Neuroscience

What are some common reasons for seeing a neurologist or neurosurgeon?

Symptoms that may require referral to a neurologist or neurosurgeon include chronic or severe headaches, memory problems, seizures and back pain. However, the brain, nervous system and spine also control movement, so patients with hand tremors, walking difficulties and pain or numbness in the legs may also be referred to the Neuroscience Clinic.

I suffer from back pain, should I see a neurosurgeon?

Lower back pain is common and can often be treated at home with a hot or cold compress and pain killers that can be bought in pharmacies. However, one in 10 cases are more serious and should be seen by a doctor. Click here to read an article by Dr Colum Nolan, Head of Neurosurgery, SKH and Consultant, Department of Neurosurgery, NNI, on when you should see a doctor for back pain.

Why type of tests do neuroscience patients need?

One of the challenges of brain conditions such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease and brain tumours is there is currently no diagnostic blood test. Therefore, your specialist will need to ask you questions about your symptoms and may need to order several tests to determine what is causing your health problems and to treat and monitor your condition. These could range from physical examinations to specialised ultrasound and MRI scans.  

How do neurological conditions affect patients’ lives?

Brain, nerve and spine conditions can present in different ways and at different times in people’s lives, for example:

• Stroke and brain injuries caused by accidents occur suddenly, changing patients’ lives in an instant.
• Epilepsy often starts in childhood and many children grow out the condition, but epilepsy can also occur in adults due to brain tumours, severe head injury, stroke or alcohol/drug abuse.
• Dementia, Parkinson’s disease and motor neuron disease often appear gradually and get worse over time. Dementia and Parkinson’s disease are common among the elderly but they can also occur in people in their 30s and 40s.

Our neurology care team at Sengkang General Hospital (SKH) works in collaboration with the National Neuroscience Institute (NNI) to bring neurosurgery and neuroscience services to Singaporeans who are closer to SKH. Equipped with a robust team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, healthcare professionals and nurse clinicians, the NNI unit at SKH offers a wide range of individualised, comprehensive and quality neuroscience services.