Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervous system, both with the central as in brain and spinal cord, and peripheral, consisting of all other neural elements including the structures in the eye, ears, and skin.
What does a neurologist do?
A neurologist is a doctor specializing in neurology and deals with diagnosing and treating problems that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, but without resorting to surgery, which is dealt with by a neurosurgeon.
Many neurologists are further specialized in for example the treatment of strokes, epilepsy, neuromuscular problems, sleep disorders, cancer of the nervous system, or typical problems of the elderly.
What diseases are treated by a neurologist?
The diseases and disorders most often treated by a neurologist include headaches, language disorders, movement disorders, epilepsy, and infections of the brain and peripheral nervous system such as encephalitis, meningitis, and brain abscess. Others include cerebrovascular diseases such as strokes, neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, diseases that lead to loss of myelin in the central nervous system such as multiple sclerosis, and spinal cord problems including inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
What are the procedures used by a neurologist?
After gathering the medical history of the patient a neurologist conducts a physical and neurological examination of the patient, assessing muscle strength, reflexes, and coordination skills. Specific diagnostic procedures include angiography, electroencephalogram, electromyography, Pet, lumbar puncture, magnetic resonance imaging, and Tensilon test.
When should a patient visit a neurologist?
An appointment with a neurologist is useful when a patient is experiencing symptoms such as coordination difficulties, muscle weakness, impaired sensory capabilities, tingling, and bowel incontinence.
