Expert Neurology Care at Theochari Neurology
Headaches and Migraine
Headaches and migraines are among the most prevalent neurological conditions, including types like migraine, tension-type headache, and other primary and secondary headache disorders. Symptoms can manifest as throbbing or pressure-like pain, nausea, sensitivity to light or sound, and visual disturbances. For those experiencing headaches and migraines, it’s essential to consider a comprehensive approach, which may also involve concussion assessment for individuals with a history of head injuries.
Diagnosis typically relies on a thorough clinical history and examination, with further investigations arranged as needed. Management strategies may encompass acute treatment during attacks, preventive measures, and guidance on triggers and lifestyle factors.
Headaches & Migraine – FAQs
What is the difference between migraine and other headaches?
Migraine is a distinct neurological condition often linked with nausea, light or sound sensitivity, and visual symptoms. Other headaches may originate from different causes and therefore require varied treatments.
When should I see a neurologist for headaches?
If headaches are frequent, worsening, disabling, or unresponsive to treatment, a specialist assessment is strongly recommended.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Concussion
Concussion and head injury can lead to symptoms such as headaches and migraines, dizziness, memory difficulties, fatigue, and concentration problems. Some individuals may experience persistent symptoms that require careful evaluation. A thorough concussion assessment is essential to guide investigation and recovery, ensuring that any ongoing issues are addressed appropriately.
Concussion & Head Injury – FAQs
How long do concussion symptoms last? Many people recover within weeks, but some may require specialist follow-up for conditions like epilepsy treatment.
Should ongoing symptoms be assessed? Yes. Persistent symptoms benefit from a neurological review to ensure comprehensive care.
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Seizures, Fits, and “Funny Turns”
Episodes such as blackouts, collapses, seizures, or transient altered awareness can have many causes, including epilepsy, non-epileptic attacks, fainting, or cardiac conditions. A thorough concussion assessment may also be necessary in some cases to rule out head injuries as a cause of these episodes.
Diagnosis relies on detailed history-taking and selective use of investigations such as EEG or brain imaging. For those diagnosed with epilepsy, effective epilepsy treatment options exist, while management of episodes depends on the underlying diagnosis and may include medication, safety advice, and follow-up. It's important to consider other conditions as well, such as headaches and migraines, which can accompany these symptoms, and to ensure proper Parkinson's disease care if relevant.
Seizures & Blackouts – FAQs
Are all seizures caused by epilepsy?
No. Many seizure-like episodes are caused by non-epileptic conditions, which require different management.
Do I need an EEG to diagnose epilepsy?
An EEG can be helpful, but epilepsy is diagnosed primarily based on clinical assessment.
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)
Functional neurological disorder causes real neurological symptoms such as weakness, sensory changes, tremor, movement difficulties, or non-epileptic seizures, without structural damage to the nervous system. These symptoms can sometimes resemble those seen in concussion assessments, making accurate diagnosis essential.
Diagnosis is based on positive clinical signs. Management focuses on explanation, understanding symptoms, and a personalized treatment approach, which may also include considerations for epilepsy treatment and addressing associated conditions like headaches and migraines.
Functional Neurological Disorder – FAQs
Are FND symptoms real?
Yes. Symptoms are real and can be distressing, even though they are not caused by structural damage.
Can FND improve?
Many patients improve with clear diagnosis, explanation, and appropriate treatment and some may require specialised care by neuropsychiatry.
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Neurological Pain (Neuropathic Pain)
Neuropathic pain arises from nerve dysfunction and is often described as burning, shooting, or electric shock–like pain. This type of pain management differs from standard pain treatment and aims to improve comfort and function, similar to how specialized approaches are taken in concussion assessment or epilepsy treatment.
Neurological Pain – FAQs
How is nerve pain different from other pain?
It arises from nerve damage and often feels burning or shooting in nature.
Can nerve pain be managed?
Yes. Tailored treatment can significantly improve symptoms.
Cranial Neuropathies (Including Bell’s Palsy)
Cranial neuropathies affect nerves supplying the face, eyes, hearing, or swallowing muscles. Bell’s palsy is a common example of this condition, causing sudden facial weakness. Early assessment, including concussion assessment, is crucial as it helps guide treatment and recovery expectations for conditions like Bell's palsy, and also benefits those experiencing headaches and migraines.
Cranial Neuropathies – FAQs
What is Bell’s palsy?
Bell’s palsy is a sudden weakness of one side of the face due to facial nerve inflammation.
Does facial weakness recover?
Many people recover well, particularly with early treatment.
Peripheral Nerve and Muscle Disorders
Peripheral nerve and muscle disorders can cause numbness, tingling, pain, weakness, cramps, or fatigue. Causes include neuropathy, metabolic conditions, autoimmune disease, or medication effects. Additionally, conditions such as concussion assessment can reveal underlying issues related to these symptoms. Assessment focuses on identifying treatable causes and managing symptoms effectively, which is crucial for conditions like epilepsy treatment and Parkinson's disease care.
Peripheral Nerve & Muscle Disorders – FAQs
What causes numbness or tingling? Common causes include peripheral neuropathy, diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, and nerve compression.
Can these symptoms be treated? Many patients experience improvement with appropriate management.
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Balance Problems and Dizziness
Balance problems may manifest as dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, or falls. These issues can stem from various causes, including inner ear disorders, neurological conditions, or the effects of medication. For instance, individuals affected by concussion may experience balance problems, which emphasizes the importance of a thorough concussion assessment. Furthermore, conditions like Parkinson's disease may also contribute to balance issues, necessitating specialized Parkinson's disease care. An assessment is crucial in identifying the underlying cause and guiding appropriate treatment or rehabilitation strategies, which may also involve exploring potential links to headaches and migraines.
Is memory loss always dementia? No. Many causes of memory problems are treatable.
Why is early assessment important? Early diagnosis helps guide treatment and planning.
Tremor and Movement Disorders
Movement disorders, including tremor, stiffness, involuntary movements, and coordination difficulties, can have various causes ranging from benign conditions to more complex neurological disorders, such as those seen in Parkinson's disease care. A specialist assessment, which may also involve concussion assessment, is essential to clarify diagnosis and guide treatment or provide reassurance, including potential epilepsy treatment options.
Tremor & Movement Disorders – FAQs
Is tremor always Parkinson’s disease? No. Many tremors are due to benign conditions such as essential tremor.
Do movement disorders always worsen? Not always. Some conditions remain stable over time, or do not develop further new symptoms.
Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, commonly leading to symptoms such as slowness, stiffness, tremor, and balance issues. Additionally, non-motor symptoms may occur, which are important to address in comprehensive Parkinson's disease care. Diagnosis typically involves a clinical assessment and examination, rather than relying on a single test, similar to how concussion assessment is conducted. Treatment for Parkinson's disease is personalised to improve quality of life and can significantly alleviate symptoms.
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Dementia and Memory Disorders
Memory problems may arise from conditions such as dementia, vascular disease, metabolic issues, medication effects, or mood disorders. Additionally, factors like concussion assessment can play a role in understanding these challenges. Proper assessment allows for accurate diagnosis, support planning, and appropriate management, including considerations for epilepsy treatment and care related to headaches and migraines.
Memory Disorders – FAQs
Is memory loss always dementia? No. There can be other causes of memory issues, and many causes of memory problems are treatable.
Is early diagnosis important? Early diagnosis helps guide treatment and planning.