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How can I make a same-day appointment with a Neurologist in Tampa?
On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Neurologist in Tampa, book an appointment, and see the Neurologist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Neurologists in Tampa who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
How can I find a Tampa Neurologist who takes my insurance?
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Tampa Neurologist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
How can I book an appointment online with a Neurologist in Tampa?
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Neurologists in Tampa and book appointments instantly. You can search for Tampa Neurologists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
How can I find a female Neurologist in Tampa?
When you search for Tampa Neurologists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Neurologists in Tampa who match your preferences.
How can I find a Tampa Neurologist who sees patients after hours?
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Tampa Neurologists with availability after 5 p.m.
How can I find a top-rated Neurologist in Tampa?
You can use Zocdoc to find Neurologists in Tampa who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
How can I find a video visit with a Neurologist online in Tampa?
Neurologists in Tampa on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Neurologists who offer video visits.
Are video visits with a Neurologist online covered by my insurance?
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Neurologists in Tampa who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
How can I find a Neurologist in Tampa who sees patients in the morning or evening?
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Neurologist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
How can I find a Neurologist in Tampa who sees patients during the weekend?
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Neurologists in Tampa. Many Neurologists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
What is a neurologist, and what do they treat?
Neurologists are expert doctors who diagnose and treat problems concerning the brain and nervous system. In addition to an undergraduate degree and four years of medical school, neurologists have completed a year-long internship and three years of specialized residency training in neurology. Neurologists can diagnose and treat many conditions affecting the brain and the entire nervous system. For the same reason, many neurologists opt for an optional one or two years of study in a subspecialty of neurology.
Specialists might focus their training on areas like headache medicine, neuromuscular medicine, sleep medicine, neurocritical care, neuro-oncology, autonomic disorders, geriatric neurology, Vascular (stroke care) neurology, interventional neuroradiology, child (pediatric) neurology, epilepsy. After formal training, neurologists complete a written examination by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology to be eligible to practice legally in the US. Upon discovering the best neurologist near you, you will gain an invaluable ally in your recovery journey.
Neurologist vs. neurosurgeon - What is the difference?
Neurologists and neurosurgeons diagnose and manage disorders concerning the nervous system; however, the distinguishing factor between them is that neurologists do not perform surgery. Neurologists prescribe medications and other procedures to treat specific conditions. Neurologists and neurosurgeons can perform complex neurological tests such as EEG and MRI. Neurosurgeons can use the findings to perform surgical procedures. Neurologists can only administer drugs or refer the patient to a neurosurgeon for care. Nevertheless, neurologists and neurosurgeons work in a team, and their work is complementary. When treating a condition, a neurologist will recommend the patient see a neurosurgeon for surgical treatments and handle the case for long-term treatment.
Common conditions treated by neurologists
Some of the prevalent neurological disorders that neurologists treat include the following -
- Stroke - Stroke is a severe neurological disorder that can result in disability. It is caused by blockages or clots in arteries that supply blood to the brain. Timely medical intervention is essential to remove the blockage and reduce the risk of stroke. Significant stroke symptoms include balance difficulties, eyesight changes, facial weakness, arm weakness, and speech difficulties. You must see a qualified neurologist immediately if you notice such symptoms.
- Headaches - It is a common ailment that can affect any person regardless of their age. More often, headaches don't indicate any serious health issues. However, severe and repeated headaches indicate an underlying neurological condition.
A headache with a stiff neck, fever, and light sensitivity could be symptoms of meningitis or intracranial bleeding. Headaches like migraines and tension headaches may not be life-threatening, but they cause debilitating pain, affecting your quality of life. You should not ignore headaches or other head pain symptoms. Consult a qualified neurologist for a thorough diagnosis and treatment if you suffer from such issues.
