3 Reasons To See A Neurologist

Your body's nervous system consists of your brain, spinal cord, and nerves. If you have any diseases or conditions affecting these parts of your body, you will need to make an appointment with a neurologist -- a highly-trained physician who is a nervous system specialist. The nervous system plays a vital role in a person's health, so if you experience any problems related to your nervous system, it is extremely important to schedule an appointment with a neurologist as soon as possible. The sooner you see a specialist for nervous system problems and conditions, the more likely the condition can be treated. Some of the top reasons to see a neurologist include the following:

Neuropathy

Neuropathy is a term that refers to pain and discomfort due to nerve damage. This type of pain can be shooting, sharp, or burning, and in most cases neuropathy is a chronic condition. If you suffer from neuropathy, don't expect an over-the-counter pain reliever to do much to help -- since neuropathy is caused by damaged nerves, you will need more aggressive treatment to control the pain and discomfort. Most people experience neuropathy in their hands and feet, and people who have diabetes are at an increased risk for neuropathy due to complications from the disease.

You Experience Seizures

Experiencing seizures is not normal -- they indicate some kind of disturbance in your brain. Since seizures can damage your brain as well as causing loss of consciousness, erratic movement, and confusion, it is important to contact your primary care physician when you have a seizure. Your primary care physician can review your health and then refer you to a neurologist. Seizures can occur for a number of reasons -- in some cases brain imaging is needed to pinpoint the problem. It is also possible for seizures to be caused by a neurological condition, such as epilepsy. A neurologist will run tests to diagnose the cause of the seizures and can then plan a course of treatment, often involving medication.

Possible Spinal Cord or Brain Injury

While the human nervous system is designed to be durable and resilient, the spinal cord and brain can be injured. When this happens, whether it is due to something like a car accident or sports injury, immediate care by a neurologist is very important. Possible spinal cord or brain injuries should be taken extremely seriously -- the sooner a neurologist is seen for treatment, the better the outcome. In some cases, surgery may be needed for spinal cord or brain injuries; in other cases your neurologist may closely monitor your condition, prescribe medication, and recommend physical therapy. 

For more information, or to see a nervous system specialist, contact clinics like the North Texas Neuroscience Center PA.