Neurological Care Services at Advanced Cardiology & Primary Care LLC Include:
“Neurological conditions affect many people, including the elderly. We see patients with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, migraines, neuropathy and other common neurological problems. If you think you have a condition requiring neurological care, we are happy to see you.”
Neurology 101
Neurology is the branch of medicine dealing with problems affecting the nervous system. Your nervous system controls both voluntary and involuntary actions and movements. It is divided into two branches, the central nervous system, which includes the brain and the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, which is comprised of nerves which communicate (send signals) between the brain and the spinal cord and the rest of your body. Different types of nerves perform different types of functions:
- cranial nerves- connect the brain to the face, eyes, ears, mouth and other areas of your head
- peripheral nerves- connect the brain to your extremities (arms and hands, legs and feet)
- autonomic nerves- connect the spinal cord to your stomach, intestines, heart, lungs, bladder and sex organs
Of course, this is a very simplified explanation of your nervous system, which is an extremely complex system. As a result of its complexity and its functioning, neurological problems can cause a wide range of symptoms.
What are common symptoms requiring neurological care?
The following is a list of common symptoms/conditions that we see in our clinic:
- tremors/Parkinson’s disease
- migraines/headaches
- facial pain (trigeminal neuralgia)
- cognitive dysfunction (Alzheimer’s/dementia)
- numbness/tingling in the extremities (peripheral neuropathy)
- dizziness/vertigo
- seizure disorders
- restless legs syndrome
- sleep apnea
- sciatica/back pain
What can I expect when I visit Advanced Cardiology & Primary Care LLC?
If you come in to see us with a neurological complaint (or what we suspect may be a neurological problem), we will begin by asking you about your symptoms- how long have you had them, what makes them better or worse and if they are getting worse over time. We’ll ask about your family history, your past medical history and any medications you are taking.
We will perform an exam which may be limited to a specific area or may include your entire body. We may test your reflexes, check your vision and/or hearing, watch you walk, test for sensation in your extremities or check for other signs of a neurological condition. What we do will be largely dependent on what brought you in to see us.
We may order tests depending on your symptoms and the results of our examination. Tests may include blood work, some of which can be done here in the clinic. Sometimes specialized tests are required, such as CT scans, MRIs or other imaging exams. If we feel such a test is necessary, arrangements can be made through the clinic.
Why is seeing a primary care family doctor important?
We are trained in treating problems, which means that we have specialized training in treating problems affecting the elderly, including neurological conditions. Chances are, we have treated other patients with your condition or symptoms. Rest assured, however, that if we can’t get to the bottom of what is causing your symptoms we can help you find a variety of different doctors in other fields to get you the comprehensive treatment you need.
If you are experiencing headaches, migraines, numbness and tingling, pain or other symptoms that you feel may be related to a neurological condition, make an appointment today to come in and see us. With some neurological conditions, it is important that you receive a diagnosis and receive the proper treatment as soon as possible, so don’t delay- make an appointment today.