Why Should You See a Neurologist?

Neurologists are specialists who assess, diagnose, and treat conditions that affect your nervous system. Patients are often referred to a Neurologist by their primary physician if they are having symptoms that could be caused by a neurological condition, such as pain, memory loss, balance, or tremors.

What is a Neurologist?

A neurologist is a highly trained doctor with specialized training in diagnosing complex conditions of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Many neurologists specialize in specific areas.

What Conditions Does a Neurologist Treat?

A neurologist treats neurological disorders including:

Neurologist Specialties

A neurologist may specialize in a specific area, completing a fellowship after residency training. Subspecialties may include:

Reasons to See a Neurologist

Neurological symptoms depend on what part of the nervous system is affected. You may experience pain and changes in any of your five senses. A neurologist has the expertise necessary to diagnose and treat a range of conditions.

Headaches and Migraines
Severe and frequent headaches are often migraine headaches and a reason to see a neurologist.

Seizures
Seizures are disturbances in your brain. They can cause strange sensations, uncontrolled movements, or loss of consciousness. Some conditions that cause seizures, like epilepsy, can be long-term. There are many medications that can prevent or reduce seizures.

Neuropathic Pain
Neuropathic pain happens when nerves are damaged from injury or disease (diabetes). It can also occur from damage to your brain (stroke) or spinal cord.

Memory Issues
Some forgetfulness is common as people age. More serious memory issues could be caused by changes in your brain (dementia). Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. A neurologist will determine if you have dementia or if something else is causing the symptoms.

Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong disorder of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms can include changes in vision, weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations. Symptoms progress over time.

Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease involves the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine. Symptoms include trembling movements, stiff or slow movement, and clumsiness. A neurologist can help you find the best medication for you and may suggest deep brain stimulation as treatment.

Stroke
A stroke is a loss of blood supply to a part of your brain. The cause could be bleeding in the brain or a blocked blood vessel. Symptoms of a stroke start suddenly and include:
• Numbness (usually on one side of the body)
• Weakness (usually on one side of the body)
• Confusion or trouble talking
• Loss of balance
• Loss of vision
• Severe headache

Brain or Spinal Cord Injury
Car accidents, falls, and sports injuries can harm your brain or spinal cord. Brain injuries can cause headaches, dizziness, seizures, and loss of consciousness, and changes in your behavior, thinking, and memory. Spinal cord injuries can cause weakness and numbness, and you could lose movement below the area of the injury.

Schedule a Virtual Visit with a Neurologist

Neuro2Go is your online opportunity to meet with one of our neurologists on a virtual basis. During your interactive video session, we will discuss the symptoms that are bothering you or a loved one.