Melissa Cortez
( out of 182 reviews )

Melissa Cortez, DO

Languages spoken: English

Clinical Locations

Primary Location

Imaging and Neurosciences Center

729 Arapeen Way
Salt Lake City , UT 84108
801-585-7575
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Melissa Cortez, DO, is a neurologist who has specialized expertise in neurological diseases affecting the autonomic nervous system (autonomic neurology), as well as multiple sclerosis (MS). She is board certified in neurology and clinical neurophysiology (EMG, nerve conduction studies, evoked potentials, and autonomic testing). Dr. Cortez is the director and founder of the autonomic physiology lab at the University of Utah and has integrated a research program into her clinical work, aiming to better understand the underlying physiology of symptoms her patients experience. This knowledge is aimed at improving diagnostic strategies, improved selection of treatment options, and improving outcomes.

Specialties

Board Certification

American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Neurology)
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Sub: Clinical Neurophysiology)
United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (Autonomic Disorders)

Patient Rating

Patients describe Dr. Cortez as highly knowledgeable and expert in managing complex and chronic conditions, with careful history-taking and thoughtful diagnostic consideration. Many note that she is caring, personable, and a strong listener who explains things clearly, answers questions, and establishes a clear plan for ongoing care. Several patients say her support has helped them feel more hopeful and better able to manage their health.

Generated via Patient Reviews

4.7 /5
( out of 182 reviews )

The patient rating score is an average of all responses on our patient experience survey. The rating averages scores for all questions about care from our providers. The scale on which responses are measured is 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.

May 18, 2026
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES CENTER

She is very friendly and explains things very well. And is good about answering all my questions. And makes me feel ok asking my questions.

Mar 30, 2026
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES CENTER

I have been dealing with chronic disease and multiple providers for more than 10 years. Dr. Cortez is the most professional and committed clinician I've ever worked with. She has been the driving force behind all my health successes since I started with her 6 years ago.

Feb 23, 2026
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES CENTER

I went to see Dr. Cortez for my POTS. I have numerous other autoimmune conditions that she knew about and could speak about POTS concerns with consideration to other chronic illnesses. She is knowledgable, caring, and personable. Worth the wait to get into her!

Nov 10, 2025
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES CENTER

She may well be a good doctor, but I'll never know. My 2 appts with a total of 20 mins & a curt goodbye from her. Make sure you can use your local team & not have to travel back & forth to appts that could be done online-especially if you are a senior. Wasted 2+ yrs & right back where I started. Got more help with symptoms & treatment from internet & FB. Really so sad!

Oct 01, 2025
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES CENTER

Excellent care. Very personable.

Sep 18, 2025
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES CENTER

Impressive expertise and hopeful advise.

Sep 08, 2025
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES CENTER

Considerate and extremely helpful, it feels like I actually have a plan going forward for my care, couldn't recommend more!

Aug 17, 2025
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES CENTER

Dr. Cortez is incredible ' such an amazing expert, so supportive, deeply knowledgeable, and very helpful. I feel very lucky I get to have her support in managing a condition as challenging as POTS. It makes me feel empowered and hopeful. The quality of care is really impressive. In the five years she's been my doctor, I have improved dramatically and manage my illness way better. She truly gave me my life back and I'm so grateful.

Aug 04, 2025
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES CENTER

Best in class - without a doubt

Apr 08, 2025
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES CENTER

I have a complex medical condition and have seen many providers at the U over the past 15 years. Dr Cortez stands out for meticulous history-taking, thorough physical examination, and careful consideration of differential diagnoses. I'm a fan!

Jan 15, 2025
CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES CENTER

I have had the privilege of being a patient of Dr Cortez for several years. She is one a few Doctors that truly cares about her patients. She has been thorough in my Healthcare. She truly is one of a kind. We need more Doctors like her. She is the best!

Nov 20, 2024
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

She is doing a great service helping people like me with these particular situations, not just in this state but all in this region of the country.

Oct 02, 2024
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL

She is a very caring person.

