Book 25+ of the best Neurologists near me in Denver, CO

Who is a neurologist, and what conditions does one treat? 

A neurologist is a doctor of medicine (M.D.) or osteopathic doctor (D.O.) who specializes in diagnosing and managing disorders of the central nervous system, including the peripheral nervous system (PNS), the brain, and the spinal cord. Unlike neurosurgeons, neurologists do not perform surgery. While both professions manage and treat neurological disorders, neurosurgeons focus more on complex conditions requiring surgical intervention.

Here are some common neurological conditions: 

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a condition that affects the motor neurons (both upper and lower), nerves that control voluntary muscles. ALS symptoms worsen over time and result in muscles getting weaker, making it difficult to walk, swallow, and even breathe. Common ALS symptoms include muscle cramps, twitching, inability to stand or walk independently, and shortness of breath. ALS is an incurable disease. However, one can manage ALS with the help of neurologists, nurses, nutritionists, physical therapists, and special equipment. 
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI) happens when a person falls or meets with an accident; they can experience a blow to the head, which may result in unconsciousness. Confusion, memory problems, seizures, and slurred speech can indicate a TBI, and it needs immediate treatment. Mild concussions are one of the most common types of TBI. A neurologist may complete an evaluation and perform tests such as a C.T. scan or MRI to diagnose TBI. 
• Epilepsy is a disorder that involves recurrent seizures, unusual behavior, sensations, and loss of awareness. Epilepsy disrupts the electrical impulse pattern, which makes it possible for the brain to send and receive messages from the body. People of all ages are susceptible to epilepsy, and nearly 3.4 million people in the U.S. have it. Seeing flashes of light, muscle jerking, and repetitive movements such as chewing or lip-smacking are signs of a seizure. Epilepsy can be managed and treated by anti-seizure medication, diet therapy, and surgery. 
• Multiple sclerosis (M.S.) is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system affects the cells in the myelin, a protective covering that encases the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. M.S. results in lesions, hindering the brain's ability to transmit signals to the body. M.S. symptoms include movement changes, loss of balance and coordination, muscle spasms, and weakness. There is no cure for M.S. However, disease-modifying therapies (DMTs), physical rehabilitation, and mental counseling can help manage this chronic condition. 

Which examinations are typically prescribed by neurologists?

During a visit, the neurologist may ask you to undergo any of the following exams:

1. Angiography: This vital diagnostic tool captures detailed images of blood vessels present in the brain, head, or neck. It discerns issues like blockages, damage, aneurysms, and blood clots, providing essential insights into vascular health.
2. Biopsy: A biopsy involves surgically removing tissue from muscles, nerves, or the brain. This microscopic examination scrutinizes cellular structures and abnormalities to aid in diagnosing neurological conditions.
3. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis: By extracting a sample of cerebrospinal fluid which envelopes the brain and spinal cord, this test detects evidence of brain bleeds, infections, multiple sclerosis, and metabolic diseases. It offers valuable information about neurological health.
4. Imaging technologies (C.T., MRI, X-rays, ultrasound): Computed tomography (C.T.), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-rays, and ultrasound play pivotal roles in visualizing intricate nervous system structures, offering non-invasive and detailed examinations for accurate diagnoses.
5. Electroencephalography (EEG): This test measures brain electrical activity, aiding in the diagnosis of neurological conditions. By analyzing patterns of electrical signals, it identifies seizures, infections (e.g., encephalitis), brain injuries, and tumors.
6. Electromyography (EMG): EMG records muscle electrical activity and diagnoses nerve and muscle disorders. It identifies conditions like spinal nerve root compression and motor neuron disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
7. Electronystagmography (ENG): ENG comprises tests diagnosing involuntary eye movements, dizziness, and balance disorders. These assessments provide insights into the vestibular system's function and impact on neurological health.
8. Evoked potentials: This test measures the speed and completeness of electrical signals reaching the brain from sensory organs. By evaluating neural signal transmission efficiency, it aids in diagnosing conditions like multiple sclerosis, acoustic neuroma, and spinal cord injuries.
9. Myelography: Myelography visualizes the spinal cord, diagnosing conditions like tumors, herniated disks, and fractures. It entails introducing a contrast dye into the spinal canal for enhanced imaging.
10. Polysomnogram: Polysomnography measures brain and body activity during sleep, diagnosing sleep disorders. It monitors physiological parameters, providing a comprehensive assessment of sleep patterns.
11. Positron emission tomography (PET): PET, an imaging test, reveals metabolic activity, which is particularly useful in identifying tumors. It evaluates conditions like epilepsy, brain tumors, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease by detecting cellular function abnormalities.
12. Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT): SPECT is an imaging test that diagnoses tumors and infections and assesses the location of seizures, degenerative spine disease, and stress fractures. It offers three-dimensional images for understanding neurological conditions.
13. Thermography: Thermography measures temperature changes in the body or organs, evaluating pain syndromes, peripheral nerve disorders, and nerve root compression by detecting temperature variations indicative of underlying neurological issues.

The education and training of neurologists in the U.S.

Several neurology training programs are available in the United States. The most common and longest-standing type of program is the traditional four-year residency, which typically includes a one-year internship followed by three years of neurology training. However, newer three-year residency programs have also become popular in recent years. These programs usually include a year of internship and two years of neurology training.

In addition to traditional residency programs, several fellowship programs are available for those who wish to pursue additional training in specific areas of neurology. For example, many neurologists seek fellowships in neuroimaging or epilepsy after completing their residencies. There are also many opportunities for research fellowships and clinical fellowships in various subspecialties of neurology.

The American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology offers general and child neurology certification. Physicians must finish an accredited residency program and pass a tough written examination to be eligible for certification. The certification is valid for ten years; neurologists can renew it through continued participation in medical education activities.

