When to See a Neurologist for Your Work-Related Injury or Illness
A workers’ compensation neurologist is a doctor who specializes in treating patients with nervous system disorders that have arisen due to work-related injuries. These doctors can provide diagnostic and treatment services for conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. They can also help patients manage pain associated with these conditions.
Neurologists who treat workers’ compensation patients often work closely with other members of the workers’ compensation team, including occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other physicians. This multi-specialty team approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their condition.
If you have been injured at work, your first step should be to see your primary care physician. Your doctor will likely refer you to a workers’ compensation neurologist for further evaluation and treatment.
What Does A Neurologist Do?
A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating disorders of the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurologists use a variety of tests and procedures to diagnose conditions and develop treatment plans.
Some common conditions that neurologists treat include Alzheimer’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and stroke. They also treat less common conditions, such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Huntington’s disease.
If you think you may have a neurological condition or if you have been injured in a way that has caused damage to your nervous system, you should see a neurologist. Your primary care physician can refer you to a neurologist if necessary.
Common Work-related Injuries
Work-related injuries can cause a variety of nervous system disorders. Some of the most common conditions that workers’ compensation neurologists treat include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: Carpal tunnel syndrome is an ailment in which the median nerve, which travels from the arm to the hand, becomes compressed. This compression can produce discomfort, numbness, and tingling in the hand and fingers. Carpal tunnel syndrome is more often induced by repetitive activities such as typing or using a mouse.
- Traumatic brain injury: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the head is suddenly and violently hit. This can cause damage to the brain and lead to a variety of symptoms, including headache, dizziness, nausea, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. TBI can also cause more serious problems, such as coma or paralysis.
- Spinal cord injury: A spinal cord injury occurs when the spinal cord is damaged. This can cause weakness, numbness, and paralysis below the site of the injury. Spinal cord injuries are often caused by falls, car accidents, or other trauma.
Work-related Injury Statistics in New York
In 2017, there were a total of 131,564 work-related injuries and illnesses reported in New York State. Of these injuries and illnesses:
- 55,926 were musculoskeletal disorders
- 34,507 were slips, trips, and falls
- 8,813 were exposure to harmful substances or environments
- 2,444 were traumatic brain injuries
The most common industries for work-related injuries and illnesses were:
- Health care and social assistance
- Retail trade
- Manufacturing
- Accommodation and food services
If you have been injured at work, you are not alone. Thousands of workers in New York State suffer from work-related injuries and illnesses each year. And, while some of these conditions are minor and will resolve on their own, others can have a lasting impact on your health and well-being.
Work-related Injury Statistics in New Jersey
In 2017, there were a total of 50,272 work-related injuries and illnesses reported in New Jersey. Of these injuries and illnesses:
- 20,851 were musculoskeletal disorders
- 11,450 were slips, trips, and falls
- 4,536 were exposure to harmful substances or environments
- 1,064 were traumatic brain injuries
The most common industries for work-related injuries and illnesses were:
- Health care and social assistance
- Retail trade
- Manufacturing
- Accommodation and food services
If you have been injured at work, you are not alone. Thousands of workers in New Jersey suffer from work-related injuries and illnesses each year. And while some of these conditions are minor and will resolve on their own, others can have a lasting impact on your health and well-being.
What is Workers' Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that provides benefits to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Benefits can include medical expenses, income replacement, and death benefits. Workers’ compensation is mandatory in NY and NJ which means employers must provide coverage for their employees.
What Does Workers' Compensation Cover?
Workers’ compensation typically covers all work-related injuries and illnesses, regardless of who was at fault. This includes injuries that occur on the job site, as well as those that occur off-site but are related to the job (e.g., car accidents while on business travel). It also covers illnesses that are caused by exposure to hazardous conditions at work (e.g., asbestos exposure).
Common Tests and Procedures Used by Neurologists
Neurologists use a variety of tests and procedures to diagnose conditions and develop treatment plans. Some of the most common tests and procedures used by neurologists include:
- Physical examination: A physical examination allows the neurologist to get a general idea of your overall health and to look for any obvious signs of neurological damage. During the examination, the neurologist will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. The neurologist will also test your reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as MRI or CT scan, can be used to look for signs of damage to the brain or spinal cord.
- Neuropsychological testing: Neuropsychological testing can be used to evaluate thinking, memory, and other cognitive functions. This type of testing is often used to diagnose conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
- Laboratory tests: Laboratory tests, such as blood tests, can be used to look for signs of infection or disease.
- Electrodiagnostic testing: Electrodiagnostic testing, such as electromyography (EMG) or nerve conduction studies (NCS), can be used to diagnose disorders of the nerves and muscles. EMG is a test that measures the electrical activity of muscles. NCS is a test that measures the speed of nerve impulses.
What does a Neurologist Do on your First Visit?
On your first visit to the neurologist, you can expect the doctor to ask about your medical history and symptoms. The neurologist will also perform a physical examination. This examination may include tests of your reflexes, muscle strength, and sensation. The neurologist may also order imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, to look for signs of damage to the brain or spinal cord. In some cases, the neurologist may also order neuropsychological testing to evaluate thinking, memory, and other cognitive functions. Laboratory tests, such as blood tests, may also be ordered to look for signs of infection or disease. Electrodiagnostic testing, such as EMG or NCS, may also be ordered to diagnose disorders of the nerves and muscles.
Treatment Options for Neurological Conditions
The treatment options for neurological conditions vary depending on the specific condition. Treatment options can include:
- Medication: Medications can be used to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve muscle function.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to improve muscle strength and coordination. Physical therapy can also help to reduce pain and swelling.
- Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy can help patients learn how to perform daily activities despite their neurological condition.
- Surgery: Surgery may be necessary to treat some neurological conditions. For example, surgery may be used to remove a herniated disc or to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.
When choosing a treatment option, it is important to consider the risks and benefits of each option. Your neurologist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
What Should You Look For In a Workers' Comp Neurologist?
When choosing a workers’ compensation neurologist, it is important to find a doctor who is experienced in treating workplace injuries. The neurologist should be familiar with the Workers’ Compensation system and be a Workers’ Compensation Board authorized medical provider. You may also want to ask about the neurologist’s experience in treating your specific type of injury. For example, if you have suffered a back injury, you will want to find a neurologist who has experience in treating this type of injury. Once you have found a few workers’ compensation neurologists that meet your criteria, you can then schedule an appointment for an evaluation.
Get Help Now
If you have been injured at work, it is important to see an experienced neurologist. A workers’ compensation neurologist can provide you with the specialized care that you need to recover from your injury and return to work. Call Toll-Free 24/7 (888) 533-0870 to find a reputable workers’ comp neurologist near you and help you schedule an appointment.
