Michigan neurosurgeon urges women to pay attention to subtle neurological signs

Dr Jay Jagannathan, a practising neurosurgeon in Michigan, is urging women to be alert to certain brain and nerve illnesses that appear to affect them more often than men. He says many of these problems progress slowly and quietly, and their first hints are frequently dismissed as stress, fatigue or hormonal shifts.

Dr Jagannathan posted the warning on his Instagram page on October 26, in an entry titled “Silent neurological conditions that affect women more than men.” He noted that conditions such as migraine, multiple sclerosis and autoimmune nerve disorders surprise many people by occurring more frequently in women.

Common but unnoticed disorders

According to Dr Jagannathan, disorders like migraines, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune neuropathies and so-called silent strokes can start with vague, easily overlooked signs. These can include recurring headaches, persistent tiredness, numbness, dizziness or sudden mood changes. Because the symptoms are mild at first, women often write them off as everyday stress or hormonal fluctuations.

He added that female biology — including hormonal cycles and distinctive immune responses — can shape how brain and nerve conditions develop and how their early signs present.

Early warning signs to watch

Dr Jagannathan says symptoms such as ongoing fatigue, difficulty concentrating (brain fog), mood swings, tingling in the limbs, balance problems and visual disturbances should prompt medical attention. These may be the first indicators of an underlying neurological issue.

He told followers, “It’s easy to label changes as burnout or stress, but the body often signals something deeper. Pay attention to unusual or persistent symptoms and seek advice.”

Why women are more affected

Health organisations, including the World Health Organization, point out that migraines are more prevalent in women, largely due to hormonal influences. Medication-overuse headaches are also recorded more commonly in women.

Dr Jagannathan explained that hormones such as oestrogen can alter neural function, and stronger immune reactions in women may raise the likelihood of autoimmune conditions that target nerve tissue.

The need for early check-ups

The neurosurgeon encouraged women not to delay seeing a doctor when they notice worrying signs. “Don’t shrug off recurring headaches, numbness in hands or feet, or changes in vision. Early assessment — sometimes a simple test or scan — can catch problems before they worsen,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of caring for hormonal balance and vascular health, since issues in these systems can directly affect the brain.

Awareness saves lives

Dr Jagannathan concluded by urging greater awareness: “Being informed is not about causing alarm — it’s about protecting yourself. The sooner we recognise warning signs, the more we can prevent irreversible damage.”

His post has attracted significant attention on social platforms, with many applauding his effort to highlight women’s neurological health. Medical professionals echo the message that timely detection combined with lifestyle changes can reduce the risk of long-term nerve and brain injury.

Takeaway

Women should take persistent tiredness, recurring headaches or other subtle bodily changes seriously. Listening to these signals, managing stress and pursuing regular medical checks can help safeguard brain health.

Summary:
Dr Jay Jagannathan, a neurosurgeon in Michigan, warns that women face a higher risk of conditions like migraines, multiple sclerosis and silent strokes. He advises that symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes and numbness warrant prompt medical attention to prevent serious brain injury.