What is a neurologist?
A neurologist is a doctor who has specialised in treating neurological conditions and problems with the nervous system. They can help patients who are having problems with their senses, such as touch, vision, smell and sight.
Symptoms that commonly require a neurologist include:
Dizziness
Confusion
Muscle weakness
Sensation changes
Coordination problems
Because the nervous system is incredibly complex, neurologists tend to specialise in one area. This could include epilepsy, intervention neurology, neurocritical care, neuromuscular medicine, neuro-oncology, geriatric neurology and many others.
Why would I be referred to a neurologist?
You’ll most likely be referred to a neurologist if your doctor suspects you may have an issue with your nerves, brain or spinal cord. You may have multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, migraines, strokes, Parkinson’s disease and many other conditions. Symptoms of a neurological condition could include:
Memory loss
Forgetfulness
Trouble concentrating
Headaches
Unexplained pain
Tremors
Numbness
Difficulty with balance
What does a neurologist do on your first visit?
During your first visit with a neurologist, they will most likely perform both a neurological exam and a physical exam. The neurological exam will test key aspects, such as muscle strength, reflexes and coordination. In order to accurately diagnose your neurological condition, they may conduct a series of examinations including:
Tensilon test – is used to diagnose an autoimmune disorder called Myasthenia gravis
Lumbar puncture – is also referred to as a spinal tap, this is used to help diagnose varied conditions such as myelitis, reye syndrome and other disorders.
Electromyography (EMG) – is a procedure that assess the health of muscles and the nerves that control them
Electroencephalogram (EEG) – small sensors that are attached to the scalp, and detect the electrical signals produced by the brain. Used to diagnose conditions such as brain tumors, dementia and others.
After these tests have been conducted, the neurologist will be able to undercover a diagnosis and start a treatment plan for you right away. If you are looking for a private neurologist in your area, you may want to browse our directory of specialists.
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