Brain diseases and disorders make up around 10% of the total global burden of disease according to American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). This share is growing more & more with increasing time. The economic impact of brain disease is anticipated to worsen as the world's population continues to rise as a result of longer lifespans.
Your overall well-being depends critically on the state of your brain. It is the foundation of your ability for effective communication, sound judgment, problem-solving, and leading a fulfilling life. The brain is possibly the most important organ in the human body since it regulates so many aspects of daily life. From infancy through adulthood and beyond, the brain is a very complex and highly functional organ that requires proper care for optimum functioning. Unfortunately, a wide range of illnesses can have an effect on brain health.
The neurologist acts as the principal resource in the field of neurology, incorporating all aspects of care, research, as well as education in the field. A neurologist doesn't perform neuro surgeries. In this aspect, a neurosurgeon performs surgeries associated with the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.
Also Read: Neurologist’s Role In Depression Treatment
Who is a Neurologist?
The diagnosis, treatment, and management of disorders pertaining to the brain and nervous system (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) are the specialties of a neurologist. A neurologist is proficient with the disorders, functions, and anatomy of the nervous system. Your body's central nervous system is its command center. It governs every thought, emotion, and action you have, including how your arm moves and how quickly your heart beats.Signs For Which You Must Visit a Neurologist
If you have symptoms like these, your doctor may recommend that you see a neurologist for a diagnosis and course of treatment:- Muscle weakness
- Dizziness
- Loss of balance or coordination
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Changes in body sensation
- Confusion
- Loss of memory
- Seizures
- Specific types of severe or chronic pain
What Conditions Can a Neurologist Treat?
Following are the conditions a neurologist can manage:- Acute Spinal Cord Injury
- Alzheimer's Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Ataxia
- Bell's Palsy
- Brain Tumors
- Cerebral Aneurysm
- Epilepsy and Seizures
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome
- Head Injury
- Hydrocephalus
- Lumbar Disk Disease (Herniated Disk)
- Meningitis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Neurocutaneous Syndromes
- Parkinson's Disease
- Cluster Headaches
- Tension Headaches
- Migraine Headaches
- Encephalitis
- Septicemia
- Types of Muscular Dystrophy and Neuromuscular Diseases
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Stroke
- Effects of Stroke
- Rehabilitation for Stroke
Things to Keep in Mind While Choosing a Neurologist in Mumbai
Consider following factors while choosing a neurologist in Mumbai:- Qualifications of the Neurologist: Check the neurologist's qualifications, such as their medical degree, board certification, and any additional neurology-specific training.
- Experience of the Neurologist: Seek a neurologist who has treated a lot of patients with conditions similar to yours. Experience generally translates into improved treatment results and diagnostic abilities.
- Affiliation of Hospital: Verify the neurologist's affiliations with hospitals. Better facilities, technology, and support personnel can be availed in top-tier hospitals.
- Specialization of the Neurologist: The field of neurology is vast. Make sure the neurologist has experience treating your particular condition—be it movement disorders, epilepsy, stroke, or something else entirely.
- Patient Reviews and Testimonials: View other patients' reviews, ratings, and testimonials for the neurologist. Positive comments may be a sign of a neurologist's skill and caliber of patient care.
- Communication Skills: Select a neurologist who makes you feel at ease, pays attention to your worries, and clearly explains your condition and available treatments.
- Technological Advancements: Choose neurologists who employ cutting edge diagnostic and therapeutic techniques. Modern diagnostic methods and therapies can have a big impact on the standard of your care.
- Location of Visiting: Take into account the neurologist's availability and the location of their practice. It may be simpler to keep appointments and obtain care on time if access is convenient.
- Financing Methods: Check the costs of consultations and treatments with the neurologist and make sure they accept your insurance plan. You can prevent unforeseen costs by being aware of the financial side.
- Recommendations & Referrals: Consult your primary care doctor, friends, or relatives for recommendations who have had good experiences with neurologists in Mumbai.
Conclusion
A doctor who specializes in disorders of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves is known as a neurologist. When necessary, your neurologist will work with other specialists, such as a neurosurgeon or neuro-oncologist, to treat your condition after performing an examination, obtaining tests, and making a diagnosis. If necessary, they will also refer you to and collaborate with other doctors. Bring your medical records, be ready to share your medical history, and don't be afraid to ask questions. Your neurologist's role is to support you during the diagnosis, treatment, and management of your condition. If you are seeking the best neuro care for your neurological disorder from the best neurologist in Mumbai, then consult experts at Asian Heart Institute. Book your consultation now!FAQs
Q1: Which inquiries from a neurologist can I expect?A: Your medical history, family history, past medical history, and any current symptoms will all be questioned by your neurologist. Additionally, they'll perform a neurologic examination, which will include testing your: balance, reflexes, coordination, and gait. strength of muscles.
Q2: What does a neurologist check for?
A: A doctor who treats and diagnoses disorders of the nervous system and brain is known as a neurologist. If you experience headaches or migraines, vertigo, dizziness, seizures, or other problems, your doctor might advise you to see a neurologist. Your mental state, speech, coordination, and reflexes may all be examined by neurologists.
Q3: What are the initial signs of nerve injury/damage?
A: The following are the most typical signs of a nerve condition: a sensation in your limbs or extremities of burning, tingling, numbness, or pain. weakness, paralysis, or loss of muscle strength that is not explained. One must also visit a neurologist for a chronic headache that develops suddenly or feels "different".
Q4: What is the difference between a neurologist and neurosurgeon?
A: It should be clear from the names of specialties only what the main differences between a neurosurgeon and a neurologist are. While neurologists treat certain conditions with medications and other procedures, neurosurgeons may perform surgery to treat medical issues. Neurologists and neurosurgeons can work together for specific cases.
Q5: What is the difference between a neurologist and psychiatrist?
A: A neurologist is more focused on the physical aspects and symptoms of the condition, whereas a psychiatrist is more focused on the cognitive and behavioral symptoms of the condition. Both neurologists and psychiatrists treat conditions that affect the brain.
