A neurologist is a doctor who diagnoses and treats problems with the nervous system. The nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, which send messages between the brain and the rest of the body. A neurologist helps with conditions that affect how the body moves, feels, and thinks. For example, if someone has a lot of migraines, memory problems, or trouble with fine motor skills, a neurologist will run tests to figure out what’s causing those issues, then work with the patient on a treatment plan. 

Neurologists treat many conditions affecting the nervous system. Some of the most common examples include:  

• Migraines, which are intense headaches that come with other symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light and sound 

• Epilepsy, which causes reoccurring seizures, which are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain 

• Strokes, which happen when blood supply to the brain is interrupted, causing brain damage that can lead to problems with speech or movement 

• Parkinson’s disease, which impairs movement, causing symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and trouble with balance and coordination 

• Alzheimer’s disease, which affects memory and cognition, leading to problems with thinking, remembering, and making decisions 

• Multiple sclerosis, a muscle disorder in which the immune system attacks the nervous system, causing muscle weakness and balance issues 

• Obstructive sleep apnea, a sleep disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep, leading to poor sleep quality and other health problems 

Neurologists use several tests to diagnose and monitor neurological conditions. They might use imaging tests like MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and CT (Computed Tomography) scans to take pictures of the brain and spinal cord. An EEG (Electroencephalogram) measures electrical activity in the brain to check for problems like epilepsy. Neurologists may also conduct a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to look for signs of infection or disease. Blood tests and cognitive evaluations, like memory tests, may also be used to gather more information. 

According to Yale Medicine, doctors usually start with blood tests to check for unusual cells or changes in

Some neurological symptoms can be signs of serious conditions and should not be ignored. These include: 

• Sudden, severe headaches that feel different from what you’ve had before 

• Unexplained weakness or numbness in your arms or legs 

• Changes in how you see, speak, or move around 

• Trouble remembering or making decisions 

It’s important to seek medical care as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms because they could be signs of something more serious such as a stroke, brain injury, or neurological disease.  

Different neurological conditions can have different causes, like genetic problems, infections, injuries, or exposure to things in the environment. Some disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease, are linked to aging and the slow breakdown of brain cells. Others, like multiple sclerosis, happen when the immune system attacks the body’s own nerve cells by mistake. Traumatic injuries, like concussions, can also cause neurological problems. In some cases, the exact cause of a neurological disorder is unknown. For example, with Parkinson’s disease, doctors don’t know why some people develop it while others don’t, despite ongoing research.  

There are various reasons why you may want to see a specialist, such as: 

• Your primary care provider recommends it. 

• Your condition requires expert knowledge and specialized care. 

• Your symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment. 

• You need specialized testing or procedures. 

• You want a second opinion.  

It’s important to see a provider with expertise in your specific condition. Each provider profile in MediFind’s doctor database includes information on which conditions they treat, years of experience, research contributions, languages spoken, insurance plans accepted, and more.  

You can find a Neurologist in any of the 10 largest U.S. cities by clicking below:

Neurologist near New York, NY
Neurologist near Los Angeles, CA
Neurologist near Chicago, IL
Neurologist near Houston, TX
Neurologist near Phoenix, AZ
Neurologist near Philadelphia, PA
Neurologist near Atlanta, GA
Neurologist near Boston, MA
Neurologist near Dallas, TX
Neurologist near San Jose, CA

MediFind’s rankings are based on a variety of data sources, such as the number of articles a doctor has published in medical journals, participation in clinical trials and industry conferences, as well as the number of patients that provider sees for a given condition. Note that MediFind’s provider database is not based on user reviews, and providers do not pay to be included in the database. 

Most profiles in MediFind’s doctor database include a list of insurance plans accepted by that provider. However, it’s a good idea to contact the provider’s office to make sure they still accept your insurance, then doublecheck by contacting your insurance plan to confirm they’re in network. 

MediFind offers direct scheduling for certain providers using the “Request Appointment” button on that provider’s profile. If the schedule option is not available for a provider, tap the red “Show Phone Number” button on their profile to get their contact information. If you prefer to find providers who offer online scheduling, select “Schedules online” under the “Availability” category of the filter feature on the left side of the Neurologist search results page. 

Second opinions are an opportunity to confirm a diagnosis and its root cause, learn about alternative treatment options, or simply gain peace of mind. Many people, especially those with serious diagnoses, get second opinions so they can understand all their options and make informed decisions, so don’t hesitate to get one if you have any doubts or need more information or clarification regarding your care. Note that some insurance plans require second opinions, while others don’t cover second opinions, so be sure to confirm with your insurance provider first.   

Prepare for your appointment by gathering the following items: 

• Copies of medical records (dating back at least one year) 

• Your medical history, including illnesses, medical conditions, surgeries, and other doctors you see 

• Family history of disease 

• List of current prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies or supplements including names and doses 

• Allergies to medications, food, latex, insects, etc.  

• List of questions and concerns 

• Your insurance card 

You might also contact the provider’s office to see if they offer transportation or childcare services or if you’re allowed to bring a loved one for support or to take notes during your visit. 

Here are some sample questions: 

• Can you explain in simple terms what this condition is and how it’s treated? 

• What symptoms or side effects should I watch for? 

• What tests will be involved, and when can I expect results? 

• Are there other specialists I need to see? 

• What’s the best way to reach you if I have follow-up questions? 

MediFind’s Clinical Trials tool asks you a series of questions to help you narrow down your search by health condition, age, gender, location, how far you’re willing to travel, and more. Each question you answer filters down the number of trials until you find the ones that are most relevant to you. 

MediFind’s Latest Advances tool features summaries of recent articles published in medical journals. We use cutting-edge technology to scour medical publication databases for the latest research advancements on any given condition, then we simplify this information in a way that’s useful and easy to understand. 

Look for the filter feature on the left side of the Neurologist search results page. Select “Female” or “Male” under the “Gender” category to search for female or male providers exclusively. If the “Any” option is selected, it will pull results for both male and female providers. 

Alzheimer's Disease
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig's Disease)
Brain Aneurysm
Brain Tumor
Dementia
Epilepsy
Encephalitis
Huntington Disease
Long Haul COVID
Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)
Long Haul COVID
Migraine
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Parkinson's Disease
Peripheral Neuropathy
Seizures
Stroke

Look for the filter feature on the left-side of the Neurologist search results page. Select “Offers telehealth visits” under the Availability category to search for providers who offer virtual appointments (video calls). 

Reviewed on: 11/07/24  

By: MediFind Medical Staff 

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