Consultations
Dr. Danny Benmoshe at Los Angeles Neurology ensures each patient receives the thoughtful, compassionate care they deserve. While getting to know his patients and educating them on their diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Benmoshe takes a holistic approach to care.
What Does a Neurologist Do?
A neurologist is a physician who diagnoses and treats diseases of the central and peripheral nervous systems.
The central nervous system encompasses the brain and spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system comprises the remaining neural elements, such as eyes, ears, skin, and other sensory receptors.
The nervous system is the body’s command center, controlling every sensation and conscious and unconscious movement. Neurologists specialize in the anatomy of the nervous system and the conditions that affect the function of the nerves.
Neurologists diagnose and treat complex medical conditions by analyzing a patient’s health history and performing a physical examination. They often order and analyze neurologic tests, such as electroencephalography (EEG) and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCV), to determine the cause of a patient’s symptoms.
.svg)
Why Do People Go to the Neurologist?
When patients experience symptoms affecting their nervous systems, such as seizures, migraines, or tremors, a primary care doctor may refer them to a neurologist.
Neurologists use their deep knowledge of the nervous system to assess a patient’s medical history, family history, and current symptoms. From there, they identify and conduct the proper tests to evaluate:
These tests are critical to making an accurate diagnosis and creating a comprehensive treatment plan.
What Are Signs that You Need to See a Neurologist?
Any significant change in how you move, talk, or process information is a sign that you need to see a neurologist. If you understand the common symptoms of neurological disorders, you can seek treatment when they appear.
Memory Issues
While some forgetfulness is natural, memory concerns that affect your daily life can signal you need to visit a neurologist. Forgetfulness could be due to brain changes associated with dementia, or it could be a sign of another condition. A neurologist has the training to pinpoint the cause of your memory concerns.
Seizures
Seizures are signs of a disruption in the brain. While seizures may indicate epilepsy, they can also occur as a response to specific stimuli and will stop once the cause is identified and addressed. Your neurologist will perform tests to determine the cause of your seizures and develop a treatment plan to eliminate or reduce their occurrence.
Issues with Taste and Smell
Changes or issues with taste and smell are common symptoms of many neurological conditions, including facial and trigeminal nerve impairment, head trauma, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s disease. Neurologists can rule out or diagnose these conditions that are connected with sensory issues.
Numbness and Tingling Sensations, Tremors, or Pain
Numbness and tingling sensations, tremors, and burning or electrical shock-like pain in any body part are acute symptoms of several neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis or spinal cord damage.
As the reason for numbness, tremors, or nerve pain can vary widely, patients should see a neurologist to identify the cause and receive proper treatment.
Vertigo, Tinnitus, and Imbalances
Vertigo, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and imbalance in gait are often associated with inner ear disorders. However, these symptoms sometimes result from a problem with the vestibular nerve. Many patients with vestibular nerve conditions benefit from seeing a neurologist who can correctly identify and treat the root cause.
Facial Asymmetries
Several neurological conditions cause facial asymmetry, including facial nerve disorders, cranial nerve damage, myopathies, and severe headaches. A skilled neurologist can determine the cause of facial asymmetry and create a treatment plan.
Chronic Headaches or Migraines
Chronic headaches or migraines are the most common reasons patients visit a neurologist. While there is no single cure for migraines, a neurologist can identify triggers and prescribe medications to reduce their frequency and severity.
Sleeping Issues
Neurologists diagnose and treat sleeping disorders such as central sleep apnea, narcolepsy, insomnia, and restless leg syndrome. These conditions can result from neurological issues and require specialized treatment.
.svg)