Alexander Taghva, MD

949-388-7190

949-388-7190

SCHEDULE APPOINTMENT
  • Home
  • Services
    • Neurosurgical Conditions
      • Treatment for Neurosurgical Conditions
      • Neurosurgeon or Orthopedic Surgeon
    • Neurosurgical Procedures
      • Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion
      • Cervical Disc Replacement
      • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS)
      • Microdiscectomy
      • Minimally Invasive Laminotomy
      • Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
      • Revision Spine Surgery
      • Spinal Cord Stimulation
      • ReActiv8
      • Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement
      • Spine Surgery
  • Meet Dr. Taghva
  • Reviews
  • For Patients
    • Education
    • Forms
    • Blog
    • Payment Options
  • Office Location
    • Mission Viejo Office, CA
Home » Blog » 6 Warning Signs That Show It’s Time To See a Neurosurgeon

6 Warning Signs That Show It’s Time To See a Neurosurgeon

Find a neurosurgeon
Neurosurgeons are highly educated and trained to deal with any neurological issue that any patient may have, including brain tumors, bulging discs, brain condition treatments, and brain surgery.

Neurologists and neurosurgeons specialize in the nervous system in the body. They typically focus on the brain and the spinal cord within that system, and that is because those areas are typically where neurological problems stem from. They are highly educated and trained to deal with any neurological issue that any patient may have, including brain tumors, bulging discs, brain condition treatment options, and brain surgery.

There are over 1.5 billion people in the world who are living with some sort of chronic pain. Although this number may make the issue seem normalized, no one should be living with pain like that. Most of the time, these people need specialized care from a neurosurgeon to help with the problem and improve their quality of life. What else warrants a visit to a neurosurgeon? Here are three common signs that you should probably seek the medical assistance of a neurosurgeon.

Atypical Headaches or Migraines

Headaches can be caused by a multitude of issues. They cause pain and discomfort in the head as well as the rest of the body. Many people have occasional headaches, and some people even have migraines from time to time, which is known as a very severe version of a headache. However, when these headaches or migraines seem to be frequent or significantly more painful, it could be a sign that something is wrong.

While painful, most headaches only last for a while. For the most part, conservative treatments like over-the-counter pain medications will provide relief, however, you should see a neurosurgeon in these instances:

  • Your headaches become very intense to the point of affecting your daily life or disabling you.
  • You take medicine for headaches every day.
  • You often experience persistent headaches upon waking up.
  • Your frequent headaches are accompanied by dizziness, nausea, or even seizures.
  • Your head pains make you hypersensitive to light, strong odors, and loud noises, which could point to migraines or even brain injury.

Memory loss or confusion

Have you ever had trouble finding your wallet, and your keys, or couldn’t remember someone’s name? Have you ever walked into a room meaning to get something, but can’t remember what?

Everyone has experienced forgetfulness here and there, an occasional lapse in memory is normal as we age and nothing to be worried about. However, if memory issues are beginning to disrupt your normal routine, it may be time to contact a specialist.

Memory loss that gets worse, changes in personality, or using the wrong words could be indications of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dizziness or Balance Issues

From time to time, being dizzy or lightheaded can happen to anyone. However, if this seems to be happening often, this is not a good sign. If you are walking around and feel dizzy often, or even lose your balance and fall, it’s probably time to see a neurosurgeon, especially if you experience the following issues, or if you have a family history (including a personal medical history) of neurological conditions:

  • Unexpected numbness or weakness in one side of the body
  • Numbness that lasts for weeks or months or gets worse (including loss of consciousness)
  • Prolonged muscle weakness or a quick decrease in muscle strength
  • A weak hand grip that limits your ability to do daily activities like eating, writing, or other daily tasks.
  • Foot drop, meaning difficulty in lifting the front part of your foot, could cause it to drag.
  • Prolonged numbness and/or weakness following a stroke or head injury

Unusual Pain or Numbness

As stated before, many people are living with pain. Continuous pain and/or numbness can be a sign of nerve damage. Nerves send information from parts of the body to the brain and spinal cord, which control pain. When miscommunication occurs, pain can be felt by the body, even if there is nothing painful happening.

You may experience numbness or tingling in your extremities due to any number of causes like that “pins and needles” sensation from sitting too long or having on tight clothing and in short term, these are typically harmless.

If they linger or if they come on suddenly for no apparent reason, the issue may be something more worrisome. See a neurologist if you experience the following, (especially if you have a family history of) numbness and/or weakness accompanied by other neurological symptoms, such as nerve pain or a burning sensation.

