A neurologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats various types of problems with the nervous system and the brain. This medical professional isn’t a surgeon. Your physician might recommend that you see a neurologist in Las Vegas, NV if they feel you have an illness that requires expert care.

A neurologist will have at least one college degree as well as four years of medical school. In addition, they will have one year of internship and three years of specialized neurology training. Many expert Las Vegas neurologists like Dr. Russell Shah will also end up spending additional time studying about specialized fields such as a pain management and movement disorders.

Some Of The Conditions That Neurologists Treat Include:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease or ALS)

• Parkinson’s disease

• Alzheimer’s disease

• Multiple sclerosis

• Back pain

• Brain & spinal cord infection/ injury

• Headaches

• Epilepsy

• Brain tumor

• Peripheral neuropathy (a disease that affects your nerves)

• Pinched nerves

• Stroke

• Seizures

• Tremors (uncontrollable movements)

If you are suffering from any of these conditions, you might be curious about what to expect when visiting your neurologist in Las Vegas.

Neurological Exam

You do not need to prepare for the neurological examination. The expert will attempt to reach the right diagnosis by conducting some tests related to reactions and normal movements. A neurological examination can sometimes become quite lengthy. This is primarily because everything from our sense of touch and digestion to muscle movements and breathing is all controlled by our nervous system.

The examinations that the doctor conducts are not painful, but they can sometimes be slightly unpleasant. A neurological exam follows a very clear structure:

1. Medical History

It will start off with a basic talk. The neurologist will ask you about your medical conditions and symptoms, current as well as any that you have suffered from in the past. In short, they will get detailed information about your medical history.

2. Basic Physical Exam

He will then look for some visible signs of your medical conditions. This could include things such as your posture, the manner in which you walk, difficulties with specific movements, your sense of balance etc. The expert will then conduct a short physical examination in which he will measure your pulse and listen to your heart and lungs. Once these basic exams have been completed, he will conduct certain tests.

3. The Tests

The amount of testing required and the exact procedure followed, will depend on what your symptoms are, and the nature of the suspected medical condition. Every part of the body right from the leg muscle to the brain could be impacted by a neurological condition. It’s why the tests would be carried out in any of these areas.

In the event that the patient is unable to actively participate in these tests on their own, or cannot answer questions easily, a family member or friend can help. In most instances the following bodily and nerve functions are tested:

• Mental status

• Vision

• Speech

• Sensation (ability to feel things)

• Strength

• Reflexes

• Coordination

Diagnostic Tests

Once the neurologist has conducted the exam, he would have a pretty good idea of what your diagnosis is. However, you would probably also need some tests to confirm it. Depending on what your symptoms are, these tests could include:

• Blood & urine tests which test for toxins, protein disorders or infections.

• Imaging tests of the spine/brain to look for brain damage, tumors or problems with your discs, nerves, blood vessels, or bones.

• An EEG (electroencephalograph) which is a study of your brain’s function. This will be done in case you are having seizures. Electrodes will be put on your scalp- they are connected to a machine via wires. This machine records your brain’s electrical activity.

• An EMG (electromyogram) will be conducted. This test checks the communication between a muscle and a nerve. A needle may be inserted into a muscle or electrodes will be placed on your skin in this test.

• Evoked potentials are a series of tests that measure your brain’s response to stimulation of certain nerves, your hearing, and vision. These are very similar to an EEG. However, the neurologist in Las Vegas, NV will flash lights or play sounds to see what the response of your brain is.

• A lumbar puncture or spinal tap will be done. In this, a small amount of fluid will be taken from your spine and tests will be conducted to look for blood or infection.

• A nerve/muscle biopsy to look for signs of specific neuromuscular disorders. A very small amount of tissue will be taken and scrutinized under a microscope.

How To Get the Most Out Of Your Visit

It’s a good idea to prepare for your neurology consultation:

• Make detailed notes of all your symptoms as well as other health information including allergies, previous illnesses, medications and your family’s medical history.

• Create a list of questions to ask.

• Ensure that your previous test results are sent to the neurologist. You have the option to take them with you.

• Have a family member or friend accompany you to ensure that you don’t miss anything.

• During the consultation, the neurologist will give you a significant amount of information; it a good idea to take some notes.

• Don’t hesitate to ask questions if you need more clarity about something.

• It’s very important that you understand the diagnosis as well as a treatment plan that the neurologist in Las Vegas, Nevada provides.

Dr. Russell Shah- Radar Medical’s Neurologist

Dr. Shah has extensive experience in this field and is a reputed Las Vegas neurologist. He uses the latest diagnostic tools while conducting a patient’s examination. This gives him a very clear understanding of what the underlying cause of the medical problem is before he offers suitable solutions. The doctor treats a range of illnesses and conditions including:

When you choose to get treated for your condition by a reputed and credible neurologist Las Vegas, NV, like Dr Russell Shah, you can rest assured that you are consulting the best. If you want to know more about our services, don’t hesitate to call Radar Medical at 702 644 0500 or get in touch through our contact us form.