Diagnosing Neurological Disorders in Central California

Neurological disorders can affect any part of your nervous system, including your brain, spinal cord, and nerves throughout your body. There are hundreds of types of nervous system disorders. 

Dignity Health Central California neurologists offer expert care to diagnose neurological symptoms and treat neurological diseases. Find a Doctor who treats neurological disorders close to you at: 

• Memorial Hospital
• Mercy Hospitals
• St. Joseph's Medical Center

Types of Neurological Disorders

A few common nervous system disorders include: 

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
• Cerebral palsy
• Dementia
• Dystonia
• Epilepsy and other seizure disorders
• Multiple sclerosis
• Parkinson’s disease
• Spinal stenosis
• Stroke

Neurological Symptoms Caused by Nervous System Disorders

Neurological disorders cause a range of neurological symptoms depending on the condition. Symptoms may be caused by damage to a single nerve (such as one of the large sciatic nerves in the buttocks), damage to many nerves (as in multiple sclerosis), or damage to brain tissue (related to stroke or cerebral palsy).

Neurological symptoms may include:

• Pain
• Burning sensations
• Problems with movement
• Thinking and learning deficits
• Memory problems
• Difficulties swallowing or breathing
• Changes in your taste, sight, and smell

What Causes Neurological Disorders?

Nervous system diseases have many causes, from genetic disorders to specific gene mutations to head trauma. Major causes include: 

• Blood vessel disorders and vascular disease
• Cancer and benign tumors
• Abnormalities with the nervous system prior to birth
• Gene mutations
• Infections
• Nerve damage and diseases
• Traumatic brain or spinal injury

Often, the cause of a neurological disease is not known or poorly understood. Seizure disorders, for example, may happen in otherwise healthy people with no family or genetic history of the condition.

Neurological Treatments at Dignity Health Central California

Our skilled neurologists focus on caring for neurological diseases with humankindness. Some doctors specialize in treating specific disorders. For example, a neuromuscular specialist treats diseases that affect communication between nerves and muscles, while a neuro-oncologist treats cancers that affect the nervous system. 

Neurological treatments for nervous system diseases vary depending on the condition and its severity. Treatments may include medication, surgery, acute rehabilitation and neurocritical care, and neuropsychology services. Dignity Health Central California neurologists will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that meets your physical, mental, and spiritual needs.

Dignity Health doctors diagnose and treat neurological disorders in Bakersfield, Merced, San Andreas, and Stockton, CA.