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An Introduction to Neurology

An Introduction to Neurology | NASA MRI Blog

Neurologists specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system diseases. Most neurologists focus on one specialty such as headaches, neck and back pain, stroke, injury, or the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. When your primary care physician recommends a neurologist it is often in order to narrow your issue to a specific diagnosis in order to ensure the proper treatment.

Do you need a neurologist?

Your primary care physician should always be your first step when seeking medical advice. They know the most about your medical history, and will ultimately be your best guide in treatment. Below you will find some reasons that your primary care physician may direct you to a neurologist for further testing.

Top Reasons You May Need to see a Neurologist

Headaches – We all suffer from headaches, but chronic and seriously painful headaches really take a toll on a person’s quality of life. A neurologist can perform the proper tests to determine the type of headache you are suffering from and create an action plan for treatment.

Chronic Pain – Just like a headache that you can’t shake, chronic pain often messes with your ability to enjoy every day activities with family and friends, or even your ability to work. When a primary care physician refers you to a neurologist they will perform tests and create an action plan for treatment.

Memory Problems – If you or someone you love has problems speaking, extreme memory problems, changes in personality, or confusion your primary doctor may refer you to a neurologist to determine if these issues are the result of disorders in the nerves, brain, and spine.

Dizziness – Just like there are different types of headaches, there are different types of dizziness. A neurologist will begin testing to determine if your dizziness is a symptom of disequilibrium or vertigo and create a treatment plan.

Numbness or tingling – Who hasn’t been sitting at their desk and quickly gotten up just to realize their legs are asleep? This is not generally cause for alarm, however if the numbness continues, comes on suddenly, or affects only one side of your body your doctor may recommend that you see a neurologist.

These are not the only reasons you may need to see a neurologist. Some other reasons include vision problems, seizures, weakness, and other movement problems. If you are seeking a neurologist in the Naples and Fort Myers area please contact us, our dedicated NASA neurology team is here to help.