"5 Neurological Symptoms People Commonly Ignore—Why Early Intervention Matters"
Neurological symptoms can be subtle yet significant indicators of underlying health issues. This article explores commonly overlooked signs that experts warn should not be ignored. By understanding these symptoms and the importance of early intervention, readers can take proactive steps towards better neurological health.
- Don't Ignore Mini-Stroke Symptoms
- Take Limb Weakness Seriously
- Address Frequent Memory Issues Promptly
- One-Sided Hearing Loss Needs Evaluation
- Frequent Headaches Warrant Medical Attention
Don't Ignore Mini-Stroke Symptoms
As a neurosurgeon, one of the most frustrating and sad stories I encounter is patients who had symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA), also called a mini-stroke, prior to having a real stroke. TIAs are stroke symptoms like weakness or numbness that resolve quickly; sometimes within minutes. Patients sometimes think, "It got better, so it must be fine." I recall a patient who experienced brief weakness in her right arm that lasted only 20 minutes. She almost didn't come in, but her daughter insisted, and indeed, by the time she arrived, she was completely normal. We discovered a significant carotid stenosis and were able to stent the artery open before a major stroke occurred. That brief intervention likely saved her from permanent disability or worse.
Take Limb Weakness Seriously
One neurological symptom people commonly ignore is weakness of the limbs, and it's very dangerous because it could be a sign of a stroke. I've had many hypertensive patients complain of weakness in their arms and legs, but since they could still move about, they ignored it. Most times when they present, their blood pressures are very high, and I found out some of them even had a mini-stroke without being aware. I've always looked out for any form of weakness, especially in known hypertensives, and this has helped me detect cerebrovascular diseases early, resulting in better outcomes.
Address Frequent Memory Issues Promptly
Especially as people age, it's essential to be mindful of your cognitive health. It's true that people sometimes become a bit more forgetful as they get older. However, if you find yourself forgetting things frequently, and especially if other people notice it and comment on it, it's a good idea to get it checked out. The sooner you catch degenerative neurological issues like dementia, the more you can do about them.
One-Sided Hearing Loss Needs Evaluation
Hi,
My name is Heather Gabaldon, and I co-own Paradise Hearing AZ. We provide hearing care services and support for patients experiencing hearing changes.
One neurological symptom I see people ignore far too often is sudden or gradual hearing loss in one ear. Many assume it's just part of aging and can be treated by high-end hearing aids. However, hearing loss, especially when it's one-sided, can sometimes point to underlying neurological conditions like acoustic neuromas (benign brain tumors) or auditory nerve issues.
I remember working with a patient who initially brushed off her right-ear hearing decline, thinking a hearing device could solve her problems. Because she came in for an evaluation sooner rather than later, we were able to refer her for further testing. Imaging revealed a small acoustic neuroma.
Early detection allowed her to pursue a minimally invasive treatment before the tumor caused balance problems or permanent hearing loss. Today, she has preserved her hearing and excellent quality of life.
If you'd like more details or have any questions, I'd be happy to provide more information.
Best regards,
Heather Gabaldon
Frequent Headaches Warrant Medical Attention
Frequent headaches are a neurological symptom that patients often minimize. People tend to view headaches as unimportant, and even if they experience them multiple days a week, they typically self-medicate until they feel better.
In my practice, one of my patients - on her third postoperative day following a mastectomy for breast cancer - reported moderate but continuous headache. This patient had never experienced this symptom before, so I decided to consult a neurologist. After a series of examinations, including a lumbar puncture, the neurologist diagnosed viral encephalitis - a potentially lethal disease.
Thanks to the neurologist's intervention, my patient was diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. She was discharged healthy and without any sequelae.
