When should you have a neurological check-up? Certain symptoms should be assessed by this medical specialist to rule out or confirm diseases and conditions of the brain, spinal cord and nerves. In the case of acute conditions, such as stroke or head injury, a prompt neurological exam can save your life. Here is more about neurological check-ups and its importance to your health and well-being.
What Does a Neurological Examination Consist Of?
A neurological examination is a series of tests and assessments which evaluates the function of your nervous system. It checks your reflexes, muscle strength and tone, coordination, balance, vision, hearing, and mental status.
These tests identify any abnormalities or potential problems within your brain, spinal cord and associated nerves. A neurological check-up may include medical imaging, such as MRI or CT scans, to get a more detailed look at the brain and its functions.
When Should You Have a Neurological Check-up?
Get regular check-ups with a neurologist in West Orange, NJ, if you have any existing neurological conditions or risk factors for developing them. Also, get examined if you have suffered head trauma, had a stroke or have a chronic condition which impacts the health and function of the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
The conditions can include:
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
- Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
Additionally, get a prompt neurological check-up if you experience acute symptoms or persistent symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Blurred or double vision
- Fatigue
- Confusion
- Tremors
- Muscular weakness
- Changes in gait
- Numbness and tingling in the arms and legs
- Vertigo
What Does a Neurological Check-up Involve?
In general, a basic neurological check-up can be performed by a primary care physician, a neurologist or a provider at a hospital ER or urgent care center. Neurological check-ups assess:
- Mental status – are you aware of your surroundings and can converse sensibly?
- Motors skills and strength – can you grasp the provider’s hands with equal strength?
- Balance and coordination – can you walk a straight line?
- Sensory abilities – can you feel the touch of a dull probe along the soles of your feet?
- Reflexes – these are tested with a small percussion hammer at various points, such as the knees.
Also, your neurologist will check your pupils to see if they are equal in size and reactivity to light changes.
The basic neurological exam takes just minutes and is totally painless. However, it gives the neurologist basic information about the health of your brain, spinal cord and associated nerves. It also helps the physician determine if you need additional tests, such as an EEG or CT scan.
Do You Know the Signs of a Stroke?
Evaluating your neurological function is especially important if you’re experiencing symptoms of a stroke, which can include one-sided sudden weakness or numbness, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, dizziness and trouble with balance and coordination.
A stroke is caused by interrupted blood flow to the brain from a blood clot blocking an artery (ischemic stroke) or a brain bleed (hemorrhagic stroke). Both types of strokes require immediate medical attention.
Brain cells begin to die within minutes without oxygen and nutrients. As a result, more and more bodily functions can be damaged and lost permanently.
The American Stroke Association stresses the importance of knowing the signs of a stroke and of acting on them right away by calling 911 for emergency medical help. The following mnemonic– BE FAST–will help you remember the signs and potentially save a life:
Balance loss – sudden loss of coordination and balance
Eyesight changes – sudden double vision, blurry vision, or vision loss
Facial drooping – one side of the face is sagging and/or numb
Arm weakness – one arm is numb or weak as evidenced by the inability to hold it up
Speech problems – sudden slurring of speech or inability to speak
Time – If any of these symptoms occur, it’s time to call 911 immediately for emergency medical help
Time really is of the essence with stroke symptoms, head trauma, seizures or other unexplained neurological symptoms. Get the needed care as quickly as possible.
Plus, if you have been diagnosed and treated for an acute or chronic condition of the brain, spinal cord or nervous system, follow-up with your primary care physician and neurologist as recommended.
Make Your Neurologist Appointment at Hudson MD Group
Hudson MD Group is a multispecialty group practice in West Orange NJ. We deliver comprehensive, coordinated healthcare of the highest quality, with providers who are second to none in experience and expertise.
Our neurologists see patients at our Livingston, NJ office. Call this office today for your appointment at (973) 322-7580. You also may fill in our appointment request form here. We look forward to serving you.
