Every now and then, we all brush off a small tingle or new sensation we cannot explain. In our busy lives, we often ignore such subtle issues or think they are harmless pins and needles. What if they are not, though, and you have been ignoring some of the symptoms of a dangerous illness?
This article will identify some of the biggest neurological symptoms not to ignore. As you read through, try to understand whether they relate to your own situation and are a warning sign or not. If they are, you can find information at the bottom of the page to learn more about what to do about it.
Recognizing Changes in Sensation
You need to try to recognize any sensory changes as early as possible. This is because nerves are a very delicate organ, and damage to them can occur swiftly if not handled fast. Preventative care is thus the best option.
Some examples of changes you might want to look out for include:
Tingling or Numbness
This is a common neurological symptom that can often indicate nerve damage or compression on a nerve. Issues such as carpal tunnel syndrome or diabetic neuropathy can cause these feelings, and as such, you will want to get checked to rule them out.
Sensory Loss
If you have a reduction or sudden absence of sensation in certain areas of the body, this is often due to compression to an area. It could be something else, though, as diseases such as multiple sclerosis also impact people in a similar way. If you have a sudden and severe loss in sensation, though, make sure to seek immediate medical attention.
Alertness and Mental Confusion
It can be hard for one to recognize this sign in themselves, due to its very nature. Still, you are not only reading this list for yourself. Your friends and family may well suffer similar issues at some point, and you need to be there for them.
Common causes of mental confusion may be the side effects of medication or even simple dehydration. If the issue is sudden or acute, though, medical intervention may be necessary.
Confusion or Disorientation
When not caused by intoxication, disorientation is often a sign of a larger medical condition. It may be due to a stroke or even something more common, like a urinary tract infection.
Cognitive Impairment
Memory loss is a very scary symptom to occur to someone. If it happens, make sure to seek out neurological help as soon as possible. This may be due to anything from a stroke to a concussion, or even Alzheimer’s.
Physical Coordination Issues
If someone finds it harder to move around, and it is not due to disorientation, then nerves related to fine motor skills may be damaged. If you suspect this to be the case, try to see if you can replicate the coordination issue. If it was only once, it may be a brief period of blood loss to the region, though if it lasts longer, seek medical attention.
Examples of physical coordination issues might be:
- Tremors
- Changes to the gait
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty maintaining posture
Each of these on their own may be a problem. Many at the same time demand immediate attention.
Signs of a Stroke
A stroke is a sudden loss of blood to the head and can cause a section of the brain to shut down. The common way of diagnosing a stroke is through the F.A.S.T method.
Face
Does one side of their face droop, especially when smiling? This suggests a lack of control over the area.
Arms
Does one arm drift down when the person raises them both? Another sign would be a complete loss of movement.
Speech
Is the person’s speech slurred? Do they sound strange when asked to repeat a simple phrase?
Time
If the above examples are true, the person needs emergency medical treatment. They may also need long-term care that only a professional clinic can provide.
Chronic Headaches or Migraines
Even if you have regular headaches, a sudden change in their frequency or severity could be a sign of a larger problem. If there are neurological issues, these headaches will often appear alongside other symptoms, such as:
- Visual disturbances
- Numbness
- Speech issues
If any of these occur, you should seek medical attention.
At the same time, if headaches slowly and consistently get worse, talk to a doctor about possible causes. The last thing you want is for them to get so bad you can no longer seek out a doctor yourself.
Another thing to watch out for is waking up with a headache. If this occurs frequently, it may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Other Neurological Symptoms Not to Ignore
While the above are the most common symptoms people face that link to neurological issues, there are many more examples. Make sure to not wait too long if you start to develop any of the following, especially if they do not go away on their own.
- Blurred or Double vision
- Hallucinations
- Eye pain
- Eye movement issues
- Difficulty swallowing
- Ringing in the ears
- Hearing loss
- Unexplained nausea or vomiting
- Shaking or Convulsions
- Difficulty understanding speech
- Changes to taste or smell
- Impaired judgment
- Insomnia or sleep disturbances
- Excessive sleepiness
- Muscle rigidity
- Unusual head tilts in children
- Sudden incontinence
- Chronic pain with no cause
While some of these may have innocent explanations, you should not ignore any sudden changes to your body. Make sure to talk to a healthcare provider to get a professional opinion.
Consulting a Doctor experienced in Neurological Disorders
In recognizing some of the biggest potential issues, you may be taking a step toward safeguarding your health and that of those around you. With this list of neurological symptoms not to ignore, you can talk to your friends and family about not only your body but any problems they may have too.
If you or anyone you know has experienced any of the above symptoms, make sure to get in contact with Neurocare of Nevada. We can prioritize your health and make sure you receive the care your situation demands.
