Why visit a neurologists

Mental Health. Medically reviewed by Nancy Hammond, M. Behring on May 3, Why a neurologist? Conditions neurologists treat Mental health? Why would my doctor refer me to a neurologist? What conditions does a neurologist treat? Do neurologists treat mental health conditions? What to expect during your first visit with a neurologist. You may need to see other doctors and healthcare professionals as well.

The takeaway. Read this next. Post-Concussion Syndrome. Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M. Stiff Neck and Headache. Medically reviewed by Sachin S. Kapur, MD, MS. Is It a Stroke or an Aneurysm? Medically reviewed by Dr. Payal Kohli, M. What Causes Numbness in Hands? Medically reviewed by Heidi Moawad, M. What is the Vagus Nerve? Peripheral Neuropathy. Neurologists are principal care providers when a patient has a neurologic disorder that requires frequent care.

Neurologists commonly assume a consulting role for primary care physicians in the case of stroke, concussion, or headache. Neurologists do not perform surgery, but may refer patients requiring surgery to a neurosurgeon or spine surgeon. In the case of surgery, a neurologist may continue to monitor and supervise treatment. A neurologist treats disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscles.

Common disorders of the nervous system include:. A Neurologist will treat diseases that attack the nervous system, such as:. Neurological diseases and disorders are common, and the risk of developing one increases with age.

Neurologic disorders, such as injury of the nervous system, are also a common occurrence. Research shows that as many as 60 million people worldwide may suffer a traumatic brain injury each year. It is important to know the signs of neurological diseases and disorders, as they are serious and may be life-threatening when left untreated. Your primary care physician may refer you to a neurologist if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms :.

If you experience blackouts frequently, then you should seek attention from a neurologist. If you have a seizure but have not been diagnosed with a seizure disorder like epilepsy, you need to see a neurologist. While many types of epilepsy are present during infancy and childhood, there is such a thing as adult-onset epilepsy. A seizure can also be a symptom of another condition such as meningitis or a brain tumor. Dizziness, or vertigo, is the sensation that the world is spinning around you.

Or it may seem like you are spinning around while the world is standing still. Vertigo can be life-altering because it prevents you from carrying out daily tasks like going to work and caring for your family. While vertigo may resolve itself after a while, you should still see a neurologist to have the underlying condition diagnosed.

Many of the causes are not life-threatening, but they share symptoms with more serious conditions like stroke. Some conditions that are linked to vertigo and dizziness include. The peripheral nervous system connects the central nervous system, made up of the brain and spinal cord, to the rest of the body. When this pain is not something your primary care physician can help you manage, you may choose to see a neurologist, especially if you have other symptoms along with the pain like weakness, numbness, or problems with bladder or bowel control.

Dizziness can come in different varieties. Neurologists treat dizziness that is a symptom of vertigo or disequilibrium. Vertigo makes you feel as if you or the things around you are spinning; disequilibrium is difficulty keeping your balance. Your primary care doctor can help you decide if your dizziness is severe enough to see a neurologist.

Numbness or tingling can happen for many different reasons, some as simple as sitting in a way that cuts off your blood circulation or having not eaten. However, if this numbness continues, comes on suddenly, or only happens on one side of the body, it may be time to see a neurologist. Numbness or tingling symptoms like those described can also be signs of a stroke , in which case you need to get help very quickly.

While your primary care doctor can help you evaluate these symptoms, if you think you are having a stroke, get immediate medical help. Feelings of weakness that you should see a doctor for are different than tiredness or muscle aches after a long hike or lifting too many weights. You should consult your provider if you experience muscle weakness that impacts your daily activities or a rapid decline in muscle strength, especially in your arms and legs. It could be caused by a more serious condition or disease of your nervous system, such as stroke.

Problems moving, like difficulty walking, being clumsy, unintentional jerks or movements, tremors, or others, can be symptoms of a problem in your nervous system. You may want to see a neurologist if these movement problems interrupt your daily life, though something like a tremor can be a side effect of medication or anxiety.

However, if your tremors also affect your daily activities, you may want to see a neurologist. Seizures can be almost unnoticeable or very extreme. Symptoms of seizures can range from staring to loss of consciousness, jerking movements of the arms and legs, breathing problems, confusion, or loss of consciousness.