Common questions answered for patients and caregivers.

We understand that neurological issues create many questions. You are not alone. We have years of experience working with patients with a wide range of neurological diseases and symptoms.

The information below is based on the questions we hear most often. We hope that it is useful to you and helps you prepare for your first visit at Advanced Neurology.

Dr. Alnahass treats patients in Northwest Indiana suffering from a number of neurological illnesses including: stroke, sleep disorders, memory loss, movement disorders, headaches and migraines and more.

Is my headache a migraine?

Understanding the differences between a headache and a migraine are important. Most headaches can be treated with over-the-counter medication such as aspirin. However, chronic headaches may be the symptom of a larger problem and should be properly accessed by an expert.

Migraines require diagnosis and treatment by a neurological professional like Dr. Alnahass. Migraine sufferers may experience:

  • Sensitivity to light
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain behind one, or both, eyes
  • Pain and tension around the temples, scalp and neck

What are some symptoms of dementia?

Symptoms of dementia can vary greatly by person. However, some common signs include:

  • Memory loss
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Misplacing things
  • Poor judgement
  • Changes in mood and behavior
  • Losing track of the date or season

If you feel that you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of dementia make an appointment with Advanced Neurology today. Dr. Alnahass and his team will work to properly diagnose potential dementia symptoms and help create a treatment plan for you or your loved one.

What are some symptoms of stroke?

Patients suffering from a stroke may experience a variety of symptoms such as:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Difficulty speaking, slurred speech, or loss of speech
  • Weakened facial muscles or numbness
  • Changes in vision, or loss of vision
  • Weakness or numbness of extremities

What are some of the symptoms of a “mini stroke”?

Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIA), or what is more commonly referred to as a “mini stroke,” can be difficult to detect. Signs of TIA include:

  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Blurred or doubled vision
  • Sudden and severe headache
  • Numbness or weakness of limbs or facial muscles
  • Walking disturbance

What are some symptoms of multiple sclerosis?

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis may include:

  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Stiffness in limbs
  • Muscle spasms
  • Difficulty walking
  • Impaired cognition
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Weakened bladder control
  • Changes in mood, such as depression

Dr. Alnahass understands that a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis can be life changing. That’s why he and his team thoroughly take the time to understand your symptoms and run the tests necessary to properly diagnose you.

What are some causes of back pain?

Sudden back pain can be brought on by a number of factors. Age, weight, lack of exercise, improper lifting, and disease can all contribute to back pain.

If your back pain persists even after resting, call to schedule an appointment with Advanced Neurology, and Dr. Alnahass and his team can help diagnose your back pain symptoms.

Why do I have numbness in my hands and legs?

Numbness is a symptom often associated with a variety of different illnesses and disorders. Numbness could be the result of something as simple as a pinched nerve, or the side effect of something more serious like stroke or multiple sclerosis. In order to treat numbness, a proper diagnosis is always needed.

What are some symptoms of memory loss?

Signs you are suffering from memory loss may include:

  • Misplacing items
  • Frequently mixing up words
  • Getting lost in a familiar area
  • Asking the same question repeatedly

What are some symptoms of Parkinson's?

Parkinson’s is often associated with tremors, but could include the following symptoms:

  • Stiffness
  • Loss of smell
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Trouble walking and moving

If you are experiencing tremors and worried that you may have Parkinson’s, Dr. Alnahass can give you a proper diagnosis and help you find the answers you are looking for.

What are some symptoms of sciatic nerve pain?

If you are suffering from sciatic nerve pain, you may be experiencing the following:

  • Pain in your lower back, buttocks or legs
  • Numbness, tingling, muscle weakness in legs and feet

Why am I having trouble sleeping?

If you are having trouble waking up, falling asleep or staying asleep, you may be suffering from sleep apnea, insomnia or perhaps narcolepsy. Sleep disorder symptoms include:

  • Loud snoring
  • Waking up tired
  • Irregular breathing
  • High blood pressure
  • Changes in behavior, such as irritability
  • Waking up with a dry mouth or sore throat

At Advanced Neurology, Dr. Alnahass manages sleep disorders and can help treat your sleep issues.