Neurologists

Neurologists are doctors with expanded knowledge of the nervous system. A patient with any of the following problems might be referred to a neurologist for treatment:

  • Tumors on nervous tissue
  • Infections of nervous tissue
  • Sleep disorders (hypothalmic disorders)
  • Neuropathies and radiculopathies
  • Stroke
  • Dementia
  • Epilepsy and seizures
  • Headaches
  • Neuromuscular disorders
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Head trauma
  • Multiple sclerosis

The nervous system is spread through out the entire body interacting and ultimately controlling all bodily systems and functions. The brain and spinal cord make up the central nervous system which is central command for the body and all systems. The brain controls the organs such as the heart, lungs, smooth muscle in the digestive and vascular tracts, blood pressure sensors, kidneys and much more using signals passed through autonomic nerves. The functioning of these types of systems is involuntary for the most part. Reflexes are also hard wired into the body, which a person cannot control. Peripheral nerves and the actions they initiate are considered voluntary. These include motor nerves that signal muscles contractions, sensory nerves that signal the brain about stimuli from tactile sources, smells, tastes, sights, sounds, and temperatures.

Nerve damage can present with many symptoms and depending on the type of nerve affected. Autonomic nerve (involuntary) damage can include many different types of symptoms such as:

  • Incontinence, constipation
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Changes in sweating patterns (more or less than typical)
  • Dryness of mucosal membranes (mouth, eyes, etc.)
  • Feeling light-headed
  • Lack of sensation in chest (pain, pressure, etc.)

Motor nerve damage can include the symptoms of:

  • Paralysis
  • Weakness
  • Muscle deterioration
  • Muscle twitching

Sensory nerve damage can include the symptoms of:

  • Numbness
  • Pain
  • Excessive sensitivity
  • Pins and needles sensation
  • Burning
  • Impaired spatial awareness

Motor and sensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system can regrow if damaged. Some repairs to these nerves are also possible. Repair or regrowth of neurons within the central nervous system does not happen. No neurologist should claim that they can repair damage to these nerves. Other mistakes that neurologists can make are medication errors, misdiagnosis, recommending unnecessary surgical procedures, or misreading imaging scans. 

If you believe you or a loved one suffered a worsening of a condition due to an error made by a neurologist, you may be eligible for damages. Contact the experts at the Sweeney Law Firm and let us review the fact to see if you have a neurologist medical malpractice case. If we decide to take your case, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we don’t get paid unless there is a settlement or recovery of funds for you.