Seeking neurological care in the United States
All coordination and regulation occur in the human body via a sophisticated system of organs called the nervous system. A neurologist is a medical doctor with expertise in diagnosing and treating nervous system issues. Neurologists treat disorders such as strokes, multiple sclerosis, headache disorders, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, etc., but they cannot perform surgery. If they find the need for surgery, they can refer patients to neurosurgeons.
What kind of education and training do neurologists receive?
To become a neurologist, one must undertake at least four years of pre-medical studies at a college or university, after which it is essential to acquire four years of medical school training. It leads to earning an M.D. or D.O. degree (Doctor of Medicine or Osteopathy). After completing a one-year internship in surgery, internal medicine, or medicine, one must complete at least three years as a neurology resident to attain the qualification of a neurologist.
Neurologists can also get trained in specialized subsets of neurology, such as:
- Sleep medicine
- Pain management
- Movement disorders
- Neuromuscular disorders
- Neuro-oncology
- Interventional neuroradiology
What do neurologists do?
It is a common misconception that neurologists can undertake treatment of mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety. A neurologist's practice primarily focuses on treating physical conditions like brain or nervous system damage. A doctor trained in neuropsychology, a specialized field of neurology, may assist in this domain.
They examine the interrelationship between the brain and a person's actions, treating how the brain influences everyday life. Through strategies and interventions, a neuropsychologist can help you manage your condition. However, they cannot prescribe any medications.
The importance of neurologists in healthcare
As experts in the field, neurologists provide information and education about brain health to patients and caregivers in medical settings and healthcare policy. By emphasizing the importance of lifelong brain health during preventative care, neurologists empower patients and caregivers to advocate for themselves. Various neurological conditions affect the central and peripheral nervous systems, and neurologists treat them all.
Neurologists play a more expansive role in brain health than prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. They help to push the field forward by providing information on disease prevention and advocating for better access to care. To make similar progress in brain health as with other areas like heart disease or cancer, it is vital that terms such as 'brain health' become commonplace.
What are the various procedures performed by neurologists?
Neurologists perform a variety of procedures to help diagnose and treat neurological conditions. These procedures include:
- Lumbar puncture: During this procedure, the neurologist will insert a needle into the spine to collect a sample of spinal fluid. Spinal fluid is the clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. The neurologist can test it for abnormalities that may indicate a neurological condition.
- Tensilon test: Tensilon, a medication used to diagnose myasthenia gravis, temporarily enhances muscle strength by inhibiting the breakdown of acetylcholine, a crucial neurotransmitter involved in muscle movement. This temporary boost in muscle strength is a potential indicator of myasthenia gravis or a similar neurological disorder.
- Electromyography (EMG): This test measures the muscles' electrical activity. Neurologists use it to diagnose muscle, nerve, and spinal cord disorders. During the test, the specialist inserts small electrodes into the muscles. The electrodes detect muscle contraction and relaxation.
- Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test: This test measures the speed of the electrical signals sent along the nerves. Neurologists use it to diagnose nerve damage. During the test, they place electrodes on the skin over the nerves. They then apply small electrical currents to the nerves, and the speed at which the currents travel is measured.
- Electroencephalogram (EEG): This test measures the brain's electrical activity. It can diagnose seizures, brain tumors, and other brain disorders. During the test, the specialist places electrodes on the scalp. The electrodes measure and record the brain's electrical activity on a graph.
- Sleep study: Individuals experiencing persistent sleep disturbances undergo a Sleep Study, formally known as a Polysomnogram (PSG), to obtain a diagnosis. This comprehensive evaluation continuously monitors physiological parameters throughout the patient's sleep cycle. A neurologist meticulously analyzes this gathered data to identify potential sleep disorders. Typically, they conduct sleep studies in specialized facilities known as sleep labs.
- Angiography: This test uses X-rays to visualize blood vessels. It can diagnose blockages or narrowing of blood vessels in the brain or neck.
These are just a few of the many procedures that neurologists may perform. The specific procedures the specialist performs will depend on the patient's condition.
How does a neurologist diagnose conditions?
Neurologists diagnose conditions by reviewing your medical, family, and medication history and assessing any current symptoms. They conduct a neurological examination that tests your coordination, balance, sensation, reflexes, gait, muscle strength, mental health, vision, hearing, and speech.
In addition, your neurologist may request blood, urine, or other fluid tests to evaluate the severity of your condition or monitor medication levels. The neurologist may order genetic testing to identify inherited disorders. They may utilize imaging studies of your nervous system to assist in the diagnosis. Neurologists treat patients using medications, physical therapy, or other therapeutic methods.
When should you see a neurologist, and how do you prevent its need?
If you think a visit to the neurologist may be needed, immediately conduct the F.A.S.T. Test to clarify all doubts:
- Face (F): Ask the suspected patient to smile and take note if the smile is crooked.
- Arm (A): Ask them to raise an arm and note whether an arm drifts down.
- Speech (S): Say a phrase aloud and ask the person to repeat it. Does their speech sound strange? Take note of any slurring that may be taking place.
- Time (T): If any of the above observations are accurate, do not waste time and quickly call 911. The person may be having a stroke, requiring immediate neurologist attention.
