14 Signs you should visit a Neurologist for your Health Issues

visit a Neurologist

A visit to the neurologist for diagnosis of a neurological disorder can often bring about a sense of uneasiness and uncertainty. You might feel overwhelmed as if you’ve lost control over your life. It’s not uncommon to prefer ignoring the diagnosis and opting for home remedies, hoping the problem will go away on its own or you know your body best.

One way to regain control is by becoming informed about the disease and actively participating in your healthcare, which includes visiting a neurologist.

Neurologists specialise in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. The common reasons why you might see a neurologist include experiencing excruciating headaches, going through a traumatic event, suffering a stroke, or being referred by your healthcare provider.

14 Conditions that Neurologists commonly treat but are not limited to are:

  1. 1.Alzheimer’s Disease
  2. 2.Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
  3. 3.Back Pain
  4. 4.Brain and Spinal Cord Injuries or Infections
  5. 5.Brain Tumors
  6. 6.Epilepsy
  7. 7.Headaches
  8. 8.Multiple Sclerosis
  9. 9.Parkinson’s Disease
  10. 10.Peripheral Neuropathy
  11. 11.Pinched Nerves
  12. 12.Seizures
  13. 13.Strokes
  14. 14.Tremors

6 Symptoms associated with neurological disorders

If you are experiencing any neurological disorder, it is best to consult the best neurologists in Bhubaneswar for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan:

  1. 1.Headaches
  2. 2.Dizziness
  3. 3.Numbness, tingling or muscle weakness in the arms or legs
  4. 4.Problems with balance or walking
  5. 5.Difficulty speaking or swallowing
  6. 6.Frequent memory lapses or cognitive issues

Do you know what the most common neurological disorders are?Here are the complete list of neurological disorder lists and treatments.

Here’s what to expect during your first visit to a neurologist:

Medical History

Your neurologist will begin by asking you about your symptoms. They will want to know when the symptoms started, how often they occur, and what you suspect triggers the symptoms. Moreover, give details about your family history of neurological disorders or other diseases and any medication you currently take.

Physical Exam

A comprehensive physical exam will be conducted to rule out potential causes of your symptoms including assessing:

  1. 1.Reflexes
  2. 2.Muscle strength
  3. 3.Sensation
  4. 4.Coordination
  5. 5.Mental Health
  6. 6.Speech
  7. 7.Hearing
  8. 8.Vision
  9. 9.Blood Pressure 
  10. 10.Heart Rate

Diagnostic Testing

If your neurologist suspects or wants to narrow down a particular condition, they may recommend diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out suspicions. Here are some common diagnostic procedures:

  1. 1. CT Scan: It takes about 30 minutes. You’ll lie down on a movable bed that goes into a doughnut-shaped machine. In some cases, a dye may be injected to highlight arteries, blood vessels, tumours, or other structures.
  2. 2. MRI: It uses magnetic and radio waves to capture detailed images of your brain. You’ll lie on a movable bed inserted into a tube-shaped machine for just 30 minutes.
  3. 3. EEG: Electrodes will be attached to your scalp to record your brain’s electrical signals to rule out epilepsy, and you might be asked to stare at a flashing light.
  4. 4. EMG: Small needles will be inserted into muscles and mild shocks are delivered to record nerve conduction and track electrical activities between muscles and nerves to diagnose the causes of pain, numbness, or weakness.
  5. 5. NCV (Nerve Conduction Velocity): Small electrodes are placed on the skin, and mild shocks are delivered to stimulate nerves to measure the speed of signal transmission in peripheral nerves.
  6. 6. Angiogram: This is a special type of CT scan where dye is injected to highlight brain arteries to diagnose vascular abnormalities.
  7. 7. PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): It helps in showing tumours, and evaluating epilepsy, brain tumours, dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease.
  8. 8. TCD (Transcranial Doppler Ultrasound): This test diagnoses stroke and other vascular abnormalities by using sound waves to measure the speed of blood flowing through brain arteries.
  9. 9. Spinal Tap or Lumbar Puncture: A needle is inserted into your lower back to collect cerebrospinal fluid. This test can diagnose infections, inflammation, or tumours.

Education

Your neurologist will discuss the findings and your condition with you. They will explain the symptoms you are experiencing and what you can expect. You’ll discuss treatment options, potential lifestyle changes, or referrals to other specialists if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Don’t hesitate to ask any questions that come to your mind. Whether it’s about your condition, treatment options, potential delays, or anything else, this is your opportunity to gain a clear understanding and make informed decisions.

Follow-Up Plan

Before leaving the neurologist’s office, you’ll set up your next appointment. For chronic conditions or when further assessment or tests are needed, follow-up visits are crucial for developing and adjusting treatment plans.

Preparing for Your Neurologist Visit

To make the most of your visit to the neurologist, here are some steps you can take to be well-prepared:

  1. 1. Note Symptoms: Document your symptoms, including when they started, their frequency, and what you suspect might trigger them. Keeping a symptom journal can be immensely helpful.
  2. 2. Health Status: Be ready to provide information about your current medications, any allergies, and any previous acute illnesses you’ve experienced.
  3. 3. Family History: Gather information about your family’s medical history, especially if there’s a history of neurological disorders.
  4. 4. List of Questions: Prepare a list of questions you want to ask your neurologist. This can help ensure you don’t forget anything during your visit.
  5. 5. Previous Test Results: If you have undergone any neurology-related tests in the past, bring the results with you. They can provide valuable insights for your neurologist.
  6. 6. Companion: Consider bringing a companion with you, someone who is aware of your condition and can help you remember the information provided during the visit.

When it comes to finding the best neurology hospital in Bhubaneswar, Sum Ultimate Medicare has the finest infrastructure and state-of-the-art technology led by the expertise of the best neurologist in Odisha and a team of exceptionally qualified multidisciplinary doctors and therapists offering high-standard care to the complete spectrum of neurological disorder.