Neurology

Headaches are one of the most common neurological disorders—and there are a variety of different kinds of headaches, such as migraines, cluster headaches, and tension headaches.

An MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is an imaging technique that produces images of different parts of the body, including your organs and soft tissues, using powerful magnets and computer-generated radio waves.

Because of its ability to take such detailed pictures, an MRI can sometimes help doctors to locate structural lesions that may be affecting a nerve. Doctors will typically be able to use a neurological exam along with an MRI scan to assess for nerve damage.

MRIs can help doctors identify conditions that cause nerve damage, including spinal cord compression or fracture, arthritic changes, tumors pressing on a nerve, or herniated vertebral discs.

Because anxiety can cause the brain to send unusual signals to the rest of your body, it could be considered a neurological symptom in itself. Anxiety doesn’t cause neurological damage on its own, but it still can produce symptoms like:

• Confusion/De-realization
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Lightheadedness/Dizziness
• Memory loss
• Nerve pain
• Tingling hands and feet
• Vision problems

In addition to noninvasive neurological evaluations such as electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV) testing and MRIs, neurologists will use electrodiagnostic tests to assess the electrical activity of muscles and nerves. This allows neurologists to determine several things: if nerve damage is present, the extent of that damage and the potential cause of the damage.

No. While neurologists specialize in the treatment of physical conditions caused by damage or disease to your nervous system, they aren’t trained to diagnose or treat mental health conditions like depression.

Yes, depression and neurologic disorders are linked. Studies have shown that people with major neurologic conditions are more likely to develop depression, and those with a history of depression are at a higher risk of developing several neurologic conditions, including dementia, epilepsy, migraine, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke.

While there are some common symptoms of neurological disorders or diseases, not everyone will present with the same symptoms. It’s also important to remember that some symptoms may look like other medical conditions or problems. That’s why you should always seek out the opinion of your healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis.

Some common neurological symptoms may include:

• A headache that changes or is different
• Back pain that radiates to the feet, toes, or other parts of the body
• Impaired mental ability
• Lack of coordination
• Loss of feeling or tingling
• Loss of sight or double vision
• Memory loss
• Muscle rigidity
• Muscle wasting and slurred speech
• New language impairment (expression or comprehension)
• Persistent or sudden onset of a headache
• Tremors and seizures
• Weakness or loss of muscle strength

If you or a loved one are experiencing any of these unexplained symptoms, you should consult your doctor. After examination, your doctor may recommend a neurological exam with a specialist.

• Chronic or severe headaches
• Chronic pain
• Dizziness
• Memory problems or confusion
• Movement problems
• Numbness or tingling