Which diseases are diagnosed and treated by neurologists?
- Cerebral circulation disorder (transient cerebral circulation disorder, transient ischemic attack (TIA), Stroke)
- Epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis (autoimmune inflammatory disease of the central nervous system)
- Neurodegenerative diseases: Parkinson's disease, as a result of which the patient's movement slows down, their muscles become stiff and tremors may occur. Dementia (mental degradation). The most common cause is Alzheimer's disease, during which the patient's memory and ability to think gradually deteriorates until they are unable to perform the simple tasks of everyday life independently.
- Spinal diseases: Herniated disc - sciatica, chronic lower back pain, neck and arm pain
- Headache disorders, e.g. migraine
- Diseases of the peripheral nervous system: Single and multiple neurotic disorders (mono- and polyneuropathies), tunnel syndromes. Neuromuscular diseases (myasthenia gravis) Muscular diseases (degeneration and inflammatory pathologies – muscular dystrophies, myositis, myopathy)
When and with what kind of symptoms should you see a neurologist?
- Sudden or gradual weakness, paralysis in one or more limbs, facial muscles
- Dizziness, balance and coordination control problems
- Recurrent, persistent or sudden headaches
- Numbness of the limbs and other sensation disorders (neuropathic pain, burning, tingling sensations, loss of sensation)
- Sudden or prolonged lower back pain, especially if it radiates to the lower limbs
- Pain radiating from the neck towards the shoulder, arm
- Memory disorders, forgetfulness and other disturbances in thinking
- Speech impairment
- Loss of consciousness, seizures
- Certain forms of visual disturbances (visual field defects, double vision, loss of vision in one eye)
What happens during the neurological examination?
The neurological examination begins with a discussion and examination of the patient's medical history. The neurologist will ask the patient about prior illnesses, current complaints, medications being used, family medical history and lifestyle, before reviewing any earlier test results. Next, during the physical examination, the neurologist checks the mental state and speech of the patient with a few questions, before examining the skull, spine, cranial nerves, motor- and sensory nervous system, and coordination. The full examination takes about 30-60 minutes, depending on the nature of the disease and the amount of earlier test results presented by the patient. A partial diagnosis of the disease can be made on this basis, however where necessary the doctor may order further examinations (e.g. imaging) - skull and/or spinal MRI and CT scans, ultrasound scan - to form a more accurate diagnosis. Based on the results obtained, personalised therapy will then be recommended by the neurologist.
How should I arrive for the examination?
Be sure to bring along all your previous medical records for the first consultation, especially the results of any neurological examinations. In the case of imaging tests carried out in other institutions, you should bring not only the results but also the CD containing the images.
