12 Signs You Should See a Neurologist

Table of Content

• When To See A Neurologist?

• What To Expect During A Neurological Exam?

• Take-Home Points

• FAQ on 12 Signs You Should See a Neurologist

Introduction

If you are having any symptoms related to the brain or nervous systems, your doctor may refer you for a neurological examination from a neurologist. 

Neurologists are medical professionals who treat disorders related to spinal cord, peripheral nerves and brain. 

In this article, you will get to know about the 12 signs that indicate that you should visit a neurologist immediately.  

When To See A Neurologist?

Here are the 12 signs you should consult a neurologist

1. Dizziness

Feeling unbelievable and overwhelming giddiness can indicate some serious underlying neurological condition. Consult your primary medical professional on whether you should see a neurologist.

2. Imbalance

Feeling as if you are losing ground along with experiencing dizziness can also have some neurological causes. Here also, you need to consult your general physician first. 

3. Memory Loss

Problems in memory retention, extreme changes in personality or confusion are some of the symptoms that could indicate the presence of neurological problems in the brain, spine and peripheral nerves. Let your doctor decide whether you should visit a neurologist. 

4. Movement Problems

Having unintentional jerks, tremors and difficulty walking can mean neurological problems. You should see a neurologist if these symptoms interrupt your daily life and activities. 

5. Seizures

Seizures consist of a wide range of symptoms from staring at nothing to jerking movements, breathing problems, confusion and loss of consciousness. Since seizures have various causes, you need to talk to your primary healthcare provider about deciding on your visit to the neurologist. 

6. Numbness and Tickling

Numbness is a common issue and can happen even if you press your nerves enough to cut off blood circulation. However, if this numbness happens in a specific part of the body for a prolonged period, you should take it seriously. 

Sometimes, the numbness or tingling symptoms can be signs of stroke - in this case you need critical care. 

7. Sleep Problems

If you are having sleep disorders like sleep apnea ( breathing repeatedly stops and starts) and narcolepsy (a genetic disorder that affects the central nervous system), you should immediately visit a neurologist. 

8. Uncontrolled Headaches

We all experience headaches from time to time due to various reasons - from a sinus infection, throbbing toothache or any infection. 

In case of severe headaches, you may also experience vomiting, nausea and seizures. 

9. Vertigo or Balance Issues

Vertigo is a condition wherein you would feel that the things around you are spinning. Vertigo is also called disequilibrium. If your primary healthcare professional tells you that your vertigo is too severe, you should visit a neurologist. 

10. Vision Issues

Vision loss is one of the common baggage that comes along with ageing but the loss of sight occurs suddenly and in both eyes, you should diagnose your eyes for any neurological issues.  

11. Brain or Spinal Cord Injury

Sometimes a brain or spinal cord injury may remain unhealed even after your recovery. The muscle and nerve damage caused by the injury can cause various neurological symptoms. 

12. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is that pain which lasts for a month or longer. This pain can be due to some illness or injury. Sometimes you can experience symptoms like numbness, tingling and weakness along with chronic pain. This can mean nerve or muscle damage, so you should visit your neurologist immediately. 

What To Expect During A Neurological Exam?

Neurologists diagnose the conditions by accessing your medical history and conducting physical tests to analyse your speech, sight, sensation, strength, mental status, coordination, gait and reflexes. Based on the results from these tests, neurologists would identify your disorder and recommend the relevant treatments.

Also, before visiting the neurologist, make sure to,

Thoroughly write down all your symptoms, frequency of symptoms, medications taken, allergies, previous illnesses and your family history with diseases. 

Make a list of the questions for which you need an answer.

Take all the previous medical records related to your neurological symptoms.

Take-Home Points

• Neurologists diagnose, treat and manage the central nervous system namely the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

• If you are experiencing neurological symptoms like severe headaches, confusion, numbness, tingling, dizziness, memory problems, movement problems and chronic pain, you must immediately visit a neurologist.

• Neurologists would analyse your previous medical history and perform various physical tests to diagnose your nervous disorder.