Health and Me

Ishita Roy

11 Signs From Your Nervous System You Should Never Ignore, According to Neurologists

Neurology can sometimes be overwhelming because the nervous system touches almost every part of the body. This means, from memory to speech, to sleep and every sensation, all of them are part of neurology. So, naturally, neurologists deal with a vast range of conditions, including carotid artery disease, seizure disorders, Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia, migraines and facial pain, Parkinson’s disease, muscle disorders, narcolepsy, and many others.

“If there’s a nerve somewhere, a neurologist could get involved,” says Dr. Andrew Dorsch, division chief for general neurology at Rush University System for Health and a specialist in neurologic rehabilitation, as reported by <em>Times</em>. “And there’s nerves everywhere in the body. There’s a lot that can go wrong, and figuring it out often takes real detective work.”

The problem is that many people ignore early <span>neurological symptoms</span>, because it looks like any other normal thing that could happen to anyone under immense stress. Here are 11 symptoms doctors say you should never ignore. 

<h2>Double vision that comes on suddenly</h2>

One overlooked symptom is a specific type of double vision that happens when both eyes are open and improves when either eye is closed. This is known as neurological diplopia and is different from eye-related vision problems.

Dr. Luis Cruz-Saavedra, a neurologist with Memorial Hermann Health System, told <em>Times</em>, this type of double vision can be linked to serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, aneurysm, myasthenia gravis, brain tumors, or brain infections.

If double vision starts suddenly, it is an emergency. “Immediately,” he says. Doctors may check for stroke warning signs and order imaging such as a CT scan or MRI to identify the cause.

Subtle weakness is another symptom people tend to ignore. Dragging one foot, limping, dropping objects, or struggling to write with a dominant hand are all red flags.

“I see people come in months after symptoms begin,” Cruz-Saavedra says. Many assume it is a pinched nerve, but weakness can signal stroke, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, or brain inflammation. Neurologists usually test strength, reflexes, balance, and coordination to narrow down the cause.

<h2>Brief episodes of unresponsiveness</h2>

Some people suddenly stare blankly for a few seconds and then return to normal with no memory of the episode. These moments are often noticed by family members rather than the patient.

Cruz-Saavedra explains that this can be a sign of temporal lobe seizures, which affect areas of the brain involved in memory and emotion. People may describe it as losing a small chunk of time, which should always be medically evaluated.

<h2>Trouble speaking or understanding words</h2>

Speech problems are among the most common warning signs of stroke, yet many people delay seeking care.

Dr. Enrique Leira, director of the division of cerebrovascular diseases at the University of Iowa, toles <em>Times</em>, stroke symptoms often appear suddenly. Speech may become slurred, slow, or difficult to understand. Some people struggle to find words or comprehend language altogether. In these cases, urgent medical attention is critical.

<h2>Sudden, severe headache during exertion</h2>

Most headaches are harmless, but some require immediate attention. A headache that strikes suddenly, feels unusually intense, and occurs during physical effort can indicate something serious, including stroke.

Leira says headaches that do not gradually build up and instead arrive abruptly should always be checked right away.

<h2>Persistent numbness in feet or fingers</h2>

Dr. Dorsch says numbness commonly affects the feet or fingers and suggests that nerves are failing to send signals properly. This is different from tingling, which usually means nerve irritation.

Numbness may result from diabetes, autoimmune conditions, genetic disorders, or nerve damage. A full neurological workup helps determine which nerves are affected and why.

Occasional déjà vu is normal. Experiencing it repeatedly is not.

“If it’s happening regularly, that’s not typical,” Dorsch says. Frequent déjà vu episodes can be an early sign of temporal lobe seizures and should be evaluated.

<h2>Difficulty standing up from a chair</h2>

Struggling to rise from a chair on a regular basis is not just about aging or stiff joints. Dorsch says neurologists want to rule out problems involving muscles, nerves, or the spinal cord, including Parkinson’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

Neurologists pay close attention to voice changes. Dr. Alexandru Olaru of University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center notes that an unusually soft or breathy voice may indicate Parkinson’s disease. Slurred speech can point to stroke.

Another concerning sign is a wet or gurgly voice caused by saliva pooling in the throat. This can occur in conditions like Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and multiple sclerosis.

<h2>Muscle twitches that do not stop</h2>

Muscle twitches are common and often harmless. But when they occur repeatedly in the same location, they should be discussed with a doctor.

Olaru explains that these fasciculations may be benign or linked to conditions such as spinal stenosis, ALS, or autoimmune nerve disorders. Tests like electromyography can help identify the cause.

<h2>Sudden personality or behavior changes</h2>

Abrupt shifts in behavior, including paranoia, withdrawal, impulsivity, or inappropriate behavior, can signal neurological disease.

