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Showing posts with label neurology. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neurology. Show all posts

Monday, February 6, 2012

Alzheimers patients not alone in Concord NC area!


Alzheimer's patients experience an array of symptoms that may go unnoticed at first, but gradually become more of a concern as patients show an increase in the confusion and forgetfulness that are hallmarks of the disorder. Alzheimer's disease is not a normal part of aging, and knowing its early symptoms can help patients and loved ones find early treatment. There is no test for Alzheimer's, but there are ten warning signs that can help you decide whether a visit to a neurologist is necessary.  Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatment is available and research continues to make strides in understanding this complex neurological disorder.

Alzheimer's 10 warning signs helpful patient tool
Alzheimer's is not a normal sign of aging, though most patients it affects are age 65 and older. Diagnosed by neurologists,Alzheimer's disease is a type of dementia which causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. It is progressive and the stages of Alzheimer's develop slowly. Sometimes it is difficult to know whether forgetting your car keys, or that feeling of wanting to say something that is right on the tip of your tongue but you just cannot remember the word, is typical or something to be concerned about. The Alzheimer's Association has 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's symptoms, to help alleviate anxiety, or raise a red flag is necessary. If you or someone you love is experiencing neurology symptoms that include memory that disrupts daily life; challenges in planning or solving problems; difficulty completing familiar tasks at home, at work, or at leisure; confusion with time or place; trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships; new problems with words in speaking or writing; misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps; decreased or poor judgment; withdrawal from work or social activities; or changes in mood or personality, make a call to the Huntersville NC specialists at NorthEast Neurology for an assessment to see if these symptoms may indicate a diagnosis of Alzheimer's.

Can Alzheimer's be prevented?
Alzheimer's currently has no cure but its prevention is something researchers continue to explore. Neurologists treat symptoms of Alzheimer's with a variety of strategies, and there are some medications that show promise in treating early symptoms. Still, patients want to know what they can do to prevent symptoms from occurring, and research does point to some interesting strategies. There is no preventive drug on the market now for Alzheimer's disease, but research is ongoing and making strides. Researchers know that the risk of Alzheimer's symptoms and dementia increases as a result of many conditions that damage the heart and blood vessels, such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and high cholesterol. Controlling cardiovascular risk factors may also protect brain health. Regular physical exercise may also be a factor in lowering the risk of Alzheimer's. Heart healthy eating patterns, such as a Mediterranean diet that emphasizes nuts, whole grains, olive oil, fish and shellfish, fruits and vegetables, as well as limits red meats, may stave off Alzheimer's and other dementia symptoms. Getting out and socializing with friends and family is also another exciting find among Alzheimer's researchers. One of the newest and strongest links discovered is between head trauma and the development of Alzheimer's.  Alzheimer's has no cure and there is no preventative treatment on the market, but lifestyle changes are something all Concord patients can focus on to do their part to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's.

Alzheimer's is a complex disease and sometimes difficult to diagnose because patients may not recognize symptoms. Neurologists encourage patients to know the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's so an early diagnosis can be made and treatment begun for Alzheimer's symptoms.  Patients do not have to feel helpless to prevent Alzheimer's, as the latest research shows a heart and brain connection that can be addressed right now from home. Alzheimer's is best identified by neurologists, and if you suspect you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, call the expert physicians at NorthEast Neurology for an appointment today!

Monday, January 23, 2012

MS symptoms treatable in Concord NC!


MS symptoms are as unique as the individual they strike. No two people have exactly the same symptoms,which may fluctuate over time, making the disorder a challenge to diagnose. Early symptoms of MS can be hard to spot, but neurologists are able to determine if you are experiencing early symptoms of MS through a neurological exam and tests that include magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), evoked potentials (EP), and spinal fluid analysis. If you think you are experiencing MS symptoms, call the neurologists at NorthEast Neurology for an appointment today!

