To a neurologist in Lublin

A neurologist is a doctor who treats patients with diseases of the nervous system. We know that the nervous system consists of the brain and nerves, which are located throughout the human body. Disturbances in their functioning will cause disorders related to the nervous system and individual organs. For this reason, observing so-called neurological symptoms is not easy.

We talk to doctor Olga Trzciniecka, a neurology specialist who provides advice under the National Health Fund in Lublin, about what should worry us and when we should see a neurologist.

What problems do patients most often bring to a neurologist? What do they complain about?

A common reason for a visit to a neurologist is pain—headache, back pain, sciatica, or sciatica. Patients report dizziness, numbness or tingling in the limbs, and memory problems. Rarely is there a single cause or symptom. Most often, there are several symptoms.

What symptoms should prompt a patient to see a neurologist, but are often ignored?

The symptoms of neurological diseases are not always easy to recognize. Often, especially in the early stages, they can be explained by fatigue, a general, temporary weakness, or a low mood. Not all problems are immediately indicative of serious illnesses. However, if certain symptoms concern a patient, they should consult a neurologist.

These may include, for example:

• dizziness and frequent headaches,
• disturbances of consciousness,
• memory disorders,
• balance and coordination disorders,
• sensory disorders,
• visual disturbances,
• tinnitus,
• muscle tremors,
• weakening of muscle strength.

What neurological symptoms do patients most often ignore? 

These are symptoms that patients don't mention because they consider them insignificant or don't connect them with a given problem. These are highly individualized issues. Patients often downplay the growing symptoms of nervous system dysfunction, such as muscle weakness or increased muscle fatigue. They delay appointments due to vision problems, attributing the difficulties to age. They ignore sleep disturbances, considering them insignificant. All of these symptoms can be significant and signal underlying pathological changes.

What does a neurologist treat?

Simply put, a neurologist treats diseases related to abnormal functioning of the brain, spine, and muscles. They work with patients suffering from:

• degenerative diseases of the spine,
• sciatica,
• strokes, brain tumors,
• epilepsy,
• multiple sclerosis,
• Alzheimer's disease,
• Parkinson's disease,
• migraine,
• myasthenia,
• polyneuropathy…

There are many other illnesses that could be listed, but these seem to be the most common.

Which neurological symptoms are life-threatening?

Symptoms of a stroke can be particularly dangerous, so it's important to be aware of them so you can intervene immediately. Prompt treatment increases the patient's chances of survival and recovery. The most characteristic symptoms of a stroke include:

• weakness or paresis of the limbs on one side of the body,
• drooping of the corner of the mouth on one side of the face, raising of only one corner of the mouth when trying to smile broadly (weakening of the facial muscles),
• slurred, indistinct speech,
• sudden, severe headache,
• sudden visual disturbances,
• disturbances of balance and coordination of movements,
• confusion, disorientation in place and time,
• loss of consciousness.

What rare diseases are treated by a neurologist?

The neurology clinic treats patients with conditions such as Huntington's disease, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Many diseases manifest with symptoms affecting the nervous system.

If symptoms suggest a neurological condition appear, it's best not to delay a visit to a clinic. Neurological consultations are available under the National Health Fund (NFZ) or through commercial services. Free consultations are available at the Luxmed Medical Center in Lublin at ul. Orkana 7 and ul. Koncertowa 4D. To register, call 81 532 37 11.