A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, treatment and management of the disorders of the brain and the nervous system.
The nervous system is made up of the brain, nerves and the spinal cord.
The expertise of neurologists covers a broad spectrum that runs the gamut from strokes to epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
When looking for a neurologist in Singapore, you should be able to typically find them in hospitals, private or public clinics, specialized neurological centers and even in academic institutions.
In this piece, we will explain the key indications that may prompt a referral to, or a visit to a neurologist in Singapore. Keep reading!
How do you know if you should see a Neurologist?
In most of the cases, you will be referred to a neurologist or be recommended to see one by your primary doctor.
Because of that, not so many people are aware of the signs that may suggest it is time to see their neurologist.
Here's how to know if you should see a neurologist
1. If you Notice that you're Developing Memory Problems
Memory issues could point to underlying neurological concerns which may warrant a visit to an experienced neurologist in Singapore.
They may be suggestive to conditions like Alzheimer's dementia or related neurological disorders.
When you visit a neurologist in Singapore for memory issues, they will conduct comprehensive evaluations to assess the symptoms.
The evaluations may include cognitive tests, brain imaging or an analysis of your medical history.
Thanks to their understanding of the nervous system and the disorders, you can count on your neurologist in Singapore to identify the root cause of your memory problems and rule out eversible factors like medication side effects or vitamin deficiencies.
Once diagnosed, your neurologist would create a tailored treatment plan which may involve medication, lifestyle adjustments, cognitive therapies, or interventions to manage symptoms and slow progression.
Also, they may offer guidance and support for you and your family to help with understanding the condition managing expectations as well as getting access to resources for coping strategies. '
Depending on the diagnosis, regular monitoring and adjustments to your treatment plan may be needed to address any changing needs.
2. If you're Experiencing Dizziness
Dizziness can be defined as a sensation of feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or a spinning sensation. It can be caused by varied issues but key culprits includes;
- Inner ear problems
- Dehydration, or
- Low blood pressure
The other neurological conditions that may trigger dizziness includes;
- Vestibular disorders
- Migraines
- Strokes, or
- Multiple sclerosis
If you have dizziness that persists or becomes recurrent, it is best to seek the help of an experienced neurologist in Singapore.
They will conduct thorough evaluations to determine if dizziness links to any underlying neurological issue.
After a diagnosis, they can create a tailored treatment plan for your needs. This may involve medication, therapy, or lifestyle adjustments to manage symptoms and improve your quality of life.
3.Severe and/or Frequent Headaches or Migraines
Severe or frequent headaches, especially migraines, can also be the cue to visit a neurologist in Singapore.
Migraines often come with intense pain which may be accompanied by nausea and sensitivity to light, sound, or smells.
Incidentally, this is one of the most prevalent reasons for consulting neurologists. While migraines cannot be cured, a skilled neurologist can help you identify the triggers and devise strategies to reduce their severity and frequency.
Again to determine potential triggers, you can expect your neurologist in Singapore to conduct specific tests which check for triggers like; stress, certain foods, hormonal changes, or environmental factors.
As for customizing your treatment plan, they may recommend lifestyle modifications, stress management techniques or prescribe medications to prevent or alleviate migraines.
4.If you Experience Movement Problems
Do not discount issues with movement. If you experience complications like difficulty walking, shuffling, tremors, or jerks, make a point to see your neurologist in Singapore as these could be indicative of an underlying nervous system problem.
Specifically, these symptoms often hint at neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, or other movement disorders.
For these issues, the evaluations your neurologist might conduct may include; include neurological exams, imaging tests, and assessments of muscle strength and coordination.
These evaluations are important as tremors or jerking motions may indicate issues with nerve signals that control muscles and difficulty walking or shuffling feet might signify problems with coordination or muscle control.
Upon diagnosis, the personalized treatment plan your neurologist may devise may involve; medication, physical therapy, lifestyle modifications, or even surgical interventions but in extreme cases.
It won't end at treatment though. A knowledgeable neurologist will continue providing ongoing support, and most importantly guide you through understanding your condition, managing symptoms, and adapting to changes as needed.
5.If you're getting Seizures
Seizures are disruptions in the brain's normal electrical activity and can manifest in diverse forms like uncontrollable movements, loss of consciousness, or peculiar sensations.
While some seizures are due to identifiable causes and can stop when addressed, others are due to chronic medical conditions.
The latter usually necessitates ongoing management. If you're experiencing seizures, your best bet for managing the condition is an appointment with a neurologist.
Again as you would expect, they will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to identify the root cause, and understand not just the seizure type but also the frequency and potential triggers to devise an effective treatment plan.
Depending on the diagnosis or your treatment needs, the neurologist can prescribe medications tailored to control or prevent seizures.
For some cases, procedures or lifestyle modifications might be recommended to manage seizure activity.
6. Numbness
Numbness is the loss of sensation or feeling. It can impact a particular area of the body as a result of nerve damage, compression, or interruption of nerve signals from the brain to that specific part of the body.
When numbness persists or occurs frequently, especially without a clear cause, it can be suggestive of underlying neurological issues.
In fact, it is a key indicator for several neurological conditions including; multiple sclerosis, spinal cord damage, or stroke.
A neurologist can help you determine the root cause of numbness.
They would then craft a personalized treatment plan which might involve medication, physical therapy, or lifestyle adjustments to manage or alleviate numbness.
It's a Wrap!
As is the case with many other specialists, it isn't easy to tell outright when you need to see a neurologist in Singapore.
However, if you experience the symptoms explained above or have been recommended to see one, scheduling an appointment with one immediately is the best thing to do.
We understand that each condition is unique so apart from the tests, we are always keen to tailor treatments or therapies to the individual needs of the patients.
To schedule an appointment or see how we else we can help, call or visit our clinic at:
Chou Neuroscience Clinic
1 Farrer Park Station Road
#08-06 Connexion
Singapore 217562
OR
6 Napier Road
#08-08 Gleneagles Medical Centre
Singapore 258499
+65 6694 7942
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