How are Neurological Disorders Treated?
Many disorders are treatable. Treatment or symptomatic relief can be different for each patient and condition. To explore and evaluate treatment options, neurologists will administer and interpret tests of the brain or nervous system. With proper treatment and care, patients with neurological disorders can maintain the best possible quality of life.
Neurological Consultation
During a neurological examination, the neurologist reviews the patient’s health history with special attention to the current condition. The doctor then conducts a neurological exam. Typically, the exam tests vision, strength, coordination, reflexes and sensation. This information helps the neurologist determine if the problem emanates from the nervous system. Further tests may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis or to determine a specific treatment plan.
Why do Patients Need a Neurological Examination?
An examination is used when a patient’s doctor seeks a specialized opinion about symptoms which may involve the brain or nervous system. The examination may also be performed when a patient wants a second opinion from a neurologist. The neurologist’s expertise in disorders of the brain or nervous system can give patients effective diagnosis and treatment for neurological conditions and Worker’s Compensation claims such as:
* Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
* Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
* Sciatica
* Numbness, Tingling Sensations
* Muscle Atrophy in Upper/Lower Extremeties
* Burning Sensation in Extremities
* Neck Pain or Back Pain
* Head Injury/Headaches/Dizziness
* Thoracic Region Back Pain
* Radiculopathy or Plexopathy
* Ulnar Neuropathy
* Lumbar Radiculopathy
* Cervical Radiculopathy
* Motor/Sensory Deficits
* Peripheral Neuropathy
* Polyneuropathy
* Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
* Post-Traumatic Headaches
* Neurotoxin Disability(ies)
* Other Inflammatory and Toxic Neuropathy
Sleep Disorders - What Are They?
Most sleep disorders are brain disorders that cause interruption in sleep patterns, or prevent you from getting enough sleep. Most people require eight to ten hours of sleep per day. The brain regulates sleep and is the only organ known to benefit from sleep. There are more than 100 sleep disorders affecting about 40 million Americans. While the most common sleep disorders can be treated, ninety-five percent (95%) of these people are never diagnosed. The most common sleep disorders include:
Pain caused by Worker’s Comp injury resulting in insomnia
Hypersomnia: Excessive sleepiness
Sleep Apnea: The obstruction of the airway during sleep, causing loud snoring and sudden awakenings when breathing stops
Narcolepsy: Falling asleep excessively
Insomnia: Difficulty getting to and staying asleep
Bruxism: Involuntarily grinding or clenching of teeth while sleeping
Circadian Rhythm Disturbance: Sleep/wake patterns that do not follow a normal 24 hour rhythm
Sleepwalking or Somnambulism: Engaging in activities that are normally associated with wakefulness (such as eating or dressing), which may include walking, without the conscious knowledge of the subject
Hypopnea Syndrome: Abnormally shallow breathing or slow respiratory rate while sleeping
Sleep Paralysis: Temporary paralysis of the body shortly before or after sleep, sometime accompanied by visual, auditory or tactile hallucinations
Night Terror or Pavor Nocturnus Sleep Terror Disorder: Abrupt awakening from sleep with behavior consistent with terror
What Causes Sleep Disorders? What Are the Symptoms?
Sleep disorders have a wide range of causes including medical and psychological conditions. Some are caused by not getting enough sleep or restriction of your upper airway while sleeping. Some disorders are genetics, age medications, diet, lack of exercise and other environmental factors, such as shift work, or work-related impairment. Here are some of the symptoms:
Fatigue
Inability to fall asleep and/or stay asleep at night due to pain
Excessive daytime sleepiness
Loud snoring
"Sleep attacks," loss of muscle control or inability to move
Unusual behavior such as sleepwalking or sleep terror (see above disorders)