Patient comments are gathered from our patient experience survey and displayed in their entirety. For the convenience of our visitors, some patient comments have been translated from their original language into English while preserving their original meaning as accurately as possible. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.

Melissa Cortez, DO, is a neurologist who has specialized expertise in neurological diseases affecting the autonomic nervous system (autonomic neurology), as well as multiple sclerosis (MS). She is board certified in neurology and clinical neurophysiology (EMG, nerve conduction studies, evoked potentials, and autonomic testing). Dr. Cortez is the director and founder of the autonomic physiology lab at the University of Utah and has integrated a research program into her clinical work, aiming to better understand the underlying physiology of symptoms her patients experience. This knowledge is aimed at improving diagnostic strategies, improved selection of treatment options, and improving outcomes.

Board Certification and Academic Information

Academic Departments Neurology -Associate Professor (Clinical)
Board Certification
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Neurology)
American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Sub: Clinical Neurophysiology)
United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (Autonomic Disorders)

Education history

Fellowship Clinical Neurophysiology, Electromyography/Autonomics - Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic Fellow
Fellowship Multiple Sclerosis - Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic Clinical Fellow
Chief Resident Adult Neurology - University of Utah School of Medicine Chief Resident
Residency Adult Neurology - University of Utah School of Medicine Resident
Internship Preliminary Medicine - University of Minnesota Intern
Doctoral Training Medicine - Midwestern University/Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine Doctorate
Undergraduate Molecular Biology, Minor in Psychology - University of Wyoming B.S.
Undergraduate Biochemistry and Molecular Biology - Cornell College

