Signs You Need to See a Neurologist

More than half of Americans—up to 180 million adults and children—have a neurological disorder, according to the American Academy of Neurology. These conditions affect your nervous system, which includes your brain, spinal cord, and nerves.

“Your nervous system controls important body functions, such as speech, movements, and thinking,” says Rani Sarkis, MD, MSc, a neurologist with the Mass General Brigham Neuroscience Institute. Dr. Sarkis cares for patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Neurological disorders are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide, according to the Noncommunicable Diseases (NCD) Alliance. Here, Dr. Sarkis explains warning signs of common neurological disorders and when you should see a neurologist for care.

What is a neurologist?

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating nervous system disorders. The prefix “neuro” stems from the Greek word “neuron,” which means nerve. A neurologist may specialize in a specific neurological disorder or treat a range of conditions.

What’s the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon?

Neurosurgeons are neurologists who have additional surgical training. “Neurologists treat conditions with medications and nonsurgical therapies,” says Dr. Sarkis. “If a patient needs spine surgery, tumor removal, an implantable device, or other surgical procedure, we refer them to a neurosurgeon.”

What neurological disorders do neurologists treat?

There are more than 400 neurological disorders. Some of the more common ones that neurologists treat include:

• Dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease
• Essential tremor and Parkinson’s disease
• Headaches and migraines
• Multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Nerve pain (neuropathy)
• Neuromuscular conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and muscular dystrophy
• Seizure disorders, including epilepsy
• Spinal injuries and conditions, such as spinal muscular atrophy
• Strokes and brain aneurysms

Neurological symptoms you shouldn’t ignore

Signs of neurological disorders vary depending on the condition. You should contact your primary care provider (PCP) anytime you have unusual symptoms or health concerns. “If your provider sees signs of a neurological problem, they can refer you to a neurologist for a full evaluation and neurological examination,” says Dr. Sarkis.

You should also see a healthcare provider if you have neurological symptoms, such as:

• Balance and coordination problems
• Changes to speech
• Chronic or worsening head pain
• Difficulty remembering things (memory loss) or thinking (cognitive decline)
• Dizziness
• Nerve pain or chronic pain
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the face or limbs
• Seizures or tremors
• Swallowing problems

Recognizing stroke symptoms

A stroke cuts off blood flow to your brain, putting you at risk for irreversible brain damage, paralysis, and death. You should call 9-1-1 if you or someone you know is having a stroke. Emergency medical responders can provide treatments while on the way to the hospital, providing the best chance of recovery.

The American Stroke Association (ASA) promotes the acronym BE FAST to help you remember common stroke symptoms and the importance of getting emergency care. BE FAST stands for:

• Balance problems
• Eye trouble, such as sudden vision loss or double vision
• Face drooping or lopsided mouth
• Arm weakness
• Speech difficulties like slurring words or not being able to talk
• Time to call 9-1-1

Risk factors for neurological disorders

Certain conditions and environmental factors may increase your risk of neurological problems. For example:

• Diabetes (high blood sugar levels) can damage blood vessels in your brain.
• Exposure to air pollution may contribute to strokes, dementia, and Parkinson’s disease.
• Gene changes (sometimes passed on by a parent) can increase your risk for Alzheimer’s disease, ALS, and epilepsy.
• Heavy alcohol use can damage nerves and blood vessels, putting you at risk for brain bleeds (hemorrhagic stroke), dementia, and seizures.
• High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke and dementia.
• Sleep apnea is a risk factor for dementia and strokes.
• Smoking raises your risk of dementia, stroke, and MS.

Tips for a healthy nervous system

The good news is that you can lower your risk of developing certain neurological problems. “Healthy blood circulation is as important for the health of your nervous system as it is for your heart,” says Dr. Sarkis. The NCD Alliance estimates that people could prevent 90% of strokes, 40% of dementia cases, and 30% of epilepsy cases by taking certain actions. 

These actions include:

• Eat healthy foods, like fresh fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, and other foods that improve memory, prevent strokes, and control blood sugar.
• Be physically active for better brain health.
• Boost your brain health by doing puzzles, learning a new language or game, traveling, or engaging in a hobby like gardening.
• Cut back on alcohol, which slows brain activity and raises blood pressure.
• Engage in social activities to sharpen your thinking and communication skills.
• Manage chronic conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, and diabetes that damage blood vessels.
• Practice good sleep hygiene, and get tested for sleep apnea if you have symptoms.

Be smart about your brain health.

Dr. Sarkis also recommends checking your McCance Brain Care Score™ using an assessment tool developed by Mass General Brigham researchers. 

“You receive a brain health score based on information about your physical health, diet and lifestyle, and social and emotional health,” he says. “You also get recommendations that you can share with your provider to improve brain health.”