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Neurology

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Neurology is the branch of medicine that deals with disorders of the nervous system, which include the brain, blood vessels, muscles and nerves. The main areas of neurology are: the autonomic, central and peripheral nervous systems.

A neurologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system. The nervous system is made of two parts: the central and peripheral nervous system. It includes the brain and spinal cord.

Illnesses, disorders, and injuries that involve the nervous system often require a neurologist’s management and treatment.

What does a neurologist do?

Neurologists manage and treat neurological conditions, or problems with the nervous system. Symptoms that commonly require a neurologist include:

  • coordination problems
  • muscle weakness
  • a change in sensation
  • confusion
  • dizziness

People who are having problems with their senses, such as touch, vision, or smell, may also need to see a neurologist. Problems with senses are sometimes caused by nervous system disorders.

When to see a Neurologist?

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

What conditions do neurologists treat?

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.
  • 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.

What are the test performed?

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. A needle is then inserted into the lower spine to withdraw a sample of spinal fluid.
  • Electroencephalogram (EEG): Electrodes are applied to the scalp to measure the electrical activity in the brain.
  • Electromyography and nerve conduction studies (EMG/NCS): Electrodes are used on the skin and extremely fine needles are placed in the muscle to measure the function of nerves and muscles.

Other common testing includes CT, MRI, and PET scanning. Other diagnostic procedures include sleep studies and angiography (identifying blockages in blood vessels).