Dr. FRANCISCO VALDIVIA, MD

Expert Publications

• Cysticercosis presenting as a subdural hematoma.

Media Releases

Get to know Neurologist, Dr. Francisco R. Valdivia, who serves patients in Tucson, Arizona

Dr. Valdivia is a board-certified neurologist practicing with the Center for Neurosciences in Tucson, Arizona, which he joined in 1974. Conditions treated include degenerative nervous system conditions, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, connective tissue disease, dementia and cognitive disorders, stroke, and epilepsy. Dedicated to treating patients with multiple sclerosis, Dr. Valdivia places great emphasis on research, scientific advancements, and the newest treatment therapies. As such, he is a member of the Consortium of Multiple Sclerosis Centers (CMSC) and a Multiple Sclerosis Certified Specialist (MSCS). 

Dr. Valdivia attended the School of Medicine at the Universidad de Guadalajara Jalisco, México, his native country, and graduated in 1967. He relocated to the United States, where he completed an internship and a one-year internal medicine residency through the Tucson Hospitals Medical Education Program (1968 - 1970). Furthermore, he served his residency in neurology and was named Chief Resident at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and Bellevue Medical Center (1970 - 1972).

Upon the completion of his training, Dr. Valdivia obtained board certification in neurology from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). The ABPN is a not-for-profit corporation that was founded in 1934 as a method of identifying qualified specialists in psychiatry and neurology. The ABPN is one of 24 member boards of the American Board of Medical Specialties. 

Neurology is a branch of medicine dealing with disorders of the nervous system. Neurology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of all categories of conditions and disease involving the central and peripheral nervous systems, including their coverings, blood vessels, and all effector tissue, such as muscle.

Licensed to practice in the states of Arizona and California, Dr. Valdivia remains affiliated with several local hospitals, including TMC Healthcare and Carondelet St. Mary's Hospital. He is the Medical Director for the stroke center at Carondelet St. Mary’s Hospital, Medical Director of the Electroneurodiagnostic Laboratory at Center for Neurosciences, and principal investigator for clinical research trials at the Clinical Research Center at Center for Neurosciences

Earlier in his career, Dr. Valdivia was a clinical lecturer and adjunct professor at the University of Arizona, as well as Chief of Neurology at Kino Hospital, Tucson Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital.

Recommended Articles

• Parkinson's Disease Patients are Given Renewed Hope with a New Therapy

  Hitherto there is no truly preventive treatment for Parkinson’s disease. It is important that neurologists be aware of the symptomatic triad of depression, losing the sense of smell and constipation. It is good to consult with a neurologist with some expertise in the subject when these cases are...

• An In-Depth Look At How Alzheimer's Affects the Brain

  The brain's structure is made up of billions of neurons that connect to each other. These connections have stored the memories and abilities we gain during our lifetime. Every day, countless electrical impulses, called synapses, are transmitted through these connections, which make up basically...

• Alzheimer 's Disease: Understand the Diagnosis

  What is Alzheimer’s disease?Alzheimer’s disease is characterized by the gradual death of the brain cells, which affects the transmission of signals. This in turn, impairs memory, judgment, and cognitive abilities of the patient, and they find it difficult to carry out the day-to-day activities...

• Muscular Dystrophy: Combining Brain-Computer Interfaces and Assistive Technologies

  With the development of modern computers and networks, assistive technologies (AT) for people with disabilities have changed a lot. Not only can one control the devices through the voice, indeed, most of the devices and appliances can be connected to the voice activation services. So one can change...

• Reports Estimate Alzheimer's Treatment to Skyrocket for Patients and Caregivers

  In the United States, the healthcare system, trained caregivers and medical personnel attempt to give the best possible standards of care for their citizens. From the most complicated diseases and ailments like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or fibromyalgia, to simple conditions such as the common...

• What Is Central Vertigo?

  Types of VertigoWhen the world seems as though it is spinning, without cause, it is time to check with a doctor. There are two common forms of vertigo; central and peripheral....