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Life Wilgeheuwel has a new neurologist

The doctor is not only passionate about her speciality but has an innate curiosity to learn, both formally and informally.

Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital recently welcomed specialist neurologist Dr Jasvina Ranchhod as a new addition to their neurology department.

She has always been interested in medicine, even as a child. After high school, she pursued her medical degree at Wits. “I had excellent undergrad training and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fascinating, eye-opening and an amazing career path for anyone.” She began her internship at Helen Joseph and Rahima Moosa Hospitals before doing her community service at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital.

After a six-month stint working abroad, Jasvina returned to do internal medicine as a registrar and four years of neurology training at the University of the Witwatersrand. In 2005 she graduated as a neurologist. She often refers to her career as a privilege, acknowledging the incredible teachers and mentors who guided, supported and stimulated her to learn independently. “Ultimately you end up with a more in-depth understanding of neurology and a more mature approach to managing patients.”

The doctor is not only passionate about her speciality but has an innate curiosity to learn, both formally and informally. She admitted that her patients teach and stimulate her to keep pushing the boundaries of knowledge as neurology involves the study of illnesses that affect the brain, the spinal cord, the nerves and muscles.

“It really is one of the most fascinating fields and one of the broadest disciplines. There is always more to learn and it does direct a whole lot else,” she explained

Life Wilgeheuwel Hospital came highly recommended by colleagues in the profession, and the staff is a close-knit family. Those are among the things that swayed Jasvina’s decision to join the team. “It offers all the disciplines to provide an excellent level of care, and I find that it’s a very nurturing environment. It’s about patient care, making patients better and reducing their burden of illness,” she added.

If you or a loved one has unexplained symptoms that could be related to the brain or nervous system, your doctor may recommend a neurological exam with Dr Ranchhod. “A thorough neurological exam is the most important tool I have as a neurologist,” she explained. “It can help differentiate and localise the causes of common complaints.”

These are the six signs indicating that it is time to visit a neurologist:

1. Chronic or severe headaches

If you get migraine headaches, you should probably make an appointment with a neurologist, especially when the symptoms are associated with neurological deficits, or tried treatments prove ineffective.

2. Chronic pain

When pain is chronic and your primary care doctor can’t help you manage it, you should consider a referral to a neurologist because there could be another underlying reason for the symptoms.

3. Dizziness

If you suffer from vertigo (if feels as if you are is spinning) or have difficulty keeping your balance, it could be a sign of something more serious.

4. Numbness or tingling

Numbness or tingling, especially when it occurs on one side of the body or comes on suddenly, could be a sign of a stroke or another serious condition.

5. Movement problems

Difficulty walking, shuffling your feet, tremors and unintentional jerks can all be signs of a nervous-system problem.

6. Memory problems or confusion

Worsening memory problems, personality changes or mixing up words could be signs of Alzheimer’s disease.

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