Health
6 Signs Its Time to Visit a Neurologist

6 Signs Its Time to Visit a Neurologist

People who choose to visit a Neurologist in our society are often stigmatized.  They are bullied and teased to be mentally weak and unstable.

It is about time we kick aside these stereotypes because they are a significant reason most people choose to fight their battles silently.  If you or your loved ones show unexplained symptoms related to the nervous system or the brain, your doctor might recommend visiting a neurological specialist.

The Global Burden of Disease drew the attention of the international health community towards neurological disorders. It showed that over the years, the global impact of neurological disorders is underestimated.

This has also kept the number of neurologists to a bare minimum. A study by the American Academy of Neurology points how the need for neurologists in society is on the rise. It says the demand for the profession will outgrow its supply. By 2025, the US will require 19% more neurologists than it has today.

Who is a Neurologist?

Neurologists are doctors who diagnose and treat the problems associated with brain and nervous system dysfunction. A General Physician might ask you to visit a neuro specialist because of their expertise in that area. Keep in mind that not every neurologist performs surgery.

Some conditions a neurologist treats include:

  • Back pain
  • Headaches
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Seizures and strokes
  • Tremors
  • Epilepsy
  • Parkinsons disease
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Pinched nerves

6 Signs that you should visit a neurologist

If you face issues that indicate something wrong with your brain or nervous system, you should visit a neurologist. The following are the signs you should pay a visit to a neurologist:

1 Persistent headaches

Frequent headaches are a common sign to visit a neurologist. In most cases, these are migraine patients who cannot understand the pattern of their repetitive pains. Migraines can happen all of a sudden and could last for days. Patients with extreme migraine pains may feel nauseous and sensitive to light, loud sounds, and strong smells.

Many people with migraines fail to get the correct diagnosis. This leads to inadequate treatment and worsening of the condition over time. Seeing a neurologist allows you to find the triggers and figure out a way to keep them at bay. They might recommend medications to take when the migraine starts. At the same time, they also recommend a diet plan for better health.

According to American Migraine Foundation, migraine has affected 37 million people in the USA and 144 million people globally.

2 Seizures

If you have seizures, but you don’t know the reason behind them, you should book an appointment with a reliable neurologist. Typically, seizures are a sign of a disorder in the brain. They can cause uncontrolled body movements, loss of consciousness, and strange sensations.

A neurologist asks for a brain scan and testing to determine the cause of seizures. Assuming that it is epilepsy without visiting a neurologist isn’t the best idea. One has to get themselves examined to identify the root of frequent seizure episodes. It can be a symptom of a disease like a brain tumor or meningitis.

There are several medicines and procedures to help patients with seizures. A neurologist will try to find the best treatment to manage your condition.

3 Dizziness

Dizziness may be a manifestation of some neurodegenerative disorders. Also known as vertigo, it is a sensation that the world is spinning around you. Vertigo can be a life-changing condition because it prevents the patient from carrying out daily tasks like working or caring for their families.

It is essential to visit a neurologist to find the underlying cause of dizziness. Not all causes of vertigo are life-threatening. However, finding the cause helps you to opt for the best treatment options. Some conditions linked with dizziness include:

  • Vestibular migraine
  • Meniere’s disease
  • Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
  • Vestibular neuritis

4 Stroke

A stroke indicates a loss of blood supply to the brain. It may occur due to bleeding or a blocked vessel in the brain. Consequently, the brain starts to die due to the loss of blood. A neurologist will help to diagnose and treat this condition. But it needs instant attention. Otherwise, the person becomes brain dead soon.

Treatment for stroke includes intake of medicine to dissolve the blood clots due to blocked vessels. It is essential to acknowledge the symptoms of stroke so you can help people around you when they are facing one:

  • Weakness on either side of the body
  • Clumsiness and loss of balance
  • Severe headache
  • Loss of vision
  • Numbness on one side of the body
  • Confusion or trouble to talk and understand the speech

A stroke might leave the body in bad shape. A neurologist helps the patients work on a rehabilitation plan to overcome the consequences of a stroke.

5 Neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is the name for a group of conditions that can affect the body’s peripheral nerves. This system connects the central nervous system (CNS), made of the brain and the spinal cord, with the entire body.

Neuropathy can take the following shapes:

  • Difficulty balancing
  • Chronic pain
  • Poor coordination
  • Paralysis
  • Numbness
  • Burning sensations

Besides this, there is a long list of conditions that cause neuropathy. Effective prognosis and treatment of peripheral neuropathy rely on the reason for the nerve damage. For instance, peripheral neuropathy due to vitamin deficiency can be reversed through supplements. But if it relates to diabetes, careful monitoring of sugar helps to lower its progression.

6 Memory issues

Worsening memory problems are often considered an age factor. More severe problems with memory and thinking require critical care as they signify severe brain degeneration. They usually start slow and progress with time.

These modifications in the brain wiring are called Dementia. Alzheimer’s is the typical type of Dementia, affecting a majority of adults and older people across the world. A neurologist helps to determine the treatment plan after you are diagnosed with Dementia. They will provide medications to improve or keep the condition from expanding.

Parting Notes

If you have diagnosed one of the symptoms above, you should make an appointment with a renowned neurologist soon. A dedicated professional will help you analyze well and find the best treatment plan. Remember, you should take preventive measures from the start to keep extreme neurological issues aside.

We hope this was the guidance you needed to put the finger on your condition!

Tags :

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *