Dementia and Your Loved One

These Could Actually Be Neurological Symptoms

3 February 2021

Vickie Armstrong

When you hear the term "neurological symptoms," what comes to mind?" Most people think of seizures, tremors, and perhaps some numbness or tingling. And indeed, these are neurological symptoms—but they're the most serious and hardest-to-dismiss ones. There are many other, more minor symptoms that could indicate a neurological disorder and should encourage you to see a neurology specialist.

Frequent Headaches

Headaches can be caused by anything from stress to sinus infections. Nerve damage and various neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis, can cause chronic headaches, too—so don't overlook this possibility if your head keeps pounding.

Clumsiness

When people find themselves becoming clumsy, they often laugh it off or blame their increasing age. But clumsiness can be the result of nerve damage that makes your brain less efficient at knowing where your body is.  

Declining Vision

Have you had to get a new glasses prescription every year? Maybe you sometimes feel like you can't see clearly despite having your glasses on. This could be a sign of anything from a brain tumor to a degenerative nerve condition. Often, your optometrist will refer you to a neurologist if they notice a worrisome decline in vision, but if they do not, feel free to bring up the possibility yourself.

Altered Sense of Taste or Smell

Do your friends often complain of bad odors that you don't notice yourself? Maybe you've noticed that smells you used to enjoy now smell foul. Your sense of taste could be affected, too. You may need to season your food heavily to notice the flavor, and foods you used to love may not appeal to you anymore. Your nerves control your senses of taste and smell, so if these senses are waning, there's a good chance something is going on neurologically.

Weakness or Lethargy

Your muscles contract because your nerves tell them to. You have "energy" because your nerves allow for it. So if you are feeling weak or lethargic all of the time, it could be because of a nerve condition. Of course, you could also be suffering from a nutrient deficiency, an auto-immune condition, or any other number of ailments—but it's worth seeing a neurologist to rule out that possibility early on.

Nerve conditions can be marked by tremors and seizures, but they're not always that obvious. If you experience the symptoms above, it's a good idea to have a neurologist take a look to ensure that if you do have a nerve condition, you can get the treatment you need to feel better. 

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