Department

blocked blood vessel. Brain cells start to die without their blood supply. A neurologist may diagnose and treat a stroke as it's happening if you or someone around you is quick to call 911. Making a diagnosis includes getting images of the brain. Treatment may include medicine to dissolve blood clots if a blocked blood vessel caused the stroke. Symptoms of a stroke start suddenly and include:

• Numbness, usually on one side of the body
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• Weakness, usually on one side of the body
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• Confusion or trouble talking or understanding speech
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• Clumsiness or loss of balance
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• Loss of vision
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• Severe headache

After a stroke, a neurologist will work with you on a rehabilitation program.

8. You're having serious memory issues.

1. Some forgetfulness is common as people age. More serious problems with memory and thinking are not. That's especially true if these issues are affecting your day-to-day life. They could be caused by changes in your brain. These changes usually start slowly and get worse over time. These changes cause a condition called dementia. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia.  A neurologist can determine if you have the beginnings of dementia or if something else is causing your symptoms. The doctor will do a complete neurological exam. You may have brain scans and various tests of memory and thinking. If you do have dementia, the neurologist can prescribe drugs that may slow down the disease or help ease symptoms like anxiety or restlessness.