Sacramento Neurologists | Sutter Health Doctors (2023)

FAQs

How do I make an appointment at UCSF neurology? ›

Neurologists are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. Neurological conditions include epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease.

Neurology is one of the most respected and highly regarded medical fields that offers opportunities like no other. With approximately 1 in 6 people impacted by some form of neurologic disease, the need for neurologists is greater than ever.

Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system. The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It has two major divisions: Central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord.

Top ranked

Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic in Phoenix/Scottsdale, Arizona, and Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, rank among the Best Hospitals for neurology and neurosurgery in the U.S. News & World Report Best Hospitals rankings.

First, the neurologist will discuss your medical history with you. They will ask about your symptoms, when they started, how often you experience them, and if anything makes them better or worse. The neurologist will also want to know about your family medical history and any medications you are currently taking.

Numbness or weakness that comes on suddenly or happens on one side of the body (if you think you are having a stroke, however, go to the emergency room or call 911 immediately) Persistent (over weeks or months) or worsening numbness. Chronic muscle weakness or a rapid decline in muscle strength.

Neurosurgeons are medical specialists with additional specialized training in neurology, including seven years of a residency in neurosurgery.

Can neurologists be wrong? ›

Neurological conditions are often misdiagnosed because the symptoms are incredibly common and can be attributed to multiple conditions; however, with the proper medical examination and scans, a doctor can correctly diagnose a patient's medical issue.

The gap between demand for and supply of neurologic services is widening due to several factors, including an aging population increasingly afflicted with neurodegenerative disorders, a volume of referrals that do not warrant neurologist intervention, and in some regions, neurologists choosing to practice ...

Neurological disabilities include a wide range of disorders, such as epilepsy, learning disabilities, neuromuscular disorders, autism, ADD, brain tumors, and cerebral palsy, just to name a few. Some neurological conditions are congenital, emerging before birth.

1. Headache. 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.

Medication therapy, which is often the primary treatment. Care for stroke, traumatic brain injury, and other conditions. Physical or occupational therapy for rehabilitation from neurological conditions.

The three most important 'red flag' symptoms that indicate that a patient may need neuro-ophthalmological assessment are: Sudden onset of double vision (diplopia) Headache accompanied by vision loss (without an ocular cause) Visual loss after ocular causes have been excluded.

Your neurologist will test specific nerves depending on your symptoms. Testing may include identifying certain smells, sticking out your tongue and trying to speak, and moving your head from side to side. You may also get hearing and vision tests.

Nerve conduction studies, including an Electromyogram (EMG) may be performed on individuals suffering with nerve pain symptoms. These studies use electrical impulses to determine the level of damage. A final diagnosis will be made by your physician through the help of one or all of these tests.

What are the early warning signs of neurological deterioration? ›

Common presenting complaints-headache, nausea/vomiting, dizziness, loss of concentration, disorientation, irritability, memory loss. Changes in neurological state can be rapid and dramatic or subtle, developing over minutes, hours days, weeks or even longer.

A complete neurologic examination should contain an assessment of sensorium, cognition, cranial nerves, motor, sensory, cerebellar, gait, reflexes, meningeal irritation, and long tract signs. Specific scales are useful to improve interobserver variability.

And although anxiety causes no known neurological damage, it still creates symptoms such as: Tingling hands and feet - Both adrenaline and hyperventilation (symptoms of anxiety) can lead to the development of tingling hands and feet.

Such neuronal damage may ultimately involve cell death. Neurodegenerative diseases include amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple system atrophy, and prion diseases.

As we grow older our bodies change, as do things like our brains, the central nervous system, and muscles. Neurological disorders impair brain and/or muscle function and are much more common in people over 65 years of age.

Damage to these nerves is typically associated with muscle weakness, painful cramps and uncontrollable muscle twitching. Sensory nerves. Because these nerves relay information about touch, temperature and pain, you may experience a variety of symptoms. These include numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.

Multimodal therapy (including medicines, physical therapy, psychological counseling and sometimes surgery) is usually required to treat neuropathic pain. Medicines commonly prescribed for neuropathic pain include anti-seizure drugs such as: Gabapentin (Neurontin®). Pregabalin (Lyrica®).

Both a neurologist and a neurosurgeon can perform complex neurological tests such as EEG and MRI. Still, only neurosurgeons can use the findings to perform surgery to cure the condition, while neurologists can only administer drugs or refer the patient to a neurosurgeon for care.

