The prevalence of neurological disorders and conditions has increased exponentially in the United States, explaining why neurologists remain one of the most visited specialty professionals. Combining the increase in neurological disorders with the complexity of these conditions, neurologists and the work they do cannot be understated.
Despite the immense impact of neurologists, many patients do not realize just how vast of an area neurologists cover, and why seeking their guidance is so important to not only treat existing conditions but also rule out the possibility of damage.
What is a Neurologist?
Neurologists play an essential role in diagnosing, treating, and managing neurological conditions, or anything that affects the brain and spinal cord. These conditions must be taken seriously and require immediate medical attention to ensure no lasting damage to the brain or the spinal cord, which can impact brain function and mobility/paralysis.
Because of how essential neurologists are and the fact that many conditions they treat cannot be pushed aside, neurologists are one of the most consulted specialists.
What Conditions Do Neurologists Help With?
While injuries to the brain and spinal cord are the most concerning issues that warrant a visit with a neurologist, they handle much more than emergency scenarios.
Those diagnosed with the following conditions will often visit with a neurologist, as they are trained to treat these disorders:
- stroke
- epilepsy
- migraine
- brain trauma
- multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- brain tumors
- Tourette’s syndrome
They also treat diseases impacting the nervous system, including infections and cancers.
If you are experiencing any of the below symptoms, you may be referred to a neurologist to determine and treat the underlying cause:
- headaches
- dizziness
- chronic pain
- weakness
- numbness or tingling
- movement problems
- vision problems
- seizures or loss of consciousness
- memory problems or confusion
- speech or language difficulties
What Do Neurologists Do?
A neurologist will listen to your symptoms and perform a physical and neurological exam. There are various neurological exams (lumbar puncture, electroencephalogram (EEG), electromyography (EMG)), but the general goal of neurological testing is measuring sensation, muscle strength, coordination, and reflexes.
Using the results obtained from these exams, a neurologist can help diagnose the condition causing your symptoms and begin treatment.
For workplace injuries, a visit with a neurologist may also be used to rule out damage to the nervous system, serving as a preventative measure. This is especially true for a concussion or other forms of traumatic brain injury; a neurologist can determine the extent and severity of the damage, which impacts the treatment needed.
Why Is a Neurologist Important?
Neurologists not only play an essential role in diagnosing and treating neurological conditions, but they are also paramount in ensuring that neurological conditions do not cause long-term complications.
When in a work-related accident, evaluating for damage to the nervous system should be one of the first priorities. Foregoing this evaluation may leave a currently dormant issue undetected, which may become active and begin causing problems at any time.
Neurologists play an essential role in determining your ability to return to work, so be sure to visit a neurologist, such as those at Injury Doctors NYC, to ensure your safety.
