Charlotte Neurology

Even with the recent advancement of car safety and driver-assist technologies, car accidents still happen on our roads. Following a collision, you may suffer injuries that require you to seek specialist treatment. A doctor may provide you with the initial care you need in the emergency room, but for some injuries, you may have to continue with the treatment elsewhere.

If you suffered any injury affecting the brain, spine, or nerves, you may benefit immensely from consulting with a Charlotte neurology specialist. We understand that it can be confusing to know whether to find a neurologist or an orthopedic doctor to help. After all, orthopedic doctors and neurologists often treat similar conditions.

At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, we have a team of experienced neurologists, orthopedists, as well as pain management specialists. You can be certain that we have the knowledge, skills, and facilities to help you make a full recovery if you’re experiencing neurological symptoms after a car accident.

Table of Contents

What Are the Indications of a Neurological Injury?

While the term neurological injury is sometimes used to mean brain injury, it also refers to skull and spine fractures, spinal cord injuries, and peripheral nerve damage. There are several symptoms of neurological injuries, and each should be treated seriously.

Some of the most common symptoms of a neurological injury include the following:

  • Forgetfulness and comprehension problems
  • Headaches
  • Feeling extremely anxious and irritated
  • Light hypersensitivity
  • Hearing humming noises or ringing of the ears
  • Slurred speech or being hard to understand
  • Bouts of vomiting and nausea
  • Numbness, tingling/stinging sensations in the fingers, arms, toes, or legs
  • Sore, stiff, or tender muscles in the neck or back
  • Lack of feeling in your fingers, arms, toes, or legs

Most Common Symptoms Of A Neurological Injury

As a rule of thumb, never assume that the symptoms will get better after a car crash. The impact of a crash is stronger than you think and delaying will only worsen the condition.

When you come to us, we can talk through your symptoms, and after a thorough evaluation, recommend suitable treatment. We use modern diagnostic techniques to painlessly and effectively diagnose any neurological damage.

Why Should I See a Neurology Doctor?

Following a car crash, most people will simply check to see if they suffered any obvious injuries. If nothing seems off, they will believe they made it without a crash. While it’s good to be optimistic, some injuries might not become apparent until days or weeks later. Here are 5 good reasons to see a neurologist.

Your Injuries May Affect Your Daily Life

Soft tissue injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can result in discomfort and stiffness. However, car accidents can also cause spinal injuries, affecting nerves and discs. If left untreated, these injuries may lead to chronic pain, restricted mobility, and even paralysis.

It Helps Your Personal Injury Case

Another benefit to seeking prompt treatment is that it offers evidence that you were injured in the crash. If you decline treatment, it may be very difficult to get an insurance company to cover your injury claim later on for your injuries. This could leave you facing mounting medical bills on your own.

Charlotte Neurology Doctor Holding Drawing of Brain

An Injury May Affect Your Personality and Mental Health

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can alter personality traits, leading to irritability, mood swings, and nervousness. Sleep disturbances are also common after TBIs, impacting overall mental health. Additionally, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may develop, influencing your interactions with your loved ones.

Delayed Onset of Symptoms

Some symptoms may not surface immediately after the accident but could manifest days or even months later. These may include persistent headaches, stiffness in the back, neck, or shoulders, dizziness, blurred vision, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.

Potential Worsening of Injuries Over Time

Prompt medical attention is vital for faster recovery and better outcomes. Delayed treatment could lead to improper healing, chronic pain, and long-term functional impairment. Early intervention ensures more effective pain management, resources for coping, and a shorter recovery period.

Life-Threatening Consequences of Untreated Injuries

Certain injuries, particularly TBIs, can be life-threatening. Despite initial relief, untreated TBIs may lead to fatal consequences later on. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports thousands of TBI-related deaths annually, some occurring years after the initial injury.

Seeking timely care from a Charlotte neurology specialist following a car accident is vital for mitigating immediate and long-term consequences. Early treatment not only addresses immediate concerns but also prevents chronic pain, restricted movement, and other debilitating symptoms in the future.

Detection of Neurological Conditions

A neurological exam is where a neurologist will review your condition along with your health history. The exam typically includes tests for sensory and motor skills, vision coordination, strength, speech, hearing, and reflexes. Neurologists may also check your mental state.

This will help them determine a list of potential problems that could have been caused by the car accident. Once they’re done, the results will give a clear indication of which diagnostic tests and treatment options to pursue.

Our Charlotte neurology team is committed to working with you and your primary care provider to provide comprehensive treatment. Some of the cutting-edge tools and procedures we may use to diagnose neurological conditions after a car accident include the following.

MRI Scan

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilizes powerful radio waves and magnetic fields to produce precise cross-sectional images of the human body. MRI scans are invaluable for diagnosing brain injuries and other neurological conditions by providing detailed images of the brain and spinal cord. They can also be used to assess nerve damage.

Electromyography (EMG) / Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)

Electromyography (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV) tests assess muscle and nerve electrical activity. Using needle electrodes and electrical pulses, these tests measure signal speed through nerves.

Videonystagmography (VNG)

VNG assesses inner ear function impacting balance through noninvasive methods. Tracking eye movements and assessing responses to stimuli like air or water in the ears, this test provides valuable insights into inner ear health.

Quantitative Electroencephalogram (EEG)

Quantitative EEG analyzes brain electrical activity to detect patterns indicative of neurological issues, offering diagnostic insights.

Brain Mapping

Brain mapping is used to evaluate both structural and functional aspects of the brain, providing a comprehensive understanding of your condition.

When you come to Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology, our specialists will compassionately help you and conduct the necessary evaluations, including a neurological exam and other tests to help create a personalized treatment plan that addresses your symptoms and helps with healing.

Neurologist Pointing to Brain Scan

Neurology Treatments

While our goal is to offer our patients comprehensive care, we also offer complementary services that help address all aspects of your health. With a full neurological, orthopedic, and rehabilitation team all working closely together in one facility, we offer the following services aimed at helping you make a full recovery.

Pain Management

Our dedicated pain management team specializes in nonsurgical approaches to alleviate spinal and nerve pain. We offer everything from prescription medication to procedures such as radiofrequency neurotomy, which involves cauterizing or burning the sensory nerve to provide long-term pain relief.

Surgery

Our orthopedic surgery team offers a range of treatments for car accident injuries, including minimally invasive outpatient procedures and corrective surgeries. Whether you require disc replacement or spinal fusion, we tailor surgical options to your specific needs. Many of our patients undergo minimally invasive spine surgery and comfortably recover at home the same day or the next day.

Referrals and Recommendations

We facilitate referrals to psychiatrists or other specialists based on your neurological requirements. Additionally, our team may suggest cognitive exercises complemented by chiropractic care and physical therapy to empower you in reclaiming your lifestyle.

Talk to a Charlotte Neurology Specialist Today!

Car accident injuries can be debilitating and if left untreated, could potentially cause health complications and chronic conditions. If you or a loved one was involved in a car crash that caused severe injuries, the team at Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology is here to help.

Our Charlotte neurology doctors and other healthcare professionals can diagnose your injuries and develop a personalized plan suited to your injuries and lifestyle. We use a holistic treatment approach, to ensure a full recovery and prevent chronic issues.

Call us today at 704-412-3045 to schedule a consultation with us.

Apex Orthopaedic Spine & Neurology
If You've Been Injured, Don't Wait!

Our team of specialist can treat your injuries.

Our goal is to help you recover from your injuries as quickly as possible and ensure you get the legal help you need.