Never Ignore Your Doctor's Advice About Your Blood Pressure

I have always been in pretty good health, so I was surprised one day when my doctor told me my blood pressure was a bit high. She told me to begin watching my salt intake, start exercising, and to try to relax. Well, I intended to follow her advice when I left her office, but the next day I was back to my same habits. I kept using the salt shaker and didn't begin an exercise routine like I had planned. When I went for my next check-up, she told me that my blood pressure was even higher and approaching a dangerous level. I had to begin a blood pressure medication to manage it. I wanted to create a blog to share my story and remind people to listen to their doctors' advice. If a few lifestyle changes can improve your health, then you should make them.

Medical Workup To Rule Out Neurological Deficits

Health & Medical Blog

Whether you were involved in a serious motor vehicle, suffered a stroke, or exhibited certain symptoms, your neurology specialist will recommend a diagnostic medical workup to rule out neurological deficits. While some of your diagnostic tests can be performed in your doctor's office, other tests may require a trip to the hospital. Here are some diagnostic tests that may be included in your medical workup to rule out neurological deficits.

Neurological Assessment

One of the first tests your neurology specialist may perform is a routine physical neurologist assessment. This simple assessment can be performed in your doctor's office and is used to evaluate your cranial nerve function. This assessment is extremely important because not only can you develop neurological deficits as a result of a car accident, stroke, or brain lesion, but you can also develop them as a result of a severe infection, certain metabolic illnesses, extreme blood loss, and even electrolyte imbalances.

During your neurological assessment, your physician will assess your mental status to determine if you are "alert and oriented x 3." A normal result means that you are alert and oriented to person, place, and time. Your neurology specialist will also assess the function of your cranial nerves, including the olfactory, optic, trigeminal, facial, and hypoglossal nerves. If your cranial nerve test reveals abnormalities, your doctor may recommend further diagnostic testing. 

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Your physician may recommend magnetic resonance imaging to rule out a brain abnormality such as a lesion or hemorrhage, especially if your cranial nerve assessment is abnormal. Also known as an MRI, a magnetic resonance imaging test uses magnetic fields to capture images of the brain and other body parts.

During your MRI, you will need to remain still while you are in the large tube-like magnet because any excessive movement can skew the results of your test. You will also be given a contrast agent via the intravenous route so that your images are brighter so that they can be interpreted better by the radiologist. During your MRI, you will hear clicking and other loud sounds while you are in the tube, however, the MRI technician will offer you special headphones or earplugs. 

If you develop dizziness, weakness, numbness or tingling in your face or limbs, or if you notice sudden changes in your vision, hearing, smell, or taste sensations, let your doctor know. They may refer you to a brain specialist for further evaluation and treatment. For more information, reach out to a neurology specialist at a clinic like North Texas Neuroscience Center PA.

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3 November 2020