How do you know when to see a neurologist after you’ve suffered a work-related injury? To be on the safe side, you should consult with a neurology expert as soon as possible after your accident or injury. At Medical Clinics of New York City, we have extensive experience treating patients with work-related injuries and worker’s comp cases. As we’re New York’s top-rated neurologists, you can feel confident that you’ll receive the highest level of compassionate care and treatment. So if you were hurt on the job, it’s essential to seek professional medical attention right away, as some injuries may not present symptoms for days after the initial trauma.
Ask a Workers’ Comp Neurologist: How Common Are Workplace Injuries?
Just how common are workplace injuries? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2,607,900 non-fatal injuries and illnesses and 5,190 fatal injuries in the private sector in 2021. Another report from 2019 found that while work-related injuries seem to be on the decline, the number of work-related traumatic brain injuries (wrTBIs) is increasing. This report surveyed 101 patients from a nearby neurology clinic with wrTBIs and found that nearly 80% of these injuries were preventable.
Symptoms of a concussion or TBI may occur immediately after the injury, but this is not always the case. Sometimes brain injuries won’t present symptoms for hours or days, during which time the person goes about their daily life none the wiser. That’s why it’s so important to undergo a neurological exam immediately after a workplace accident.
5 Signs That You Should See a Neurologist After a Workplace Injury
If you recently had a work-related injury, the safest course of action is to receive treatment from a neurologist, even if you “feel fine” or have continued your usual daily activities. However, making an appointment with a neurology doctor is even more important if you have an underlying condition or you experience any of these five signs:
1. You Have Sudden, Severe, and Persistent Headaches
The sudden onset of severe headaches is a common sign of a concussion or traumatic brain injury. In fact, chronic post-traumatic headache (CPTHA) is the most frequent symptom people experience after a TBI. However, a skilled neurologist will start your care by developing a custom treatment plan to address your headache pain and specific medical needs.
2. There’s a Noticeable Change in Your Vision
Did you know about half of your entire brain specializes in visual processing? Any noticeable changes in your vision could be the result of a brain injury. No matter what kind of work-related accident caused your injury, you should immediately see a neurologist if you experience any change in your eyesight or post-traumatic visual loss:
- Double vision
- Blurry vision
- Loss of sight
- Visual field loss
- Visual acuity (clarity) loss
3. You’re Experiencing Memory Loss and Confusion
Forgetting where you put your car keys once in a while is normal. However, if you have regular episodes of memory loss, disorientation, or confusion after you were hurt at work, you could have a serious brain injury. Conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s also cause memory loss and confusion, which is why seeking a professional diagnosis from an experienced neurology doctor is the safest way to go.
4. You Feel Persistent Numbness and Tingling
Your body has a complex and widespread system of nerves. One of these systems is your peripheral nerves, which send messages from your brain and spinal cord to the rest of your body. However, peripheral nerves are quite delicate and damage easily. Even a relatively minor fall can easily damage your peripheral nerves, causing persistent feelings of numbness and tingling (known as peripheral neuropathy). If you have chronic feelings of tingling and numbness in your limbs after a work-related accident, a neurology expert may be able to help you find the right course of treatment.
5. You Can’t Stay Balanced and Have Poor Coordination
After being hurt at work, you may have felt fine and gone right back the next day. However, if you begin feeling dizzy, faint, or have trouble keeping your balance, you should schedule an appointment with a neurologist. Ongoing poor coordination and balance issues can be the result of several medical conditions, including a head injury, brainstem injury, or peripheral neuropathy. It could also be from a sudden drop in blood pressure, vision impairment, or an inner ear problem.
Medical Clinics of New York City: Trust the Best Neurologist in NYC
How can you tell when to see a neurologist after a work-related injury? If you ever experience any of those five signs after being hurt on the job, you should immediately make an appointment. In fact, if you suffer any head injury symptoms after a physical trauma – such as a severe headache after a car accident – don’t wait to seek treatment here at Medical Clinics of New York City. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Call us to schedule now at 877-465-7360 – same-day appointments may be available.
FAQs
1. What are signs that you need to see a neurologist?
Common signs that you need to see a neurologist include severe headaches, memory loss, changes in your vision, trouble balancing, and numbness, tingling, or weakness in your limbs. However, any time you hurt your head, neck, or back, it’s essential to schedule a neurological exam as quickly as possible.
2. What injuries do neurologists treat?
Neurologists treat a wide range of injuries and disorders of the central and peripheral nervous systems. For example, neurology experts treat injuries to the nerve system, brain, neck, and spinal cord, such as migraines, brain trauma, concussions, multiple sclerosis, strokes, and more.
3. What are the early signs of neurological problems?
You’ll know when to see a neurologist if you experience any early warning signs of a neurological problem. Examples include severe and ongoing headaches, unexplained pain and muscle weakness, abnormal mood changes, seizures, confusion and memory loss, trouble sleeping, or difficulty maintaining your balance.
