Book 25+ of the best Neurologists near me in Dallas, TX

Who is a neurologist?

A neurologist is a doctor of medicine (MD) or osteopathic doctor (DO) who specializes in treating neurological disorders, i.e., conditions of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves that comprise the body's nervous system. Neurologists conduct tests to examine your strength, coordination, or reflexes. They further treat by prescribing medication or recommending physical therapy. However, unlike neurosurgeons, they do not perform surgery. 

Neurologists typically complete over ten years of education, including a four-year undergraduate degree in science, followed by medical school, where they gain knowledge in anatomy and physiology. A neurologist's clinical training involves a one-year internship in internal medicine and three years of specialized residency training in disorders of the central nervous system and peripheral nervous system. Further, neurologists specialize in subspecialties requiring certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN) or United Council for Neurologic Subspecialties (UCNS). Some subspecialties include: 

• Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry
• Neuro-oncology
• Sleep Medicine
• Autonomic disorders and epilepsy 
• Brain Injury Medicine

What are the similarities and differences between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon?

Neurologists and neurosurgeons focus on addressing issues associated with the central nervous system. Despite this shared goal, their approaches are different. Both play a crucial role in treating an array of neurological disorders—from multiple sclerosis and epilepsy to brain and spine tumors. If you're showing symptoms of a neurological condition, a referral may direct you to a neurologist, a neurosurgeon, or both. 

Both neurologists and neurosurgeons specialize in treating patients with neurological disorders and issues affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and associated structures. These structures comprise the blood vessels, the skull, the spine, the membranes lining the skull and vertebral canal, and the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.   

Pertaining to their education, a neurologist, after finishing medical school, dedicates at least one year to internal medicine training and three years to a neurology residency program. Many pursue additional fellowship training to specialize in a specific aspect of neurology. On the other hand, after graduating from medical school, a neurosurgeon undergoes further training, including a one-year surgical residency and six additional years specializing in neurosurgery. Some neurosurgeons opt for fellowship training to deepen their expertise in specific areas of neurosurgery.

So, how do you determine which specialist to turn to? Upon your first visit to the neurology department, you'll likely consult with a neurologist. During this meeting, the neurologist will perform an initial screening, which may involve arranging and assessing an MRI. Should the neurologist identify any concerning issues, such as a tumor requiring surgery, you'll be referred to a neurosurgeon.

The neurosurgeon may conduct additional tests to determine the necessity of surgery and propose exploring alternative treatments before scheduling any surgical intervention. Beyond surgical procedures, neurosurgeons actively diagnose your condition and support you through both non-surgical and surgical treatments.

Neurologists and neurosurgeons work together, pooling their expertise to offer comprehensive care for patients with neurological conditions. They cover both non-surgical and surgical aspects, ensuring the best outcomes for patients through this teamwork.

What conditions do neurologists treat? 

Here are some common conditions that neurologists diagnose and treat: 