Selected Publications

Journal Article

  1. Sivakoti K, Parnell O, Espinoza C, Tak C, Fischer P, Shakib J, Brewer S, Caplin D, Skog S, Cortez M (2026). Impact of Excessive Postural Tachycardia on Disability in Youth with Orthostatic Intolerance. J Pediatr, 293, 115042.
  2. Thaweethai T, Donohue SE, Martin JN, Hornig M, Mosier JM, Shinnick DJ, Ashktorab H, Atieh O, Blomkalns A, Brim H, Chen Y, Cortez MM, Erdmann NB, Flaherman V, Goepfert P, Goldman JD, Hamburg NM, Han JE, Heath JR, Jacoby V, Jolley SE, Kelly JD, Kelly SW, Kim C, Krishnan JA, Letts R, Levitan EB, Modes ME, McComsey GA, Metz TD, Mullington JM, Ofotokun I, Okumura MJ, Paredes CC, Patterson TF, Peluso MJ, Reece R, Sherif ZA, Simhan HN, Simmons C, Singh U, Taylor BS, Taylor BD, Trinity JD, Troxel AB, Utz PJ, Vasey AJ, Weinberger E, Wiley Z, Wisnivesky J, Yee LM, Horwitz L, Foulkes AS, Levy BD, RECOVER-Adult Consortium (2025). Long COVID trajectories in the prospectively followed RECOVER-Adult US cohort. Nat Commun, 16(1), 9557.
  3. Horwitz LI, Becker JH, Huang W, Akintonwa T, Hornig-Rohan MM, Maranga G, Adams DR, Albers MW, Ayache M, Berry J, Brim H, Bryan TW, Charney AW, Clark RA, Cortez MM, DAnza B, Davis H, Donohue SE, Erdmann N, Flaherman V, Fong TG, Frontera JA, Goldberg MP, Goldman JD, Harkins MS, Hodder SL, Jacoby VL, Jagannathan P, Jia X, Kelly JD, Krishnan JA, Kumar A, Laiyemo AO, Levitan EB, Martin JN, McCaffrey KM, McComsey GA, Metz TD, Murthy G, Nguyen H, Okumura M, Parry S, Parthasarathy S, Patterson TF, Peluso MJ, Sorochinsky C, Walker T, Wiegand SL, Wiley Z, Wisnivesky J, Ashktorab H, Foulkes A, Lee-Iannotti JK, Researching COVID to Enhance Recovery Consortium (2025). Olfactory Dysfunction After SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the RECOVER Adult Cohort. JAMA Netw Open, 8(9), e2533815.
  4. Ziaks L, Johnson K, Schiltz K, Pelo R, Lamotte G, Dal Molin C, Chung T, Cortez MM (12/2024). Adaptive Approaches to Exercise Rehabilitation for Postural Tachycardia Syndrome and Related Autonomic Disorders. Arch Rehabil Res Clin Transl, 6(4), 100366.
  5. Juraschek SP, Cortez MM, Flack JM, Ghazi L, Kenny RA, Rahman M, Spikes T, Shibao CA, Biaggioni I (3/2024). Orthostatic Hypotension in Adults With Hypertension: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association. Hypertension, 81(3), e16-30.
  6. Walker WC, Clark SW, Eppich K, Wilde EA, Martin AM, Allen CM, Cortez MM, Pugh MJ, Walton SR, Kenney K (2023). Headache among combat-exposed veterans and service members and its relation to mild traumatic brain injury history and other factors: a LIMBIC-CENC study. Front Neurol, 14, 1242871.
  7. Martindale C, Presson AP, Schwedt TJ, Brennan KC, Cortez MM (2023). Sensory hypersensitivities are associated with post-traumatic headache-related disability. Headache, 63(8), 1061-1069.
  8. Cortez MM, Martindale C, Brennan KC, Kean J, Millar MM, Knudson A, Katz BJ, Digre KB, Presson AP, Zhang C (2023). Validation of the Utah Photophobia Symptom Impact Scale (version 2) as a headache-specific photophobia assessment tool. Headache, 63(5), 672-682.
  9. De Almeida BI, Smith TL, Delic A, Esquibel L, Galli J, Millsap L, Paz Soldn MM, Cortez MM, Rose J, Greenlee JE, Gundlapalli AV, Hill HR, Wong KH, Clardy SL (2023). Neurologic Manifestations of Common Variable Immunodeficiency: Impact on Quality of Life. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm, 10(3).
  10. Langford JS, Tokita E, Martindale C, Millsap L, Hemp J, Pace LA, Cortez MM (2022). Quantitative gastrointestinal function and corresponding symptom profiles in autonomic neuropathy. Front Neurol, 13, 1027348.
  11. Starling AJ, Cortez MM, Jarvis NR, Zhang N, Porreca F, Chong CD, Schwedt TJ (2022). Cutaneous heat and light-induced pain thresholds in post-traumatic headache attributed to mild traumatic brain injury. Headache, 62(6), 726-736.
  12. Fino PC, Dibble LE, Wilde EA, Fino NF, Johnson P, Cortez MM, Hansen CR, van der Veen SM, Skop KM, Werner JK, Tate DF, Levin HS, Pugh MJV, Walker WC (2022). Sensory Phenotypes for Balance Dysfunction After Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Neurology, 99(5), e521-35.
  13. Leibovit-Reiben Z, Ishii R, Dodick DW, Dumkrieger G, Cortez MM, Brennan KC, Digre K, Schwedt TJ (2022). The impact of pre-morbid headaches on headache features and long-term health outcomes following traumatic brain injury: Insights from the American Registry for Migraine Research. Headache, 62(5), 566-576.
