How does neurology work

Neurologists are highly trained clinicians capable of diagnosing complex conditions through detailed history and physical examination, including testing of mental status, vision, speech, strength, sensation, coordination, reflexes, and gait.

Even as medicine becomes more dependent on technology, the neurological exam will remain a critical component of the patient evaluation. We are different from neurosurgeons as we do not perform brain or spinal cord surgery.

However, neurologists and neurosurgeons work closely together for several conditions, sometimes even in the operating room together. Subspecialty-trained neurologists also perform intraoperative brain and spine monitoring, autonomic testing, endovascular procedures including angiograms and coiling of aneurysms, botulinum toxin injections, skin and muscle biopsies.

Neurology is an exciting and fast-growing field that creates real-life solutions that help everyday people.

Your doctor may refer you to a neurologist for many reasons. We explain what conditions a neurologist treats, what to expect at your appointment, and…. A basal ganglia stroke affects the part of the brain that controls movement, perception, and judgment. Learn how to recognize its specific symptoms…. If you have trouble sleeping, you may have insomnia. Learn how neurologists, psychologists, and other specialists and help. Keep reading to learn more about some common doctors you may need to see in your lifetime.

Central pain syndrome is a neurological disorder. Learn more about symptoms and treatment options. An EEG is a test that measures your brain waves and helps detect abnormal brain activity. The results of an EEG can be used to rule out or confirm…. The vagus nerve is the longest of the 12 cranial nerves.

Here, learn about its anatomy, functions, and the kinds of health problems that can occur. Muscle twitching refers to small muscle contractions in the body. Learn more about the causes and treatment here. Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Seunggu Han, M.

Specialty areas Subspecialties Procedures What is a neurologist? What does a neurologist do? Neurologist subspecialties. Typical neurological procedures. What is a neurologist? Subspecialties When a neurologist elects to specialize, they do so by completing a fellowship in that area. Some common specialties include: Headache medicine Neuromuscular medicine Neurocritical care Neuro-oncology Geriatric neurology Autonomic disorders Vascular stroke care Child neurology Intervention neuroradiology Epilepsy Role Neurologists are principal care providers when a patient has a neurologic disorder that requires frequent care.

What conditions do neurologists treat? Disorders A neurologist treats disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, cranial nerves, peripheral nerves, nerve roots, autonomic nervous system, neuromuscular junction, and muscles.

Common disorders of the nervous system include: Epilepsy : A neurological disorder associated with abnormal electrical activity in the brain, causing recurrent, unprovoked seizures and loss of consciousness. Stroke and other cerebrovascular diseases : A stroke occurs when a blood vessel is prevented from delivering oxygen and nutrients to the brain, due to a blood clot or rupture.

Migraine and other headache disorders : A severe, reoccurring headache often paired with nausea and disturbed vision. Multiple Sclerosis: A chronic disease involving damage to nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord characterized by numbness, speech and muscular impairment, blurred vision, and severe fatigue. It is associated with degeneration of the basal ganglia of the brain, and dopamine deficiency.

Brain tumors : A mass of abnormal cells in the brain, leading to impaired cognitive function. Brain trauma and other injuries of the nervous system : Injury to the brain from an outside force, sometimes leading to an altered state of consciousness, and permanent or temporary impairment of cognitive, physical, or psychosocial functions. Diseases A Neurologist will treat diseases that attack the nervous system, such as: Infections bacterial, viral, fungal Cancers malignant, benign, Neurological diseases and disorders are common, and the risk of developing one increases with age.

Symptoms Your primary care physician may refer you to a neurologist if you are experiencing one or more of the following symptoms : Headaches Chronic pain Dizziness Numbness or tingling Weakness Movement problems Seizures or loss of consciousness Vision problems Memory problems or confusion Sleep problems Speech or language difficulties People who are having problems with their senses such as vision, smell, or touch, may also be referred to a Neurologist, as sensory dysfunction is sometimes caused by disorders of the nervous system.

Neurological testing Common types of neurological testing include: Lumbar puncture: A neurologist will only recommend this if they believe that the cause of your symptoms may be detected in your spinal fluid.

In this procedure, the area is numbed and sterilized.