Neurology is the branch of medicine concerned with the study and treatment of disorders of the nervoussystem. The nervous system is a complex, sophisticated system that regulates and coordinates body activities. It has two major divisions: The central nervous system: the brain and the spinal cord.

·         Central nervous system: the brain and spinal cord

·         Peripheral nervous system: all other neural elements, such as eyes, ears, skin, and other "sensory receptors"

A doctor who specializes in neurology is called a neurologist. The neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord, and nerves, such as:

·         Cerebrovascular disease, such as stroke

·         Demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system, such as multiple sclerosis

·         Headache disorders

·         Infections of the brain and peripheral nervous system

·         Movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease

·         Neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease)

·         Seizure disorders, such as epilepsy

·         Spinal cord disorders

·         Speech and language disorders

Neurologists do not perform surgery. If one of their patients requires surgery, they refer them to a neurosurgeon.

Education to Become a Neurologist in the United States 

·         Four years of pre-medical education in a college or university

·         Four years of medical school resulting in an M.D. or D.O. degree (doctor of medicine or doctor of osteopathy degree)

·         One year internship in either internal medicine or medicine/surgery

·         At least 3 years of specialty training in an accredited neurologyresidency program

Many neurologists also have additional training or interest in one area of neurology, such as stroke, epilepsy, neuromuscular, sleep medicine, pain management, or movement disorders. 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 systems. It includes the brain and spinal cord.

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

Before they can practice, neurologists must:

• graduate from medical school
• complete an internship
• receive three years of training in a neurology residency program

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 the nervous system disorders.

Neurologists also see patients with:

• seizure disorders, such as epilepsy
• stroke
• multiple sclerosis
• neuromuscular disorders, such as myasthenia gravis
• infections of the nervous system, including encephalitis, meningitis, or brain abscesses
• neurodegenerative disorders, such as Lou Gehrig’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease
• spinal cord disorders, including inflammatory and autoimmune disorders
• headaches, such as cluster headaches, and migraine neurologist are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves and muscles. Neurological conditions include epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Parkinson's disease if you or a loved one has unexplained symptoms that could be related to the brain or nervous system, your doctor may recommend a neurological exam with a specialist.

Neurologists are specialists who treat diseases of the brain and spinal cord, peripheral nerves, and muscles. Neurological conditions include epilepsy, stroke, multiple sclerosis (MS) and Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Nhu Bruce, a neurologist at Houston Methodist, also commonly sees patients for:

o    Uncontrolled headaches

o    Memory loss

o    Imbalance

o    Numbness and pain

 

If you're experiencing these symptoms, you probably have a lot of questions.

Common reasons to visit a neurologist

"A thorough neurologicalneurological exam is the most important tool I have as a neurologist," Dr. Bruce explains. "It can help differentiate and localize the causes of common complaints."

Dr. Bruce says these are the six signs that it is time to visit aneurologist.

Chronic or severe headaches

If you get migraine headaches, you should probably make an appointment with a neurologist, especially when the symptoms are associated with neurological deficits or tried treatments prove ineffective.

Chronic pain

When pain is chronic, and your primary care doctor can't help you manage it, you should consider a referral to a neurologist because there could be another underlying reason for the symptoms.

Dizziness

Experiencing vertigo (feeling like you're spinning) or having difficulty keeping your balance could be a sign of something more serious.

Numbness or tingling

Numbness or tingling, especially when it occurs on one side of the body or comes on suddenly, could be a sign of a stroke or other serious condition.

Movement problems

Difficulty walking, shuffling your feet, tremors and unintentional jerks, can all be signs of a nervous system problem.

Memory problems or confusion

Worsening memory problems, personality changes, or mixing up words could be signs of Alzheimer's disease.

What to expect during a neurologicalexamneurologist.

A neurologist can help identify the cause of symptoms and create a treatment plan for both common and complex neurological conditions.

During a neurological exam, instruments, such as lights and reflex hammers, may be used to assess the nervous system. Motor skills, balance, coordination, and mental status may also be tested.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an example of a complex condition that may be best treated by a neurologist.

"MS has various forms, and the treatment options have changed significantly over recent years," Dr. Bruce says.

Patients can benefit from the expertise of a neurologist who is familiar with the latest research and treatment options for MS and other neurologicalconditions.