Most people believe that a neurosurgeon’s job is limited to performing brain surgery. While surgical procedures definitely come under neurosurgeons’ work, they also diagnose and treat a variety of conditions affecting the nervous system.
So, when do you know that it may be time to see your doctor and possibly pay a neurosurgeon a visit? Before you keep reading about the signs that indicate the need of an immediate consultation, the good news is that it’s possible to find relief and get back to your normal life with proper diagnosis and treatments.
Onset of Tremors or Seizures
Don’t dismiss those recent episodes of sudden or uncontrollable body movements as clumsiness. More often than not, impaired movements like these are the result of the central nervous system malfunctioning. They may also be because of head trauma or a change of medication. Impaired movements also include violent convulsions and seizures that may occur without you having any previous record of the condition.
If you’ve been experiencing tremors or seizures lately, book an appointment with your doctor ASAP. Chances are, they will refer you to a neurosurgeon or a neurologist.
Losing Grip
Sometimes, a person may momentarily lose their ability to grasp an object firmly. If this becomes a recurring thing, it’s best to consult a neurosurgeon. Typically, loss or weakening of your grip is due to pain or numbness caused by an injury/illness. The longer you wait, the worse your condition can get.
Reach out to a neurosurgeon as soon as possible to ensure the weakened grip isn’t a sign of an underlying condition of the nervous system.
Numbness and Tingling
Other symptoms to watch out for are numbness and tingling. Experiencing a tingling sensation, especially in the extremities, is often a sign of sensory nerve damage. If the numbness or tingling is brought about suddenly or seems to be affecting just one side, it may also indicate a stroke or another underlying condition.
Don’t ignore the numbness or loss of feeling in your limbs, and see your doctor.
Recurring Headaches
Finally, if you’ve been having persistent headaches or migraines for the past few weeks, don’t just rely on home remedies and over-the-counter medications to soothe the pain. Recurring headaches are often caused by the constriction of veins and arteries due to over-stimulated nerves.
If migraines have become second nature to you, it’s time to get in touch with your doctor and discuss your symptoms in detail. A neurosurgeon can run tests to determine whether there are any neurological deficits that you need to worry about.
The neurosurgeons at Houston Physicians’ Hospital can diagnose and treat a range of complex neurological conditions such as epilepsy, concussion, Parkinson’s, and spinal cord injury. Visit the website today for spine solutions and to find a neurosurgeon that’s right for you.
We also provide general surgery, back and neck pain treatments, and arthritis treatment.