A neurologist is your go-to specialist for all your queries regarding your neurological and brain health. From diagnosing conditions of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves to treating them effectively, they know it all. But how do you know whether or not you should schedule an appointment with them? Here are some signs that should urge you to get examined by a neurologist, as per the neurologist himself.

Persistent Or Severe Headaches

 Dr Vikram Sharma, HOD of Neurology, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, said, "While occasional headaches are common, persistent or severe headaches can be indicative of underlying neurological issues, such as migraines, cluster headaches, or even more serious conditions like brain tumours or aneurysms."

According toStatPearls Publishing, migraine is extremely common, affecting 12% of the population each year, of which 17% are women and 6% are men. On the other hand, brain tumours are rare. However, it is always recommended to consult a neurologist to determine the exact underlying cause and receive the appropriate treatment.

Chronic Pain

Chronic pain, especially if it involves the nerves (neuropathic pain), may require a neurologist's expertise,  Dr Sharma told the OnlyMyHealth team.

He said, “Conditions like neuropathy,trigeminal neuralgia, or fibromyalgia often need specialised treatment to manage pain effectively.”

Dizziness Or Problems With Balance

If you have repeated problems with balance or experience dizziness time and again, it can be due to neurological conditions such as vestibular disorders, multiple sclerosis, or even stroke.

All of these conditions can be disabling or life-threatening, depending on the severity of the conditions.

 Dr Sharma advised visiting a neurologist, who can perform diagnostic tests to identify the cause and recommend appropriate interventions.

Numbness And Tingling

Numbness and tingling, also sometimes referred to as paraesthesia or pins and needles, are unusual sensations that can occur anywhere on your body but are most commonly felt in the hands, feet, arms, and legs. They can occur due to various reasons, most of which involve neurological problems.

 Dr Sharma said, "Experiencing numbness or tingling, particularly if it persists or affects specific areas of the body, can signal nerve damage or conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, peripheral neuropathy, or spinal cord issues."

A neurologist is therefore the best person to go to get examined and pinpoint the problem.

Memory Issues

Memory issues and cognitive decline can be concerning, especially in people in their 60s. These are often the classic signs of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, the risk of which increases with age, affecting an estimated 1 in 14 people over the age of 65 and 1 in every 6 people over the age of 80, according to the UK National Health Service (NHS).

Therefore, for any person, especially older adults, with difficulties with memory, thinking, or concentration, early diagnosis and intervention by a neurologist can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, said  Dr Sharma.

Seizures

According to the doctor, experiencing a seizure for the first time or having recurrent seizures requires immediate attention from a neurologist.

Seizures are sudden bursts of abnormal electrical activity in the brain, which results in dramatic convulsions with loss of consciousness, while others might have brief episodes of staring, uncontrollable muscle jerks, or altered sensations.

Dr Sharma shared that the condition can be caused by epilepsy, brain tumours, infections, or other neurological disorders, which is why a neurologist is the best person to go to for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/signs-you-need-to-see-a-neurologist-1716356800