Frequently Asked
Questions
A neurologist is a doctor
who has trained in the diagnosis and treatment of nervous system disorders,
including diseases of the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles.
Neurologists conduct examinations of the nerves of the body, muscle strength
and movement, balance, ambulation, reflexes, sensation, memory, speech,
language, and other cognitive abilities. They also trained to interpret diagnostic tests
such as the following: CAT (computed axial tomography) scan, MRI/MRA
(magnetic resonance imaging/magnetic resonance angiography), lumbar puncture
(spinal tap), EEG (electroencephalography), EMG/NCV (electromyography/nerve
conduction velocity).
First, protect the person
from injury. Move nearby objects that may cause harm if hit. This includes
objects that may fall. Do not force anything into their mouth, including
their fingers. Attempt to roll the person onto their side, with the mouth
down. Do not attempt to restrain the person. After the seizure, stay with
the person, as they are often confused for a short period. Call 911 if the
person stops breathing, the seizure lasts longer than 5 minutes, has more
than one seizure in an hour, remains confused or complains of a severe
headache after the seizure, or for any other concerning signs. For more
complete information visit the Patient Education page of this website.
There are certain migraine
triggers that if avoided may reduce your risk of headache. Dietary triggers
include alcoholic beverages, cheese, sour cream, yogurt, chocolate, nuts,
citrus, caffeine, dairy products and food additives such as nitrites, MSG or
aspartame. Likely environmental triggers include bright light, perfumes,
cigarette smoke, motion, and weather changes. Lifestyle factors include
stress, fatigue, cigarette smoking, and irregular eating habits. Hormonal
factors include puberty, menstruation, menopause, pregnancy, birth control
pills and estrogen replacement therapy. The Patient Education section of
this site contains additional information.
To assist someone with
dementia you should utilize a team approach with support from healthcare
professionals and caregivers trained in dementia. You can make sure that the
home environment is safe by removing throw rugs and installing handrails in
bathrooms, placing a list of important phone numbers by the phone, and
removing knives and other sharp utensils from the kitchen. At times access
to the kitchen must be prevented to protect against improper use of the
stove or oven. The use of medical ID bracelets are important for dementia
patients that wander. For more complete information visit the Patient
Education page of this website.
An EMG/NCV
(electromyogram/nerve conduction velocity) is a study used to measure
electrical impulses that are transmitted from the nerves and, if present,
can diagnose nerve and muscle disorders. The location and extent of disease
can also be determined. Disorders such as a herniated disc, carpal tunnel
syndrome or myasthenia gravis are some of the diseases that can be detected
with EMG/NCV.
Stroke is likely a result
of multiple risk factors that include both genetic and environmental. The
vast majority of strokes are caused by blood clots that block blood flow to
the brain. Research shows that certain stroke patients are more than twice
as likely to have a parent or sibling with a history of stroke. Family
history is an important non-modifiable stroke risk factor as are advancing
age and male sex. Modifiable risk factors include obesity, inactivity,
excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse and tobacco use. For those
individuals with a family history of stroke it is crucial lifestyle changes
are made to decrease stroke risk. The Patient Education section of this site
contains additional information.
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