Why would I be referred to a neurologist after MRI? ›

You'll typically be referred to a neurologist by a primary care provider who's already considered your symptoms and medical history, done a thorough exam, looked for underlying conditions, ordered laboratory tests or imaging and still feels treatment or diagnosis needs further investigation.

The difference between a neurologist vs. neurosurgeon is fairly basic. They both treat the same organ, but neurosurgeons operate and neurologists don't. For patients afflicted with a brain disorder, these specialist roles are in fact complementary when seeking treatment.

Getting a second opinion is always a good idea, and we are available as a resource. There are many advanced imaging techniques and minimally invasive procedures available today, and any patient would be wise to get a second opinion from another neurosurgeon.

Neurologists can test your memory and cognitive abilities and also use imaging tests, like a CT scan or MRI, to identify any deeper issues that could be to blame.

These include fibromyalgia and vitamin B12 deficiency, muscular dystrophy (MD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease), migraine, hypo-thyroidism, hypertension, Beçhets, Arnold-Chiari deformity, and mitochondrial disorders, although your neurologist can usually rule them out quite easily.

A neurosurgeon is able to perform surgery on the brain and spinal cord, whereas a neurologist is typically not able to do so. In addition to performing surgical procedures, neurosurgeons are also able to help you navigate through your diagnosis, your treatment plan, the actual surgery, and post-recovery options.

A neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves. When you're facing serious conditions like stroke, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, or ALS, it's critical to find the right doctor for you.

Several factors contribute to burnout among neurologist, including psychological trauma associated with patient care and a lack of respect compared to other specialties.

Autoimmune diseases, in which your immune system attacks and damages parts of your body, including your nerves. Examples include Sjogren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease. Guillain-Barre syndrome is an autoimmune disease that happens rapidly and can affect autonomic nerves.

What are the symptoms of autoimmune nerve disorders? ›

Symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty moving arms and legs, changes in sensation, loss of bladder control, and seizures. The diagnosis process is very similar to that of NMO. We do a physical exam, an MRI, and blood tests. Sometimes we perform a spinal tap.

Epilepsy is the fourth most common neurological disorder in the United States after migraine, stroke, and Alzheimer's disease; it is estimated that 150,000 new cases are diagnosed in the United States annually and that 1 in 26 individuals will develop epilepsy at some point in their lifetime.

Tramadol. Tramadol is a powerful painkiller related to morphine that can be used to treat neuropathic pain that does not respond to other treatments a GP can prescribe. Like all opioids, tramadol can be addictive if it's taken for a long time.

Benzodiazepines most commonly used to treat anxiety disorders are clonazepam (Rivotril)*, alprazolam (Xanax) and lorazepam (Ativan). Also used are bromazepam (Lectopam), oxazepam (Serax), chlordiazepoxide (once marketed as Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene) and diazepam (Valium).

Your doctor might refer you to a neurologist if you're having symptoms that could be caused by a neurological condition, such as pain, memory loss, trouble with balance, or tremors. A neurologist can order specialized testing to help diagnose your condition.

What to Look for When Choosing a Private Neurologist. In the UK, residents seeking healthcare have the option of getting free treatment and support on the NHS, or going private.

You'll typically be referred to a neurologist by a primary care provider who's already considered your symptoms and medical history, done a thorough exam, looked for underlying conditions, ordered laboratory tests or imaging and still feels treatment or diagnosis needs further investigation.

Among the most common are epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and stroke.

Neurological disorders are central and peripheral nervous system diseases, that is, they occur in the brain, spine, and multiple nerves that connect both.

How do I find a good neurologist in my area? ›

One of the best ways to find a great neurologist is to get referrals from your primary care doctor, other specialists, or even family and friends. You can also use sites such as healthgrades.com to research potential neurologists in your area.

Perhaps it's because your doctor thinks he/she adequately understands your symptoms and doesn't believe there is cause for concern. Or, maybe you require a procedure he/she thinks can be sufficiently managed by your primary care practice.

The difference between a neurologist vs. neurosurgeon is fairly basic. They both treat the same organ, but neurosurgeons operate and neurologists don't. For patients afflicted with a brain disorder, these specialist roles are in fact complementary when seeking treatment.

There are many aspects of this exam, including an assessment of motor and sensory skills, balance and coordination, mental status (the patient's level of awareness and interaction with the environment), reflexes, and functioning of the nerves.

Neurological CT scan tests are used to diagnose many brain and spine conditions, including: Aneurysms or other vascular abnormalities. Blood clots or stroke. Brain tumors or cysts.