- Epilepsy - This is a neurological condition that affects the central nervous system and results from abnormal electrical activity in brain areas, leading to recurrent, unprovoked, and unexplained seizures. Neurologists can recommend various medications and treatments to manage epilepsy symptoms and prevent seizures effectively. Treatment options may also include epilepsy surgery, where the seizure focus nerve in the brain is removed.
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) - ALS, also called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rare neuromuscular disease affecting our nerve cells in the spinal cord and brain. Environmental factors and genetics are the leading causes of ALS. Its symptoms include slurred speech, muscle twitching and weakness, stiff and tight muscles, and difficulty swallowing and breathing. Neuromuscular neurologists can diagnose the condition and offer effective treatment to manage the symptoms and help the patient lead a good quality of life.
- Parkinson's disease - This is a progressive nervous system disease that affects coordination. Its symptoms include changes in posture, facial expression, and walking in the early stages and behavioral and cognitive disorders during the advanced stages of the disease. Neurologists can provide appropriate treatment to manage the symptoms and help patients lead a good quality of life.
Common neurological procedures
During your initial consultation with a neurologist near you, the doctor will oversee a physical examination and a neurological assessment. Given that various disorders may exhibit similar symptoms, your neurologist might require additional tests to reach a diagnosis.
Neurologists may suggest various procedures for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes. These procedures may encompass:
- Lumbar Puncture: This procedure involves testing spinal fluid to detect potential nervous system issues contributing to your symptoms. A needle is inserted into the numbed spine to obtain a spinal fluid sample.
- Tensilon Test: Employed to help diagnose myasthenia gravis, this test involves injecting the patient with Tensilon, a medication. The neurologist then observes its impact on muscle movements.
- Electromyography (EMG): An EMG gauges electrical activity between the brain or spinal cord and a peripheral nerve responsible for muscle control. Electrodes are inserted into muscles to measure activity during rest and movement. The machine recording the activity via attached wires might cause discomfort to the patient.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): Electrodes on the scalp measure brain electrical activity to diagnose brain-related conditions like inflammation, tumors, injuries, seizures, and psychiatric disorders. Unlike EMG, EEG is typically painless. Before the test, electrodes on the scalp and the environmental changes help measure brain signals. Similar to EMG, the patient must avoid any stimulants, which usually take around an hour. Occasionally, EEGs are conducted during sleep.
Neurologists might also employ other diagnostic tests, including biopsy, thermography, and imaging studies, such as computed and positron emission tomography. They also conduct magnetic resonance imaging to help diagnose issues. Additionally, they may order sleep studies and angiography to assess blood vessel blockages leading to the brain.
Your neurologist can help you manage your symptoms and neurological disorder independently or in collaboration with your primary care physician and other specialists.
When should you see a neurologist near you?
Given that neurologists treat patients with disorders that affect the brain and nervous system, there are clear signs and symptoms that you should look out for before seeing a neurologist. We recommend consulting a neurologist if you suffer from
- persistent dizziness
- variations in sensations
- difficulties with balance
- headaches
- muscle fatigue
- an unwavering sense of heaviness throughout the head.
How do you prepare for your first neurologist appointment?
During your initial consultation with a neurologist, the physician will inquire about your health history and symptoms and perform a physical evaluation focusing on the brain and nerves. To prepare for the appointment, follow these simple steps:
- Make a list of the most vital things you wish to discuss with your neurologist.
- Discuss any modifications to your general health.
- Discuss your symptoms, including any changes to current or previous ones. Keep a symptom journal (and carry it with you to the appointment) and note vital specifications in your symptoms, including the day and time they occurred, how long they lasted, how severe they were, the triggers, etc. The journal primarily helps if you suffer from an illness with fluctuating symptoms, such as epilepsy, sleep apnea, headaches, or Parkinson's disease.
- Take copies of any test findings, including any CDs with photos or lab work ordered by healthcare professionals other than your neurologist's network of physicians.
- Note down all your current medications or products you may be taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products. Tell your neurologist about previous medicines that didn't work or had adverse effects.
