Neurology Clinic Singapore: Why would you be Referred to One?

Neurology clinics focus on disorders of the nervous system. They diagnose, treat, and manage conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and migraines.

Learn more about treatments and the qualifications of the doctor on this page: https://chouneurosurgery.com/. Neurologists are the experts you will find in a typical neurology clinic in Singapore.

They’re trained to conduct evaluations, order tests, and create treatment plans. If you’re struggling with neurological issues, your GP may refer you or recommend a visit to a neurology clinic for essential care. Usually, the recommended treatments in these facilities are aimed at improving patients’ quality of life.

Why would you go to a Neurology Clinic?

If you’ve just been advised or referred to a neurology clinic in Singapore, it is natural to wonder; why would a doctor refer me to neurology clinic? It is simple;

Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist if you exhibit symptoms possibly linked to a neurological issue. The symptoms that may indicate the need to visit a neurology clinic include; chronic pain, tingling or numbness, severe or chronic headaches, dizziness, and movement problems among others. We explain each of these symptoms below;

• Chronic Pain

There are many neurological issues that can lead to chronic pain. Key among these issues include; migraines, neuropathy, fibromyalgia and multiple sclerosis. 

Migraines are intense headaches that often come with nausea and sensitivity to light. Neuropathy arises from nerve damage and may cause tingling or burning sensations.

Fibromyalgia is a condition of widespread pain. It also falls under this category and is often accompanied by fatigue and sleep disturbances.

Multiple Sclerosis can bring about chronic pain due to nerve damage and inflammation in the brain and spinal cord. Since there are multiple neurological issues that may cause chronic pain, your best bet is specialized care for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

• Tingling or Numbness

Your doctor may also refer you to a neurology clinic in Singapore if you experience tingling or numbness, especially on one side of your body or suddenly. This is because such sensations might be early indicators of neurological issues. Multiple conditions can cause these symptoms but the most notable ones include;

1. Stroke: This is a medical emergency where blood flow to the brain is disrupted. This disruption may lead to sudden numbness or weakness, often on one side of the body.
2. Multiple Sclerosis (MS): MS is an autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. It may lead to various symptoms, including tingling and numbness.
3. Peripheral Neuropathy: Nerve damage, often resulting from diabetes, causing numbness and tingling in extremities.

• Severe or Chronic Headaches

Specialized neurological care is also warranted for persistent, debilitating headaches. Migraine headaches, for instance, often necessitate a neurologist’s expertise particularly when accompanied by neurological deficits.

You may also be referred to a neurology clinic in Singapore for migraines if you’ve already tried standard treatments and they fall short. As earlier explained, migraines are severe headaches that come with throbbing pain, often on one side.

They can also bring nausea and sensitivity to light or sound. A consultation with a neurologist could be what you need for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment.

• Dizziness

Your doctor may refer you to a neurology clinic if you report dizziness as one of the symptoms you’re experiencing as it could be indicative of something more serious. Ideally, neurological issues may be the root cause.

One such condition is Vestibular Migraines. These severe headaches may be accompanied by other symptoms like;

1. Dizziness
2. Nausea, and
3. Sensitivity to light or sound.

Another is Meniere’s Disease. This condition is marked by vertigo, hearing loss, and a sensation of fullness in the ear.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) results from displaced ear crystals. They may cause brief but intense vertigo episodes. If dizziness persists, consulting a neurologist may be recommended for proper diagnosis and treatment.

• Movement Problems

Challenges like difficulty walking, shuffling, tremors, or sudden jerks might indicate a nervous system issue. For instance, Parkinson’s disease, a common neurological ailment, manifests as tremors.

It may also cause stiffness, and difficulty with movement. Another example is Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

This condition affects the central nervous system and may cause problems with coordination and balance. Parkinson’s disease and MS often require expert assessment and treatment from neurologists to manage symptoms effectively.

• Memory Lapses or Confusion

Memory lapses, confusion, or personality shifts aren’t changes to be taken lightly. If you experience these symptoms a referral to a neurology clinic in Singapore might be essential.

The referral is important as such changes could be indicative of serious neurological conditions. For instance, Alzheimer’s disease, marked by deteriorating memory, personality shifts, and difficulty in communication, is a significant concern.

It gradually impairs cognitive functions and severely affects daily life. Also, conditions like vascular dementia, a result of reduced blood flow to the brain, and frontotemporal dementia, impacting behavior and language, can also lead to memory problems and confusion.

What Questions are asked During a Neurological Assessment?

Now that you understand why you may have been referred to a neurology clinic in Singapore, you may also be wondering; what is included in a neurological examination? Or what questions are asked during a neurological assessment?

Now, a thorough neurological examination covers various crucial aspects. During a neurological examination, the specialist will assess your;

• Consciousness
• Mental functions
• Cranial nerves
• Muscle strength
• Sensory perception
• Coordination
• Walking pattern
• Reflexes
• Signs of meningeal irritation, and
• Indications of long tract issues

And, here are the questions that may be asked during your neurological examination;

1. Do you have any numbness or tingling in your limbs? This helps assess sensory function, crucial for detecting issues like nerve damage or circulation problems.
2. Have you experienced headaches, changes in vision, or balance problems? These inquiries probe for symptoms of conditions such as migraines, visual disturbances, or inner ear problems.
3. Are you having trouble with memory, concentration, or speech? These questions can reveal cognitive and communication issues linked to various neurological disorders.
4. Do you notice muscle weakness or changes in coordination? This helps identify potential motor function problems like muscle weakness or coordination deficits.
5. Have you had seizures or uncontrolled movements? These questions aim to uncover signs of epilepsy or movement disorders.

Concluding Thoughts on why you’d be Referred to a Neurology Clinic

Your primary doctor will most likely only give you a referral to a specialist clinic like neurology clinic in Singapore if they’re certain that you can get help there. So, don’t assume or take lightly their recommendations.

If you’re looking for a neurology clinic in Singapore, Chou Neuroscience Clinic is just one of the best options you have. To schedule an appointment, call or visit the facility at;

Chou Neuroscience Clinic

1 Farrer Park Station Road

#08-06 Connexion

Singapore 217562

OR
6 Napier Road

#08-08 Gleneagles Medical Centre

Singapore 258499

+65 6694 7942