What Is a Neurologist?
A neurologist is a doctor who is an expert in nervous system conditions. Your nervous system includes your brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves (nerves that connect your brain and spine to your arm, legs, and organs).
Top 10 Reasons You May Want to See a Neurologist
1. Headaches
Headaches are one of the most common reasons people visit the doctor. Everyone experiences head pain at some point. But you should see a specialist for ongoing, severe pain or pain that interferes with your usual activities.
A neurologist can identify what type of headache you have. Then, they will provide effective, targeted treatment to reduce your pain.
2. Chronic Pain
It’s common to experience discomfort after an illness or injury. But pain that lasts longer than the usual recovery period could be a symptom of something else. Chronic pain is pain that lasts for months or even years.
Many neurologic conditions can cause chronic pain. Neurologists are experts in evaluating your symptoms and finding the root cause of your pain. You should see a neurologist if you have pain along with numbness, weakness, or problems with bladder or bowel control.
3. Balance Disorders
People can experience dizziness and balance problems for many reasons. Your inner ears, eyes, central nervous system, and other parts of your body work together to coordinate your balance.
You may benefit from seeing a neurologist if you have dizziness because of vertigo or disequilibrium. Vertigo makes you feel like you or your environment is spinning. Disequilibrium causes balance problems and instability.
4. Numbness or Tingling
Sitting in one position for a long time can cause numbness or tingling. But numbness or tingling that comes on suddenly or lasts for long periods could be a deeper concern. A neurologist can help determine what’s causing these symptoms and offer treatment options.
Numbness or tingling that affects one side of your body could also be a sign of a stroke. Call 911 or seek emergency medical help if you experience any stroke symptoms.
5. Weakness
Lifting heavy weights or other intense activities can cause muscle fatigue. Sudden muscle weakness or loss of mass could be a symptom of a neurological condition.
Speak with your doctor if you experience sudden or severe weakness. A neurologist can order tests to understand why and find effective treatment.
6. Movement Problems
Unintentional jerks, movements, or tremors can all point to problems with your nervous system. Sometimes, movement problems can be a medication side effect, symptom of anxiety, or sign of a neurological condition.
A neurologist will run tests to diagnose or rule out movement disorders. They offer long-term treatment to help you manage symptoms if you have a movement disorder.
7. Seizures
Seizures are uncontrollable bursts of electrical activity in your brain. They can cause a range of symptoms, from staring spells and strange sensations to a loss of consciousness. Seizures are often a symptom of a neurological disorder called epilepsy.
Untreated seizures can be dangerous. It’s important to see a neurologist if you experience seizures. A neurologist can order tests to find out what’s happening in your brain during a seizure. They can also offer medications and other treatments to control your seizures.
8. Vision Problems
Vision loss is often a normal part of aging. But sudden, severe vision loss could have a neurological cause.
See your doctor if you experience any sudden vision changes. Your primary care provider or eye doctor can help you determine whether you need to see a neurologist.
9. Memory Problems or Confusion
Memory loss and confusion can point to problems with your brain, spine, or nerves. Brain injuries, tumors, and conditions like Alzheimer’s disease can all cause memory problems.
A neurologist can help determine whether dementia or another underlying disease is causing memory challenges. They may prescribe medications to slow dementia and treat other memory-related diseases.
10. Sleep Problems
Many people have trouble sleeping if they stay up too late or drink too much caffeine. But long-term sleep problems can be a sign of a medical condition.
Talk with your primary care provider if you experience sleep problems. Some sleep disorders, such as narcolepsy or restless leg syndrome, are neurological problems. A neurologist can prescribe medications and other treatments to manage these conditions.
What Does a Neurologist Do?
Neurologists diagnose and treat nervous system conditions. They may use tests to evaluate your neurological function:
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Ability to feel sensations
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Balance and coordination
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Muscle strength
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Reflexes
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Vision and speech skills
After diagnosis, they provide ongoing treatment for neurologic conditions. For example, they may prescribe medications, monitor your condition, and connect you with therapy services.
Many neurologists treat a wide range of neurological conditions. Others subspecialize in certain conditions, such as headaches, epilepsy, or cognitive disorders.
Differences Between a Neurologist and Neurosurgeon
You may see a neurologist or a neurosurgeon for a brain, spine, or nerve condition. Usually, you’ll see a neurologist for diagnosis and ongoing care. You’ll see a neurosurgeon if you need surgery.
Both neurologists and neurosurgeons will examine you and ask about your symptoms. Both specialists may order tests to understand your condition better.
You’ll typically see a neurosurgeon for a shorter period. They will help you understand surgical options and what to expect during surgery. You will see a neurosurgeon for follow-up care after surgery, but work with a neurologist to manage your condition long-term.
Why Would I Be Referred to a Neurologist?
Your primary care provider may refer you to a neurologist for a brain, spine, or nerve condition. They may recommend you see a neurologist if they’re unsure of your diagnosis or unable to treat your symptoms effectively.
What to Expect at Your Neurologist Appointment
Your first neurologist appointment may take 1–2 hours, depending on your condition. It’s helpful to prepare for your first visit with a neurologist. You’ll want to take several steps to make the most of your appointment:
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Fill out medical history forms and other paperwork the office sends you.
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Make a list of your medications to give to the neurologist.
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Send any previous imaging to your neurologist’s office.
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Write down your questions.
Talking With Your Neurologist
Your neurologist will ask about your health history during your first visit. They’ll want to know several details about your condition:
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How long you’ve had symptoms
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What symptoms you experience
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What treatments you’ve tried
Physical Exam
Your neurologist will conduct a physical exam. They may use tests that evaluate several aspects of your nervous system:
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Balance
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Coordination
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Reflexes
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Sensation
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Strength
Diagnosis & Treatment
Your neurologist will use the information from your health history, physical exam, imaging, and other tests to make a diagnosis. Then, they will come up with a treatment plan. Your treatment may include several aspects, depending on your diagnosis:
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Ongoing monitoring
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Prescription medications
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Recommendations for lifestyle changes
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Referrals to other specialists, such as a physical therapist, pain specialist, or neurosurgeon
How to Make an Appointment With Our Neurologists
Call 801-585-7575 or request an appointment online to see one of our neurologists. Provider referrals are welcome but not necessary.
