If you’ve been seeing a physical therapist or chiropractor following an accident or injury, it can seem scary, but there are many reasons why you may be referred to a neurologist. While your chiropractic and physical therapy team can evaluate and treat certain ailments, there are certainly symptoms beyond their expertise that would warrant a visit to a different healthcare expert. With all the injuries that physical therapists and chiropractors see after car accidents, they know that patients experiencing tingling in their limbs or prolonged headaches might benefit from neurology care. Before looking for neurologists in Snellville, your current healthcare providers will have gone through your medical history and run any tests necessary before referring you to a specialist who can better address any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing.
What Do Neurologists Do?
Maybe you’ve never heard of a neurologist and have no idea what they do. We’ll explain what neurologists do, what conditions they typically treat, and what you can expect from visiting a neurologist.
Neurologists are medical doctors who specialize in treating the nervous system. Just like ophthalmologists are medical doctors with a specialty in treating the eyes, neurologists are specialized doctors with a particular focus on the brain and spinal cord, which are part of the central and peripheral nervous system. In addition to graduating from medical school, neurologists must also complete internships before going through an additional three years of specialized neurology training.
Neurologists typically manage and treat patients who are experiencing symptoms related to the coordination of their bodily activities and functions. Common disorders that neurologists treat are seizure or epilepsy disorders, speech and language disorders, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s or dementia, demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis, movement disorders such as Parkinson’s, stroke victims, and headache disorders. Many neurologists have subspecialties, which means they have additional training or expertise in one of the previously mentioned disorders.
Why Would I Need to See a Neurologist?
Because chiropractors and physical therapists are working with patients who have likely experienced some pain or trauma to their nervous system, they’ll be on the lookout for symptoms that should be addressed by a neurologist.
Common reasons that chiropractors and physical therapists would refer you to a neurologist include (but are not limited to):
- Numbness in arms or legs
- Difficulty with balance
- Headaches
- Memory Loss
- Tremors
- Unexplained pain
Neurologists can examine and address these symptoms as they are likely one of the common conditions relating to the nervous system that they typically treat. Here are some of the most common conditions that neurologists are treating:
Chronic Headaches
We all get headaches occasionally, but for those suffering from repeat, unrelieved headaches that are unfixed by chiropractic care or physical therapy, a neurologist referral is a good idea. A referral is necessary if you have multiple headaches each week for a prolonged period of time, and they do not improve with any medication or other home treatment.
Migraines
Neurologists see many referrals because of migraines. Not only are migraines painful headaches, but they can also cause or make worse sensitivity to light, touch, and sound. Migraines often cause nausea or dizziness, with pain and symptoms lasting from hours to days. Neurologists can help diagnose and treat migraines and help you understand any triggers that may be causing the debilitating headaches. They’ll also potentially prescribe medication or other treatments to help reduce migraines.
Head Injuries
Chiropractors and physical therapists who see head injury patients (from car accidents, falls, etc.) know when to refer their clients to neurologists. Of course, not all head injury patients will need to see a neurologist. However, patients who have suffered severe concussions might need to follow up months after an accident to diagnose or treat any lingering effects of the concussion.
Strokes
Strokes can be terrifying and occur when you lose blood flow to your brain. Depending on how long or severe a stroke is, your brain cells will start to die when cut off from the supply of blood. Common consequences of a stroke are speech difficulties and difficulty controlling emotions. Often, the effects of a stroke can last for a long time, requiring treatment to relearn any skills or functions that were lost as a result of the stroke.
Seizures or Epilepsy
Seizures are dangerous episodes that start in your brain and can cause rapid and/or involuntary movements. Occasionally, people who have seizures lose consciousness. Seizures can be a sign of a chronic disorder, and neurologists can help by running tests and diagnosing issues using scans and other assessments.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis, or MS, is a progressive and chronic condition causing numbness, weakness, and tingling sensations because it affects your brain and spinal cord. Because MS is a progressive disease, symptoms may change over time or vary throughout the disease. Neurologists help diagnose MS and provide treatment plans based on the severity and progress of the disease.
How Can I Prepare for a Neurology Appointment?
Seeing specialists for your health can be frightening, confusing, and may make you feel nervous. Having an idea of what will happen at your first neurology appointment can help reduce anxiety and help the appointment go smoothly. We recommend you:
- Have a list or log of what symptoms you’ve been having and the duration and frequency of the symptoms
- Create a list of questions you have
- Prepare to share your medical history, either online before the appointment, or have it ready to share at your appointment
- Research neurologists in your area
- Make sure the neurologist you’re seeing is covered by your insurance and in-network
What Happens Next with a Neurologist
If you’ve recently been referred to a neurologist, you might be wondering what exactly will happen next with your treatment. For many people, the word “neurologist” can sound serious and even scary. But in reality, going to see a neurologist is often a proactive step toward getting more complete and specialized care. Here’s what happens after that initial referral to a Snellville neurologist and what it means for your recovery moving forward. Once you receive a referral, the next steps are usually straightforward, but knowing what to expect can make the process feel much easier.
