A neurologist specializes in diseases and disorders of the brain, spinal cord and nervous system as a whole. Neurologists use clinical evaluation and electrophysiologic testing to diagnose patients with symptoms such as tremors, headaches, memory loss and movement disorders.
When you first see a neurologist, they will ask for your medical history and perform a physical exam focusing on balance, strength and coordination. They will also take blood and urine samples.
Diagnosing and Treating Disorders of the Nervous System
When a person is suffering from a neurological condition, a neurologist will work with them to diagnose the problem and find ways to treat it. They might prescribe medication to reduce seizures or prevent further strokes, for example. They will also work with other healthcare professionals to help people recover from injuries, like spinal cord and brain injury.
During their initial visit, a neurologist will ask patients about their symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam, which may include tests of reflexes, coordination, sensation, cognitive abilities and the autonomic nervous system, which controls subconscious functions like breathing and heartbeat.
Neurologists will also conduct a series of tests, including MRIs and CT scans, electroencephalograms, electromyography, nerve conduction studies and lumbar puncture (also known as a spinal tap), to examine the nervous system in more detail. These tests can provide valuable information about the state of your brain and spinal cord. They can also reveal conditions that cannot be diagnosed through a physical examination, such as certain types of memory loss.
Parkinson’s Disease
If you have Parkinson’s disease, your neurologist may prescribe medicines that can help ease the symptoms. These medicines can increase or substitute for the brain chemical dopamine, which controls movement.
Your neurologist will evaluate you with a physical and neurological exam. They may also order imaging tests to help confirm the diagnosis. These can include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography scans, or CAT scans. They may also test your cerebrospinal fluid with a spinal tap or skin biopsy to look for clumps of the protein alpha-synuclein, which is linked to Parkinson’s disease.
Many people with Parkinson’s disease have a combination of motor and non-motor symptoms, which affect their quality of life. A neurologist can help you manage these symptoms with medicine and other therapies. They can also refer you to a specialist, such as a neurosurgeon. They might also recommend a physical therapist or speech therapist. They can teach you exercises to improve balance and strength, and they can help with communication problems.
Stroke
If you have had a stroke, a neurologist can determine what area of the brain is affected and how much damage occurred. A neurologist can also prescribe medication to reduce the risk of future strokes.
If a person is experiencing any of the symptoms of stroke, they should be evaluated and treated right away. A neurologist will use medical history, physical exam and medical tests such as a CT scan to diagnose the problem. Universal Neurological Care, P.A. is a great place to get treatment.
If a person has an ischemic stroke, a neurologist may treat them with drugs to dissolve a blood clot and restore normal flow of blood in the brain. They might also perform surgery to clip an aneurysm and prevent further bleeding. They might recommend other procedures to reduce blood pressure or remove pooled blood from the brain. If the part of the brain that relays sensory information to the rest of the body is affected, a neurologist might suggest therapy to help with movement, balance and coordination problems.
Epilepsy
If you have seizures, a neurologist may prescribe anti-seizure medicines or recommend other treatments. They also may discuss how the medications can affect pregnancy or children (certain anti-seizure drugs can increase the risk of birth defects).
Getting the right diagnosis starts with taking a complete medical history and conducting a thorough physical exam. They’ll check your coordination, motor functions and reflexes, as well as the autonomic nervous system (which controls subconscious functions like breathing and pulse).
The neurologist will then conduct various diagnostic imaging and/or procedures to help find the cause of your symptoms. These include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CAT or CT scans). They may also order electroencephalography (EEG), which uses electrodes on your head to measure electrical activity in your brain. They’ll look for abnormal patterns associated with seizures. They’ll also check if the cause of your seizures is in a part of your brain that can be removed safely during surgery.
We are located at:
Universal Neurological Care, P.A.
8823 San Jose Blvd Ste. 209, Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 404-7044