Which department should I visit for a brain examination?
In general, for brain examinations, patients can visit departments such as neurology, neurosurgery, otolaryngology (ear, nose, and throat), orthopedics, or psychiatry and psychology. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical attention when experiencing brain-related discomfort and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a doctor, which helps promote recovery. Specific details are as follows:
1. Neurology
Neurology is the most common department for diagnosing brain disorders. If a patient experiences symptoms such as headache, dizziness, limb weakness, sensory abnormalities, speech difficulties, sleep disorders, or requires assessment of risk for cerebrovascular disease, they should consult a neurologist. These symptoms all fall within the scope of neurology.
2. Neurosurgery
If a patient has head trauma, space-occupying lesions, scalp masses, or significant cerebral hemorrhage, they should typically visit the neurosurgery department. In neurosurgery, patients may undergo imaging tests such as head CT or MRI to evaluate the severity of trauma, tumor size, or vascular malformations.
3. Otolaryngology (ENT)
Head discomfort may be related to ear, nose, and throat conditions. For example, disorders such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), otitis media, or sinusitis may cause symptoms affecting the head. Therefore, patients may choose to see an ENT specialist.
4. Orthopedics
If a patient suffers skull fractures or bone cracks—orthopedic conditions—these may lead to symptoms such as head pain or swelling, making orthopedics an appropriate department to visit.
5. Psychiatry and Psychology
If a patient has anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions, these may cause abnormal brain function and result in head discomfort. In such cases, patients can visit the psychiatry and psychology department at a hospital.
Patients are advised to eat light meals the night before a brain examination and avoid greasy, spicy, or otherwise irritating foods to prevent interference with test results.