What Is Neurology?
Basically, a neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and disorders that affect the brain and nervous system. They treat conditions such as epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, and traumatic brain injury.
Symptoms of a problem in your nervous system
Symptoms of a problem in your nervous system can affect your movement, your memory, and your mood. If you experience these symptoms, you should consult your doctor. Depending on the type of problem you have, your doctor may prescribe medicine. You may also be referred to a psychologist to help you deal with the emotional impact of the condition.
The nervous system controls every aspect of your life. It controls your breathing, your movement, your memory, and your senses. It is also responsible for regulating your digestion.
The nervous system is made up of two main parts: the brain and the spinal cord. The brain is made up of specialized cells called neurons. These neurons are like electrical wires that send messages throughout the body. Each neuron has a head that is connected to the spinal cord. The long tail of the neuron, called an axon, is surrounded by a protective membrane called myelin.
One of the simplest ways to keep your nervous system in shape is to take your medicine according to the directions on the label. For instance, taking your medicine in a medicine box with spaces for each day can be a good way to remember to take your medicines.
Nervous system problems can be caused by a variety of conditions. If you suffer from chronic pain, for instance, you may want to consult a neurologist. Other causes include viral infections such as hepatitis C and herpes.
One of the most important aspects of the nervous system is that it controls your balance. A problem with the nervous system can cause you to stumble, twitch, or even fall. A numbness or tingling sensation can also be caused by a problem in the nervous system.
Other symptoms of a problem in your nervous system include unintentional jerking movements, difficulty swallowing, and low blood pressure. Some of these symptoms are harmless, but if they are present more often than usual, you should call your doctor.
Nerve damage can’t be avoided, but a variety of treatments can reduce symptoms. The key is to start treatment early so that symptoms do not become worse.
Common conditions treated by a neurologist
Having a neurologist diagnose and treat common conditions can improve your quality of life. Some of the most common disorders treated by a neurologist are headaches, seizures, and migraines. These conditions can be accompanied by nausea, sensitivity to light or smells, and uncontrollable movements.
If you suffer from a migraine, you may be experiencing throbbing pain or intense dizziness. You may also experience sensitivity to strong smells and loud noises. This may affect your daily activities, such as driving or working. The neurologist can help you understand what triggers your migraines and find a medication that will treat your migraines.
Neurologists also diagnose and treat movement disorders. These can include Parkinson’s disease, Multiple sclerosis, and other diseases. Some disorders, such as myasthenia gravis, affect muscle strength.
Neurological disorders are a result of injury or illness. An injury can affect your ability to walk, talk, or even think. Brain injuries can also cause headaches and loss of consciousness.
Neurologists diagnose and treat conditions such as epilepsy, dementia, and other neurological disorders. They treat both short-term and long-term illnesses. Treatments can include medication, physical therapy, and other medical treatments.
Seizures are uncontrollable movements caused by a disturbance in the brain. These symptoms may be unnoticeable, but they can result in permanent damage if they are not treated. The neurologist can determine what is causing your seizures and prescribe medications to help stop them.
There are also nonsurgical procedures that can treat these conditions. These include therapy, pain management, and rehabilitation. If your condition is long-term, you may require surgery.
Other common diagnostic procedures include CT, MRI, and PET scanning. These imaging tests can help determine the severity of a neurological condition and identify any problems with blood vessels.
Angiography is a medical test that detects blockages in blood vessels that enter the brain. The test may also show tumors.
Other tests include an electromyogram, which measures electrical activity in the brain. These tests can be performed with electrodes placed on the skin. The neurologist may also order other tests to evaluate your condition.
If you suffer from a neurological disorder, you should research a doctor’s credentials to ensure they are qualified to treat your condition. Be sure to ask questions, take notes, and understand what your diagnosis means.
Common tests performed by a neurologist
Various tests performed by a neurologist can help diagnose and treat diseases of the nervous system. Many tests are non-invasive and pose little to no risk to the patient. These tests can be performed in the physician’s office or at specialized testing facilities.
One common test performed by a neurologist is an electroencephalogram. This test uses electrodes that are placed on the scalp or on the skin. These electrodes deliver tiny electrical shocks to the nerves. These shocks record electrical activity as they travel from the peripheral nerves to the brain. The electrodes are then connected to a computer. The computer then converts these electrical signals into patterns.
Another test is an electromyogram. An electromyogram is performed by inserting electrodes into the muscles. These electrodes record the electrical activity as the muscle responds to the electrical stimulation.
Other tests may include a nerve conduction study and muscle biopsy. This is a procedure in which a muscle or nerve is examined to determine whether it is suffering from a neuromuscular disorder.
A neurological examination can include a number of tests that are used to measure balance, coordination, muscle strength, and sensory skills. A neurological exam can also evaluate mental and behavioral status. Some of the tests include memory, fluency of speech, coordination, and eye health.
A neurologist will ask you about your health history and may ask you questions about your job and family. The neurologist will also perform a physical examination. This examination includes testing muscle strength, coordination, balance, memory, and eye health.
In addition to a neurological examination, a neurologist may also perform cognitive tests. These tests are usually performed on people who are over 60 years old. Cognitive tests are performed for memory problems, concentration problems, and behavioral problems. These tests do not screen for emotional problems. However, they do require a patient’s cooperation.
These tests can be stressful. Many patients find it difficult to perform the tests. But a neurologist will work with you to ensure you are comfortable and understand the results. If you have questions, do not hesitate to ask.
A neurologist may also administer antibiotics, anesthetics, and cancer treatments. In some cases, a lumbar puncture is done to diagnose and treat spinal cord conditions.
Costs of private health insurance for a neurologist
During a visit to a neurologist, the doctor will perform an extensive physical exam, as well as review your medical history. He will also assess your neurological symptoms and may order blood tests and other diagnostic tests. In some cases, he will prescribe medications to treat your symptoms.
If you have private health insurance, your provider will likely pay a portion of the costs. However, if you don’t have insurance, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket for services. This can be an uncomfortable situation.
It’s important to know what you’ll have to pay if you visit a neurologist. A neurologist’s fees vary based on the type of care you receive. They will also vary based on your insurance plan.
Your neurologist will also evaluate your medical history, medications, and symptoms. They may order diagnostic tests, including x-rays and MRIs. These tests can be expensive, but they can be helpful in diagnosing neurological conditions. In addition, a neurologist can refer you to programs and outpatient clinics.
Neurologists monitor and treat a wide variety of nervous system disorders, including strokes, migraines, memory loss, and multiple sclerosis. They can also help manage diseases like Alzheimer’s. Some of the most common symptoms of neurological diseases include seizures, headaches, memory loss, and vision changes.
Out-of-pocket (OOP) costs for diagnostic testing and neurologic care have risen rapidly in recent years. Researchers found that patients paid 190% more for out-of-pocket costs than they did 15 years ago. Increasing out-of-pocket costs can be harmful, as people don’t take prescribed medication when they don’t have to.
Neurologists can diagnose a variety of neurological conditions, including brain tumors, traumatic brain injuries, strokes, and Alzheimer’s. They may recommend surgery, and they may refer patients to outpatient clinics or hospital neurology units.
However, out-of-pocket costs vary greatly, depending on the patient and the insurance plan. Patients in high-deductible health plans pay twice as much as non-high-deductible patients.
If you’re worried about paying for a neurologist, contact your health fund or a private health insurance provider to find out more. They should be able to tell you what you’ll have to pay and how to minimize it.
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