Who is a Neurologist?
A neurologist is a medical specialist specializing in treating diseases related to the nervous system. The nervous system broadly comprises two parts, the central and peripheral nervous system, and includes the spinal cord and the brain.
Neurologists typically manage and treat the disorders, injuries, or illnesses related to these structures. Because of the highly intricate nature of this position, neurologists undergo a rigorous education and training process, which includes graduation from a medical school, completion of an internship, and about three years of training in a neurology residency program.
What Does a Neurologist Do?
May it be online or in-person, a neurologist treats neurological conditions in patients that generally show the following symptoms:
- Changes in tactile sensation
- Confusion
- Muscle weakness
- Coordination problems
- Dizziness
- Problems with senses such as smell, vision, or touch (nervous system disorders sometimes cause such complications)
In addition, patients with the following medical conditions also need to see a neurologist regularly:
- Seizure disorders (such as epilepsy)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord disorders (which also includes autoimmune and inflammatory disorders)
- Stroke
- Headaches (such as migraine and cluster headaches)
- Infections in the nervous system (such as meningitis, brain abscesses, encephalitis)
- Neuromuscular disorders (such as myasthenia gravis)
- Neurodegenerative disorders (such as Alzheimer’s disease and Lou Gehrig’s disease)
Is Memory Loss Unique to Alzheimer’s Disease?
It is a common belief amongst a large majority of people that Alzheimer’s disease is the only condition that causes memory loss. As several illnesses and diseases can cause short-term or long-term memory loss, that is not true.
It is natural for all of us to forget things from time to time, and that does not point to a cognitive disability. Similarly, memory loss is one primary factor of aging because it can cause a decline in cognitive abilities.
However, there is a considerable difference between the cognitive differences caused by aging and dementia. That is where neurologists come into action; they are responsible for diagnosing, treating, and managing memory loss conditions.
Dementia and memory loss
Dementia is generally used as an umbrella term in modern medicine that describes a set of different ailments that lead to cognitive disabilities, memory loss, disturbances with judgment and reasoning, inability to speak correctly, and other skills. Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia are some common conditions that cause brain damage that leads to memory loss.
Although dementia causes minor complications initially, it can worsen over time if not treated or managed by a neurologist. The early telltale signs of dementia include:
- Tendency to repeat the same question in a short span.
- Difficulties in completing everyday tasks.
- Putting items in places they do not belong.
- Unexplained emotional and behavioral changes.
- Getting lost even in familiar surroundings.
- Confusing the meanings of words and using them in place of other
- Constant trouble with finding the right words during a conversation.
If you or any of your loved ones exhibit such symptoms, it is about time you contact a neurologist for a diagnosis.
How Can Online Neurologists Help with Memory Loss?
Memory loss is a progressive disease, which means that it worsens with time. Although it may not be completely reversible in many cases, an early diagnosis and continuous treatment can help reduce its symptoms and prevent it from worsening quickly. With telemedicine becoming increasingly popular after the Covid-19 pandemic, online neurologists are quickly becoming the talk of the town. They play a significant role in slowing cognitive decline and helping patients who suffer from neurological conditions immediately instead of letting them suffer the hassle of a commute.
Severe diseases do not always cause dementia, as mentioned before. It sometimes also has reversible causes, such as medication, minor head injury or trauma, Vitamin B-12 deficiency, alcoholism, emotional disorders, tumors, and hypothyroidism, which may cause reversible brain damage. An online neurologist can clearly distinguish between the reversible and irreversible causes, and looking at patients in their natural household settings significantly helps in diagnosis and treatment.
Remote patient monitoring by online neurologists is one of the most significant advantages of telemedicine. Since patients with memory loss are more likely to face dangerous situations, an online neurologist can monitor a patient’s data and extend immediate help lest the complications elevate.
American board-certified and fellowship-trained sub-specialists at NeuroX offer affordable online neurology care right at your doorstep. You can get an online consultation from a board-certified neurologist near you of your choice within 24-48 hours of booking an appointment. With the highest quality of neurological care, our experts can facilitate you in all ways possible, including e-prescription and an online pharmacy.
NeuroX cares about your health and that of your loved ones, and thus you can take a free memory cognitive test if you are concerned about memory loss. Head over to NeuroX to sign up right now!
