From headaches to any pain that you feel in your neck, there are a few different reasons as to why you might want to visit a neurologist. When there is something abnormal with your brain or your nervous system, it’s important to get the area in question examined by a professional because there could be an underlying issue that is severe that can be treated or a minor issue that requires only minimal treatments. Before visiting a neurologist, there are a few services that are offered that you should know about as well as the various types of treatments that are offered in this area of medicine.
Headaches
Although a headache might not seem like a big deal to some people, it can be an indication of an issue that needs to be treated with medications or examined further if you’ve had headaches for long periods of time. Some of the neurological services and treatment los angeles ca offices offer include performing an MRI or CT scan to determine if there are any concerns with the blood vessels in the brain or with the brain itself. Tests can be performed to determine if there are any issues with the neck and other areas of the body that are in close proximity to your brain that could cause headaches. Once a cause is established, then a treatment can be put in place depending on what you need ranging from medication to surgery if required.
Disorders
There are several disorders that a neurologist can treat. Epilepsy is a common disorder that causes seizures. Fortunately, a neurologist can prescribe the proper medications that you can take to help with seizure activity. Parkinson’s disease is another common disorder that is treated by a neurologist. Other diseases and disorders include Tourette Syndrome, Alzheimer’s, and Multiple Sclerosis. In order to treat the disorder, the neurologist has to first perform the tests needed to find out exactly what’s wrong as well as the severity of the issue. For most people, medications can help with the symptoms that are associated with most neurological disorders. However, there are some conditions that require surgery as well as lifetime treatment plans.
Many neurologists will work with other doctors who have observed areas of concern or who have already tried to treat patients without any noticeable changes. Once the neurologist receives a referral about a patient, then the proper tests can be ordered to determine what is going on inside the brain or other areas of the body that are associated with the brain and the nervous system. An MRI, as well as an EEG, are both common when trying to determine neurological disorders. Many doctors will begin medications at a lower dosage in order to determine if that medication will help with the symptoms before increasing the dosage. Sometimes, neurological disorders can subside over time, especially if you are younger when you are diagnosed. Your neurologist can determine if there are other conditions that are going on that have triggered your neurological symptoms.