Other symptoms that may indicate the need to see a neurologist are coordination issues, muscle weakness, bouts of confusion and dizziness, a change in sensation, numbness, memory loss, unexplained pain, tremors, difficulty with balance, etc. People experiencing sensory issues, such as problems with touch, vision, smell, etc., must also seek the services of the best neurologist near them. The neurologist will assess these symptoms, conduct tests to reach a diagnosis, and start treatment.
One must adopt a health-promoting lifestyle to reduce the risk of developing a neurological disorder. Switching to a nutrient-rich diet, avoiding tobacco, abstaining from alcohol, and increasing physical activity can all be preventative measures.
What are the nutrients that help to optimize the nervous system?
A few nutrients help optimize nervous system function: omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and probiotics. Here is a detailed understanding of the importance of these essential nutrients:
- Since the nervous system is made up of cells called neurons, its function can suffer due to various factors, including a lack of nutrition and minerals. Nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, can positively impact nervous system function. Oily fish, flaxseed, and chia seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids.
- Magnesium is a crucial mineral for nervous system function. It helps maintain normal nerve conduction and supports the release of neurotransmitters. Magnesium deficiency can lead to anxiety, irritability, and muscle cramps. Magnesium is crucial to many cellular processes, including energy production and transferring stimulus from the brain to the body. Dark leafy greens, seeds, as well as nuts are great sources of magnesium.
- Probiotics help maintain a healthy gut microbiome as they are beneficial bacteria. These bacteria can be helpful for the nervous system as gut health improves with reduced inflammation and stress levels. Yogurt, sauerkraut, and kimchi are popular sources of probiotics.
How do you prepare for a visit to a neurologist?
It is important to come prepared to make the most of your first appointment with a neurologist. Start by listing the key issues you want to discuss, including any changes in your overall health or new symptoms. It helps to keep a symptom diary, noting the time and date of their duration, severity, triggers, and the actions you took to manage them. This is especially useful for conditions like epilepsy, sleep apnea, headaches, or Parkinson's disease, where symptoms are not constant.
Bring copies of relevant test results, including images and lab work, from healthcare providers outside your neurologist's network. Also, list all current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. Inform your neurologist of any previous medications that didn’t work or caused side effects, and also provide a list of known allergies.
It’s a good idea to bring a friend/family member to the appointment to help take notes, ask questions, and ensure you don’t miss any important details. Finally, ask your neurologist if you should schedule another appointment to address any additional concerns.
Finding the best neurologist near you
Neurological disorders can cause lasting physical damage or even be life-threatening. Thus, finding a neurologist in your vicinity that suits your needs becomes essential. You can do so easily through Zocdoc. To find one in your vicinity in Washington, DC, you can enter the details of your area, and Zocdoc will generate a list of neurological practitioners near you.
You can easily navigate through it, owing to Zocdoc's user-friendly interface. You can browse the repository to find pertinent information about the practitioners' qualifications, licensure, experience, expertise, spoken languages, etc. You can also find out if they cater to your particular insurance plan.
If you need assistance finding neurologists who accept your insurance, our online patient help center is here to help. Using Zocdoc, you can link your medical, dental, and vision insurance plans to your account, but remember that you can use only one insurance plan per appointment. Those with multiple insurance plans can add their secondary insurance information to the appointment notes. Additionally, if your healthcare provider uses Zocdoc's Intake forms, you can also enter your secondary insurance details there.
Reliable reviews from previously treated patients verified by Zocdoc also help you objectively decide upon a neurologist through their feedback and experience. Once you have browsed to your satisfaction, you can book an appointment. You can book an in-person or remote appointment safely and securely.
Booking appointments with the best neurologists near you through Zocdoc is easy, quick, and free!
Statistics on neurologist workforce and cognitive degeneration in Washington DC
According to 2010 data published by the American Academy of Neurology, there are nearly 11 neurologists for every 100,000 people in Washington, DC.
As per the findings of the Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's is slowly becoming a health crisis in the state of Washington. It gripped around 120,000 people aged 65, and more than 11% of Washington residents over 45 have subjective cognitive decline. Alzheimer's has cost the state Medicaid program nearly $547 million.
As part of a national collaboration between the Veterans Administration, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, Washington is home to a state-run Community Living Connections Network (CLC). It enables people with Alzheimer's Disease, memory loss, or dementia and their caregivers and representatives by providing them with multiple valuable resources. It provides counseling, assistance, care transition support, referrals, etc.
Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Washington state, as of 2020, nearly 10% of residents aged 50 to 64 reported subjective cognitive deadlines or memory impairment. In the age bracket of 65 and older, this number stood at 9.4%.
Almost 43% of people aged between 50 and 64 and 30% of people aged 65 and above indicated that their cognitive decline was such that it hampered their ability to partake in social activities or regular chores. Approximately 30% of people between 50 and 64 years and 27% who were 65 and above also stated that they required assistance carrying out day-to-day activities. In the age categories mentioned above, about 49.6% of residents reported seeking professional medical help for their cognitive decline and nearly 49.2% for memory loss.
Sources
University of Rochester Medical Center
Healthline[1]
Healthline[2]
American Academy of Neurology
NCD Alliance
Alzheimer's Association
Community Living Connections
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
World Federation of Neurology
Reliant Medical Group
Cleveland Clinic
