There are many reasons why your primary care doctor or chiropractor may refer you to see a neurologist. You may go to your doctor because you have started getting headaches that won’t go away, or you might have been in a car accident recently and are now experiencing tingling and numbness in one part of your body. Your primary care doctor knows your medical history and can run lab tests and diagnostic imaging to help identify what is causing your pain and discomfort, but they may also recommend neurology in San Antonio for a more thorough neurological exam. Neurologists specialize in the study and treatment of the brain and nervous system. Here are some common reasons you might be referred to a neurologist.
Headaches
If you get headaches every few months but are able to manage them quickly with medicine or rest, you might not need to see a neurologist. But if you are noticing a difference in the type of headaches you get or that they are showing up a lot more often, it may be a sign of a nervous system disorder. Do you have a lingering headache? You might be experiencing migraines, which are strong, painful headaches that often also make you feel nauseous and more sensitive to light and sound. Tension headaches are a type of head pain more commonly triggered by stress and lack of sleep. Migraines and tension headaches can be debilitating and a neurologist can help identify the reason for your headaches and develop a treatment plan so you can experience lasting relief.
Dizziness
You may feel dizzy every once and a while, like after a ride at a theme park or as an adverse reaction to a medication. But your accident doctor may want to refer you to a neurologist if you start to get dizzy throughout your daily activities for no obvious reason. You might first notice this dizziness as unsteadiness or a lack of balance and coordination, often accompanied by a feeling of lightheadedness. Dizzy spells may also make you feel nauseous or even cause you to fall. If you have started to experience unexplained, frequent dizziness then it may be time to see a neurologist. Dizziness can be a symptom of a nervous system disorder such as vertigo, or a sign of infection or injury.
Back Problems
If you recently suffered a recent injury to your spine then it may affect nearby nerves, causing you pain and discomfort. The spine helps to send messages from your brain to the rest of your body, and when there is a disruption to this flow you may experience uncomfortable neurological symptoms. Perhaps you slipped and fell recently or you were in a car accident. Injury to the spine can irritate nearby nerves and lead to nerve pain and damage if left untreated. A herniated disc, also known as a slipped disc, is when the spongy disc that separates two vertebrae in your spine slips out of its proper position. When out of place, a slipped disc can put pressure on a nearby nerve, causing pain, tingling, and numbness. A neurologist can help identify the type of nerve pain you are experiencing and help treat the problem.
Memory Problems
As you age, it is not uncommon to develop memory problems. A gradual or sudden onset of memory difficulty may be a sign that you should see a neurologist. Neurologists are able to identify brain injuries like mini-strokes or infections that may be causing your memory loss. Neurologists provide neurological and cognitive exams to help measure your cognitive functioning and assess for things like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Memory problems in older adults are commonly understood as a part of aging, but you should still talk to your doctor to determine if this is normal, age-related memory loss or something more serious. Memory problems can also show up in patients of all ages, especially after a head trauma or injury.
The best type of care involves a team approach between your primary care doctor and your neurologist. At ProCare Medical Center, we offer primary care doctors, chiropractors, and neurology in San Antonio all in one convenient location, which makes following through on referrals stress-free. Plus, your primary care doctor and neurologist can work together to help address your neurological condition or symptoms, and you won’t have to deal with sending your medical records anywhere because your team is here at ProCare. Talk to your primary care doctor today if you are experiencing any signs or symptoms of nervous system issues and get connected with neurology in San Antonio. Your team at ProCare is here to help you find relief and lasting healing and recovery from all types of conditions.
