Why would I be referred to a neurologist after MRI?

You'll typically be referred to a neurologist by a primary care provider who's already considered your symptoms and medical history, done a thorough exam, looked for underlying conditions, ordered laboratory tests or imaging and still feels treatment or diagnosis needs further investigation.


Why would my doctor refer me to a neurologist after MRI?

Your doctor might refer you to a neurologist if you're having symptoms that could be caused by a neurological condition, such as pain, memory loss, trouble with balance, or tremors. A neurologist can order specialized testing to help diagnose your condition.

What is a neurologist looking for in an MRI?

MRI is used to diagnose stroke, traumatic brain injury, brain and spinal cord tumors, inflammation, infection, vascular irregularities, brain damage associated with epilepsy, abnormally developed brain regions, and some neurodegenerative disorders.


Is seeing a neurologist serious?

A neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves. When you're facing serious conditions like stroke, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, or ALS, it's critical to find the right doctor for you.

What symptoms would a neurologist be looking for?

Six reasons you should see a neurologist
  • Chronic headaches or migraines. ...
  • Out-of-the-ordinary memory problems. ...
  • Vertigo or balance issues. ...
  • Unusual spells or seizures. ...
  • Numbness or weakness. ...
  • Sleep problems.


Can I have an MRI scan without a referral from a doctor?



What are red flags in neurological examination?

The three most important 'red flag' symptoms that indicate that a patient may need neuro-ophthalmological assessment are: Sudden onset of double vision (diplopia) Headache accompanied by vision loss (without an ocular cause) Visual loss after ocular causes have been excluded.

Why would a doctor send you to a neurologist?

If you or a loved one has unexplained symptoms that could be related to the brain or nervous system, your doctor may recommend a neurological exam with a specialist. Neurologists are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles.

What diseases cause neurological problems?

Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.
  • Acute Spinal Cord Injury.
  • Alzheimer's Disease.
  • Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
  • Ataxia.
  • Bell's Palsy.
  • Brain Tumors.
  • Cerebral Aneurysm.
  • Epilepsy and Seizures.


What will a neurologist do on first visit?

During your first appointment, a Neurologist will likely ask you to participate in a physical exam and neurological exam. Neurological exams are tests that measure muscle strength, sensation, reflexes, and coordination. Because of the complexity of the nervous system, you may be asked to undergo further testing.

What is the most common neurological disorder?

Among the most common are epilepsy, Alzheimer's, and stroke.

Neurological disorders are central and peripheral nervous system diseases, that is, they occur in the brain, spine, and multiple nerves that connect both.

Can neurological damage be seen on MRI?

An MRI may be able help identify structural lesions that may be pressing against the nerve so the problem can be corrected before permanent nerve damage occurs. Nerve damage can usually be diagnosed based on a neurological examination and can be correlated by MRI scan findings.


Can you have a neurological disorder with a normal MRI?

There are rare cases where someone can have MS but their MRI will look clear. This happens. That doesn't mean they can't get a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, but it does make it significantly more difficult.

What conditions can cause an abnormal MRI?

Abnormal results may be due to:
  • Abnormal blood vessels in the brain ( arteriovenous malformations of the head )
  • Tumor of the nerve that connects the ear to the brain ( acoustic neuroma )
  • Bleeding in the brain.
  • Brain infection.
  • Brain tissue swelling.
  • Brain tumors.
  • Damage to the brain from an injury.


What happens when referred to neurology?

When you see the neurologist, they'll talk with you about your medical history and your symptoms. You'll also have a physical exam that focuses on your brain and nerves. The neurologist may check your: Mental status.


How long does it take a neurologist to read an MRI?

The swift transmission of diagnostic information is important to both patients and referring physicians. The results from an MRI scan are typically interpreted within 24 hours, and the scans themselves are usually given immediately to the patient on a disc after the MRI is complete.

What questions will a neurologist ask me?

The questionnaire will ask for details on your health history, the condition you are being referred for, and any other conditions for which you are being treated. New patient consults are approximately 45-60 minutes and will include a thorough neurological exam.

How does a neurologist check for nerve damage?

Nerve conduction studies, including an Electromyogram (EMG) may be performed on individuals suffering with nerve pain symptoms. These studies use electrical impulses to determine the level of damage. A final diagnosis will be made by your physician through the help of one or all of these tests.


When is it time to see a neurologist?

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.

What can cause sudden neurological problems?

Risk factors
  • Having a neurological disease or disorder, such as epilepsy, migraines or a movement disorder.
  • Recent significant stress or emotional or physical trauma.
  • Having a mental health condition, such as a mood or anxiety disorder, dissociative disorder or certain personality disorders.


What are three neurological disorders often treated by a neurologist?

Some of the most common neurologic disorders a neurologist may treat include:
  • Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also called ALS or Lou Gehrig's disease).
  • Brain injury, spinal cord injury or vascular malformations.
  • Cerebral aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations.


What are 3 diseases that affect the nervous system?

Nervous system diseases
  • Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's disease affects brain function, memory and behaviour. ...
  • Bell's palsy. ...
  • Cerebral palsy. ...
  • Epilepsy. ...
  • Motor neurone disease (MND) ...
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS) ...
  • Neurofibromatosis. ...
  • Parkinson's disease.


What are 4 conditions that neurologist work with?

Neurological disabilities include a wide range of disorders, such as epilepsy, learning disabilities, neuromuscular disorders, autism, ADD, brain tumors, and cerebral palsy, just to name a few.

What are signs of nerve damage?

The signs of nerve damage
  • Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
  • Feeling like you're wearing a tight glove or sock.
  • Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs.
  • Regularly dropping objects that you're holding.
  • Sharp pains in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
  • A buzzing sensation that feels like a mild electrical shock.


What kind of medications do neurologists prescribe?

  • Mianserin for depression.
  • Midodrine for postural hypotension (Bramox)
  • Mirtazapine for depression (Zispin SolTab)
  • Moclobemide (Manerix)
  • Modafinil tablets (Provigil)
  • Morphine for pain relief (Morphgesic, Oramorph, Zomorph)
  • Naratriptan for migraine (Naramig)
  • Neostigmine for myasthenia gravis.


What are two signs that would indicate the nervous system has been damaged?

Signs and symptoms of nervous system disorders
  • Persistent or sudden onset of a headache.
  • A headache that changes or is different.
  • Loss of feeling or tingling.
  • Weakness or loss of muscle strength.
  • Loss of sight or double vision.
  • Memory loss.
  • Impaired mental ability.
  • Lack of coordination.