There are numerous conditions, diseases and abnormalities that can cause significant health issues for people of all ages. Infants can be born with congenital, neurological conditions, or develop them later in life due to accidents, illnesses and infections, or with exposure to toxins and other environmental contaminants.
Neurology is a specialized medical field that studies, diagnoses and treats conditions of the nervous system including the brain, spine and all the nerves of the body. A number of people in Salt Lake City can benefit from this kind of care if they suspect their symptoms have a neurological root.
Early Diagnosis
Neurological impairments can affect both young and old. Thus, seeing a specialist as soon as you experience early signs of conditions like peripheral neuropathy, diabetic neuropathy, numbness and tingling, or even unexplained tremors, can result in a better prognosis.
The use of specialized types of diagnostic tools such as CT scans, MRA (Magnetic Resonance Angiogram) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), can allow neurologists to view a highly accurate image of the brain and nerves, thus allowing for early detection of irregularities or disease in children with specific symptoms or with a high risk due to family history.
Symptoms of Possible Neurological Problems
There are a number different symptoms associated with neurological conditions. They often mimic other diseases, and is why an appointment with a neurology specialist is so important early on in the process of diagnosis.
Typical symptoms of possible neurological complications in children can include:
- Delays in reaching developmental milestones
- Gait and gross or fine motor coordination problems or delays
- Speech and language difficulties
- Sensory issues such as hyper or hyposensitivity to touch, pressure, sound, light or contact
- Sleeping disorders
- Muscular problems
- Tremors, seizures or involuntary muscle movements
- Pain that is not linked to a specific injury or illness
For adults, as well as children, neurological symptoms may come and go, and may become more pronounced if there is illness or stress. The development of tremors, unexplained muscle weakness, atypical sensations, seizures, cognitive decline, Parkinson’s disease, stroke, dementia, chronic headaches or migraines are all indicators that a person’s neurological health has been compromised and needs appropriate medical attention.
Patients in Salt Lake City will require a referral from their primary care physician or healthcare professional to schedule an appointment with the neurology department. Booking the appointment as early as possible after symptoms are noted can be instrumental in developing an effective and proactive treatment plan.
