does not cause this problem. Thanks! Best regards READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Dr. Tamar F. Brionez, MD's Practice location
Practice At 1140 Cypress Station Dr Suite 200
1140 Cypress Station Dr Suite 200 -Houston, TX 77090Get Direction
THE WOODLANDS, TX 77382Get Direction
Dr. Tamar F. Brionez, MD's reviews
Write ReviewPatient Experience with Dr. Brionez
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Great Dr.
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