Blurred vision and related problems

Vision problems might be caused by genetics, aging, and accidents, but also by the nervous system. If your trouble seeing comes out of nowhere and occurs in both eyes, you should have your vision checked. Your regular primary care physician or an eye doctor may recommend you get professional neurological help with regard to your visual issue but do not ignore it.

Dr. Alexander Taghva MD
Dr. Alexander Taghva MD

Sleep disorders

We’re familiar with some obvious causes of sleep issues, such as going to bed late, having apnea or anxiety, or nightmares, yet there are also neurological disorders that can lead to difficulties sleeping. Narcolepsy and other neurological conditions are an example of this; it is a hereditary chronic disorder, that mainly impacts the nervous system. Generally speaking, you should see a neurosurgeon if you experience any of the following:

  • Exhibiting longer than usual episodes of extreme fatigue during the day despite having had a full night’s sleep.
  • Having difficulties staying awake in comfortable settings
  • Experiencing trouble with falling asleep or staying asleep, or nightmares on a regular basis.

The nervous systems are very sensitive in the body, and they need to be kept in balance. If you are experiencing symptoms like unusual headaches, dizziness, or atypical pain and numbness, it’s time to find a neurosurgeon to fix the problems. For both standard and complex neurological issues, a neurosurgeon can pinpoint the cause and devise a suitable treatment plan.

Reviews

Since I have no formal medical training, I would like to provide you with my layman’s point of view of my case and the incredible journey I undertook.

In early January of 2015 I developed a serious problem in…

  • Star full Star full Star full Star full Star full 5 stars
  • Deloris C., Ladera Ranch, California

Doctors McFarland, Sieglen, Massoudi, and Madara,

I am writing this letter today to thank each of you individually and your organizations for allowing me the opportunity to have met a man of such as Alexander Taghva MD.

I am the son of poor Scottish immigrants, an Ex Army Paratrooper, Ex…

  • Star full Star full Star full Star full Star full 5 stars
  • James G.

I have suffered for years with excruciating hip pain, More recently, I began needing ambulatory assistance, for without a cane, it became impossible to get from the bed to the bathroom. So, I saw another hip specialist and he deduced that the problem was in my back. He scheduled a MRI, and this…

  • Star full Star full Star full Star full Star full 5 stars
  • Joseph R.

5 years ago I was sent to Dr. Taghva by my pain management specialist. He had very thorough tests done. He told me that it was his opinion that I had RSD aka CRPS. After much discussion with my pain specialist, I had a spinal cord stimulator implanted. I loved the relief it gave me.

A few years…

  • Star full Star full Star full Star full Star full 5 stars
  • Susan H.

Dr. Taghva is my hero. I had a herniated disc and spinal stenosis with pressure on the upper spine area. After 3 hours of surgery I was up and walking pain free right away. My recovery in just 2-3 weeks had me walking without any walker or back brace and I am feeling terrific.

Thank you so much…

  • Star full Star full Star full Star full Star full 5 stars
  • Real patient

I had a trial stimulator put in two weeks ago since I have scoliosis and spinal stenosis and helped with my pain 100%. Yesterday he inserted permanent stimulator inside me. I am so happy and love Dr Tagvha. I highly recommend him and has a wonderful bedside manner. Best neurosurgeon. Dr. Alexander…

  • Star full Star full Star full Star full Star full 5 stars
  • Christina C.

I recently had major surgery on my cervical spine. Work was done from C3 to T1. I was suffering from severe stenosis and losing the ability to use my left arm and hand.

Dr. Taghva performed the surgery and was assisted by his nurse practitioner Vanessa Stroessner. It’s been a few months since…

  • Star full Star full Star full Star full Star full 5 stars
  • Pat B.

In September 2018, my ENT doctor sent me to see Dr. Taghva; as a result of the MRI taken after my ears were tested for possible hearing loss. It turned out that I had a brain tumor the size of a golf ball that needed to be removed; which most likely was the cause of some hearing loss. Both doctors…

  • Star full Star full Star full Star full Star full 5 stars
  • Jeannette P.

Ready for your consultation?

Our office will contact based on your preferences with further scheduling information.

"*" indicates required fields

By submitting this form I agree to the Terms of Use

949-388-7190

26732 Crown Valley Pkwy Suite 541
Mission Viejo, CA 92691.

© Copyright 2023.
Terms · Privacy · Sitemap