According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are more than 600 neurologic diseases. With such a wide breadth of ailments, it’s often essential to find a neurology specialist who can help with your specific needs.
Let’s do an exercise…
Look at your right hand, turn your palm towards you, and then back around. We usually don’t think much of it, but that simple motor skill was made possible by some of the 86 billion neurons in your brain and throughout your nervous system.
Neurons (although tiny) are powerful cells that use electrical impulses to communicate throughout the body. When you form a simple thought, billions of cells are at work, exchanging electrical impulses to make a simple task like moving your eyes or your hands possible.
When these electrical pathways are healthy, transmitting information takes a split second, and muscles and glands throughout the body operate as expected, pain-free, without complication.
When there is a disruption within the cells and neurological pathways, a plethora of medical problems may arise.
The Brain, Spinal Cord & The Nerves
A neurologist is a medical doctor that specializes in the complex landscape of the human nervous system. The nervous system includes the brain, the spinal cord, and nerve cells throughout the body. These neurological pathways control everything, from movement to speech and memory.
Because a neurologist specializes in all aspects of the nervous system, a neurologist is the best professional to diagnose and treat neurologic conditions such as:
- Chronic headache and migraine
- Stroke and tremors
- Traumatic brain injury and concussion
- Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
- Sleep disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Tremors
And more…
How Does a Neurologist Diagnose and Treat Different Conditions?
No two patients are the same, and conditions and diseases present differently in each person. Because the nervous system is a complex system, a neurologist would evaluate and assess each patient in a highly individualized way.
Neurologic evaluations include a variety of testing to evaluate a patient’s current condition. We also consider other information like family history and medical history.
A patient may undergo the following:
- A Complete History
- Physical exam
- MRI of the affected areas
- EEG scan
- Xray’s and Ultrasound
- Biopsy, angiography, and more
- Referrals to other specialists as needed
We at Neurology Office believe in a holistic approach to caring for our patients. We take pride in working with a team of professionals to get our patients back to health. From primary care to physical therapy, we believe it takes a team to make it happen.
Symptoms to Look Out For: When to See A Neurology Specialist
If you are experiencing underlying symptoms that are not going away, such as chronic migraine, dizziness, or decline in motor skills and memory, it is crucial to get an evaluation immediately.
Furthermore, if you are experiencing an acute symptom such as a recent trauma or injury, sudden loss of consciousness, seizure, or facial asymmetry, contact emergency care immediately, and your emergency physician can refer you to a neurologist afterward.
Before you visit a neurology specialist, please check out this helpful article: How to Make Your Neurologist A Better Physician.
With over 40 years of experience as a physician, Dr. Kandel and his highly trained staff have seen and treated quite a few medical and neurologic conditions. Experience matters…and we are here to help you if needed!
A message from Dr. Kandel
“While every board-certified neurologist can see a variety of neurological conditions, it is important to find out what the neurologist you are going to see specializes in, and what their experience is.”
Feel free to share this with the people in your life who may benefit from this information! For more insights on neurology, check out our weekly tips on our Neurology Office Facebook page.
“To Cure Sometimes, To Heal Often, To Comfort Always”
Neurology Office, Joseph Kandel M.D. and Associates
“Concierge medicine without the concierge price”
