How You Know That It’s Time to See a Neurologist
Theoretical physicist Michio Kaku once said, “The human brain has 100 billion neurons, each neuron connected to 10 thousand other neurons. Sitting on your shoulders is the most complicated object in the known universe.”
Given that your brain and its supporting nervous systems are inherently complex, it can be a bit concerning to experience any kind of acute symptom or chronic health condition that seems to call for the expertise, insight, and care of a neurologist.
But just as you wouldn’t worry about seeing your podiatrist for chronic heel pain or your dentist for a bothersome toothache, you shouldn’t think twice about consulting a neurologist when you experience symptoms or painful conditions that may be related to a neurological disorder.
Here are a few reasons you may want to call Neurology Consultants of Arizona to schedule a visit with board-certified neurologist Luay Shayya, MD, today:
You have chronic, severe headaches
A leading complaint among adults, headaches are incredibly common. Not all headaches are cause for concern, but chronic or severe headache pain isn’t something to ignore. If you have severe headaches that disrupt your daily activities, if you take pain relievers five or more days out of the month, or if you have chronic migraines, a neurologist can help.
On top of checking for a more serious underlying condition, Dr. Shayya can provide effective treatment solutions to reduce the frequency and severity of your headaches.
You’ve been experiencing bouts of dizziness
Feeling a bit lightheaded is a normal sensation that many people experience every now and then, but living with recurrent bouts of dizziness is anything but routine. There are several types of dizziness, any of which can be symptomatic of a benign problem or something more serious.
Syncope is a type of dizziness that causes lightheadedness along with the feeling that you’re about to faint; fuzzy hearing and vision loss may also occur. Vertigo is a type of dizziness that makes you feel like you’re moving, spinning, or swaying when you’re not. No matter what type of dizziness you’re having, Dr. Shayya can get to the bottom of your symptoms and provide effective solutions.
You’re living with persistent pain or numbness
Chronic pain, or any type of pain that lasts for six months or longer, is a common problem for many adults. When your primary care physician can’t find effective ways to manage persistent pain, it’s a good idea to see a neurologist and chronic pain expert like Dr. Shayya — especially if you’re also experiencing bouts of weakness, numbness, tingling, or problems with bladder or bowel control.
Chronic pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in your arms or legs can be a sign of neuropathy, an often-debilitating condition caused by injured or diseased nerves. It can also be indicative of multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease that causes progressive nerve damage.
Numbness or tingling that comes on suddenly or only affects one side of your body, on the other hand, may be a sign that you’re having a stroke. If you experience such symptoms, get help right away.
You’re experiencing worrisome memory loss
Everyone’s forgetful from time to time, but if you find yourself struggling to remember basic information or take care of routine tasks — or if you sometimes feel confused for no apparent reason — it’s a good idea to schedule a visit with Dr. Shayya.
A noticeable and persistent decline in memory and thinking ability are often the first signs of dementia, a group of progressive brain diseases that can’t yet be cured, but can often be slowed down with early intervention and the right treatment approach.
You have a persistent sleep problem
Getting a good night’s rest is fundamental to your overall health, and any chronic condition or disorder that interferes with your ability to sleep through the night is cause for concern. Many of the problems that give rise to sleep disorders are neurological in nature, ranging from jet lag and insomnia to narcolepsy, restless leg syndrome (RLS), and even sleep apnea.
As a neurologist who specializes in sleep medicine, Dr. Shayya can get to the root of your problem and help you make sleepless nights a thing of the past.
If you’re still not sure whether or not your symptoms warrant a visit to the neurologist, give us a call at 480-378-0067 today. You can also click online at any time to schedule a visit with Dr. Shayya at our Scottsdale, Arizona, office.