A neurologist is a doctor who treats and manages any conditions related to your nervous system. Seeing a neurologist timely is crucial because neurological disorders affect how you talk, move, respond, or think. However, such symptoms depend on which part of your brain system is affected.
Besides this, neurological conditions may cause a change in any of your five senses as well. Therefore, you must consult a neurologist who has the required expertise and can treat a range of such conditions.
Not sure when to see a Neurologist? Don’t worry; we have got you covered! This blog post entails the 7 early signs that you need to watch out for, and consult a neurologist right away.
#1 Neuropathic Pain
Studies show that neuropathic pain is estimated to have a prevalence ranging between 3 percent and 17 percent in the general population.
You suffer from neuropathic pain when, unfortunately, your nerves get damaged due to an injury or disease. For instance, in some cases, Diabetes can cause this type of damage to your nerves. Other common reasons for neuropathic pain include; alcoholism, chemotherapy, facial nerve problems, etc.
The pain in such a condition is sometimes sharp or burning. Sometimes this kind of pain is severe, while sometimes it just comes and goes.
And the worst thing is that this pain does not get better with any common Over The Counter (OTC) medicine, instead, only a neurologist can suggest you the best treatment.
#2 Headache
It is no secret that headaches are one of the most common types of neurological conditions. Also, anybody – may it be a kid or an adult can suffer from headaches. Headaches aren’t something to worry about; however, if it’s a repeated thing, you should definitely see a doctor.
According to medical experts, severe headaches with a fever, stiff neck, and light sensitivity are a red flag indicating something serious such as meningitis. Hence, if you are suffering from such medical conditions, you should see a neurologist right away, as there are many treatments available that can help you get back to a more stable and normal life.
#3 Seizures
By now, we know that it is crucial to pay attention to your mental health or the occurrence of any unusual medical conditions.
A seizure is a medical condition that causes a disturbance, including sensations, loss of consciousness, or uncontrolled movements in your brain. If you are suffering from such a medical condition, you should see a neurologist at first, as s/he may do your brain testing and help you look for the most suitable treatment.
The image below shows some of the most common symptoms of seizures that you should watch out for.
In some cases, treatments and medical procedures can reduce the adverse effects of seizures; however, seizures, such as epilepsy, can be long-term in some severe cases.
#4 Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
We all know that memory loss is a common problem suffered by older adults. However, sometimes memory loss, such as walking into a room and forgetting why is totally normal.
Nonetheless, in some cases, there can be signs that indicate a serious medical condition, such as Alzheimer’s or Dementia. Such diseases are caused due to damage to or loss of nerve cells and their connections in the brain.
The symptoms of Dementia include:
- Loss of memory
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Being confused about what time or place it is
- Sudden mood changes
- Personality changes
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety
In a nutshell, Dementia progresses slowly, and once the symptoms start occurring, you should consult a neurologist immediately. However, there is no cure for Dementia, but there are therapies and medications that can help manage symptoms.
#5 Numbness or Tingling
One of the most common medical conditions is numbness or tingling. Although they can happen for different reasons, if they continue or occur suddenly on any one side of the body, it’s time to consult a neurologist.
Apart from this, numbness or tingling can also be a sign of a stroke; you would need medical help immediately in such a case.
#6 Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disorder caused in your brain or spinal cord. The symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis may come and go, but they increase over time.
The symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis include:
- Fatigue
- Mobility issues
- Depression and anxiety
- Bladder problems
- Speech and swallowing difficulties
- Problems with learning and thinking
- Numbness
- Mental health issues
So, if you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, you should see a neurologist right away. This is because a neurologist can prescribe medications that can help slow down or control an MS attack.
#7 Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s is a medical condition that causes the loss of brain cells that produce dopamine. Dopamine is crucial for normal body movements. Symptoms of Parkinson’s include:
- Clumsiness
- Stiff or slow movements
- Trembling
- Loss of smell
- Trouble in sleeping
- Constipation
- Dizziness
Although there aren’t any specific tests that can detect Parkinson’s, an expert neurologist can diagnose this medical condition after a thorough exam. So, if you are suffering from Parkinson’s, a neurologist can help find the best medication for you.
The Final Words
The final takeaway is that you shouldn’t ignore serious medical conditions or mental illnesses; instead, if any of the problems mentioned above occur, you should consult a neurologist right away.