Raleigh Neurology

Even with modern car safety advancements, accidents still regularly occur. When they do, injuries often follow, necessitating specialized care. Emergency room doctors can address immediate needs, but some injuries may require ongoing specialized treatment.

If you have sustained an injury impacting the brain, spine, or nerves, a Raleigh neurology expert can provide the specialized care you need. Determining whether you need a neurologist or an orthopedic doctor can be confusing, as both treat similar conditions.

At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology in Raleigh, our team includes neurologists, orthopedists, and pain management specialists. You can trust us to help you fully recover from neurological symptoms following a car accident.

Call us today at 704-412-3045!

Table of Contents

Indications of Neurological Injury

A neurological injury can affect the brain, skull, spine, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves. Symptoms vary widely and should be addressed promptly. Here are common indicators:

  • Memory and comprehension issues
  • Persistent headaches
  • High anxiety and irritability
  • Light sensitivity
  • Ringing in the ears or hearing humming noises
  • Slurred speech or difficulty being understood
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Numbness or tingling in extremities
  • Muscle soreness, especially in the neck or back
  • Lack of sensation in fingers, arms, toes, or legs

Never assume symptoms will improve on their own. The force of a car crash can cause severe injuries, and delaying medical attention can aggravate conditions.

When you visit us, we review your symptoms and conduct thorough evaluations using state-of-the-art diagnostics to identify any neurological damage.

Why Consult a Neurology Specialist After a Car Crash?

Post-accident, it’s vital to check for both apparent and hidden injuries. Some injuries may not show symptoms immediately. Here’s why you should see a neurologist after a car accident in Raleigh.

Impact on Daily Life

Soft tissue injuries can cause discomfort and stiffness, while spinal injuries can affect nerves and discs. If untreated, these injuries might lead to chronic pain and limited mobility.

Support Your Personal Injury Case

Prompt treatment provides evidence of your injury, helping with insurance claims. Without it, insurers might deny claims, leaving you with unmanageable medical bills.

Personality and Mental Health Changes

Brain injuries can alter personality, causing irritability, mood swings, and sleep disturbances, which can impact mental health and relationships. PTSD may also arise, further complicating interactions with loved ones.

Late-Showing Symptoms

Injury symptoms may not appear for days or weeks. These include persistent headaches, neck and back stiffness, dizziness, blurred vision, memory loss, and concentration difficulties.

Potential Worsening Over Time

Immediate care speeds up recovery and enhances outcomes. Untreated injuries can heal improperly, leading to chronic pain and long-term impairment.

Life-Threatening Risks

Certain injuries, especially TBIs, can be fatal if untreated. The CDC reports many TBI-related deaths each year, emphasizing the importance of timely medical attention.

Raleigh Neurology Doctor

Identifying Neurological Conditions

A neurological exam involves reviewing your condition and health history. Tests for sensory and motor skills, vision, coordination, strength, speech, hearing, and reflexes are conducted. Mental state evaluations are also included. These exams help identify problems arising from the car accident and determine which diagnostic tests and treatments are necessary.

Our Raleigh neurology team works closely with you and your primary care provider to deliver comprehensive treatment. Diagnostic tools that we may employ include:

MRI Scans

MRI uses radio waves and magnetic fields to produce detailed images of the brain and spinal cord, diagnosing injuries and neurological conditions effectively.

Electromyography (EMG) / Nerve Conduction Velocity (NCV)

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

Videonystagmography (VNG)

VNG noninvasively evaluates inner ear function affecting balance by tracking eye movements and responses to stimuli like air or water in the ears.

Quantitative Electroencephalogram (qEEG)

qEEG analyzes brain electrical activity to detect patterns indicating neurological issues, providing diagnostic insights.

Brain Mapping

Brain mapping evaluates both structural and functional brain aspects, offering a comprehensive understanding of your condition.

At Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology in Raleigh, our specialists conduct thorough evaluations, including neurological exams, to create personalized treatment plans for your recovery.

Neurologist Pointing to Brain Scan

Neurology Treatments

We provide comprehensive care with a multidisciplinary team working in one facility. Our goal is to address all aspects of your health, offering services like:

Pain Management

Our pain management team specializes in nonsurgical methods to alleviate spinal and nerve pain. Options range from prescription medications to procedures like radiofrequency neurotomy, which involves sensory nerve cauterization for long-term relief.

Surgery

Our orthopedic surgery team handles a wide range of procedures for car accident injuries, including minimally invasive outpatient surgeries and corrective interventions. Whether it’s disc replacement or spinal fusion, we offer surgical options tailored to your needs.

Many patients undergo minimally invasive spine surgery and can recover at home the same day or the next day.

Referrals and Recommendations

We facilitate referrals to relevant specialists, including psychiatrists, based on your neurological needs. Our team also recommends cognitive exercises paired with chiropractic care and physical therapy to help you regain your lifestyle.

When to Seek Medical Treatment

After a car accident, seeking immediate medical attention is critical. Situations requiring urgent evaluation include:

  • Loss of consciousness: Indicates potential head injury.
  • Persistent headaches, dizziness, or confusion: Suggests possible concussion or brain injury.
  • Neck or back pain: Could indicate serious injuries like whiplash or spinal cord damage.
  • Numbness or tingling: May signal nerve damage.
  • Visible injuries: Cuts, lacerations, or broken bones need prompt care.
  • Difficulty breathing: Indicates possible internal injuries.
  • Persistent pain: Worsening pain requires evaluation to rule out underlying issues.

Contact Us in Raleigh

Car accidents can lead to debilitating injuries. Left untreated, these can become chronic and severe. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a car crash, the team at Apex Orthopaedics Spine & Neurology is ready to assist.

Our Raleigh neurology specialists and healthcare professionals will diagnose your injuries and develop a personalized treatment plan fitting your needs and lifestyle. Our holistic approach aims for full recovery and prevents chronic problems.

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

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.