One important area people often forget to review in the New Year is their medical team.

Your relationship with your neurologist is one of the most important in your life. It goes beyond getting a diagnosis and prescriptions. You and your doctor work together to manage a complex illness that is often hard to see.

Many people with neurological conditions feel trapped in care that is not helpful. You may feel ignored, rushed, or stuck with a treatment plan that is not working.

Here are four warning signs that indicate you may need a fresh start this year.

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1. You feel dismissed or gaslit

Neurological symptoms can be unusual, change over time, and may not be visible on regular scans. Sadly, some doctors dismiss these symptoms as “just stress,” “anxiety,” or “in your head,” or pass you off to another specialty.

If you find yourself hiding how much you are suffering during appointments because you are afraid of being judged or not believed, the relationship with your provider is not working. Your neurologist should listen to you and take the impact of your symptoms seriously, not make you feel like you have to prove yourself.

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2. You have hit a treatment wall (and they’re OK with it)

Trying different medications is common in neurology. But staying stuck with no progress is not OK.

If you have been on the same treatment plan for a year and still have serious symptoms, and your doctor only says, “let’s wait and see” or “there’s nothing else we can do,” it may be time to move on. You deserve a provider who will try new options and work hard to improve your quality of life.

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3. You can’t access them when it matters

Neurological crises don’t only happen during scheduled 15-minute slots every six months. If you are experiencing a blinding multi-day migraine attack or a frightening new symptom, and it takes three weeks and four unreturned phone calls just to speak to a nurse, your care model is failing you. You need a modern practice that uses technology to improve communication. It helps to choose a practice that offers telehealth visits in case you're unable to travel due to flare-ups, weather, or other challenges.

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4. The “generalist” gap

Neurology is a massive field. A general neurologist is incredible at handling a wide range of conditions, but they may not be up to date on the latest CGRP inhibitors for intractable migraine or on specific protocols for a rare sleep disorder.

If your condition is complicated or does not respond to usual treatments, you need more than a general neurologist. You need a subspecialist who has spent their career focusing on your specific condition.

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If any of these warning signs sound familiar, let 2026 be the year you stand up for yourself. Your health matters too much to stay in a professional relationship just to be polite.

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At Neura, you can meet top neurology subspecialists through easy video visits. Our subspecialists know how to manage complex conditions and are committed to creating treatment plans tailored to you. You also have a Care Coach and a Concierge, and can stay connected to your care team via in-app messaging. Don’t settle for average neurological care. Start fresh today.

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