Neurology in Croydon

Neurology is the area of medicine involved in investigating, diagnosing and treating problems in the nervous system, comprising the brain, spinal cord and nerves and muscles. A doctor who specialises in this area is a Consultant Neurologist.

Your nervous system is an incredibly complex system, made up of many different parts and functions. It is responsible for transmitting electrical signals (impulses) around the body in order to generate a specific response.

If anything stops your nervous system from working properly it can have a big impact on any part of your body, your health and your quality of life.

The Consultant Neurologists at The Shirley Oaks Hospital treat a very wide range of neurological conditions and symptoms for people in Croydon, Surrey and the surrounding areas. They would be delighted to help you too. 

Located in Shirley Oaks Village on the outskirts of Croydon, our private hospital sees patients from South West London, East Surrey and beyond. People come to use from local areas such as Sutton, Banstead, Coulsdon, Purley and Wallington, as well as Warlingham, Kenley and Chipstead. We also see many patients from further afield. People travel to us to seek the expertise of our experienced consultants and to make the most of our great facilities and compassionate team of healthcare professionals.

Your nervous system extends into and affects every part of your body. Because of its complexity and reach, symptoms caused by a neurological problem can be extremely varied.

Some of the common reasons people visit us for help include:  

• Headaches and facial pain
• Migraines - these are more common in women, affecting up to 20% of the female population.
• Dizziness / unsteadiness and vertigo
• Sensory symptoms – numbness, tingling
• Weakness in any part of the body and falls
• Loss of consciousness – fainting episodes or fits / epileptic seizures
• Increasing forgetfulness or cognitive problems
• Abnormal movement – such as tremors or a general slowness
• Change in the sense of taste or smell
• Bladder or bowel problems 

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, whether relatively mild or more severe, it is sensible to see a neurologist for expert advice. Our Neurology team at The Shirley Oaks Hospital will fully investigate your symptoms to determine the cause. They will then tailor a treatment plan for you that will help manage these symptoms as well as possible. 

The complexity of the nervous system means many of the conditions affecting it often cause similar symptoms. This can make diagnosis more challenging and highlights the need for expert assessment.

Some of the serious conditions that affect the nervous system include: 

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS) – a lifelong condition with no cure. Treatments may help to manage symptoms and reduce relapses and disability  
• Parkinson’s Disease – a brain disorder, causing symptoms like shaking and stiffness.
• Epilepsy – abnormal electrical activity in the brain that causes seizures 
• Dementia – a broad term used to describe a decline in brain function that affects work or social interactions.
• Motor Neurone Disease – when the motor nerve cells stop working, symptoms like slurred speech and muscle weakness occur.

By getting a diagnosis of any of these conditions at the earliest possible time, you will be able to receive any appropriate treatment(s) sooner. Indeed, many neurological conditions are better treated when they are diagnosed at an earlier stage. At The Shirley Oaks Hospital, we can provide you with quick access to an experienced neurologist in Surrey.  

Treating any neurological condition depends on an accurate diagnosis. Indeed, diagnosis is the key to formulating the best possible treatment plan.

When you first meet with your neurologist, they will take a medical history and will ask you to describe your symptoms in detail. They may ask you questions like: 

• What symptoms do you have? 
• How long have you had these symptoms? 
• Have they been getting worse over time?
• How are your symptoms affecting or limiting daily life?  
• Have you received any treatment already, such as prescribed medication? 

A physical examination may also be carried out when required.

The medical history, your symptoms and physical examination will all help your consultant to determine any additional investigations to refer you for. These may include:

• MRI of the spine and/or brain 
• Neurophysiology test – electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction test (NCS) – tests for nerve damage in the peripheral nerves (these are the ones outside your brain and spinal cord)  
• Electroencephalogram (EEG) – measures the electrical activity in the brain. Helpful when investigating epilepsy 
• Blood tests 

Your consultant will arrange any necessary tests for you at the earliest opportunity.

Once the results of any investigations are back, you will meet with your neurologist again to discuss the results and diagnosis and to explore treatment options. You will always be given the information you need to make an informed choice about treatment. If you have any questions or concerns at any time, your consultant will be very happy to talk these through with you. 

Due to the nature of many neurological symptoms and conditions, a neurologist works closely with specialists in a number of other fields like ophthalmology, ENT, cardiology and neurosurgery. If referral to another specialist is needed, this is easily arranged to ensure you receive the most appropriate treatment and support at all times. 

Many people are referred to a Consultant Neurologist at The Shirley Oaks Hospital by their GP, another healthcare professional or their private medical insurance provider. Others choose to self-refer in order to get clarity about what’s causing their symptoms sooner.

We treat private medical insurance and self-pay patients.

When you visit a Consultant Neurologist at The Shirley Oaks Hospital, you will benefit from:

Rapid access to expert assessment – Many neurological symptoms can be quite concerning to experience, and you will appreciate fast access to help. We can arrange for you to see an experienced neurologist without delay, so that your symptoms can be investigated and diagnosed sooner.

Personalised care – Given the complex nature of the nervous system, investigations and treatments always need to be carefully calibrated to your specific symptoms and whatever will be best for you. Your neurologist will oversee every aspect of your care. Through careful monitoring of your symptoms and regular follow-up, your treatment can be adjusted quickly and easily when required. 

Appointments to suit you – With Neurology appointments available at the hospital throughout the week, it is very easy to book an appointment for a time that suits you. We can also offer remote consultations by telephone or video call if required. 

A multidisciplinary team – With fast access to a multidisciplinary team of healthcare professionals, including radiologists, neurosurgeons, ENT surgeons and ophthalmologists, you will always have access to the help you need.

Recommended by our patients – In an independent survey, 97.7% of patients said they were likely or highly likely to recommend us to family and friends.

Whether you have recently started experiencing new neurological symptoms that are causing you concern, or you have a pre-existing condition that has flared up and is no longer being adequately managed by your current treatment, we would be delighted to help you.

For peace of mind and known expert care, why not book your private Neurology appointment today?