Expert Author Anna Woodward
Having a neurological issue can be a very scary prospect. To determine whether your issue is serious or not, you need to visit a neurological treatment center. There, they can perform a series of tests and diagnostics to pinpoint the source of your issue, and identify treatment options. Here is an overview of common symptoms and conditions so that you can be prepared when you visit your medical professional.
100 years ago, the only way to determine whether someone had an issue in their brain was to perform an autopsy after they had died. Now, with the advent of modern medicine, there are a variety of ways a doctor can determine which medical condition you may be suffering from. A major advance in this field is MRI's and fMRI's. The abbreviation MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, or functional magnetic resonance imaging. These diagnostic machines offer doctors the opportunity to see the brain's functioning almost instantly, instead of having to wait days or even weeks for images to be produced, as was the case with older machines. By tracing the elements of iron in the blood through magnets, doctors can see the flow of blood from one area of the brain to the other, and as such trace brain activity and identify any abnormalities.
Besides imaging tests, there are also laboratory-screening tests that can be performed at a neurological treatment center to determine if there are any issues. Individuals' blood, urine, and other substances can be used to diagnose disease and understand the processes of the disease. For example , if you have a spinal cord or brain infection or blood vessel damage, antibodies can be identified in a blood sample that will shed light on the disease and how it has progressed. One can also test the levels of certain pharmaceutical drugs in the system to determine whether they are working appropriately or if the levels need to be checked.
There are a very wide range of disorders that can affect the brain and the nervous system. There are also a number of symptoms that could be attributed to such a disorder. Common symptoms that could be caused by a wide range of disorders include numbness in the legs or arms, difficulty balancing, severe headaches and sensitivity to light, as well as tremors. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, consulting a medical professional is well advised. There are also a number of psychological symptoms that could be caused by disease of the brain or nervous system. These symptoms include persistent loss of short-term memory, difficulty speaking, increased frustration or anger, and many others.