Your GP is responsible for managing your general health, but they are not a specialist in any specific area of medicine. If you visit your GP with a number of symptoms, you may need referral to a specialist. To answer the question, why would I be referred to a neurologist, it’s worth looking at the symptoms that may lead to this.
Many conditions and symptoms require specialist diagnosis and treatment. This is where specialist medical departments come into play, including neurology. Neurology covers many different conditions relating to the nervous system including migraine, seizures, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Neurologists can assess your neurological symptoms, reach a diagnosis and help design an effective treatment plan.
Referral to Neurology
A neurologist is specially trained in treating conditions affecting the nervous system. The nervous system includes your brain, nerves and spinal cord as well as related muscles and blood circulation. Conditions that impact the nervous system and related areas can cause chronic pain, memory loss, speech problems and more. These conditions often require testing and treatments that a GP is not qualified or experienced in.
Symptoms that lead to neurology referral include:
- Persistent or chronic headache
- Unexplained numbness
- Chronic pain with no obvious cause
- Tremors or uncontrolled shaking
- Memory loss
There are many other symptoms that may need neurological attention that your GP can advise and arrange necessary referrals.
Neurological Conditions
Neurologists treat a far-reaching range of conditions including head injuries, chronic headaches and migraine and specific disorders and syndromes.
Multiple sclerosis is also another neurological condition that results in chronic pain and many additional symptoms. MS is also a progressive and degenerative disease that impacts the brain and spinal cord, but the condition can be managed with the right treatment plan from your neurologist.
Similarly, seizures and epilepsy should involve regular neurology visits. If you experience a seizure then it is likely you will need a neurology referral. Neurologists can also diagnose epilepsy and carry out other testing necessary to find the cause of any individual seizure.
Other neurological symptoms such as memory loss and dizziness could be caused by several conditions. An experienced neurologist will work with you to find the cause of your symptoms, provide a diagnosis where necessary and find a way to manage and alleviate your symptoms.
Contact us today to discuss your neurological symptoms and arrange an appointment.
