Neurologist Specialist

What is a neurologist?

Neurologists are doctors who specialize in disorders associated with your nervous system. That includes problems with your spinal cord, brain, and nerves within the body. Nerve damage and other problems can cause debilitating symptoms and hinder your quality of life when left untreated.

Which conditions do neurologists treat?

Some of the many conditions neurologists at Doctors United treat include:

• Diabetic neuropathy
• Strokes
• Multiple sclerosis
• Migraines
• Speech and language disorders
• Spinal cord problems
• Epilepsy
• Brain and nervous system infections
• Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Parkinson's disease and other movement disorders
• Alzheimer’s disease

Working with a neurologist at Doctors United is the best way to reduce symptoms associated with neurological disorders and prevent your condition from worsening.

What are the signs and symptoms of neurological disorders?

If you have a neurological problem, you may notice some of the following signs or symptoms:

• Numbness 
• Tingling
• Paralysis
• Seizures
• Tremors
• Dizziness
• Difficulty walking
• Abnormal movements
• Coordination problems
• Loss of balance
• Problems swallowing
• Loss of certain sensations
• Speech disorders
• Vision or hearing problems
• Memory impairment
• Mood changes
• Cognitive problems
• Confusion 

At the first sign of neurological issues, schedule an evaluation at Doctors United. The earlier you seek treatment, the better your outcome in many cases.

Should I see a neurologist?

To find out if you need to see a neurologist, your Doctors United primary care provider discusses your symptoms and medical history, as well as your lifestyle and medications you may take. 

They complete a physical examination, including a neurological exam and mental health assessment, to evaluate your overall health and wellness. 

Your provider may recommend you undergo blood tests, nerve studies, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging procedures to diagnose your condition and develop an effective treatment.

What are the common treatments for neurological disorders?

Common treatments your neurologist could recommend, depending on the type of disorder you have, include:

Lifestyle changes

Diet and exercise changes, dietary supplements, and stress reduction can diminish unpleasant neurological symptoms or make them less severe. Dietary changes and maintaining a healthy weight can help you better control blood sugar if you have diabetes, which reduces your risk of nerve damage.

Medications

Medications can reduce symptoms of mental health disorders, such as depression, other mood disorders, or insomnia resulting from neurological problems. Some medicines also aid in blood sugar control to reduce your risk of diabetic nerve damage.

Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioral therapy, a form of psychotherapy, can help you deal with a neurological disorder and respond to everyday situations in appropriate ways.

Other therapies

Your neurologist could recommend you undergo physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or stress reduction therapy to improve neurological functioning.

Nerve stimulation

Brain stimulation therapy uses electricity or magnetic fields to emit energy into your brain with electrodes a specialist places on your scalp. 

Surgery

In some cases, you may need surgery to treat neurological problems, reduce symptoms, and make a full recovery.

To schedule an evaluation with a neurologist at Doctors United, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.