Neurologist Near Me
A Neurologist or Online Neurologist is a medical professional specializing in diagnosing, managing, and treating disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.
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experienced neurologists and psychiatrists to ensure your mental wellness is our top priority.
You may need to see a Neurologist if you have been diagnosed with one of the following conditions or if you have symptoms suggestive of the following neurological conditions.
- Attention difficulties
- Cerebral palsy
- Epilepsy
- Headaches
- Memory loss and cognitive decline
- Migraines
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Dementia (Alzheimer’s dementia, Lewy body dementia)
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Pseudodementia
- Sleep apnea
- Stroke
- Tics
- Other Neuromuscular conditions
Find a Neurologist Near Me
Neurologist, Board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Dr. Valeria Serban is an experienced neurologist, board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, specializing in neuropsychiatric conditions. Dr.Serban has earned a reputation as one of the best neurologists for her comprehensive approach to patient care.
Dr. Serban offers a compassionate and holistic approach to neurological care. As well as using medications to treat neurological conditions, she considers psychiatric complications of neurological disorders and treats the patient as a whole.
Dr. Valeria Serban is experienced in treating depression, anxiety, insomnia, panic attacks, and other psychiatric symptoms that often accompany neurological conditions. She works with patients and carers to help improve the quality of life for her patients.
Dr. Serban also understands the importance of family involvement in neurological care. She collaborates with families to develop long-term strategies for managing the condition and provides valuable guidance for improving support systems. Her personalized care plans empower patients and their families to navigate challenges with confidence and hope.
Dr. Serban’s exceptional academic background underscores her expertise. Her advanced training includes residencies in neurology and internal medicine, a Ph.D. in neuroscience from the City University of New York, and a Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship at Massachusetts General Hospital – Harvard Medical School.
Medical School:
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania
Neurology Residency Training:
University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Romania
Master of Philosophy (M.Ph.) – Neuroscience:
NYS Institute for Basic Research, New York
Internal Medicine Residency:
Temple University Hospital, Pennsylvania
Neurology Residency:
Temple University Hospital, Pennsylvania
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) – Neuroscience:
NYS Institute for Basic Research, City University of New York – Graduate Center
Clinical Neurophysiology Fellowship:
Massachusetts General Hospital – Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts
Board Certification:
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
Electromyography – American Association of Neuromuscular and Electrodiagnostic Medicine (AANEM)
Neuromuscular Medicine – American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
Recertification – American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN)
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Should I see a Neurologist
Near me or Online?
It may not always be possible to see a Neurologist near you, depending on where you live and the neurologist’s availability.
When you see a Neurologist online, you have to make sure they are licensed in your state.
Advantages of Seeing a Neurologist Near Me
- Although the neurological exam is less significant due to the easy accessibility of MRIs and PET scans, which have superseded the physical exam for definitive diagnosis, many neurologists prefer an old-fashioned physical exam.
- Some people prefer the connection of seeing a neurologist in person.
- A neurologist near you will be more likely to be licensed in your state.
When should I see a Neurologist Online?
Seeing an online Neurologist means you can see the neurologist of your choice, regardless of location.
The advantages of seeing a Neurologist online include:
- Getting an urgent appointment: waiting for an in-person appointment can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment.
- Convenience, less travel time, and weekend appointments.
- More frequent appointments: waiting several months in between appointments can lead to substandard care, especially for conditions like epilepsy, Parkinson’s, and multiple sclerosis, where medication needs can change frequently.
- Seeing a specialist in your area of need: Neurology is a vast field, and even a board-certified Neurologist may not be an expert in your area of need.
- An online neurologist can speak to your family members more easily.
As well as immediate and more frequent visits, seeing a Neurologist online means you can select a specialist in your area or need. For example, a specialist in dementia may not be a specialist in epilepsy.