  14. Vernino S, Bourne KM, Stiles LE, Grubb BP, Fedorowski A, Stewart JM, Arnold AC, Pace LA, Axelsson J, Boris JR, Moak JP, Goodman BP, Chmali KR, Chung TH, Goldstein DS, Diedrich A, Miglis MG, Cortez MM, Miller AJ, Freeman R, Biaggioni I, Rowe PC, Sheldon RS, Shibao CA, Systrom DM, Cook GA, Doherty TA, Abdallah HI, Darbari A, Raj SR (2021). Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): State of the science and clinical care from a 2019 National Institutes of Health Expert Consensus Meeting - Part 1. Auton Neurosci, 235, 102828.
  15. Raj SR, Bourne KM, Stiles LE, Miglis MG, Cortez MM, Miller AJ, Freeman R, Biaggioni I, Rowe PC, Sheldon RS, Shibao CA, Diedrich A, Systrom DM, Cook GA, Doherty TA, Abdallah HI, Grubb BP, Fedorowski A, Stewart JM, Arnold AC, Pace LA, Axelsson J, Boris JR, Moak JP, Goodman BP, Chmali KR, Chung TH, Goldstein DS, Darbari A, Vernino S (2021). Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS): Priorities for POTS care and research from a 2019 National Institutes of Health Expert Consensus Meeting - Part 2. Auton Neurosci, 235, 102836.
  16. Cortez MM, Millsap L, Rea NA, Sciarretta C, Brennan KC (2021). Photophobia and allodynia in persistent post-traumatic headache are associated with higher disease burden. Cephalalgia, 41(10), 1089-1099.
  17. Schwedt TJ, Sahai-Srivastava S, Murinova N, Birlea M, Ahmed Z, Digre K, Lopez K, Mullally W, Blaya MT, Pippitt K, Cutrer FM, DeLange J, Schecht H, Rizzoli P, Lane J, Wald J, Cortez MM, Martin VT, Spare NM, Hentz JG, Robert T, Dodick DW, MOTS Investigators (2021). Determinants of pain interference and headache impact in patients who have chronic migraine with medication overuse: Results from the MOTS trial. Cephalalgia, 41(10), 1053-1064.
  18. Ishii R, Schwedt TJ, Trivedi M, Dumkrieger G, Cortez MM, Brennan KC, Digre K, Dodick DW (2021). Mild traumatic brain injury affects the features of migraine. J Headache Pain, 22(1), 80.
  19. Cortez MM, Millsap L, Rea NA, Sciarretta C, Brennan KC (2021). Photophobia and allodynia in persistent post-traumatic headache are associated with higher disease burden. Cephalalgia, 41(10), 1089-1099.
  20. Cortez MM, Millsap L, Brennan KC (2020). Synergistic but separable sensory changes in postural tachycardia syndrome and chronic migraine. Clin Auton Res, 31(2), 263-271.
  21. Villani LA, Digre KB, Cortez MM, Bokat C, Rassner UA, Ozudogru SN (2021). Arachnoiditis, a complication of epidural blood patch for the treatment of low-pressure headache: A case report and systematic review. Headache, 61(2), 244-252.
  22. Parkhouse RME, Sciutto E, Hernndez M, Cortez MM, Carpio A, Fleury A (2020). Extraparenchymal human neurocysticercosis induces autoantibodies against brain tubulin and MOG35-55 in cerebral spinal fluid. J Neuroimmunol, 349, 577389.
  23. Sanchez JMS, McNally JS, Cortez MM, Hemp J, Pace LA, Clardy SL (2020). Neuroimmunogastroenterology: At the Interface of Neuroimmunology and Gastroenterology. Front Neurol, 11, 787.
  24. Cortez MM, Millsap L, Brennan KC, Campbell CL (2020). Craniofacial Autonomic Dysfunction in Migraine: Implications for Treatment and Prognosis. J Neuroophthalmol, 40(1), 67-73.
  25. Cortez MM, Theriot J, Rea NA, Gowen F, Brennan KC (2019). Low-frequency facial hemodynamic oscillations distinguish migraineurs from non-headache controls. 2, 1-9.
  26. Cortez MM, Digre K, Uddin D, Hung M, Blitzer A, Bounsanga J, Voss MW, Katz BJ (2019). Validation of a photophobia symptom impact scale. Cephalalgia, 39(11), 1445-1454.
  27. Cortez MM, Rae N, Millsap L, McKean N, Brennan KC (2019). Pupil Cycle Time Distinguishes Migraineurs From Subjects Without Headache. Front Neurol, 10, 478.
  28. Cortez MM, Theriot JJ, Rea NA, Gowen FE, Brennan KC (2019). Low-frequency facial hemodynamic oscillations distinguish migraineurs from non-headache controls. Cephalalgia Rep, 2.
  29. Hanson LL, Ahmed Z, Katz BJ, Warner JEA, Crum AV, Zhang Y, Zhang Y, Baggaley S, Pippitt K, Cortez MM, Digre KB (2018). Patients With Migraine Have Substantial Reductions in Measures of Visual Quality of Life. Headache, 58(7), 1007-1013.
  30. Rea NA, Rosenberg CL, Cortez MM (2017). Quantitative assessment of autonomic symptom burden in Postural tachycardia syndrome (POTS). J Neurol Sci, 377, 35-41.
  31. Cortez MM, Nagi Reddy SK, Goodman B, Carter JL, Wingerchuk DM (2015). Autonomic Symptom Burden is Associated with MS-Related Fatigue and Quality of Life. Mult Scler Relat Disord, 4(3), 258–263.
  32. Cortez MM, Wilder M, McFadden M, Majersik JM (2014). Quality of Life after Intra-arterial Therapy for Acute Ischemic Stroke. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis, 23(7), 1890-6.
  33. Cortez MM, Wold JJ, Renner DR (2014). International issues: expanding neurologic education to resource-poor countries. Lessons from Moi Teaching Hospital. Neurology, 82(3), e18-20.
  34. Cortez M, Singleton JR, Smith AG (2014). Glucose intolerance, metabolic syndrome, and neuropathy. Handb Clin Neurol, 126, 109-22.