The future of neurology training in the U.S.

The future of neurology training in the United States is bright. With progress in medical technology and the increasing popularity of neurology, more students are now interested in pursuing a career in neurology.

However, to ensure neurologists meet future demands, a few challenges need to be addressed. For example, the number of residency positions available for neurology trainees has not increased at the same rate as the number of applicants. This means that competition for residency positions is becoming increasingly fierce.

In addition, it is vital to ensure that neurologists have access to adequate training and resources. As medical science advances, neurological trainees must be able to keep up with new developments to serve their patients best.

Despite these challenges, the future of neurology training in the United States looks promising. By working together to address these problems, we can ensure that future generations of neurologists are well-prepared to meet the demands of this ever-changing field.

How does a neurologist manage nerve damage and stroke?

A neurologist may perform an electrodiagnostic test to check the electrical activity in your nerves and muscles. This helps them determine the extent of nerve damage and identify potential causes. Based on their findings, the neurologist may prescribe pain relief medications, suggest physical therapy, or, in some cases, recommend surgery to address the issue.

A neurologist plays a key role in your care team after a stroke. They assist in your recovery process, helping you regain lost functions and monitoring any lingering symptoms. The neurologist also treats these symptoms and works to prevent future complications.

How should you prepare for an appointment with a neurologist?

Preparing for your first neurologist visit involves several important steps to ensure you get the most out of the consultation. Start by writing down your symptoms, noting their frequency, duration, and any triggers. Keeping a symptom diary is especially helpful for conditions like epilepsy, sleep apnea, or Parkinson’s disease, where symptoms may not be constant. 

Gather your medical history, including current medications, allergies, past illnesses, and family health history. It’s important to bring copies of any previous test results, such as lab work or imaging, even if a different healthcare provider ordered them. Be sure to list all medications, supplements, or herbal products you’re taking, and inform the neurologist of any previous treatments that didn’t work or caused side effects. 

Bringing a friend/family member can help ensure you don’t miss any important details during the appointment. They can assist with note-taking, asking questions, and reviewing the neurologist’s advice afterward. Remember to discuss any changes in your overall health and ask questions to fully understand your diagnosis and treatment plan. Before leaving, confirm if you need to book a follow-up appointment for any additional concerns.

When should you visit a neurologist, and what should you expect at your first appointment?

Consider seeing the best neurologist near you immediately if you experience some or all of the following symptoms: 

• Forgetfulness or temporary memory loss 
• Seizures 
• Change in taste or smell 
• Vision problems 
• Tingling sensations or numbness
• Slowness in movement 
• Tremors 
• Muscle spasms, cramps, and twitching movements 
• Burning or shock-like electrical pain in the body 
• Changes in gait 

At your first neurologist appointment, the doctor can ask about your recurring symptoms, medical history, previous tests, known allergies, family history of diseases, and overall health. 

A neurologist may perform specific tests after asking about your health to determine the exact cause of your concerns. You can expect your neurologist to conduct tests such as C.T. scan, MRI, X-rays, and EEG to measure the brain's electrical activity, EMG to diagnose nerve or muscle disorders, and myelography to diagnose spinal cord tumors and herniated disks.

Find the best neurologists near you in Denver, Colorado 

Neurological symptoms, if left untreated, can lead to life-altering conditions that may be irreversible in some cases. If you experience moderate to severe headaches, seizures, numbness, loss of sensation, muscle weakness, or spasms, visit a physician who will refer you to a neurologist. 

If you're looking for a certified and experienced neurologist in Denver, Colorado, visit the Zocdoc website and book an online consultation or in-person visit with the closest one. Enter information like your condition, location, and insurance carrier, and plan to find the best neurologist in your vicinity and book an appointment. Your search results should display a list of top-rated neurologists in your area. You can filter the results shown to you by gender or timing. 

For instance, if you wish to book an online consultation with a female neurologist after 5 pm, you can do so by filtering search results. Zocdoc helps users make an informed decision by letting them choose a specialist based on their educational background, certifications, and verified patient reviews. You can also check whether your chosen specialist is in-network, i.e., whether they accept your insurance or not, by choosing your plan from the menu at the top of the page. 

If you need assistance finding neurologists who accept your insurance, our online patient help center is available. Using Zocdoc, you can connect your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account. However, you can use only one insurance plan per appointment.

You can include your secondary insurance details in the appointment notes for those with multiple insurance plans. If your healthcare provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you will also have the option to enter your secondary insurance information there.

Booking appointments with neurologists near you on Zocdoc is simple, quick, and free!

Statistics for neurologists and neurological disorders prevailing in Colorado

As of May 2023, the state of Colorado has approximately 140 neurologists, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report shows that 56,800 individuals in Colorado have epilepsy. Out of these cases, an estimated 7,800 belong to the age group of 0 to 17, and 49,000 instances belong to those aged 18 and above.

The National Multiple Sclerosis Society states that Colorado has one of the most considerable prevalence rates of Multiple Sclerosis (M.S.) in the United States, i.e., one in every 580 individuals has MS. It directly affects almost 63,000 people in the state. Data from the 

Parkinson's Foundation shows that 11,500 people in Colorado have Parkinson's Disease (P.D.).

Moreover, according to the Brain Injury Alliance, Colorado, an estimated 1000 individuals die of traumatic brain injury, and nearly 5000 hospitalizations yearly. Colorado ranks 9th in the United States for fatalities due to TBI. The study found that males were twice as likely to sustain brain injury than females. The ages of 15-24 and 65 and above are at high risk of TBI.

Sources

Cleveland Clinic

WebMD

Tufts Medical Center

Brain Injury Alliance

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Bureau of Labor Statistics

National Multiple Sclerosis Society

Parkinson's Foundation

American Academy of Neurology

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.