Early symptoms of MS hard to spot

MS symptoms can wax and wane, making it difficult for patients to know what they are experiencing. Early symptoms of MS are even more difficult to identify, but the earlier patients seek treatment, the better the treatment prognosis. Understanding the most common MS symptoms can help identify if you are having early symptoms of MS, and then get the help you need from neurologists to stave off further progression. The most common MS symptoms include fatigue; numbness; walking; balance and coordination problems; bladder dysfunction and/or bowel dysfunction; vision problems; dizziness and vertigo; and sexual dysfunction. Numbness and vision problems are often the first symptoms experienced by people who are eventually diagnosed with MS. Numbness can occur in the face, body or limbs. Vision problems include a sudden onset of double vision, poor contrast, eye pain or heavy blurring. This symptom can be understandably terrifying, and often a cause of great anxiety about the future for people with multiple sclerosis. MS symptoms are frightening, but neurologists have more medications than ever that can stave off the development or recurrence of symptoms, especially if MS is caught in its earliest stages.

MS symptoms treated by medications and therapies

MS symptoms are treatable and can be managed quite effectively by neurologists at NorthEast Neurology Clinic. MS symptoms are managed through a combination of medication, self-care techniques, rehabilitation with a variety of therapists, and the use of assistive devices. Medications to modify the disease course are available to stave off symptoms, but there are also many medications that are used to treat symptoms as they occur. MS symptoms don’t have to be something Huntersville and Denver NC patients should grin and bear when neurologists have the knowledge, medicine and experience to help them live a more comfortable, productive life.

MS symptoms cover a broad spectrum, and some are more common than others. Early MS symptoms include fatigue, numbness of face, body or limbs, and vision problems. If you live in the Concord NC area and are experiencing any of these early MS symptoms, it is important to make an appointment with NorthEast Neurology to get the earliest and best treatment possible.

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Alzheimers disease versus normal aging symptoms


Most people do not know the early symptoms of Alzheimers disease. They would even mistake these symptoms for normal signs of aging. Best treated when diagnosed early, Alzheimers have symptoms that must be distinguished from normal age-related memory loss and confusion. Because there is no single test for Alzheimers; neurologists recommend the following:
  • a thorough medical exam
  • mental status testing
  • physical exam
  • neurological exam
Other tests may also be conducted to rule out other contributing factors to dementia-like symptoms. According to the Alzheimers Association, the following are Alzheimers symptoms  that mimic normal aging :
  • memory changes that disrupt daily life
  • challenges in planning or solving problems
  • difficulty completing normal tasks
  • confusion with time or place
  • trouble understanding visual images or spatial relationships
  • new problems with words in speaking or writing
  • misplacing things and losing the ability to retrace steps
  • decreased or poor judgment
  • withdrawal from work or social activities
  • changes in mood or personality

Normal aging symptoms are mild and do not progress in frequency or severity. To know whether you or a loved one is experiencing early signs of Alzheimers, the best thing to do is schedule a neurology appointment for a thorough medical exam. NorthEast Neurology provides a caring and understanding neurological staff to help, at locations in Concord, Huntersville, and Denver NC.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

NorthEast Neurology: Three NC locations for your neurology needs


Neurology, a medical specialty of brain and nervous system, covers variety of diseases, disorders. NorthEast Neurology in Concord, Huntersville and Denver NC area offer diagnosis and treatment for stroke, Alzheimers disease and other memory disturbances, headache, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinsons disease and other movement disorders, sleep disorders, and neuropathy. 


Nonthreatening care at NorthEast Neurology
Are you experiencing debilitating symptoms such as confusion or blackouts, seizures or memory loss? The best neurologists in Concord, Huntersville and Denver NC, provides the best personalized care for neurological disorders in the area.

Tips on preparing for a neurological appointment
  • Write down all your questions in a notebook
  • Bring an advocate along for helpful support.
  • Make sure you have a complete health history available and also know your family history. 
  • If you had any medical procedures or x-rays taken before the visit, make sure to bring results with you. 
  • Bring relevant contact information along to the neurological clinic as well. 
  • Do not forget your insurance card and doctor referral if needed. 

Many patients feel intimidated with neurology. When patients start experiencing confusing symptoms that may affect their daily living they have to go to a neurological clinic for your neurology needs. If you have neurology questions and you want the best neurologists available, call NorthEast Neurology today! They have neurology associates in three locations: Concord, Huntersville, and Denver NC.  Visit NorthEastNeurology for more information.