What Conditions Does a Neurologist Treat? A Guide for Libertyville Patients

If you're looking for a neurologist in your area, it's not uncommon to be unclear about what they do. Neurologists are essentially experts in the diagnosis and management of conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Well-known conditions that neurologists evaluate include Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis, but less well-known conditions that can mimic these conditions may be missed.

For patients who are unsure when neurological symptoms warrant specialist care, this guide on how to find a neurologist in Libertyville, IL explains when to schedule an evaluation and what to expect from a neurology appointment.

Headaches and Migraine Disorders

They're one of the main reasons that patients come to neurology specialists when headaches occur. Infrequent headaches can be harmless, but if you're experiencing regular or severe headaches, it could be a sign of a more serious neurological problem. In the case of migraines, which involve a complex interplay of factors, these can be difficult to diagnose and treat.

Neurologists are able to dissect the difference between a migraine and other types of headaches, such as tension headaches and cluster headaches, and guide treatment plans that may involve lifestyle changes, preventive therapies, and in some cases, procedures.

Individuals experiencing recurring headaches can visit our Migraines and Headaches service page to learn how A Ray of Hope supports diagnosis and treatment.

Neuropathy and Nerve-Related Symptoms

When peripheral nerves are damaged or aren't working well, it's known as neuropathy. People with neuropathy often experience numbness, prickling sensations, burning feelings, and weakness in their hands or feet. These are the sorts of symptoms that can be triggered by diabetes, physical injuries, autoimmune disorders, and a variety of other reasons.

Neurologists diagnose neuropathy by clinical examination and tests, and getting a head start on evaluation is crucial because nerve damage can worsen over time.

If you're experiencing these symptoms, learn more about the evaluation and treatment process for nerve-related problems on our neuropathy service page.

Seizures and Episodic Neurological Events

Seizures can range from dramatic convulsions to brief lapses in awareness that are easy to miss. Neurologists are the ones who have to sort out the difference and figure out if the episode was a seizure or something else.

Well-known evaluation methods in diagnosing seizure disorders are imaging, electrical studies, and examining the medications someone is taking. A precise diagnosis is basically a must-have, so that treatment can be started to prevent future seizures and keep patients safe.

Memory Concerns and Cognitive Changes

Memory loss is not always a normal part of aging. When someone starts experiencing memory loss, neurologists take a closer look at the issue. Coming down to the neurologist can be the first step to figuring out if there is a problem, and it may turn out that mild cognitive impairment, dementia, medication, sleep disorders, or depression are the culprits.

Well-known neurologists use a combination of clinical evaluation and, where necessary, high-tech diagnostic tools to find the root of the problem.

Early evaluation, though, gives patients and their families the best chance to learn what may be wrong and chart a course for the future.

Patients who are worried about the decline in their cognitive abilities can learn more about the signs and symptoms on our memory issues service page.

Movement Disorders and Neurological Symptoms

When stiffness, slowed movement, and coordination issues arise, it's possible that an underlying neurologic condition is present, along with movement-related symptoms such as tremors.

Neurologists are experts in assessing these types of symptoms and in evaluating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, and other movement-related disorders that affect people's daily lives.

Dizziness, weakness, balance problems, and unexplained sensory changes may also be addressed by neurologists, who consider that these symptoms can also be associated with certain neurologic disorders.

If you’re experiencing a range of neurological symptoms, you can refer to a full list on our site to see how A Ray of Hope provides neurology care.

Stroke Care and Neurological Emergencies

Neurologists play a dual role in both acute care and long-term follow-up when recovering from a stroke. Stroke patients often experience a myriad of symptoms such as weakness, speech difficulties, and changes in cognition, and can see a significant improvement with coordinated neurological care.

Early examination and ongoing monitoring are also key to lowering the risk of a subsequent stroke and in nurturing the recovery of the affected patients.

Learn more about the role of neurology in stroke assessment and treatment on our stroke services page.

Diagnostic Testing Used in Neurology

Neurologists often use specialized testing to clarify diagnoses.

One of these is EMG or electromyography, which is used to see how nerves and muscles are functioning when a neurologist is working to determine the source of a patient's symptoms.

You can learn more about EMG testing here

Some neurologists, including those at A Ray of Hope, offer EEG testing, including 3-day EEG testing, to help explain unexplained cognitive changes, fainting/blackouts, sleep disturbances, or seizure evaluations.

Neuropsychological testing also evaluates the state of a patient's cognitive and behavioral processes, allowing neurologists to determine if a patient's problems are of neurological origin and to make informed treatment recommendations.

Explore A Ray of Hope’s neuropsychological testing services

Choosing the Right Neurologist in Libertyville

Regarding neurology, understanding what these specialists treat can be the first step in seeking care and getting a clear diagnosis. Coming from a local area also allows patients to build a relationship with their neurologists and enjoy the convenience of a short commute for follow-up appointments.

People who wish to request an appointment at A Ray of Hope in our Libertyville location, or who want to learn more about the neurology services we offer, can browse our Libertyville location page

Patients can also view our highly experienced and compassionate Neurologists to see which specialty best suits them here!

Trusted Medical Guidance

For patients experiencing neurological symptoms who live outside Libertyville, this overview of neurology options across Lake County explains how location and access can affect care decisions.

For additional clinical insight into what neurologists diagnose and manage, the Cleveland Clinic provides a comprehensive overview of neurological care and conditions.

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22277-neurologist