Illinois Neurological Institute

Knowing When to Visit a Neurologist

Neurologists are physicians who specialize in the treatment of neurological disorders through non-surgical therapies including medication and electrical nerve stimulation. A neurologist is different from a neurosurgeon, which is a physician dedicated to surgical and conservative treatment of conditions such as brain tumors, spinal disorders, and peripheral neuropathy.

You may need to schedule a consultation with a neurologist upon referral from your primary physician if you experience seizures, chronic headaches, or numbness in the extremities. A neurologist may also be part of your care team if you have suffered a stroke and are going through rehabilitation.

At Illinois Neurological Institute, we provide complete stroke, spine, and sleep care. You can learn more about our dedicated and experienced physicians in Rockford and Peoria by visiting our website or calling us at (309) 740-3766. We are a leading neurological center in the Midwest, and are committed to patient-centered treatments across all areas of neurological care.

Understanding the Different Types of Insomnia

Sleep is valuable to your health because it allows your body to rest. Without proper sleep, you may experience problems ranging from poor immune health to anxiety and depression, so it is important that you address any sleep disturbances right away. If you cannot get to sleep or stay asleep all night, you may be experiencing insomnia, which takes on several forms depending on the cause. Here is a look at some of the more common types of insomnia that may be addressed through treatment at Illinois Neurological Institute.

Acute Insomnia

Acute insomnia is a temporary condition that is typically the result of unmanaged stress. It is more common in women than in men, and generally only lasts a few weeks. However, acute insomnia can become a chronic problem if it is not recognized and treated with lifestyle changes that ease sleep-disturbing stress.

Conditioned Insomnia

If you are worried about getting to sleep because you have recently had difficulty falling asleep, you may begin to harbor anxiety that further disrupts your sleep cycle. As you feel more stress about not getting enough sleep, you may have a harder time getting to sleep each night. Seeing a neurologist who specializes in sleep medicine can help you identify the habits that are leading to your sleep-related anxiety so you may rest easier at night.

Secondary Insomnia

Insomnia can be caused by other habits and medical conditions, including mental disorders, drug abuse, and chronic pain. In these cases, a dual diagnosis approach may be the most successful solution for improving sleep and addressing the source of the problem.

The Sleep Center at Illinois Neurological Institute in Peoria can help you conquer insomnia and once again have restful nights. Schedule a consultation with our team today by calling (309) 740-3766. We understand that proper rest is integral to good health, which is why we will work closely with you to explore and address all factors causing your insomnia.

Learn About the American Academy of Neurology

Neurological care is a complex branch of medicine that is focused on conditions of the brain, spinal cord, and nervous system. To ensure you are receiving excellent care that meets the highest standards of neurological medicine, you should seek care from physicians associated with the American Academy of Neurology.

In this video, you can hear from Robert Griggs, MD, president of the AAN. He discusses the role of the AAN in neurological care and the reasons that this organization was founded.

To connect with an AAN neurologist in the Peoria or Rockford area, contact Illinois Neurological Institute. You can explore our complete range of neurological and neurosurgical services by visiting our website or calling us at (309) 740-3766.

What You Need to Know About Herniated Thoracic Discs

_A herniated disc is a problem that can occur anywhere in the spine, as there are spinal discs between each set of vertebrae. Disc herniation in the thoracic spine, or the mid- to upper-back, can cause moderate to severe symptoms, including pain, numbness, and even changes in bowel function. Below is a closer look at the development and treatment of herniated thoracic discs and a guide toward proper care for this condition.

Symptoms

Pain caused by herniated discs will generally be the first sign of a problem. This kind of pain tends to remain isolated to the area near the problem disc. In the thoracic spine, a herniated disc can press against the lower section of the spinal cord, leading to a range of more serious symptoms, such as loss of muscle control in the legs, numbness and tingling in the lower body, spastic movements in one or both legs, or even paralysis from the waist down.

Causes

A herniated disc occurs when excessive pressure on the thoracic spine causes the soft, spongy disc to be pushed outward. The disc may rupture if it is under enough pressure from an injury, the aging process, or existing spinal condition. This can lead to severe pain caused by irritation to the nearby nerves within the spinal column. Herniated discs are most common in aging individuals, as the spine becomes significantly weaker in old age.

Treatment

If you are experiencing pain or discomfort that sounds similar to the characteristic symptoms of a herniated thoracic disc, you should see a neurosurgeon and discuss your treatment options. It is best to explore all available options—including spinal fusion, laminectomy and discectomy, and transthoracic decompression—before making a decision about the right solution for your needs.

At Illinois Neurological Institute, our staff of spine specialists can help you determine the cause and solution to your back pain so you can live freely. To schedule an appointment at one of our centers in Rockford and Peoria, call (309) 740-3766 or visit our website.

Factors that Can Affect Your Sleep Quality

While the ideal amount of sleep needed per night differs from person to person, sleep is a necessity for individuals of all ages. If you are not going to sleep right away when you go to bed, or if you wake up multiple times during the night, you may need to make some changes to your routine.

Aside from sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea and restless legs syndrome, there are several habits that can hinder your ability to sleep well. Drug and alcohol use, for example, may help you get to sleep quickly, but these habits will actually lower the quality of your sleep. Physical activity is another factor that may determine your sleep quality, as a sedentary lifestyle can keep you up at night. Getting more activity during the day will help you rest at night, as exercise regulates the hormones that tell your body when to go to sleep and wake up.

At Illinois Neurological Institute, you can learn more ways to improve the quality of your sleep by scheduling a consultation at our Peoria Sleep Center. Contact us through our website or call us at (309) 740-3766 for an appointment.