Who is A Neurologist? What They Treat, Procedures and More

Table of Content

• Who Is A Neurologist?

• What Can A Neurologist Diagnose?

• Neurologists Vs Neurosurgeons

• How Do Neurologists Diagnose Conditions?

• When To See A Neurologist

• How Should I Prepare For My First Visit With a Neurologist?

• Take Home Points

• FAQs on Neurologist

Nerves form a major part of our body as they pass on sensory impulses to various parts which in turn stimulate sensory or motor action. Any disorders in these nerves can result in various neurological disorders like stroke, epilepsy, seizures, autism, dementia and so on. In this article, you will get to know about neurologists, diagnosis methods and also common neurological symptoms which need the attention of neurologists. 

Who Is A Neurologist?

A neurologist is a medical professional who specializes in identifying, treating and managing disorders related to the central nervous system. They treat neurological disorders related to the brain and spinal cord like Alzheimer's disease, concussions, seizures, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and stroke. 

What Can A Neurologist Diagnose?

Neurologists can diagnose various neurological disorders that are due to the brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves (nerves that surround the central nervous system). They are,

• chronic migraine

• stroke

• epilepsy

• Parkinson's disease

• multiple sclerosis

• autism

• dementia

• Alzheimer's  disease

Other than diagnosing the above conditions, neurologists can treat you for the following central nervous system conditions, 

• headaches and migraine

• brain tumours

• stroke

• epilepsy

• brain aneurysms

• peripheral neuropathy

• sleep disorders

• myasthenia gravis

• muscular dystrophy

• amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

• Alzheimer's disease

• Parkinson's disease

• inflammatory neurological disease

• multiple sclerosis

• encephalitis

• meningitis

Neurologists Vs Neurosurgeons

Many people confuse the term 'neurologists' with 'neurosurgeons'. Though they sound similar they are different as neurologists only treat neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, seizures and peripheral nerve disorders whereas neurosurgeons perform surgeries for brain injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome and brain tumours. 

How Do Neurologists Diagnose Conditions?

Neurologists diagnose the conditions by accessing your medical history and conducting physical tests to analyse your speech, sight, sensation, strength, mental status, coordination, gait and reflexes. Based on the results from these tests, neurologists would identify your disorder and recommend the relevant treatments.

Types Of Neurological Tests

These are the popular neurological procedures used by neurologists to determine various disorders, 

• Angiography

This procedure can identify any damage in blood vessels of the brain, spinal cord and neck which can lead to the diagnosis of aneurysms or blood clots. 

• Biopsy

A biopsy involves taking a piece of tissue out of your body. These tissues can be taken from muscles, nerves or even the brain. 

• Cerebral Fluid Analysis

This procedure involves taking and analyzing a small sample of the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. This can lead to the diagnosis of bleeding in the brain, metabolic disorders, infection and multiple sclerosis. 

• Thermography

Here, the temperature changes within your body and organs are used to evaluate pain syndromes, nerve root compression and other neurological disorders. 

• Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)

This procedure is used to find the infections, tumors, location of seizures, fractures and degenerative spine disease. 

• Positron Emission Tomography

This procedure is used to diagnose epilepsy, seizures, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. 

• Polysomnogram

Polysomnogram is mostly used for diagnosing sleep disorders. This procedure does this by measuring brain and body activity during sleep. 

• Myelography

This test is concerned about the spinal cord tumors, fractures and displaced discs in the spine. 

• Evoked Potentials

These procedures determine the time taken by neural impulses to reach the brain from sensory organs like eyes, ears or skin. This can lead to a diagnosis of disorders like multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and acoustic neuronal. 

• Electronystagmography (ENG)

ENG is used to diagnose involuntary jerks, dizziness and imbalance issues. 

• Electromyography (EMG)

This test measures the electrical activity of the muscles and nerves, thereby giving way to the diagnosis of any disorders related to them. 

• Electroencephalography (EEG)

EEG gives the details of the electrical activity in the brain and can be used to diagnose conditions like seizures, infection, brain injury and tumours. 

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

This procedure is a noninvasive technique to evaluate your organs, tissues and skeletal system by using high-resolution images. 

• X-Rays

X-rays are commonly used in determining fractures in bones and joints, though they are sometimes used in analyzing internal organs. 

• Ultrasound

Ultrasounds are mostly used in monitoring the growth of the foetus during pregnancy but they are also used in imaging blood vessels, the heart, the brain, the breast, slim, abdominal organs and muscles. 

• Computed Tomography (CT)

CT scans can be used to envisage nearly all parts of the body and can help plan surgical or radiation treatments. 

When To See A Neurologist

You should immediately see a neurologist if you are experiencing any symptoms of nerve damage or central nervous system disorders. Below are some of the reasons to see a neurologist,

• severe headache

• chronic pain

• numbness or tingling

• dizziness

• weakness

• seizures

• movement problems

• vision problems

• memory problems or confusion

• sleep disorders

How Should I Prepare For My First Visit With a Neurologist?

If you are visiting a neurologist for the first time, make sure to,

• thoroughly write down all your symptoms, frequency of symptoms, medications taken, allergies, previous illnesses and your family history with diseases. 

• make a list of the questions for which you need an answer.

• take all the previous medical records related to your neurological symptoms. 

Take Home Points

• Neurologists are medical professionals who are specifically trained to treat the central nervous system - brain, spinal cord and peripheral nerves.

• Neurologists use various procedures like electroencephalography, electromyography, MRI, CT, biopsy, angiography, PET scans and so on. 

• If you are visiting a neurologist for the first time, submit your previous medical records and also tell about the disease in your family tree for accurate diagnosis.