Adult neurology

Neurological care for adults

Neurology is the care of conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves and muscles. Dr Anand Diwan is a Consultant Neurologist who sees adults at Narayani Hospital and at the Govind Nagar clinic. He listens carefully to your history, examines you, and advises tests only when they are needed to reach a diagnosis.

Many neurological conditions can be treated well, and an early assessment often makes a difference.

When to see a neurologist

You may wish to see a neurologist if you have:

• Seizures or blackouts (see Epilepsy)
• Headaches, including migraine (see Migraine and headache)
• Stroke symptoms, or a past stroke that needs follow-up (see Stroke)
• Tremor, stiffness, slowness or other movement problems (see Parkinson's disease)
• Dizziness or a spinning sensation (vertigo)
• Memory problems or changes in thinking
• Numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
• Neck or back pain spreading to the arms or legs, or sciatica
• Unexplained fainting or episodes of loss of awareness

If you are not sure whether your symptoms need a neurologist, call us and we will guide you.

Conditions Dr Diwan treats

Headache, fainting, weakness, paralysis, multiple sclerosis and other problems of the brain and spinal cord, as well as:

Vertigo and dizziness

Finding the cause of spinning, giddiness or loss of balance. A VNG (video nystagmography) test of eye movements can be done at Narayani Hospital when needed.

Dementia and memory problems

Assessment of forgetfulness and changes in thinking, with ongoing care and support for families. It helps if a family member who knows you well comes to the appointment.

Spine, sciatica and spondylosis

Sciatica, cervical radiculopathy, and neck or back pain from cervical and lumbar spondylosis pressing on nerves. Nerve tests (EMG and NCS) can show whether and where a nerve is affected.

Nerve and muscle disease

Neuropathy, nerve pain, numbness, tingling, myopathy and other neuromuscular disorders, assessed with EMG and NCS.

What to expect at the first visit

Dr Diwan will ask about your symptoms, when they started, your medical history and any medicines you take, and will examine you. It helps to bring:

• previous medical reports, scans and test results,
• a list of your medicines,
• a family member or friend who has seen your symptoms, if possible,
• a short phone video of any episodes, if you can film them safely.

Tests you may need

Not everyone needs tests. When they are needed, they may include EEG, video EEG, EMG and nerve conduction studies, VEP, BERA, VNG, blood tests, a CT scan of the brain, or a CSF examination (lumbar puncture), depending on your symptoms. All of these are done at Narayani Hospital. Your doctor may also advise an MRI scan.

• No fasting is needed for EEG, video EEG, EMG/NCS, VEP or BERA.
• For an EEG, come with freshly washed hair and scalp. Do not apply oil.
• For blood tests, CT brain and lumbar puncture, please ask about any preparation when you book.
• Bring previous reports and a list of your medicines.