Cruz-Saavedra says conditions like autoimmune encephalitis or frontotemporal dementia may show up as personality changes long before memory problems appear. New obsessive behaviors or hoarding can also be warning signs.

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11 neurological symptoms you should never ignore

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Neurology can sometimes be overwhelming because the nervous system touches almost every part of the body. This means, from memory to speech, to sleep and every sensation, all of them are part of neurology. So, naturally, neurologists deal with a vast range of conditions, including carotid artery disease, seizure disorders, Alzheimer’s and frontotemporal dementia, migraines and facial pain, Parkinson’s disease, muscle disorders, narcolepsy, and many others.“If there’s a nerve somewhere, a neurologist could get involved,” says Dr. Andrew Dorsch, division chief for general neurology at Rush University System for Health and a specialist in neurologic rehabilitation, as reported by Times. “And there’s nerves everywhere in the body. There’s a lot that can go wrong, and figuring it out often takes real detective work.”The problem is that many people ignore early neurological symptoms, because it looks like any other normal thing that could happen to anyone under immense stress. Here are 11 symptoms doctors say you should never ignore. Double vision that comes on suddenlyOne overlooked symptom is a specific type of double vision that happens when both eyes are open and improves when either eye is closed. This is known as neurological diplopia and is different from eye-related vision problems.Dr. Luis Cruz-Saavedra, a neurologist with Memorial Hermann Health System, told Times, this type of double vision can be linked to serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, aneurysm, myasthenia gravis, brain tumors, or brain infections.If double vision starts suddenly, it is an emergency. “Immediately,” he says. Doctors may check for stroke warning signs and order imaging such as a CT scan or MRI to identify the cause.Weakness in one arm or legSubtle weakness is another symptom people tend to ignore. Dragging one foot, limping, dropping objects, or struggling to write with a dominant hand are all red flags.“I see people come in months after symptoms begin,” Cruz-Saavedra says. Many assume it is a pinched nerve, but weakness can signal stroke, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, or brain inflammation. Neurologists usually test strength, reflexes, balance, and coordination to narrow down the cause.Brief episodes of unresponsivenessSome people suddenly stare blankly for a few seconds and then return to normal with no memory of the episode. These moments are often noticed by family members rather than the patient.Cruz-Saavedra explains that this can be a sign of temporal lobe seizures, which affect areas of the brain involved in memory and emotion. People may describe it as losing a small chunk of time, which should always be medically evaluated.Trouble speaking or understanding wordsSpeech problems are among the most common warning signs of stroke, yet many people delay seeking care.Dr. Enrique Leira, director of the division of cerebrovascular diseases at the University of Iowa, toles Times, stroke symptoms often appear suddenly. Speech may become slurred, slow, or difficult to understand. Some people struggle to find words or comprehend language altogether. In these cases, urgent medical attention is critical.Sudden, severe headache during exertionMost headaches are harmless, but some require immediate attention. A headache that strikes suddenly, feels unusually intense, and occurs during physical effort can indicate something serious, including stroke.Leira says headaches that do not gradually build up and instead arrive abruptly should always be checked right away.Persistent numbness in feet or fingersDr. Dorsch says numbness commonly affects the feet or fingers and suggests that nerves are failing to send signals properly. This is different from tingling, which usually means nerve irritation.Numbness may result from diabetes, autoimmune conditions, genetic disorders, or nerve damage. A full neurological workup helps determine which nerves are affected and why.Frequent déjà vuOccasional déjà vu is normal. Experiencing it repeatedly is not.“If it’s happening regularly, that’s not typical,” Dorsch says. Frequent déjà vu episodes can be an early sign of temporal lobe seizures and should be evaluated.Difficulty standing up from a chairStruggling to rise from a chair on a regular basis is not just about aging or stiff joints. Dorsch says neurologists want to rule out problems involving muscles, nerves, or the spinal cord, including Parkinson’s disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.Changes in voiceNeurologists pay close attention to voice changes. Dr. Alexandru Olaru of University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center notes that an unusually soft or breathy voice may indicate Parkinson’s disease. Slurred speech can point to stroke.Another concerning sign is a wet or gurgly voice caused by saliva pooling in the throat. This can occur in conditions like Parkinson’s disease, ALS, and multiple sclerosis.Muscle twitches that do not stopMuscle twitches are common and often harmless. But when they occur repeatedly in the same location, they should be discussed with a doctor.Olaru explains that these fasciculations may be benign or linked to conditions such as spinal stenosis, ALS, or autoimmune nerve disorders. Tests like electromyography can help identify the cause.Sudden personality or behavior changesAbrupt shifts in behavior, including paranoia, withdrawal, impulsivity, or inappropriate behavior, can signal neurological disease.Cruz-Saavedra says conditions like autoimmune encephalitis or frontotemporal dementia may show up as personality changes long before memory problems appear. New obsessive behaviors or hoarding can also be warning signs.