Review

  1. Saleh S, Sanford EM, McGeary DD, Cortez MM, Hayward M, Bouldin ED, Kean J, Pugh MJV (2026). Efficacy and outcomes of pharmacological treatments for headaches after traumatic brain injury: A systematic review. [Review]. Cephalalgia, 46(4), 3331024261441563.
  2. Cortez MM, Aikins K, Arnold AC, Boris JR, Davenport TE, Johnson K, Kattaya HS, Kinsella L, McFarland MM, Pelo R, Powers CD, Schiltz K, Stiles LE, Ziaks L, Chung TH, Dal Molin C (2025). Impact of exercise to treat postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome: a systematic review. [Review]. Frontiers Neurology, 16(1567708).
  3. Pelo R, Suttman E, Fino PC, McFarland MM, Dibble LE, Cortez MM (2023). Autonomic dysfunction and exercise intolerance in concussion: a scoping review. [Review]. Clin Auton Res, 33(2), 149-163.

Book Chapter

  1. Cortez MM, Singleton JR, Smith AG (2014). Glucose intolerance, metabolic syndrome, and neuropathy. In D.W. Zochodne and R.A. Malik (Eds.), Handbook of Clinical Neurology: Diabetes and the Nervous System (3rd, 126, pp. 109-22). Toronto: Elsevier Publishing.

Case Report

  1. Ginos J, Mcnally S, Cortez M, Quigley E, Shah LM (2015). Vertebral Artery Dissection and Cord Infarction - an Uncommon Cause of Brown-Séquard and Horner Syndromes. Cureus, 7(8), e308.

Letter

  1. Miglis MG, Syed N, Cortez MM, Viser FC, van Campen CLMC, Novak P (5/2024). Is it time to move beyond blood pressure and heart rate during head-up tilt testing? [Letter to the editor]. Clin Auton Res, 34(2), 317-320.
  2. Ozudogru SN, Villani LA, Cortez MM, Bokat C, Rassner UA, Digre KB (2021). Arachnoiditis following epidural blood patch-An avoidable rare complication due to blind technique: A response. [Letter to the editor]. Headache, 61(6), 974-975.
  3. Ozudogru S, Loucao S, Rauf A, Cortez M (2019). Post-stroke short-lasting unilateral neuralgiform headache attacks with autonomic symptoms (SUNA): response to lamotrigine and sphenopalatine ganglion block. [Letter to the editor]. Clin Auton Res, 29(3), 357-359.

Abstract

  1. Cortez M, Rea N, Vongvaivanich K, Hunter K, Theriot J, Brennan KC (May 2015). Post-traumatic headache can be physiologically discriminated from migraine with aura [Abstract]. Cephalalgia, 35(6), suppl pg 116.

Video/Film/CD/Web/Podcast

  1. Cortez M, Holiday V, Greenlee J (2010-2014). Article recommendations and reviews, Neuro-Oncology/Immunology Section Associate Faculty Member [Web]. Available: F1000.com.