If you’ve been experiencing unexplained symptoms like persistent migraines, balance issues or tingling and numbness, you may have a neurological problem. Your doctor may refer you to a specialist called a neurologist if your symptoms suggest a condition affecting the brain or nervous system.
While this might sound intimidating, neurologists are simply experts on the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. They treat a range of conditions from nerve disorders and stroke to migraines and sleep disorders.[1]
Common Reasons for a Neurology Referral
If your symptoms are significantly impacting your daily life, a neurological exam may help identify the underlying cause. This is especially vital if you’ve recently had a concussion, neck or back injury or are dealing with memory loss, frequent headaches, tremors or balance issues.[2] Depending on your insurance, a referral may not always be necessary.
Here are a few common signs and symptoms that it may be time to see a neurologist:
Chronic Migraines or Severe Headaches
Frequent migraines or headaches that don’t improve with conventional treatment need a neurological exam. Chronic migraines occur 15 or more days per month for over three months.[3]
Numbness, Tingling or Weakness
Ongoing numbness, tingling or weakness, especially on one side of your body, may signal nerve damage, stroke or multiple sclerosis (MS).[4]
Dizziness or Balance Issues
Trouble staying balanced, frequent falls or unexplained dizziness could be due to brain injuries, inner ear disorders or nerve conditions that affect coordination.[2]
Chronic Pain
Discomfort from illness or injury is expected, but pain that lasts beyond recovery or has no definitive cause could be something else. Pain that lasts for months or feels like burning, stabbing, or electrical shock may be nerve-related.[5]
Memory Issues or Confusion
Forgetting things often, repeating questions, or getting confused in familiar places needs a neurological evaluation for dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, brain injury or other underlying conditions.
Sleep Problems
Conditions like insomnia, restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and sleep apnea can be neurological.[6] Neurologists can diagnose sleep disorders and treat the underlying issues affecting your rest.
Seizures
Seizures are uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in your brain.[7] They can cause blackouts, staring spells, behavior changes, or twitching, making it essential to see a neurologist to check for epilepsy, an underlying condition, or other seizure disorders.[8]
Movement Problems
Tremors, shaking, stiffness, or shuffling can point to conditions like Parkinson’s disease or other nervous system disorders.[9] Don’t ignore early signs—even subtle changes can be significant.[2]
Vision Changes
Blurred vision, double vision, or sudden loss of sight could be caused by nerve damage, stroke, or multiple sclerosis. A neurologist may need to investigate if your eye doctor doesn’t find an eye-related cause.
Pay Attention to Your Symptoms: When It’s Time to See a Neurologist
It’s easy to dismiss subtle signs like occasional dizziness, blurry vision, trouble sleeping, or tingling in your feet, but these could be early signs of nerve damage or a neurological issue. Your nervous system controls everything from thoughts and movement to your senses and sleep, so it’s worth paying attention if something feels off.
Symptoms like chronic headaches, forgetfulness, or tremors may point to something more complex than your regular doctor can treat. A neurology referral can help get to the root of the problem and guide you toward the proper care. Early detection makes a big difference in managing neurological conditions and improving your quality of life. If your body is trying to tell you something—listen. Your health depends on it!
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical care. Sudden numbness, slurred speech, vision loss, paralysis, severe headache, seizures, or loss of consciousness are red flags—call 911 or go to the ER immediately. These may be signs of a stroke, brain injury, or other life-threatening conditions.
Resources:
- Eske J. What Is A Neurologist? Medical News Today [Internet]. Updated December 22, 2023. Accessed May 20, 2025. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326717
- Srakocic S. Why Your Doctor Might Refer You to a Neurologist. Healthline [Internet]. Published May 03, 2021. Accessed May 20, 2025. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/neurological-health/why-would-i-be-referred-to-a-neurologist
- Neurologist. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed May 20, 2025. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22277-neurologist
- Langmaid S. What Does a Neurologist Do? WebMD [Internet]. Reviewed August 17, 2023. Accessed May 20, 2025. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/brain/neurologist-facts
- Parker H, McPhillips A. Nerve Pain and Nerve Damage. WebMD [Internet]. Reviewed June 25, 2024. Accessed May 20, 2025. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/brain/nerve-pain-and-nerve-damage-symptoms-and-causes
- Sleep Disorders. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed May 20, 2025. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11429-sleep-disorders
- Types of Seizures. Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Accessed May 20, 2025. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/epilepsy/types-of-seizures
- Seizures. MedlinePlus – National Library of Medicine (NLM) [Internet]. Accessed May 20, 2025. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003200.htm
- Movement disorders – Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. Published May 24, 2022. Accessed May 20, 2025. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/movement-disorders/symptoms-causes/syc-20363893