- Let your doctor know of any allergies you may have.
- Bring a friend or family member along to the appointment so they may take notes and act like your extra set of ears and eyes.
- Find out if you need to make another appointment to address any more issues.
Neurologists and Alzheimer's disease
Although scientists have yet to find a cure for Alzheimer's, they have uncovered much that is sufficiently helpful for relieving patients of Alzheimer's. When treating Alzheimer's, your family doctor may not be your best choice for long-term and complete treatment. Although your primary care doctor may begin a preliminary diagnosis, they might refer you to healthcare providers specializing in dementia, such as psychologists, geriatricians, psychiatrists, general neurologists, and behavioral neurologists. Unlike geriatricians, psychiatrists and neurologists earn a certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
They are thus better suited to handle the case than other recommended professionals. Between psychologists and neurologists, the latter, owing to their in-depth training and formal education, will have a high level of expertise in the brain's inner workings. Neurologists have received training to detect subtleties of the brain that cause memory problems. They are the only healthcare provider who can conduct detailed neurological examinations and recommend subsequent treatment for brain disorders like Alzheimer's. Also, the most promising research findings concerning Alzheimer's come from the field of neurology. Only a neurologist will know about the latest research projects and how to leverage the results to help the patient.
On the patient's first visit to the neurologist, they shall conduct a thorough neurological exam and recommend subsequent Alzheimer's treatment plans. By combining a neurologist's evaluation with the findings of other types of Alzheimer's doctors near you—psychiatrists, psychologists, and geriatricians—you can help sketch your loved one's best treatment plan. When you see the neurologist, they will discuss the patient's medical history and symptoms. The patient might also have to undergo a physical exam focusing on their brain and nerves.
Best neurologist near you in Tampa, Florida
Neurological disorders, if left untreated, can cause long-term brain and nervous system damage. It is recommended that urgent help be sought in such cases.
Zocdoc helps you find the best neurologists near you in Tampa, Florida. Our comprehensive neurology directory provides you access to your area's top-rated and experienced neurologists from the comfort of your home. Choose from thousands of doctors based on patient ratings, patient reviews, and the doctor's education, clinical interests and specializations, practice history, and certifications.
All doctor profiles of Zocdoc are verified and updated to assist you in making an informed decision. All you need to do is include 'Neurologist' in your search query and choose from the top neurologists in your area. You can even refine the search results based on gender and insurance coverage to find the right medical professional. If you have multiple insurance plans, you can include medical, dental, and vision insurance plans in your Zocdoc account. However, you can only search for and schedule appointments with one insurance plan at a time. If you possess multiple insurance plans, you can specify your secondary carrier and plan for the provider in the notes section during the final step of the booking process. Moreover, if your provider uses Zocdoc's intake forms, you may add secondary insurance while filling out your forms online. For further insurance-related FAQs, refer to Zocdoc's patient help center.
Once you have selected the best neurologist for your unique case, Zocdoc will instantly assist you in booking an appointment for your first neurologist session. All bookings with Zocdoc are free, fast, and secure. Finding the best neurologist nearby would never be easier!
Neurologists and Alzheimer's statistics in Florida
American Academy of Neurology's (AAN) data from 2020 on the top 10 US states with the highest number of neurologists found Florida ranked fourth with 863 neurologists, Florida homes 6% of all neurologists in the US.
Data from the University of California, Berkeley found that Florida is home to more than 9% of American Alzheimer's patients. A 2020 study by the Alzheimer's Association estimated 580 cases of Alzheimer's in 2020 in Florida and projected 720 cases of Alzheimer's patients by 2025, marking an increase in cases of 24.1%. The study also found that 6,725 people in Florida died where Alzheimer's was the primary cause in 2018, drawing the disease's mortality rate to 31.6%.
States such as Florida, with larger populations of older people, will have a more significant mortality burden due to Alzheimer's — a smaller load than other states when adjusting the rates for age.
Sources
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.