Neuro doctors, or neurologists, focus on the brain, spinal cord and nerves. They help people who have headaches, numbness or problems moving.
For assessments, they use tests like MRI scans and EEGs to find out what is happening inside. You might find a neuro doctor in Singapore in an intensive care unit, called the Neuro ICU.
But that isn’t always the case. Other times, you can find them in a neuro specialist clinic for an office consult.
In this guide, we will let you in on why it is called “neuro,” which conditions may warrant a referral, and what kinds of patients neuro doctors see. Let’s begin!
Why is it Called Neuro?
The term “neuro” comes from the word “neuron,” which is a single nerve cell. Neurons are the building blocks of your nervous system.
They carry signals between your brain and the rest of your body. When you think, move or feel, neurons send messages back and forth.
A neuro doctor in Singapore specialises in these nerve cells and their connections. They study how signals travel through your brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.
Problems in any of these areas can cause dizziness, loss of balance or even paralysis. Since they focus on neurons, your neuro doctor in Singapore can pinpoint what goes wrong when signals do not flow correctly.
What are the Most Common Neuro Cases?
There are several conditions that may warrant a referral to a neuro doctor in Singapore. However, these four are the most common cases in many clinics;
Migraine and Cluster Headaches
Migraines cause intense, throbbing pain on one side of the head. They often come with nausea, light sensitivity and sound sensitivity.
Cluster headaches strike in patterns, sometimes several times a day for weeks. These headaches can feel like burning or piercing pain behind one eye. A neuro doctor can help you find the right medication or therapy to ease symptoms and prevent future attacks.
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Seizures happen when electrical activity in the brain becomes irregular. People with epilepsy often have repeated, unprovoked seizures.
If referred to a neuro doctor for such issues, they will run tests like EEGs to monitor your brain waves. They may then prescribe anti-seizure drugs to lower the risk of sudden convulsions.
Stroke and Transient Ischaemic Attacks (TIAs)
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked or a blood vessel bursts. It can cause sudden weakness, speech problems or loss of vision.
A TIA is a “mini-stroke” where symptoms resolve within 24 hours, but it’s a warning sign. A neuro doctors can use scans like CT or MRI to spot clot or bleed. They would then manage blood pressure, cholesterol and blood thinners to prevent another stroke.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy happens when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord are damaged. You might feel numbness, tingling or burning in your hands and feet.
Causes range from diabetes, to infections and toxins from alcohol or drugs. If referred to a neuro doctor in Singapore for peripheral neuropathy concerns, they will run specific tests to check your reflexes, strength and sensation. This will allow them to identify the cause and suggest treatments like physical therapy or medications to ease nerve pain.
What Type of Patients are in Neuro?
Considering the fact that neuro doctors are specialists, you will most likely only see one following a referral. So, you might wonder; what type of patients are in neuro? Real quick, below are the main patient types seen by neuro doctors.
Post-Operative Patients
You or your loved one can be referred to a neuro doctor in Singapore if recovering from neurosurgical procedures. For example, these might be after having a craniotomy for a head injury.
Other cases might be after having an aneurysm repair or tumour removal from the brain. In the Neuro ICU, nurses monitor vital signs and brain function every hour.
Doctors adjust medication to control swelling or prevent infection. They also check pupils, reflexes and movement to catch any new issues.
Patients with Severe Neurological Injuries
This group includes those with traumatic brain injury from accidents. Others have had a stroke or brain hemorrhage, which means bleeding inside the skull.
These injuries can cause breathing or heart problems if not watched closely. In the Neuro ICU, the staff use machines to support breathing and keep blood pressure stable. Your doctor may also order CT scans and blood tests to track recovery.
Patients with Neurological Conditions Requiring Specialised Care
Some patients have seizures so severe that they need constant monitoring. Others need care after spinal surgery for herniated discs or spinal tumours.
The Neuro ICU team ensures these patients receive the right fluids and medications. They check for signs of infection or complications at the surgery site. Physical therapists may start gentle exercises to prevent muscle loss.
Epilepsy Patients
You or your loved one may also be referred to a neuro doctor in Singapore for recurrent seizures. For these issues, your neuro doctor will perform an EEG to record brain wave patterns.
This test can help locate the seizure’s origin and tailor medication. You will be advised on safety measures, like avoiding heights and driving until seizures are controlled.
Stroke Patients
After an acute stroke, you may be moved to an outpatient neuro clinic. Here, doctors will check your motor skills, speech and memory function.
They also reassess risk factors like high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Physical, occupational and speech therapists may join the care team to guide rehabilitation to assist you in regaining independence and preventing another stroke.
Movement Disorder Patients
This group has conditions like tremors, dystonia or restless leg syndrome. Tremors can be essential (benign) or part of Parkinson’s disease.
Dystonia causes involuntary muscle contractions and can make parts of the body twist. Restless leg syndrome causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, especially at night.
Your neuro doctor in Singapore may use physical exams and sometimes brain imaging. Medications or botulinum toxin injections can help ease muscle control.
Neurodevelopmental Disorder Patients
These include children and adults with autism or ADHD. Autism often shows as challenges in social interactions and repetitive behaviours.
ADHD involves inattention, hyperactivity and impulsive actions. Your neuro doctor will work with psychologists and therapists to diagnose using checklists and behavioural tests. Treatment may involve medications, counselling and support for families.
In Closing
A neuro doctor Singapore sees patients with many kinds of nervous system issues. So, the list above is my no means conclusive.
Each patient needs tests, scans or even surgery to manage or treat their condition. So, if you have been referred to a neuro doctor or, if you have any new weakness, numbness or sudden headache, be sure to reach out to a neuro doctor. It could change your life for the better.
Our specialists use advanced tests and personalised care plans to guide you. To learn more or schedule an appointment with our top neuro doctors, call or visit us at;
CHOU Neurosurgery Clinic (Farrer Park) – Brain & Spine Specialist Singapore
1 Farrer Park Station Rd, #08-06, Singapore 217562
Phone: +65 6694 7942
