Our brain and nervous system control movement, senses, thought and speech. That’s why it’s important to receive the finest care.
A neurologist will examine you, order tests and make a diagnosis. If you need surgery, he or she will refer you to a neurosurgeon. X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound and cerebrospinal fluid analysis are some of the tests your neurologist may order.
Diagnosis
If you have a condition that affects the brain, spinal cord or nerves, a neurologist will examine you and order tests. The exact process varies depending on the condition.
Tests may include blood, urine and fluid analysis to help understand disease severity or medication levels. Genetic testing may also be used to identify inherited disorders. Imaging studies such as computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and X-rays may be ordered. These can detect such conditions as brain or spinal cord tumors, vascular malformations, herniated disks and degenerative spine disease.
Always bring a list of current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter products and any herbs, vitamins or supplements you take. Also, if you keep a symptom diary, bring it with you to the appointment. This will help your neurologist make the most accurate diagnosis possible. They will refer you to other specialists, such as neurosurgeons, if needed. They will also work closely with your primary care physician.
Treatment
Movement, senses and thought are all controlled by the brain and nervous system. So when you have an issue with your brain, spinal cord or nerves it’s important to seek the finest care possible.
The neurological team at HealthONE hospitals is committed to improving your life through advanced treatments, collaborative care and ongoing research. We use innovative tools and techniques to provide the best possible outcomes for patients with conditions ranging from stroke to brain tumors.
Depending on the condition, treatment may focus on managing symptoms or slowing a disorder’s progression. If your condition is progressive, we also offer rehabilitation and pain management programs. If you require surgery, we provide a wide range of surgical options including minimally invasive techniques to correct spine disorders such as herniated discs or spinal fractures; remove brain tumors and relieve cranial pressure; and treat traumatic injuries of the brain or spinal cord. Often, your neurosurgeon will partner with your neurologist to coordinate your care.
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation is the health care service that enables individuals to keep or regain skills and abilities for daily life that may have been lost or impaired due to illness, injury or disability. This includes enabling them to take part in education, work, play and other activities they enjoy. It may also include modifying the environment or using assistive devices, and providing education and support to help them cope.
It also instills a sense of hope and empowerment, so people can make the most of their abilities and see a future free from limitations caused by health conditions or disabilities. Research into rehabilitation focuses on improving understanding of the etiology, severity and prognosis of health conditions and their effects on quality of life, coping strategies, family and community resources and participation in education and employment, and developing, testing and evaluating intervention techniques. Get to know more on this from universalneurocare.com.
The package identifies interventions for delivery across different service delivery platforms, reflecting the need for rehabilitation to be available in primary health centers and hospitals, as well as the need to provide these services alongside other health-related services. However, the package does not indicate which disciplines are responsible for delivering these interventions, since this will vary depending on the local situation and the level of capability of providers.
Support
Many individuals who need neurological care struggle with access. This is often due to a lack of specialist care available locally, the inability to travel long distances or financial barriers. These factors can delay diagnosis and treatment, resulting in poor health outcomes.
During the evaluation, your neurologist will ask you questions about your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. They will also perform a physical examination and take tests of your movements, vision, hearing and sense of smell. They may recommend additional diagnostic tests to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Functional neurology is a new and rapidly growing field that seeks to optimize neural function through targeted interventions. This can be achieved through a variety of methods, including dietary changes, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and transcranial electromagnetic stimulation. NCS Currents offers leading insights and perspectives for neurologists, neuro-intensivists, emergency physicians and critical care nurses treating patients with life-threatening conditions in the neuro-ICU. The journal features neurocritical care news, international updates and committee columns covering a broad range of topics.
Get consultated at:
Universal Neurological Care, P.A.
8823 San Jose Blvd Ste. 209, Jacksonville, FL 32217
(904) 404-7044