- Scheduling your appointment: Some referrals are routine, while others may be more urgent depending on your symptoms. Your doctor will typically guide you on how soon you should be seen.
- Sharing your medical history: Your neurologist will review your records, including any imaging, injury details, and notes from your current provider. This helps them build a complete picture of your condition.
- A detailed evaluation: Neurological exams are different from standard physical exams. You may be asked to perform simple movements, respond to sensory tests, or answer questions that assess memory and coordination.
Expanding Your Care with Neurology
One of the most important things to understand is that being referred to a neurologist doesn’t mean your current treatment isn’t working. Instead, it means your doctor wants to bring in additional expertise to better understand what’s going on. Neurologists specialize in the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. When symptoms involve things like persistent headaches, numbness, tingling, dizziness, or coordination issues, it can be helpful to look beyond muscles and joints and evaluate how the nervous system is functioning. When you see a Snellville neurologist at AICA, this means your treatment becomes even more collaborative. Your doctors will continue working together to make sure you’re getting the most accurate diagnosis and the most effective treatment plan.
When Neurological Symptoms May Be Urgent
While many neurologist referrals can be precautionary, there are certain symptoms that should never be ignored. If you experience any of the following, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention:
- Sudden weakness or numbness, especially on one side of the body
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
- Loss of vision or double vision
- Severe, sudden headache, unlike anything you’ve experienced before
- Loss of balance or coordination
These symptoms can indicate serious conditions that require prompt evaluation. However, it’s worth noting that most neurological referrals are not emergencies. They’re simply a way to take a closer look at symptoms that haven’t fully resolved.
What Tests Might a Neurologist Order?
Depending on your symptoms, a neurologist may recommend diagnostic tests to better understand what’s happening inside the body. These tests are designed to provide clarity for your condition and support your treatment plan.
Common tests include:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This provides detailed images of the brain and spinal cord and is often used to identify issues like inflammation, nerve compression, or soft tissue injuries.
- CT Scan (Computer Tomography): A CT scan is typically faster and may be used in certain situations to detect bleeding, fractures, or other structural concerns.
- EEG (Electroencephalogram): This test measures electrical activity in the brain and is often used when symptoms involve seizures or unusual neurological patterns.
Treatment Plans with a Neurologist
A common misconception is that neurologists only diagnose conditions. In reality, they also play a key role in managing and treating neurological symptoms over time.
Depending on your diagnosis, treatment for a neurological condition may include:
- Medications to manage headaches, nerve pain, or inflammation
- Rehabilitation therapies to improve your balance and coordination
- Ongoing monitoring to track changes and adjust care as needed
For patients recovering from injuries like those from a car accident, this kind of guidance from your neurologist can make a significant difference in both symptom relief and long-term outcomes.
Comprehensive Treatment with AICA Orthopedics
If you’ve been seeing a chiropractor or other type of doctor, you might wonder why a referral to a neurologist was necessary in the first place. The answer comes down to scope and specialization. Musculoskeletal care focuses on joints, muscles, and spinal alignment. If your symptoms suggest involvement of the nervous system, like radiating pain, persistent numbness, or unexplained dizziness, it can help to involve a specialist who can evaluate those systems more deeply. A referral to a neurologist can help make sure that nothing is overlooked. At AICA, we know that our patients benefit most from a coordinated approach, where multiple doctors contribute their expertise to a personalized treatment plan.
Neurological Symptoms After an Accident: What to Watch For
If you’ve been injured in a car accident or similar event, neurological symptoms don’t always appear right away. In fact, some symptoms can develop days, weeks, or even months later.
Common delayed symptoms can include:
- Lingering or worsening headaches
- Tingling or numbness in the arms or legs
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Sensitivity to light or noise
These symptoms can sometimes be linked to conditions like concussions, nerve irritation, or inflammation affecting the nervous system. Because these issues can evolve over time, a neurological evaluation can be an important step in understanding what’s causing your symptoms and how to treat them effectively.
How Comprehensive Care Can Make a Difference
One of the biggest advantages of working with a multidisciplinary team is the ability to streamline your care. When you have a team of doctors who communicate and collaborate, it can lead to a faster diagnosis, a personalized treatment plan, and fewer delays between your various appointments or tests. Plus, you can have a more thorough and cohesive experience throughout your recovery. Instead of navigating multiple offices on your own, we have all our doctors and diagnostic imaging under one roof, so you don’t have to go farther than down the hall to get what you need.
If you’re dealing with ongoing neurological symptoms, especially after an injury, don’t wait to get the answers you need. A neurological evaluation can provide clarity, guide your treatment, and help you move forward with confidence. At AICA Orthopedics, our comprehensive team of Snellville doctors works together to make the process seamless, so you’re not navigating it alone. Schedule an appointment today and take the next step toward a more complete recovery.
Contact AICA Snellville for complete wellness!