• Alzheimer's: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 5.8 million Americans were affected by Alzheimer's in 2020. This figure is expected to triple by 2060. Alzheimer's is an irreversible brain disorder that affects an individual's thinking, learning, and organizing abilities. Alzheimer's typically starts at 60 and slowly worsens over time. While there isn't any cure for Alzheimer's, a neurologist may prescribe medication to slow the progression of symptoms. 
• Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a chronic brain disease causing recurrent seizures due to abnormal electrical signals that the damaged brain cells produce. It is a long-term disease that can change a person's muscle movements, behavior, and sensations. Treatment of epilepsy depends on the type of seizure experienced (focal or generalized). Neurologists will conduct electroencephalography (EEG) and MRI tests to diagnose epilepsy. 
• Parkinson's disease (PD): Parkinson's disease is an age-related degenerative brain disorder that causes the basal ganglia (structures present at the base of the brain) to deteriorate over time. It leads to slow movements, tremors, and poor balance and coordination. While Parkinson's is typical in older adults, it can occur even at 20. It is generally caused by genetic factors and has no cure. However, a neurologist may prescribe medication or perform surgery to manage symptoms. 
• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS): Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neuromuscular condition that attacks motor neurons in a person's brain and spinal cord. It causes the muscles to atrophy and challenges them to walk, talk, swallow, or breathe. It can be caused due to genetic or environmental factors and has no particular cure. A neurologist may help diagnose and manage ALS by prescribing physical therapy, medication, and speech therapy and recommending equipment such as wheelchairs or electric beds. 
• Cerebral aneurysm: A cerebral aneurysm (or a brain aneurysm) is a bulge in one of the arteries in or around your brain. The constant blood flow pressure pushes this area outward to create a blister-like bump, and when blood rushes into the bulge, the aneurysm stretches even farther. Symptoms of this condition include nausea, stiff neck, seizures, double vision, and weakness.
• Encephalitis: Encephalitis causes brain inflammation. It can cause long-term complications and can even be life-threatening. Common types of this condition include infective (viral, arbovirus, fungal, and bacterial) and autoimmune encephalitis. Early signs of this disorder include fatigue, high fever, headache, and mild-to-moderate neck stiffness.
• Meningitis: The area surrounding your brain and spinal cord is called meninges. When it is inflamed, the condition is known as meningitis, and it can be of various types: viral, bacterial, fungal, parasitic, etc. Its symptoms include neck stiffness, lack of energy and appetite, sensitivity to light, and nausea.
• Multiple sclerosis: Multiple sclerosis (MS) impacts your spinal cord and brain and attacks your myelin cells, which are protective covers surrounding the nerves in those regions of your central nervous system. Fatigue, dizziness, loss of coordination, and muscle stiffness are some of its symptoms.
• Peripheral neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy refers to various nerve conditions impacting a specific part of your nervous system. Its symptoms belong to the following categories: motor (muscle weakness and atrophy, uncontrolled movements, etc.), autonomic (blood pressure changes, sexual dysfunction, bladder and bowel problems, etc.), and sensory (pain, tingling, numbness, etc.).

When should you see a neurologist?

See a neurologist near you if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Memory loss or forgetfulness
• Seizures
• Taste or smell problems 
• Numbness and tingling sensations
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle spasms and twitching 
• Tremors
• Slow movement 
• Difficulty swallowing 

Before you visit a neurologist, you might want to be prepared with your medical history and a list of symptoms you've been experiencing, as the physician may ask about your overall health. Also, make sure you take any test results you may have received and a list of medications you take (including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, as well as supplements). 

Neurological exams and procedures

On your visit to the neurologist, they first enquire about your detailed medical history and symptoms. Then, they conduct a physical examination focusing on the brain and the nervous system. They may check your mental status, reflexes, speech, strength, vision, sensation, and coordination. Sometimes, neurologists may conduct additional screening tests for a more comprehensive diagnosis. These tests may include the following:

• Urine and blood tests to help check for protein disorders, toxins, and infections.
• EEG or Electroencephalograph to study brain function by recording the electrical activity in your brain. It is conducted on patients with seizure symptoms.
• Brain or spine imaging tests to check for brain damage, tumors, or problems with spine disks, nerves, bones, or blood vessels. 
• EMG or Electromyogram to check the communication level between muscles and nerves. It is conducted on patients with acute muscle pain symptoms.
• Lumbar puncture or spinal tap test, where a small quantity of fluid is extracted from the spine to check for infection or blood presence. 
• Tensilon test to check for signs of myasthenia gravis, a condition that weakens the muscles. 
• The evoked potentials test measures the brain's stimulation of vision, hearing, and specific nerves.
• Nerve or muscle biopsy, where a tiny amount of tissue is taken and examined under the microscope to check for signs of neuromuscular disorders. 

How do you prepare for your neurologist appointment?

