How do you know it’s time for a functional neurology treatment? Every person is different, and every situation is unique, but some general signs can often indicate it’s time for a change.
If you’re worried about your mental health, we’ll share six signs you should look out for before you seek out help from a functional neurologist.
Moments of Altered Awareness
The most common sign of neurological dysfunction is a momentary lapse in awareness, or feeling like your mind is disconnected from your body. You may experience sudden blackouts, or dissociative seizures. This can be frightening, as it can leave you feeling like you’re no longer in control of your body.
Chronic Fatigue and Weakness
If you’ve been feeling chronically tired and weak, this could be another sign that something is wrong with your neurological health and you need urgent functional neurology treatment. This symptom can often be accompanied by other issues such as muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, dizziness, and problems with balance.
Brain Fog
Do you ever feel like you can’t think straight or focus on anything for more than a few minutes? This collection of symptoms that can affect your proper thinking ability is commonly referred to as brain fog.
Brain fog is a common symptom of neurological dysfunction that may be caused by issues such as inflammation, toxicity, and nutrient deficiencies. If left untreated, it could lead to even more severe problems down the road.
Conversion Disorder
One of the most common functional neurology issues is conversion disorder, a condition in which you experience physical symptoms caused by any underlying medical condition. This can include things such as blindness, paralysis, and seizures.
The cause of conversion disorder is unknown, but it is related to psychological factors such as trauma, stress, and anxiety.
Headaches and Migraines
Many people suffer from daily headaches caused by dehydration, lack of sleep, stress, tension in the neck or shoulders muscles, and even eye strain. However, if you experience burning headaches that won’t go away even after treatment, this could be a good reason to check with a neurologist.
If you suffer severe headaches multiple times per day that are accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, or blurred vision, it is essential to see your neurologist right away. This could be an indication you’re dealing with one or multiple neurological disorders.
Functional Movement Disorders
Functional movement disorders (FMDs) are a group of neurological disorders that affect movement and coordination. FMDs can cause involuntary movements of body parts because of interference in the way signals are sent in the brain. They can also cause problems with balance, posture, and coordination. There are many different types of FMDs, and some of the most common include:
- Dystonia: This condition causes muscles to contract involuntarily, often causing twisting and repetitive movements.
- Parkinson’s disease: This is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and causes tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance.
- Ataxia: This is a condition that affects speech, coordination, and balance due to damage to the cerebellum or spinal cord.
- Multiple sclerosis: This is a disease of the central nervous system that can cause problems with movement, balance, and coordination.
A functional neurologist can help treat or prescribe the best treatment for your FMD. Make sure you visit one immediately if you are experiencing any type of FMD mentioned above.
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it’s likely time for a functional neurology treatment. Functional neurology treatments can help improve movement and coordination, which can make everyday activities easier to manage.