Signs that you may need to see a neurologist include:
- Persistent or severe headaches
- Chronic pain due to nerve blocks
- Seizures or unusual body movements
- Persistent numbness or tingling
- Memory loss or cognitive changes
- Severe muscle weakness
- Movement or coordination difficulties
- Vision problems such as blurred or double vision
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Chronic sleep problems
- Tremors or involuntary movements
- Unexplained fainting or blackouts
- Sudden changes in speech
- Loss of sensation
- Stroke symptoms like one-sided body weakness, drooping face, trouble speaking, etc.
Access to a neurologist, especially in critical cases, ensures timely neurological evaluations, personalized care, and convenience. Advancements in technology have led to online neurology services emerging as a viable option.
Online Neurologist
Our Online Neurologist, Dr. Valeria Serban, offers convenience and accessibility for patients suffering from neurological distress. She conducts HIPAA-compliant, safe, and secure virtual consultations that focus on comprehensive evaluations and compassionate preventive care.
Emergency Neurologist
You may need to see a Neurologist urgently if you are experiencing:
- New onset severe headaches
- New onset loss of movement
- New onset loss of sensation
- New onset facial drooping
- New onset seizures
- Exacerbation of a chronic illness
An online Emergency Neurologist will assess whether you need to go to the emergency room or can be treated as an outpatient.
If you are experiencing stroke-like symptoms or an altered mental status, or what seems like the worst headache of your life, do not wait for an appointment; go straight to the emergency room.
If you or your loved one is experiencing such symptoms, delaying care can worsen them and lead to complications. Consulting a neurologist is essential for properly diagnosing and treating neurological disorders for a better quality of life.
Best Neurologist Near Me
When looking for the best neurologist, it is important to consider a professional with extensive expertise, a patient-centered approach, good communication skills, advanced training, and compassionate care. The best neurologists should communicate effectively. Effective communication includes:
- Listening actively: Paying attention to the patient’s concerns, symptoms, and medical history.
- Providing clarity: Explaining medical information clearly and ensuring that the patient understands the treatment plan.
- Encouraging questions: Creating a comfortable and judgment-free environment for the patient to ask questions about their health.
- Building trust: Establishing a strong rapport with patients.
The best neurologist will always adopt a patient-centered approach and focus on the individual needs of their patients. Their treatment plans will be personalized based on the patient’s lifestyle, symptoms, medical history, and overall health. A patient-centered approach includes:
- Thorough and comprehensive evaluations: Through neurological evaluations that include medical history, symptoms, and diagnostic tests.
- Personalized treatment plans: Customized care that aligns with the person’s treatment goals, such as pain relief, slowing disease progression, or functional improvement.
- Collaboration with other medical professionals: Neurologists often have to collaborate with other healthcare providers of the patient, such as physical therapists, nutritionists, psychiatrists, etc.
- Compassion: Neurologists should understand the emotional and psychological impact of neurological symptoms on the patient.
What Conditions Does a Neurologist Treat?
Neurologists are highly trained and experienced in treating a variety of neurological issues, ranging from common ones like headaches and migraines to complex disorders like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, sleep apnea, etc.
The nervous system is one of the most intricate systems in the human body, responsible for controlling cognitive functions, voluntary movements, etc. When the nervous system encounters problems, it results in distressing symptoms and disorders that can disrupt an individual’s daily life. A neurologist has the knowledge and understanding to address common as well as rare neurological disorders and provide comprehensive care to patients.
Initially, symptoms related to neurological conditions may appear to be minor or unrelated. For example, you may think that a recurring headache or occasional numbness of fingers is a common sign of fatigue. However, these symptoms could be signs of migraines, neuropathy, or even early signs of bigger neurological conditions like MS.