Being prepared helps achieve the most out of the visit to the neurologist. Here are the tips to help you prepare for the neurologist appointment.

• Create a list of critical health conditions or symptoms you plan to discuss with the neurologist. Open communication is crucial to achieving the best solution to your neurological health issues. 
• Discuss your chronic symptoms or evolving symptoms. Make a note of the triggers and severity of symptoms. It helps because neurological conditions like sleep apnea, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or headaches often show evolving signs. 
• Carry copies of previous test results and ongoing medications or treatment. Bring your detailed medical history. It helps the neurologist understand your health and create a suitable treatment plan. 
• Bring a family member or relative with you during the visit. When discussing your neurological conditions with the neurologist, it helps to have an additional set of ears and eyes.
• Discuss all your allergies and potential medication side effects. Make it a point to ask all your questions and doubts about your condition. Ask if another appointment is required to discuss additional health concerns further. 

Find the best neurologist near you in Dallas, Texas 

While some symptoms of neurologic disorders like headaches are not fatal, they could be underlying causes of life-threatening conditions such as brain tumors or seizures. You could directly visit a neurologist or be referred by your family physician. 

If you reside in Dallas, Texas, you can book an online consultation with a certified neurologist from the comfort of your home with Zocdoc. Simply enter information like your location, condition, and insurance carrier, and plan and book an online appointment or in-person visit with a top-rated neurologist in your area. Furthermore, you can even filter your search results by gender, availability, or other criteria. Zocdoc allows users to schedule appointments 24 hours in advance, on the same day or after 5 pm, depending on your provider's availability. 

Zocdoc also helps you make informed decisions by providing each specialist's medical training and certification so you can choose the best neurologist near you. In addition to educational background, you can also choose a doctor based on verified patient reviews and location. 

You can select your plan from the menu at the top of the page or use Zocdoc’s insurance detector to check whether the provider you've chosen is in-network, i.e., whether they accept your insurance carrier and plan. When booking an appointment on Zocdoc, the website prompts you to share details about your insurance or to acknowledge that you are paying out-of-pocket. Some healthcare providers need you to provide insurance information in order to schedule appointments with them. If you do not have insurance or do not want to use insurance for your appointment, you can always find another suitable provider on Zocdoc. For more insurance-related queries, check Zocdoc's patient help center.

Statistics for neurologists and neurological disorders in Dallas, Texas

As per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas recorded 440 neurologists in May 2021, the third-highest number in the US, following New York and New Jersey. The metropolitan area of Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX, recorded 100 neurologists. According to an insights report published by the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) in 2020, Texas had nearly 900 neurologists, forming 6% of the total number of neurologists in the United States. 

According to data collated by the Alzheimer's Association in 2021, published under the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), over 400,000 citizens aged 65 and older reported Alzheimer's. This number is expected to increase by 22.5% in 2025. There were over 10,000 deaths due to Alzheimer's reported in 2019, and it is considered the sixth leading cause of death in Texas. 

Data collected by the Parkinson's Foundation in 2020 showed that 52,500 people in Texas had Parkinson's disease (PD) and that men were likelier to have PD than women. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2015 recorded 292,900 cases of epilepsy in children and adults of all ages residing in Texas. 

A report by the Texas Department of State Health Services revealed that 25% of neurologists in Texas diagnosed or cared for patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). A total of 1,670 cases were reported, of which 79% were found in adults over 50. Two-thirds of all the cases were reported in metropolitan areas of Texas, including Austin, Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. 

Sources

Healthline

WebMD

Cleveland Clinic[1]

Cleveland Clinic[2]

Cleveland Clinic[3]

Cleveland Clinic[4]

Cleveland Clinic[5]

American Academy of Neurology[1]

Texas Department of State Health Services

Alzheimer’s Association

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Parkinson’s Foundation

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[1]

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [2]

Neurosurgeons of New Jersey

Geisinger

The Center Orthopedic & Neurosurgical Care & Research

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.