Neurological disorders are the world’s leading cause of ill health and disability, but people are often slow to recognize the relevant symptoms. More than 3.4 billion people have a disorder of the nervous system — the brain, spinal cord and nerves — and the numbers will only keep growing as the population ages. The disorders range from Alzheimer's disease to neuropathy and stroke to multiple sclerosis and cause a wide range of symptoms. So what are the early symptoms that suggest you might have a neurological disorder? And how can a neurologist help? In this week’s episode, we discuss the most common of the more than 600 neurological disorders and what patients should expect during a first-time appointment with a neurologist.

Expert: Dr. Tanu Garg, Neurologist

Interviewer: Todd Ackerman

Notable topics covered: 

• The neurology symptoms that warrant an immediate trip to the ER 
• Might an episode of vertigo really be a symptom of stroke? 
• Spouse staring into space? They might not be ignoring you, they might be having a seizure  
• The role neurologists play in the diagnosis and management of brain tumors 
• How do you know if the pain in your arm or lower back is caused by a pinched nerve 
• Why shingles patients need to make an appointment at the first sign of pain and rash 
• Not getting headache relief? You might get a different medication from a neurologist 
• The stroke acronym that has replaced FAST 
• The questions and tests you’ll likely get at an initial neurologist appointment 

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