David Schick on When to See a Neurologist

New York City NY

27 December, 2021

5:12 AM

Description

Many people worry about the first signs or symptoms of a neurological disorder. However, sometimes it may be mistaken for something else. It is important to know the difference between what could be a neurological disorder and what might just be your body acting up. Here, Dr. David Schick shares some ways to tell if you should see a neurologist. Dr. David Schick, MD is a Neurology Specialist in New York, NY and has over 11 years of experience in the medical field. Symptoms of a Neurological Disorder Neurological disorders are characterized by a wide range of symptoms. They are often misunderstood and incorrectly attributed to other things like sleep deprivation, over-exertion, stress, exhaustion or other conditions. When experiencing these symptoms, it is important to remember that they may be neurological in nature rather than your mind playing tricks on you. Some of the more common neurological disorders include: * Headaches * Dizziness * Numbness * Loss of sensation or tingling in the face or limbs * Difficulty concentrating * Changes in personality or behavior As with any medical condition that is serious enough to warrant being seen by a doctor, it is important to consult your physician if you have any signs of a neurological disorder. These signs include: - Changes in vision, such as blurred vision and loss of peripheral vision; partial blindness - Difficulty speaking or understanding speech; slurred speech - Changes in balance and walking; dizziness when standing up from sitting position How to tell the difference between a neurological disorder and an illness It's not always easy to tell the difference between a neurological disorder and an illness, but there are some key things you can watch out for. If you're unsure of what to do in a situation like this, it is best to contact your doctor or go see them as soon as possible. It is important that they rule out any other potential causes before trying to figure out the root of your problem. Some signs that could be a neurological disorder: - You have been experiencing symptoms for more than six months - You have already been diagnosed with another condition first - The symptoms are getting progressively worse - There are no physical reasons for the issue What to do when you think you might have a neurological disorder but aren't sure If you think you might have a neurological disorder but aren't sure, there are a few things you can do to help figure out what's going on. According to David Schick, one way to detect an illness early is to pay attention to your symptoms. Keep an eye on what is happening in your body and if things start getting worse or feel different than normal. Your initial symptoms of a neurological disorder may be similar to other illnesses such as stomach aches or diarrhea, so keep an eye out for anything that seems out of the ordinary. Another thing to do is take note of how you've been feeling lately. Have you noticed any changes in mood, energy level, or concentration? It's important that you're able to identify these changes quickly so that you can seek treatment with the right doctor if needed. When can neurologists help? A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating brain and nervous system disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, stroke, Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Neurologists can also help with co-occurring mental health conditions like anxiety disorders and depression. Neurologists are trained to diagnose neurological disorders by evaluating a patient's symptoms and performing a physical examination. These doctors may order imaging studies that include X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. They may also refer patients to other specialists in the event they need additional assistance tracking down the cause of their symptoms. If you have difficulty telling the difference between what could be a neurological disorder versus your body acting up, it might be best to speak with your doctor about referrals for a neurologist. Conclusion Some conditions, like Parkinson’s disease, are life-changing and debilitating. But many other conditions, like headaches and migraines, can be easily treated with over-the-counter medicines, lifestyle changes, and rest.