A neurologist is a physician who is trained and licensed to evaluate, diagnose and treat different neurological disorders and diseases like Dementia, Headache, Seizure Disorders, Multiple Sclerosis, Stroke, Myasthenia Gravis, Vertigo, Dizziness / Syncope, Unsteady Gait, Balance Issues, Parkinson Disease and Neuropathy.

Neurologists treat disorders and diseases which have physical markers on the nervous system. They rely on MRIs and other physical tests to evaluate their patients.

Psychiatrists treat disorders which cause abnormal brain functions made clear by observable symptoms. They use different types of tests from neurologists.

You typically won’t seek out a neurologist directly.

If you suffer is an acute neurological emergency like stroke or seizure, then immediately call 911 or go to nearest hospital Emergency room. After initial evaluations, emergency physicians can contact a neurologist for immediate evaluation and manage accordingly.

If it is not an emergency, first contact your primary care or family physician. They will evaluate and decide whether you should go to a neurologist for further assessment.

Your neurologist will view a history of your symptoms and do a detailed neurological examination. If necessary, they will order extra testing such as a CT scan, EEG, EMG, Nerve Conduction studies, and appropriate blood tests.

Use the letters in F.A.S.T to spot a Stroke

• F = Face Drooping – Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the person’s smile uneven?
• A = Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
• S = Speech Difficulty – Is speech slurred?
• T = Time to call 911

Other Stroke Symptoms

Watch for Sudden:

• Numbness or weakness of face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
• Confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Trouble seeing in one or both eyes
• Trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
• Severe headache with no known cause

Make sure to able to provide detailed history of the patient’s neurological signs and symptoms, including severity and when they occurred. Past medical and surgical history, current medicine and dosage, family history, social history (tobacco, alcohol, or drug use), any previous or current neurological evaluations and treatments, past or current blood test reports and CT/MRI reports are all important information for neurologists to have.

For illnesses and injuries that are considered life-threatening, please call 911 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

If you have a minor illness and believe you may be in need of treatment, you can visit one of Cullman Regional’s Urgent Care Centers. Click here to learn more about our urgent care services.