https://www.crystalrunhealthcare.com/specialties/neurology | A neurologist is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating conditions that affect the nervous system. Common reasons for seeking care from a neurologist include headaches, seizures, movement disorders, cognitive impairment, chronic pain, stroke, nerve damage, sleep disorders, and multiple sclerosis. By working with a neurologist, patients can receive personalized care and treatment plans that address their specific needs and improve their overall quality of life.

1. NEUROLOGIST
COMMON REASONS TO SEE A

2. What Is a Neurologist?
Neurology is the branch of medicine that
deals with disorders of the nervous system,
which includes the brain, spinal cord, and
nerves throughout the body.
A neurologist is a medical doctor who
specializes in diagnosing and treating
conditions that affect the nervous system.
Neurologists are trained in both diagnosing
disorders and managing longer-term
neurological problems.

3. When to See
a Neurologist
It is important to know when you should see a
neurologist. As neurologists deal with
illnesses and conditions that affect your
nervous system, they also deal with patients
that experience a wide variety of symptoms.
A neurologist will be able to examine and
diagnose disorders from headaches to
strokes to degenerative nerve diseases.
Neurologists are also trained in identifying
diseases that can cause muscle weakness
and sensory impairment.

4. Headaches
Headaches are a common ailment that most people
experience from time to time. In fact, a recent study in
the Journal of Headache and Pain reported over 50% of
the world’s population has experienced some form of
headache disorder. But if you have severe or recurring
headaches, it’s important to seek medical attention. A
neurologist can help identify the cause of your
headaches and may recommend lifestyle
modifications along with:
● Migraine medication (such as triptans), or
beta-blockers, antidepressants or
anticonvulsants, which may help reduce the
frequency and severity of recurring headaches
● Biofeedback or cognitive-behavioral therapy
● Physical therapy to address musculoskeletal
imbalances that may contribute to headaches

5. Seizures or Epilepsy
A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in
the brain that can cause changes in behavior,
movements, and feelings. Epilepsy is a condition
where a person has repeated seizures that can
cause various symptoms such as convulsions,
staring spells, and confusion. Once a neurologist
determines the type and frequency of seizures,
they may recommend:
● Antiepileptic medications (AEDs)
● Deep brain stimulation (DBS), which
involves implanting electrodes into specific
areas of the brain and delivering electrical
impulses to help control seizures
● Complementary therapies, such
as acupuncture, biofeedback, or
relaxation techniques

6. Movement Disorders
Movement disorders are a group of neurological
conditions that affect a person's ability to control
their movements. Parkinson's disease, essential
tremor, Huntington's disease, dystonia, ataxia, and
Tourette's syndrome are all examples of movement
disorders. Along with medications specific to the
condition, treatment may include:
● Deep brain stimulation (DBS) to help manage
symptoms for conditions such as Parkinson's
disease, dystonia, and essential tremor
● Botox injections to help reduce muscle
contractions in conditions like dystonia
and spasticity
● Physical therapy and rehabilitation to help
improve mobility, balance, and coordination
● Occupational and speech therapies

7. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune
disease that affects the central nervous system. It
is estimated that 2.5 million people worldwide
live with MS, according to data from the National
Library of Medicine. Symptoms can include
numbness, tingling, and weakness in the limbs,
as well as vision problems and difficulty with
coordination and balance. A neurologist will
develop a treatment plan that may involve:
● Medications to reduce inflammation and
slow the progression of the disease
● Physical therapy to help maintain mobility
and strength
● Cognitive-behavioral therapy to help
manage the emotional and psychological
impact of the condition

8. Memory Loss or
Cognitive Impairment
Memory loss and cognitive impairment are common
symptoms of neurological disorders such as
Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and traumatic brain
injury. A neurologist will evaluate you and order
diagnostic tests such as brain imaging or cognitive
testing to determine the underlying cause of your
symptoms. Along with medications, nutritional
management and physical exercise, treatments may
be targeted at improving cognitive function and
communication skills, such as:
● Cognitive stimulation and training
● Occupational therapy
● Speech and language therapy

9. Stroke
A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is
interrupted, causing damage to brain tissue. It is
estimated that each year 15 million people
worldwide suffer a stroke, according to the World
Health Organization. Symptoms of a stroke can
include sudden weakness, numbness, or paralysis in
the face, arm, or leg, as well as difficulty speaking or
understanding speech. After receiving emergency
care, a neurologist can help manage recovery and
prevent future strokes with:
● Medications to prevent blood clots, manage
blood pressure, or control cholesterol levels
● Lifestyle modifications, such as dietary
changes, exercise, and smoking cessation
● Rehabilitation exercises, mobility training and
speech therapy to improve motor skills and
cognitive function

10. Nerve Damage
Nerve damage (neuropathy) can be caused by a
variety of conditions, including diabetes, infection,
and trauma. Symptoms can include pain, numbness,
and weakness in the affected area. Along with oral
pain medications or topical treatments such as
lidocaine patches or creams, common approaches a
neurologist may employ to provide relief, include:
● Medications targeting underlying conditions
(e.g. effective management of blood sugar
levels for those with diabetes)
● Physical and occupational therapies
● Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
(TENS) therapy to help to alleviate pain and
promote nerve function

11. Sleep Disorders
Sleep disorders can have a significant impact on a
person's quality of life and overall health. A
neurologist can help diagnose and treat sleep
disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and
restless leg syndrome. They may perform sleep
studies and other diagnostic tests to determine the
underlying cause of the sleep disorder and develop
a treatment plan that may include:
● Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia
● Sedative-hypnotic medications for short-term
use to manage insomnia
● Dopamine agonists for restless leg syndrome
● Custom-fitted oral appliances for mild to
moderate sleep apnea
● Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
therapy for sleep apnea

12. Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is a common symptom of many
neurological conditions, including migraines
and fibromyalgia. A neurologist may order
diagnostic tests such as nerve conduction
studies or imaging and recommend:
● Medications to relieve pain, such as
analgesics (NSAIDs or opioids), triptans
(specifically for migraines), antiepileptic
drugs or antidepressants
● Interventional procedures like nerve
blocks of Botox injections
● Physical therapy and manual
therapy techniques
● Cognitive-behavioral therapy

13. Neurology at Crystal
Run Healthcare
Take action today and seek expert care from
the neurologists at Crystal Run Healthcare
who are specifically trained to diagnose and
treat neurological disorders such as
migraines, back pain, Parkinson's disease,
and Alzheimer's disease.
With the help of state-of-the-art diagnostic
equipment and therapies including physical
therapy, medications, and nerve blocks, our
experienced team can develop a treatment
plan to address your individual needs and
improve your quality of life.
Schedule an appointment today.

14. Sources
https:/
/thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-022-01402-2
https:/
/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499849/
https:/
/www.emro.who.int/health-topics/stroke-cerebrovascular-accident/index.html
Summary
A neurologist is a medical specialist who focuses on diagnosing and treating
conditions that affect the nervous system. Common reasons for seeking care from a
neurologist include headaches, seizures, movement disorders, cognitive impairment,
chronic pain, stroke, nerve damage, sleep disorders, and multiple sclerosis. By
working with a neurologist, patients can receive personalized care and treatment
plans that address their specific needs and improve their overall quality of life.