Using their expertise and through collaboration with other healthcare professionals, a neurologist or online neurologist can detect the abnormalities in the brain and start treatment to ease the symptoms. Your neurologist should be proficient in administering treatment modalities such as therapy, medication management, and preventive care. Here are some conditions that can be treated by a neurologist:
Best Neurologist Near Me for Dementia
Dementia means ‘progressive cognitive decline for more than three months.’ Although there are severe forms of Dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, most forms of dementia have slow progression and are preventable or even reversible. Early and prompt treatment of dementia by an experienced neurologist or online neurologist will help you in the following ways:
- Finding out the type of dementia
- Identify if you are suffering from pseudodementia (a common reversible cause of dementia)
- Treating complications of dementia
- Slowing down symptoms if you have slow forms of dementia, such as vascular dementia
- Treating the psychiatric symptoms of dementia, including anxiety, insomnia, depression, and agitation
- Accessing neurological benefits
Visiting a neurologist through an in-person or online appointment will help you recognize the underlying cause of dementia, treat any conditions that may be mimicking dementia, slow down the progression of irreversible dementia, and extend support to your family members.
Best Neurologist Near Me for Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that presents with recurrent and unprovoked seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. It can have mild and barely noticeable episodes to severe seizures.
Having seizures can be frightening, to the point that sufferers may be afraid to be alone, go out alone, or avoid public gatherings, for fear of having a seizure. Uncontrolled seizures also mean a person cannot drive, use gym equipment, and may be restricted in other areas such as work and childcare.
The first step in managing epilepsy is receiving an accurate diagnosis through a neurologist or an online neurologist. Your neurologist will use a combination of techniques like EEG, imaging studies, and blood tests to determine the type and cause of epilepsy.
There are different types of seizures, including grand mal, petit mal, and myoclonic seizures.
An epilepsy specialist should:
- Get an accurate diagnosis of the type of seizure.
- Tailor your medication to your particular type of seizure and work with you to achieve seizure remission and avoid side effects.
- Work with you to identify and avoid triggers to seizures.
- Should work with you to treat psychiatric symptoms associated with epilepsy, including anxiety, depression, agoraphobia, panic attacks, and social anxiety.
Best Neurologist Near Me for Memory Loss
Memory loss can begin with subtle signs like forgetting where you kept your cell phone or car keys or missing a doctor’s appointment. Memory loss may even impair a person’s ability to form new memories or learn new information.
It is possible that you are going through temporary cognitive impairment where you have difficulty recalling information, but your condition is treatable and reversible. Unlike progressive conditions like Alzheimer’s or some form of dementia, reversible memory loss is caused by manageable factors.
Common causes of reversible memory loss can be:
- Alcohol or substance abuse
- Depression and anxiety
- Certain medications
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Sleep disturbances
- Thyroid disorders
- Stress or trauma
- Poor nutrition
Your neurologist will diagnose the causes of reversible memory loss through a thorough neurological evaluation that includes:
- Reviewing current medications and medical history
- Analyzing blood test reports to check for infections, thyroid issues, or vitamin deficiencies
- Performing imaging tests, such as CT scans or MRIs, to rule out the structural abnormalities in the brain
Best Neurologist Near Me for Migraines
An individual suffering from migraine may struggle with symptoms like:
- Pounding headaches
- Lack of focus
- Nausea and vomiting
- Blurred vision
- Visual disturbances like bright spots, zigzag lines, flashing lights, etc.
- Watery eyes
- Nasal congestion
Migraine symptoms are debilitating and can disrupt daily activities like working, studying, or driving. In the United States, about 1.2 million people have to visit the emergency room to deal with migraine attacks, and yet, many do not receive the best long-term treatment to manage this neurological condition.
It is frustrating for migraine sufferers to face a lack of answers from medical professionals and then turn to alternative health practitioners for treatment. A trained neurologist who has spent many years observing and treating migraine headaches can offer specialized and evidence-backed treatment.
