When is it time to see a neurologist?

Your doctor might refer you to a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment if you have symptoms such as: muscle weakness. dizziness, loss of balance or coordination problems. tingling, numbness or changes in body sensation.

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How do you know if you need to see a neurologist?

Common reasons to visit a neurologist
  1. Chronic or severe headaches. ...
  2. Chronic pain. ...
  3. Dizziness. ...
  4. Numbness or tingling. ...
  5. Movement problems. ...
  6. Memory problems or confusion.

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Why would I be referred to a neurologist?

Your doctor might refer you to a neurologist if you're having symptoms that could be caused by a neurological condition, such as pain, memory loss, trouble with balance, or tremors. A neurologist can order specialized testing to help diagnose your condition.

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What are early signs of neurological problems?

Signs and symptoms of nervous system disorders
  • Persistent or sudden onset of a headache.
  • A headache that changes or is different.
  • Loss of feeling or tingling.
  • Weakness or loss of muscle strength.
  • Loss of sight or double vision.
  • Memory loss.
  • Impaired mental ability.
  • Lack of coordination.

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What can a neurologist diagnose?

A neurologist is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing, treating, and managing disorders of the brain and nervous system including, but not limited to, Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), concussion, epilepsy, migraine, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke.

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Common Neurological symptoms and when to consult a neurologist

44 related questions found

What are 4 conditions that neurologist work with?

Neurological disabilities include a wide range of disorders, such as epilepsy, learning disabilities, neuromuscular disorders, autism, ADD, brain tumors, and cerebral palsy, just to name a few.

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What are signs of nerve damage?

The signs of nerve damage
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
  • Feeling like you're wearing a tight glove or sock.
  • Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs.
  • Regularly dropping objects that you're holding.
  • Sharp pains in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
  • A buzzing sensation that feels like a mild electrical shock.

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What is the most common neurological symptom?

Headaches are one of the most common neurological disorders—and there are a variety of different kinds of headaches, such as migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches. When headaches occur repeatedly, it's a good sign that you should see a doctor, as it could be a symptom of an underlying condition.

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Can a blood test detect neurological problems?

Chemical and metabolic testing of the blood can indicate some muscle disorders, protein or fat-related disorders that affect the brain and inborn errors of metabolism. Blood tests can monitor levels of therapeutic drugs used to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders.

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What does neurologist do on first visit?

During your first appointment, a Neurologist will likely ask you to participate in a physical exam and neurological exam. Neurological exams are tests that measure muscle strength, sensation, reflexes, and coordination. Because of the complexity of the nervous system, you may be asked to undergo further testing.

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Is neurologist covered by Medicare?

Out of hospital care

If you see a neurologist in their rooms, then Medicare will cover: all of the costs if they bulk bill. some of the costs if they don't bulk bill.

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How does a neurologist check for nerve damage?

Nerve conduction studies, including an Electromyogram (EMG) may be performed on individuals suffering with nerve pain symptoms. These studies use electrical impulses to determine the level of damage. A final diagnosis will be made by your physician through the help of one or all of these tests.

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Will a neurologist see me without a referral?

Q: Do I need a physician referral? Yes. Most insurance companies also require that you coordinate a referral from your primary care physician or other healthcare provider to obtain specialty care. > Learn more about how your doctor or provider can Refer to CNS.

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How do you rule out neurological disorders?

These tests may include one or more of the following:
  1. Blood and/or urine tests.
  2. Imaging tests such as an x-ray or MRI.
  3. A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test. ...
  4. Biopsy. ...
  5. Tests, such as electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG), which use small electric sensors to measure brain activity and nerve function.

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What does a neurological disorder feel like?

Neurological symptoms often originate in the peripheral nervous system and include burning, numbness, pins-and-needles (prickling) sensations, muscle weakness or paralysis, and sensitivity.

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Is seeing a neurologist serious?

A neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves. When you're facing serious conditions like stroke, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, or ALS, it's critical to find the right doctor for you.

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What is a doctor looking at when giving a neurological exam?

During a neurological exam, the healthcare provider will test the functioning of the nervous system. The nervous system is very complex and controls many parts of the body. The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, 12 nerves that come from the brain, and the nerves that come from the spinal cord.

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Can an MRI detect neurological disorders?

Neurological uses include the diagnosis of brain and spinal cord tumors, eye disease, inflammation, infection, and vascular irregularities that may lead to stroke. MRI can also detect and monitor degenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis and can document brain injury from trauma.

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Can you have a neurological disorder with a normal MRI?

There are rare cases where someone can have MS but their MRI will look clear. This happens. That doesn't mean they can't get a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, but it does make it significantly more difficult.

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What are the top 5 neurological disorders?

Some of the most common neurological disorders include Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, migraines, multiple sclerosis, and stroke.

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What are the top 3 common nervous system disorders?

Among the most common are epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and stroke.

Neurological disorders are central and peripheral nervous system diseases, that is, they occur in the brain, spine, and multiple nerves that connect both.

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Can stress and anxiety cause neurological symptoms?

Specifically, researchers believe that high anxiety may cause nerve firing to occur more often. This can make you feel tingling, burning, and other sensations that are also associated with nerve damage and neuropathy. Anxiety may also cause muscles to cramp up, which can also be related to nerve damage.

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Does an MRI show nerve damage?

Does an MRI scan show nerve damage? A neurological examination can diagnose nerve damage, but an MRI scan can pinpoint it. It's crucial to get tested if symptoms worsen to avoid any permanent nerve damage.

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What happens if nerve damage goes untreated?

If the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy isn't treated, you may be at risk of developing potentially serious complications, such as a foot ulcer that becomes infected. This can lead to gangrene (tissue death) if untreated, and in severe cases may mean the affected foot has to be amputated.

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How can I test myself for nerve damage?

The test involves lightly and briefly (1-2 seconds) touching the tips of the first, third and fifth toes of both feet with the index finger to detect a loss in sensation, and can be performed by patients and relatives alike in the comfort of their own home.

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