Users' questions 

Why would a doctor send someone to a neurologist?

Leia Doyle

Why would a doctor send someone to a neurologist?

Your doctor might refer you to a neurologist if you’re having symptoms that could be caused by a neurological condition, such as pain, memory loss, trouble with balance, or tremors. A neurologist can order specialized testing to help diagnose your condition.

What does neurologist check for?

A neurological examination assesses motor and sensory skills, hearing and speech, vision, coordination, and balance. It may also test mental status, mood, and behavior. The examination uses tools such as a tuning fork, flashlight, reflex hammer, and a tool for examining the eye.

What tests do neurologists order?

These tests may include one or more of the following:

  • Blood and/or urine tests.
  • Imaging tests such as an x-ray or MRI.
  • A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) test.
  • Biopsy.
  • Tests, such as electroencephalography (EEG) and electromyography (EMG), which use small electric sensors to measure brain activity and nerve function.

Why would I be referred to a neurologist after MRI?

If your GP suspects the presence of a brain tumour they will refer you to a neurologist for further tests. The only definite way to establish if a tumour is present is to use a CT or MRI scan, for which the neurologist can refer you.

What does a neurologist do on your first visit?

During your first appointment, a Neurologist will likely ask you to participate in a physical exam and neurological exam. Neurological exams are tests that measure muscle strength, sensation, reflexes, and coordination. Because of the complexity of the nervous system, you may be asked to undergo further testing.

Why would I be referred to a neurologist NHS?

Neurologists treat any disease of the body’s systems that affects neurological function. High blood pressure, for example, is a cardiac problem, but if it causes a stroke (a sudden loss of blood supply to the brain) the problem becomes a neurological one as well.

What happens if the central nervous system is damaged?

You may experience the sudden onset of one or more symptoms, such as: Numbness, tingling, weakness, or inability to move a part or all of one side of the body (paralysis). Dimness, blurring, double vision, or loss of vision in one or both eyes. Loss of speech, trouble talking, or trouble understanding speech.

What will a neurologist do on my first visit?

Can you see inflammation on an MRI?

MRI allows to assess the soft tissue and bone marrow involvement in case of inflammation and/or infection. MRI is capable of detecting more inflammatory lesions and erosions than US, X-ray, or CT.