Effective treatment of migraines includes:
- Identifying triggers such as bright lights and sleep deprivation
- Allergy testing
- Considering hormones
- Screening for untreated conditions such as PCOS that can exacerbate migraines
- Monitoring stress
- Screen for nutritional deficiencies that can exacerbate migraines
- Prescribing medication for acute resolution of migraines
- Considering the need for preventative medication
- Counseling patients on lifestyle changes
- Counseling patients on how to request reasonable workplace accommodations
- Treating psychiatric symptoms associated with migraines, such as depression, insomnia, anticipatory anxiety, and PTSD
Additionally, your neurologist may also collaborate with other healthcare providers to administer therapies like botox injections and biofeedback. Effectively treating migraine requires a personalized plan and a holistic approach, which includes lifestyle changes and other preventive measures.
Best Neurologist Near Me for Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic condition with a waxing and waning course. Medication requirements vary throughout the course of the illness, so personalized care is essential.
Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis:
- Vision problems like double vision and vision loss
- Pain with eye movement
- Muscle weakness or muscle stiffness
- Tingling or numbness in pain in legs, arms, face, etc.
- Difficulty balancing the body while walking
- Loss of bladder control
- Dizziness
- Mental or physical fatigue
- Mood or emotional changes
- Cognitive issues like trouble concentrating, thinking, learning, multitasking, or memory problems
The best neurologist for multiple sclerosis will consider triggers for relapse and work with the patient to avoid triggers.
The best neurologist for multiple sclerosis will consider psychiatric symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, sleep difficulties, and cognitive problems.
With effective care, individuals with multiple sclerosis can marry, have families, have successful careers, and live comparatively normal lives.
The best neurologists are committed to helping their patients live as normal a life as possible, as well as alleviating symptoms.
Best Neurologist Near Me for Parkinson's
The best neurologist for Parkinson’s should be able to treat tremor and rigidity. The best neurologist for Parkinson’s should also be able to manage the psychiatric symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, which can include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Apathy
- Memory loss
Parkinson’s disease is a complex condition; however, effective management can dramatically improve the quality of life. Close attention to drug interactions and pharmacy is important.
A holistic view involving a combination of physiotherapy, close medication management, psychotherapy, and career support is the best way to improve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Best Neurologist Near Me for Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. Sleep apnea can disrupt an individual’s quality of sleep, daily functioning, and overall health. Untreated sleep apnea can cause anxiety, depression, and fatigue, and also increase the progression of heart disease and microvascular dementia.
Neurologists conduct comprehensive diagnoses for sleep apnea using tools like Polysomnography (sleep study) and neurological evaluation. They should also be able to collaborate with other healthcare professionals such as primary care doctors, pulmonologists, and cardiologists to develop the right treatment plan.
It is important to note that some other neurological conditions, such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, neuropathy, and traumatic brain injury, can worsen sleep apnea. Therefore, seeing a neurologist is important to make sure that sleep apnea treatment is not just symptomatic but also focuses on the underlying condition.
A good Neurologist will treat complications of sleep apnea, such as memory loss, depression, and anxiety, as well as treating the sleep apnea.
Best Neurologist Near Me for Stroke
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) occurs when the blood supply to the brain is reduced or interrupted, causing a deprivation of oxygen and nutrients in the brain tissue. This can sometimes lead to long-term neurological symptoms.
To identify stroke symptoms, use the acronym ‘BE FAST’. It means:
- Balance: loss of balance and coordination
- Eyes: double or blurred vision, or loss of vision
- Face: drooping on one side of the face
- Arms: numbness or weakness in one arm
- Speech: difficulty speaking or slurred speech
- Time: act quickly and call emergency services immediately
Strokes can often be reversed if treated in the first few hours. If having new onset stroke symptoms, call 911. Go straight to the emergency room, and do not try to schedule an appointment.
The role of a neurologist in caring for individuals with strokes or transient ischemic attacks includes:
- Stroke prevention: strokes can be prevented by aggressively treating risk factors.
- Cognitive remediation: These include exercises that form alternative pathways post-stroke to help restore function.
- Collaboration with physiotherapists.
- Treat pain, spasticity, and discomfort.
- Treat psychiatric symptoms associated with stroke, such as insomnia, anxiety, depression, and agitation.
- Collaborate with carers and family members to ensure access to services.
