If you're dealing with back pain, headaches, blurry vision or unexplained tremors, you might not think to see a neurologist — but doing so could be a wise choice. Specializing in the brain, spinal cord and nerves, neurologists are trained to assess, diagnose and treat patients with a wide range of symptoms.

 

Listed below are six common reasons a patient might be referred to and treated by a neurologist.

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CHRONIC HEADACHES

We all experience headaches from time to time, but when they become more frequent and severe, and don’t respond to over-the-counter medications, it might be time to talk to your primary care doctor about a referral to a neurologist.
Whether you’re dealing with migraines or a more complex condition, a neurologist has the expertise necessary to diagnose and treat the root cause.
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BACK OR NECK PAIN

Those suffering from back or neck pain don’t often think of making an appointment with a neurologist, when in reality, it can be a great first line of defense. If you have degenerative changes in the spine, herniated discs or another condition affecting your back or neck, it’s possible you’ve considered surgery.
A neurologist can discuss other treatment options with you before you take that step, including assessing if you need surgery at all.
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PAIN OR NUMBNESS IN HANDS OR FEET

If you have pain, numbness or tingling in your hands, the culprit may be carpal tunnel syndrome. This nerve related disorder is common, especially if you spend a lot of time on the computer.
Pain and numbness in your hands or feet can also be attributed to a number of other neurological related issues, and odds are, a neurologist can pinpoint the issue and help ease your symptoms.
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BLURRY VISION

“Blurry vision can be associated with a variety of conditions,” explains Amy Naquin-Chappel, MD, a neurologist at Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital. “‘Floaters’ or ‘auras’ can signify a migraine, while other changes in vision can indicate a vascular event like a stroke, or potentially multiple sclerosis.”
Giving your neurologist specific details about your symptoms, seemingly related or not, will help him or her hone in on an accurate diagnosis.
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MEMORY PROBLEMS

A forgetful moment or trouble recalling an acquaintance’s name is not uncommon. However, if you or a loved one is having recurrent or longer-lasting memory lapses, consider talking to your primary care doctor about a referral to a neurologist.
The top hospitals are connected with some of the best specialists, and they often have subspecialists on site who are trained to treat specific neurological conditions, like Alzheimer’s or dementia.
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TREMORS

If you’ve ever experienced tremors, you know how unsettling they can be. And while tremors can be a sign of a serious illness, like Parkinson’s, they are more often caused by a common, non-life-threatening condition called essential tremor.
Based on the results of an exam and some performance tests, a neurologist can identify the source of your tremors and set up a customized treatment plan. In many cases, symptoms will improve through the use of medications, therapy and lifestyle changes.