
Neurology
Neurologic diseases and nervous system disorders affect how the entire body works. When something goes wrong with one part of the central nervous system — brain, spinal cord, or nerves — there can be trouble moving, speaking, swallowing, breathing, or learning. Problems with memory, senses, or mood can also occur. The experienced neurology providers at Alertive Healthcare Medical Group will work closely with you to understand, diagnose, and treat your neurology condition so you can lead a healthier, happier life.
Neurological conditions are disorders that affect the nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. These conditions can impact a wide range of functions, including movement, sensation, cognition, and emotional regulation. Common types of neurological conditions include:
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Neurodegenerative Diseases: Conditions like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, where nerve cells progressively degenerate or die.
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Stroke: Occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell damage.
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Epilepsy: Characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
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Multiple Sclerosis (MS): An autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, leading to a range of symptoms including mobility issues and fatigue.
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Migraines and Headaches: Severe headaches that can be accompanied by other symptoms, affecting daily life.
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Peripheral Neuropathy: Damage to the peripheral nerves, often resulting in pain, weakness, and numbness, usually in the hands and feet.
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Damage to the brain resulting from an external force, which can lead to a variety of cognitive and physical impairments.
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Cerebral Palsy: A group of disorders that affect movement and muscle tone, often caused by damage to the developing brain.
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Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A developmental disorder that affects communication and behavior.
Each of these conditions has its own set of symptoms, causes, and treatments, and they can vary widely in severity and impact on an individual’s life.
You should consider scheduling a neurological consult if you experience any of the following symptoms:
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Persistent Headaches: Severe or frequent headaches that disrupt your daily activities or differ from your usual headaches.
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Seizures: Any unusual episodes of shaking, convulsions, or loss of consciousness.
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Cognitive Changes: Noticeable memory problems, confusion, difficulty concentrating, or changes in behavior.
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Movement Issues: Tremors, weakness, coordination problems, or difficulties with balance and walking.
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Numbness or Tingling: Persistent or unexplained sensations in your arms, legs, or face.
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Vision Changes: Blurred or double vision, loss of vision, or other significant visual disturbances.
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Speech Difficulties: Trouble speaking, slurred speech, or difficulty understanding language.
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Fatigue or Dizziness: Ongoing fatigue, dizziness, or fainting spells that are unexplained.
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Symptoms of Stroke: Sudden onset of weakness, numbness, confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty seeing.
If you have a family history of neurological conditions or have had a head injury, it's also wise to consult a neurologist. Early diagnosis and intervention can be crucial in managing neurological conditions effectively. If you're unsure, come in and discuss your symptoms with your Alertive Healthcare Medical Group provider, who can help determine if your problem is neurological in nature.
A neurological exam is a systematic assessment of your nervous system to evaluate its function and identify any potential issues. Here’s what you can typically expect during the exam:
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Medical History: The neurologist will ask about your medical history, including any symptoms you're experiencing, previous neurological issues, medications, and family history of neurological conditions.
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Mental Status Evaluation: You may be asked questions to assess your cognitive function, memory, orientation, and ability to think clearly. This could include simple tasks like counting backwards or recalling a list of words.
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Cranial Nerve Examination: The doctor will check the function of the twelve cranial nerves, which control functions such as vision, hearing, taste, facial movements, and swallowing. This may involve tasks like:
- Reading an eye chart (vision)
- Following a moving finger with your eyes (eye movement)
- Smelling substances (olfactory nerve)
- Checking facial sensation and strength (facial nerve)
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Motor Function Assessment: You'll be asked to move your arms and legs against resistance, which helps assess muscle strength and tone. The doctor will also check for involuntary movements or tremors.
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Sensory Examination: This involves testing your ability to feel various sensations like touch, pain, temperature, and vibration on different parts of your body.
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Reflex Testing: The doctor will check your reflexes using a reflex hammer. Common reflexes tested include the knee-jerk reflex and the ankle reflex.
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Coordination and Balance: You might be asked to perform tasks such as touching your nose with your finger, walking in a straight line, or standing on one leg to assess coordination and balance.
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Gait Assessment: Observing how you walk can provide insights into neurological function. The doctor may ask you to walk on your toes, heels, or in a straight line.
After the exam, the neurologist will discuss their findings with you, explain any necessary next steps, and may order additional tests such as imaging (like an MRI or CT scan), blood tests, or electrodiagnostic studies if needed.