Do you frequently wake up with headaches, numbness, or forgetfulness that don’t have an explanation? It is easy to think that we are just stressed out or fatigued. But if these symptoms start getting worse, maybe it is time to take that as a warning sign. Your body is sending you signals in advance of something being wrong with your nervous system’s balance.
Seeing a neurologist will help you clear this confusion. But when do you have to visit a neurologist?
In this article, you will learn about the symptoms that indicate you should see a neurologist.
What is a Neurologist?
A neurologist is an expert in the field of medicine that deals with problems related to the nervous system, which consists of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. A neurologist is trained to diagnose and treat ailments that affect the performance of your body. These problems can affect communication and normal functioning of your body. These symptoms may include headaches and seizures to more complex neurological disorders.
Neurologists also cooperate with other experts, particularly in difficult cases. Regardless of what the condition is, stroke, epilepsy, or nerve injury, they are the ones you should see in order to receive a proper diagnosis and a treatment plan.
Signs That You Should Consult a Neurologist
If your body is showing many unexplained signs and symptoms related to the brain or nervous system, then early diagnosis is needed by consulting a neurologist. The sooner a neurologist can understand that something is wrong, the faster the recovery process.
Some of the main symptoms that you cannot ignore are as follows:
1. Frequent or Severe Headaches
Everyone has a minor headache. However, some people have frequent unexplained headaches which may be due to issues like chronic headaches, bothersome migraines, cluster headaches, nerve compression or troublesome complications.
2. Dizziness or Balance Disorders in the Long Term
If you find that you are getting dizzy in the room or losing your balance quite frequently, then it could be something else than dehydration. Perhaps it could be diseases such as inner ear nerve disorders, brain stem disease or it could be an indication of stroke or multiple sclerosis in the early stages.
3. Numbness or Tingling in Your Hands or Feet
If your hands or feet keep going numb or you feel sudden tingling for no reason, that could mean there’s a nerve issue going on. This could likely be due to peripheral neuropathy, nerve compression or diabetic neuropathy. If the numbness or tingling is present on only one side that is even more concerning. You should seek immediate attention from a neurologist.
4. Abrupt Muscle Weakness
Do you often have a hard time lifting something? Do you drag your foot on the floor as you walk? Sudden weakness without injury is proof of an underlying condition. This may be stroke, nerve or muscle disease, or disease of the spinal cord.
5. Loss or change of vision
Double, blurred, or tunnel vision may be an indication of neurological injury, particularly if it’s sudden. They include optic neuritis, brain tumor, or multiple sclerosis.
6. Seizures or Abnormal Movements
There should not be a single unexplained seizure. Seizures can have no clear signs but start with brief staring, twitching, or remaining unresponsive. Seizures can be the initial signs of epilepsy, brain infections, or tumours.
7. Confusion or Loss of Memory
If you have any ongoing memory loss or confusion, it’s time to see a neurologist. If you keep missing out daily activities, the names of close ones or your friends, you may be going through uncontrollable conditions of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or other degenerative diseases.
8. Persistent Nerve Path Pain
Acute, severe, burning-type pain and any pain along a nerve (like sciatica) should be referred to a neurologist, as these symptoms can suggest nerve damage. It could be a result of herniated discs, nerve damage or trigeminal neuralgia.
What Conditions Do Neurologists Treat?
Neurologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the spinal cord, nervous system, and brain. A neurologist may need to know your medical history, family history, current or past drug use, and the symptoms you had at the time of your diagnosis.
They will also perform a neurologic examination, e.g., to examine your balance, muscle strength, etc. These are some of the conditions treated by neurologist in Ranchi and worldwide:
- Stroke: Acute loss of brain function due to blocked or broken blood vessels
- Neuropathy: Damage to nerves, most commonly caused by diabetes
- Epilepsy: This includes repeated seizures due to abnormal brain activity
- Multiple sclerosis (MS): An immune disorder that interferes with nerve communication
- Migraine and chronic headache: Neurological explanations of intractable pain
- Brain tumors: Malignant and benign growths
- Spinal cord disorders: Spinal Cord disorder also includes slipped discs, and nerve compression
- Parkinson’s disease: This is a movement disorder with tremor and rigidity
- Sleep disorders: These sleep disorders like narcolepsy or restless legs syndrome
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia: Diseases of memory as well as thinking
Conclusion
The initial signs of neurological disorders can be very subtle and can become more difficult to treat if not identified early. If you have the inclination that you may be feeling a little bit “off” regarding your body you should seek out a consultation from a neurologist.
Identifying these problems early on not only fixes the issue but also improves the overall quality of your life and wellness. At Paras HEC Hospital, Ranchi, you’re in safe hands. Being the finest healthcare center of Jharkhand, Paras HEC offers world-class diagnostic and treatment facilities, such as state-of-the-art MRI, Cath labs, and modular OTs.
Paras HEC brings the best experts and compassionate care under one roof where every patient receives expert and individualized care.
