Neurological symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or cognitive impairment may have many possible causes. If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms, it’s important to consult a neurologist. Sometimes they can be a side effect of something simple, but other times they can indicate a more serious problem. So, it’s better to be safe and get a medical opinion. For now, check out the possible causes of some common neurological symptoms.
1. Headaches
Headaches may be a symptom of many conditions, not all of them neurological. The International Headache Society breaks headache disorders into two categories: primary headache disorders and secondary headache disorders. Primary headache disorders are based on symptoms and secondary headache disorders are based on their causes. Many people experience headaches, but if they are recurrent and severe you should contact a neurologist. Some causes of headaches include:
- Migraine
- Head injury
- Brain tumor
- Strained eyes
- Neck or back strain
2. Muscle Weakness
Muscle weakness is when your muscles don’t move or contract at full strength when you’re putting full effort into the action. It may also be described as reduced muscle strength. Weakness may occur when you’re fatigued or due to overusing muscles during an intense workout. However, persistent muscle weakness may be a neurological symptom of:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Stroke
- Herniated disk
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Neuralgia
- Peripheral neuropathy
3. Seizures
A seizure is a sudden electrical disturbance in the brain. It can cause changes in behavior, feelings, or movements. It can also affect levels of consciousness. There are several types of seizures with symptoms that depend on where in the brain they begin. Having recurrent seizures may be an indicator of epilepsy. Conditions that can cause seizures include:
- Epilepsy
- Stroke
- Brain tumor
- Head trauma
4. Impaired Sensation
Impaired sensation is a feeling of numbness or loss of sensation in one or more body parts. Sometimes this is due to a physical injury but it can be a neurological symptom as well. Neurological conditions that may cause impaired sensation include:
- Head injury
- Brain tumor
- Stroke
- Peripheral neuropathy
5. Dizziness
Dizziness used to describe sensations of faintness, weakness, or unsteadiness. It can also create a false sense of motion or spinning, which is a sign of vertigo. Dizziness is a common neurological symptom but it may be caused by a condition not related to the nervous system. Possible causes of dizziness include:
- Migraine
- Middle ear problems
- Motion sickness
- Side effects of medication
6. Tremors
A Tremor is a rhythmical movement of an arm, leg, or another body part. They may come and go throughout the day and become more violent or change in speed over time. Possible neurological causes of tremor include:
- Stroke
- Multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Traumatic brain injury
7. Slurred Speech
Slurred speech is a neurological symptom that can include mumbling, poor pronunciation, or changes in speed or rhythm while someone is talking. Slurred speech may be caused by alcohol or drug intoxication, but it also may be a neurological symptom of:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Multiple sclerosis
- Bell’s palsy
- Cerebral palsy
- Muscular dystrophy
- Parkinson’s disease
8. Cognitive Impairment
Cognitive impairment describes the decline of mental capabilities like thinking, memory, judgment, and language. Cognitive decline happens gradually with age, but it can also be a symptom of a neurological condition such as:
- Dementia (including Alzheimer’s disease)
- Depression or psychiatric disorders
- Head injury
- Brain tumor
9. Vision Problems
Some vision problems are neurological symptoms rather than problems with the eyes. Symptoms like blurred vision, light sensitivity, reduced vision, or spotty visions can be associated with neurological problems like:
- Migraine
- Multiple sclerosis
- Brain tumor
- Optic neuropathy
- Parkinson’s disease
- Alzheimer’s disease
Regional Neurological Associates is happy to report we are reopening to see patients in-office to evaluate neurological symptoms. Patients can now make same-day appointments and expect to be treated with the best care and attention. Our current office hours are: Monday – Friday from 9 am – 4 pm. If you have questions or concerns about your neurological health, call us at (718) 515-4347 to make an appointment.
While we are pleased to be seeing patients in the office again, we ask that anyone experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath reschedule your appointment or schedule a telemedicine appointment. Please contact our office to change your in-person visit to a Telehealth visit (718) 515-4347.
